The Kunaver Trail leads from Rakek into a landscape where trails and karst formations come together. The route starts at Rakek railway station, passes through the town and continues to the natural bridges of Rakov Škocjan. At the same time, Rakek offers a cultural and historical perspective through the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The church’s renovation in line with Jože Plečnik’s ideas is part of Rakek’s history.
Hiking between Rakek and Rakov Škocjan
The Kunaver Trail begins at Rakek railway station and passes through the town, across the Rakek plain and over Stražnik Hill. It then winds through fir and beech forests to the Small Natural Bridge and continues to the natural bridges of the Rakov Škocjan valley. The trail is well marked. The Rakek Tourist Association organizes regular hikes along it in summer and winter. If you are interested in joining one, check the dates with the association.
The Kunaverjev pohod takes place once a year as a separate hiking event; it should be distinguished from the Kunaver Trail. Its 14-kilometre circular route runs from Rakek over Stražnik to Rakov Škocjan and is rated moderately difficult. The difficulty may vary depending on conditions. If you are planning to take part, it is advisable to check the dates with the organizer.
Karst valley and natural bridges
Rakov Škocjan is a karst valley at the northern foot of the Javorniki hills. It was formed when the roof of a karst cave collapsed. Two distinctive natural bridges provide clear landmarks in the valley. Comparing their heights reveals a contrast with their names: the Small Natural Bridge is 42 metres high, while the Great Natural Bridge is 37 metres high.
An educational nature trail with information panels also runs through Rakov Škocjan. The route passes the ruins of the Church of St. Kancijan. Alongside the karst formations, visitors can explore nature and the remains of the church. Those interested in the landscape will find different aspects of the valley here: its geological origins, the two natural bridges and the nature trail stops.
Church, park and local history
The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rakek is part of Slovenia’s immovable sacred heritage. It was created between 1934 and 1938 by extending and renovating the former Church of St. Urh in line with Jože Plečnik’s ideas. Jože Valentinčič completed the work carried out according to Plečnik’s ideas. Above the main altar is a fresco by Mirko Šubic on a gold background. The building’s history and its interior offer two different ways to explore the church.
Rakek’s park is also listed in Slovenia as garden-architectural heritage. The tree-lined avenue between Unec and Rakek is part of Slovenia’s immovable cultural heritage. The church, park and avenue thus represent different aspects of cultural heritage. Another milestone in the town’s history is 1857: after the railway connection between Vienna and Trieste was completed, Rakek began to develop. This development predates the church’s renovation in the 1930s.
Practical information for Rakek
The Ivana Matičič library unit in Rakek offers four user computers with internet access, Wi-Fi and an event room. If you would like to use any of these services, check what is currently available before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Runarsko, Kozarišče, Cerknica, Stari Trg Pri Ložu, Radlek, Žerovnica, Gorenje Jezero, Nova Vas
Return to the main travel overview: Cerknica.
