Discover Rakitna through its lake, seasonal activities and trails with different points of interest. A remarkable local story tells of a giant fir tree that was destined in the 19th century to become a mast for a damaged ship in Trieste. The Rakitna Forest and Archaeological Learning Trail also combines an easy hike with themes of landscape and history. When planning your trip, decide whether you want to focus on the lake, an easy hike or longer excursions.
The lake, the seasons and the trails
The picturesque Lake Rakitna is a popular day-trip destination and a starting point for walks and hikes in the surrounding area. In summer, it is suitable for swimming; conditions may vary. In winter, it is suitable for ice skating, depending on natural ice conditions. Cross-country skiing is also possible around Rakitna, although snow conditions vary. Winter activities depend on different conditions: ice skating depends on natural ice conditions on the lake, while cross-country skiing depends on snow cover in the surrounding area. Check conditions for your planned activity in advance.
The Rakitna Forest and Archaeological Learning Trail is an easy hike through forests and hay meadows, along cart tracks, forest paths and meadow trails. The village of Rakitna is also the starting point for several longer hiking and cycling routes. This gives you a choice of different focuses: an easy hike on the learning trail or longer excursions on foot and by bike. There is a gravel parking area by the lake.
A learning trail with traces of history
The learning trail starts at the lake, opposite Hotel Rakitna. At the beginning, there is a 64-metre-long replica of a ship’s mast. A map showing the locations of 22 other information boards is also there. The trail heads towards the former site of the Roman wall known as Claustra Alpium Iuliarum.
The story of the giant fir tree dates back to December 1893, when a giant fir was felled in the forest of Janez Opeka, below the Selan homestead. It was intended to serve as a mast for a damaged ship in Trieste. The “Rakitna Mast Trail” runs through Rakitna from Selan to Vrnilce.
The church and the Christmas season
The church in Rakitna also has distinctive architectural features: it has two side chapels and two marble altars. A handmade nativity scene made from tree roots attracts many visitors at Christmas.
Find the right accommodation
When looking for accommodation, you can tailor your stay to your interests: would you mainly like to focus on the lake and its seasonal activities, the easy hike and its landscape and history themes, or longer hiking and cycling routes? This distinction helps you search for hotels in Rakitna and plan your trip around the experiences that matter to you.
Discover more destinations: Medno, Ĺ kofljica, Rob, Medvode, Gabrje, Smlednik, SkaruÄŤna, Horjul
For the main travel overview: Ljubljana.
