Cerknica: Hotels and Accommodation

Lake Cerknica usually remains on the Cerknica Polje for around eight months of the year. At its maximum extent, it covers approximately 26 km² and is the largest lake in Slovenia.

Anyone wishing to book a hotel in Cerknica can find out more about the destination in advance.

Žerovnica, Gorenje Jezero, Kozarišče, Rakek, Cerknica, Stari Trg Pri Ložu, Grahovo, Markovec, Iga Vas, Dane, Nova Vas, Radlek, Runarsko.

Nature and landscape

Together with Rakov Škocjan and Križna jama, Lake Cerknica forms part of an internationally important Ramsar wetland and a Natura 2000 site. Rakov Škocjan is a karst valley formed by the collapse and disintegration of the roof of a karst cave. It is home to the 42-metre-high Mali naravni most and the 37-metre-high Veliki naravni most.

A total of 303 bird species have been observed in the area of Lake Cerknica. Križna jama is a naturally preserved show cave without electric lighting or concrete paths; visitors are provided with rubber boots and a portable battery-powered lamp for the tour. The world-famous karst water cave contains numerous underground lakes and sinter barriers, is an important site for finds of cave bear bones, and has largely preserved natural conditions.

Hiking and cycling

The Drvošec Trail runs from the Rešeto swallow holes to a point just over 500 metres before the bridge near Otok and is 3.7 km long in one direction. The first section can be visited by wheelchair users along a level gravel path, provided that their wheelchair is suitable for this surface.

Slivnica rises above Cerknica on the northeastern side of Lake Cerknica. The marked hiking trail to Slivnica begins at the bowling alley on Brestova ulica in Cerknica. It offers views of the Javorniki ridge and Lake Cerknica; the finest view is just below the summit at Dom na Slivnici.

The Menišija nature trail is marked and equipped with information boards. It illustrates the connection between natural and cultural heritage.

The 29 km-long Jezerko cycling route begins in Dolenje Jezero. It runs along Lake Cerknica and through Rakov Škocjan; apart from the more varied section through Rakov Škocjan, it is predominantly flat. The cycling route is marked with pictograms of the water figure Jezerko. The combined cycling and walking path between Cerknica and Dolenje Jezero is 1,393 metres long in total.

Culture and regional cuisine

The Lake Cerknica Museum in Dolenje Jezero is a cultural and informative experience centre. The Okusi Notranjske experience presents traditional regional cuisine made with local ingredients, from typical stews to sweet dishes.

The Cerknica Carnival includes the traditional customs of “Žaganje babe” and “pokop Pusta”. Carnival events in Cerknica take place throughout the entire carnival week, culminating in the well-known procession.

Hiša izročila is an educational centre for intangible cultural heritage under the UNESCO Convention. In Dolenja vas, Hiša izročila operates in a protected essential-oil distillery registered with the Ministry of Culture as the first essential-oil distillery in Slovenia.

The branch church of St Laurence in Dolenja vas is first mentioned in 1581; the year 1616 is carved into its church portal. The church preserves three altars, including a golden high altar dedicated to St Laurence.

On-site information

The Cerknica Tourist Information Centre provides visitors with information about fishing, caving, bird and bear watching, horse riding, hiking and cycling. In front of the Lake Cerknica Visitor Centre in Dolenje Jezero, there is a car park with three spaces reserved for people with special needs.

Destination: Slovenia.