Cerknica between Lake Cerknica, Slivnica and history

Cerknica combines the changeable character of a karst lake with hiking trails, birdwatching and a rich local history passed down through generations. If you would like to experience natural attractions and cultural sites side by side during your trip, you will find specific destinations here, from Lake Cerknica and Slivnica to the historic centre.

Nature

Lake Cerknica is a karst lake that often dries up in summer. During this period, visitors can go hiking and observe this distinctive drying-up process. Access to the natural areas of Notranjska Regional Park is free of charge.

The marked mountain trail to Slivnica starts at the bowling alley in Cerknica. The Slivnica Trail offers views of the Javorniki Hills and Lake Cerknica. Witch Cave lies below the summit of Slivnica; according to local tradition, witches brewed storms and natural disasters there.

The Drvošec Trail runs for 3.7 km in one direction between the Rešeto sinkholes and a point about 500 m before the bridge near the village of Otok. The 10 m-high Otočec viewing tower stands along the Drvošec Trail. The Kuharca viewing platform on the Drvošec Trail features adapted educational stations for blind and visually impaired visitors, with descriptions in Braille as well as tactile and audio features.

A guided birdwatching tour at Lake Cerknica begins at the Museum of Lake Cerknica in the village of Dolenje Jezero and continues with an ornithologist. Participants can borrow binoculars free of charge before the walk begins.

Getting around

The Carthusian Way passes through Cerknica and crosses the bridge to Cerknica’s anti-Ottoman Tabor. For cyclists, the Kosec Cycling Route runs along the foot of Slivnica above Martinjak and reaches Cerknica after approximately 4 km.

The Jezerski hram Museum features a working model of Lake Cerknica and an ethnological collection. The Museum of Lake Cerknica combines scientific explanations, folk traditions and multimedia storytelling.

Culture and history

The historic town centre of Cerknica is shaped by a square with a church; the square developed around former anti-Ottoman Tabor fortifications. The anti-Ottoman Tabor in Cerknica is considered one of the largest and most heavily fortified Tabor complexes in Slovenia. Jurčkov Tabor survives as a defensive tower within the preserved stone walls of Cerknica’s anti-Ottoman Tabor complex. The remains of the complex are among the best preserved in Slovenia.

The church in Cerknica is first mentioned in written sources in 1265. The centre also features a statue of Krpan as a symbol of survival.

A document dated 28 January 1630 confirms that Cerknica had a highly developed shoemaking trade. The shoemakers were organised in the Shoemakers’ Brotherhood of Saint Anne; it existed until 1922 and also became independent under guild law.

Every year during the carnival season, the Pustno društvo Cerknica takes over the rule of Cerknica and transforms the town into Butale. During the traditional Pust v Cerknici carnival, large and small carnival figures and masks parade through the streets of Cerknica and Butale.

Kulturni dom Cerknica offers high-quality film screenings for children and young people, which may be accompanied by discussions with a film education coordinator. Kulturni dom also runs film education programmes for kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools.

Visitor information

The Tourist Information Center Cerknica provides visitors with up-to-date information on accommodation, cuisine, natural and cultural heritage attractions, and activities such as fishing, cave visits, birdwatching and bear watching, horse riding, hiking and cycling.

Other places

The same wider destination also includes Iga Vas, Dane, Nova Vas, Gorenje Jezero, Radlek, Rakek, Markovec and Runarsko.

Back to the main travel overview: Cerknica.