A Karst plain on which forests meet colourful meadows; a rugged-road paradise for cyclists where cars are a rare sight; a forest lover’s sanctuary. If you venture into these woods, make sure you remember your way back, and keep an eye out for the forest’s wildest dwellers – bears, wolves, and even lynxes.
2-hour tour on Cerknica lake, accompanied by a storyteller about the creation of the lake. Suitable for all age groups, especially families.
Our farm stay is located in the village of Žerovnica, close to Lake Cerknica. We welcome everyone who wishes to enjoy good cooking and the surrounding nature, whose diversity is both surprising and inviting. The house called »Pri Lunkovih« (Lunk Family), which has been refurbished in the authentic regional style, and has won an architectural award, includes bedrooms. Our other house, »Pri Dovičevih« (Dovič Family), includes bedrooms as well as a dining area where you can enjoy our home-cooked, ecologically produced meals. All of them are prepared in a special way, and bring to mind the lore of secret recipes.
Our house is located in a beautiful town Cerknica, only 1 km away from Cerknica lake. The location of the house is great for short walks or long hiking trails around good deal of the region's karst phenomena, including the intermittent Lake Cerknica, forests, meadows, wetlands, caves (including Križna Cave) and Rakov Škocjan gorge.
Participants meet at the Dolenje Jezero parking lot. You are greeted by the guide and given a ride to the village of Gorenje Jezero, where you are given the necessary equipment and instructions for canoeing. A canoe ride down Rivers Obrh and Stržen, during which the guide introduces you to Lake Cerknica, and the many kinds of animals and plants around you that make the lake their home. The first stop at the Goričica beehive, on the nature discovery path.
On arrival at the Unec tollbooth, you are greeted by a local guide, who takes you to Planina Plain. During a stroll through Planina, you learn some interesting facts about the old settlement of horse and cart drivers. A visit to the dry part of Planina Cave accompanied by cave guides, who introduce you to the many Karstic phenomena in the area, and take you to the confluence of two branches of River Ljubljanica. A ride to Postojna, and a visit to the Proteus Vivarium, which present the Karst in a contemporary way .A stop in the town of Postojna…
Lož Valley lies in the southernmost part of Slovenia, and is surrounded by the vast forests of Notranjska, which constitute the largest single uninhabited woodland area in Central Europe. Despite being only an hour’s drive away from Ljubljana, they are the perfect home to a variety of animal species. If you decide to visit the forests of Notranjska, our experienced guides will take you into the heart of the woods, where you will be able to observe the brown bear (Ursus Arctos) in its natural habitat.
Are you looking to disconnect from city life? Do you want to spend an active weekend, and recharge your batteries in a green environment with endless possibilities for both exploration and relaxation? You can explore Lake Cerknica, Cross Cave, and Bloke Plain without having to turn the key in your ignition. All you need to do is hop a train, travel from Ljubljana towards the coast, get off at Rakek, and meet us there. You can also come to Rakek by car as it is a mere 5 minutes’ drive from the motorway exit (Unec).
2-hour trip around Cerknica lake. We will see the Suhadolica cave and the beehive on the island of Gorica. Quick and fun exploration of the lake.
The land of the disappearing lake, of caves, natural bridges, colourful flora and fauna, and of a treasure trove of myths and legends. Mountain peaks with breath-taking vistas, meadows in bloom, a mystical underworld, crystalline streams, and magical forests. All this on a relatively small area that is the Notranjska Regional Park. Through the centuries, water has made the limestone and dolomite foundation into majestic Karstic phenomena. The waters from the disappearing Lake Cerknica flow together underground, and emerge in Rak Škocjan Valley, which was created after the ceiling of a cave collapsed. Two formidable stone bridges remain as a…
Check-in at the hotel or pension, followed by a day of exploration of Notranjska. A visit to the landscape park of Rak Škocjan. A two-hour walk along the discovery path down the valley of River Rak, during which you can observe the many Karstic phenomena: the Small and the Large Natural Bridge, the Kotliči Karst spring, etc., as well as a variety of endemic species of animals and plants. Option of stopping at the Rakov Škocjan Hotel. Return to the hotel/pension for dinner. Overnight stay.
Participants gather at Planina by Ravbarjev stolp. They are greeted by the guide, and given instructions before continuing to the entrance of Planina Cave, where they can observe the dry part of this Karstic beauty. After an hour of exploring the depths of the cave world, participants are ready to canoe down Unica River. All necessary equipment is supplied.
In collaboration with our partners, we have created various COMBINED TICKETS packages for groups of 15 or more people. To make it easier for day trip and travel organizers to purchase tickets, we prepared a combined package for all attractions and activities, which can be bought at the same place and at the same time. Once you have booked the package, we will send you a message of confirmation, a voucher, and a visit schedule. We advise you to pre-reserve as some activities have a limited number of participants, and they are booked up quickly.
Arrival in Notranjska, where the local tour guide meets you at the agreed location. A walk to Lož Valley with a visit to Snežnik Castle, a manor surrounded by the idyllic forests of Snežnik. A ride to Vrhnika where you are given the necessary equipment and instructions for canoeing. A canoe ride down the Karst river of Obrh with an opportunity to observe the many bird and fish species, as well as the architectural heritage of Notranjska. The canoe trip finishes in the village of Nadlesk, where lunch is ready for you at one of the local inns. After lunch,…
Arrival to the pension/farm stay, accommodation. Walk to Grahovo, followed by a hike up the mountain trail leading to the top of Mount Slivnica (1,114 m), where you will be able to take in amazing vistas of the Cerknica Plain, Snežnik, the Alps, the Karavankas, etc. Descent into the valley. Dinner at your host’s. Overnight stay.
Arrival in Notranjska, where the local tour guide meets you at the agreed location. A walk to Lož Valley with a visit to Snežnik Castle, a manor surrounded by the idyllic forests of Snežnik. A ride to Vrhnika where you are given the necessary equipment and instructions for canoeing. A canoe ride down the Karst river of Obrhwith an opportunity to observe the many bird and fish species, as well as the architectural heritage of Notranjska. The canoe trip finishes in the village of Nadlesk, where lunch is ready for you at one of the local inns. After lunch, a…
On arrival at the Unec tollbooth, you are greeted by a local guide, who takes you to Planina Plain. During a stroll through Planina, you learn some interesting facts about the old settlement of horse and cart drivers. A ride to Postojna, where you visit the Proteus Vivarium and the world-renowned Postojna Cave, followed by a snack or lunch in the town of Postojna. A visit of Predjama Castle where you learn about Erazem. In the afternoon, a ride to Rak Škocjan Valley, where you can observe a variety of Karstic phenomena while strolling down the nature discovery path. If…
On arrival at the Unec tollbooth, you are greeted by a local guide, who takes you to Planina Plain. During a stroll through Planina, you learn some interesting facts about the old settlement of horse and cart drivers. A visit to the dry part of Planina Cave accompanied by cave guides, who introduce you to the many Karstic phenomena in the area, and take you to the confluence of two branches of River Ljubljanica. A ride to Postojna, and a visit to the Proteus Vivarium, which present the Karst in a contemporary way. A stop in the town of Postojna…
On arrival at the Unec tollbooth, you are greeted by a local guide, who takes you to Planina Plain. During a stroll through Planina, you learn some interesting facts about the old settlement of horse and cart drivers. A ride to Postojna, where you visit the Proteus Vivarium and the world-renowned Postojna Cave, followed by a snack or lunch in the town of Postojna. Next stop – Rak Škocjan Valley, where you can observe a variety of Karstic phenomena on the nature discovery path. The rest of the day can be spent visiting Lake Cerknica, and seeing the living lake…
Guided 3 hour trip on Cerknica lake. We will see the Suhadolica cave and the beehive, where the tasting of local honey will take place.
A view that will take you by surprise, and a history that will astound you. From Lož Castle at the top of the hill over Lož, you can see the entire Lož Valley, and as far as Snežnik. The history of the castle, and the even more illustrious history of the town of Lož itself, is captured in the many tales of turbulent medieval times told by the castle ruins and the city heritage.
Close, a mere hour’s drive from Ljubljana, there is a world that touches us with its primal ways. It is perhaps because of its Karstic spirit, the rolling hills of Notranjska covered with acres of majestic forests, or because of its remoteness, its seclusion from wide roads and noisy crowds. On this occasion, we invite you to join our experienced guides on the trail of the brown bear (Ursus Arctos), which will lead you all the way to the observatory where you’ll be able to safely observe this extraordinary animal in its natural habitat.
Participants meet at the Dolenje Jezero parking lot, where they are greeted by the guide and given information on the trip, as well as the necessary equipment and instructions for canoeing. A canoe ride to Goričica with a stop at the beehive on the nature discovery path. After a short rest, the trip continues down Stržen River to the Karst cave of Suhadolica, which spews water during periods of heavy rain.
On arrival at the Unec tollbooth, you are greeted by a local guide, who takes you to Lake Cerknica. During a stroll to the cave part, you learn about the disappearing lake. Next stop – Cerknica, where you take a walk through the old town, visit Tabor, and finally set off for Slivnica, the witch mountain. After an hour’s hike, you’ll be able to take in the amazing views on Lake Cerknica, the Julian and Kamnik Alps, the Karavankas, Bloke Plain, and Gorski Kotar. Break for a snack or lunch. Descent into the village of Grahovo. Bus ride to Cross…
Karst fields, with their lakes and rivers, are paradise for many birds. Lake Cerknica and its surroundings are among the most interesting places for ornithologists. You can go bird watching in any season, on your own or with a guide (in a group of up to 40 people).
This apartment is ideal for people who enjoy nature, peace, and high-quality service. It is not adapted for disabled persons.
Check-in at the hotel or pension, followed by a day of exploration of Notranjska. A visit to the landscape park of Rak Škocjan. A two-hour walk along the discovery path down the valley of River Rak, during which you can observe the many Karstic phenomena: the Small and the Large Natural Bridge, the Kotliči Karst spring, etc., as well as a variety of endemic species of animals and plants. Option of stopping at the Rakov Škocjan Hotel.
On arrival at the Unec tollbooth, you are greeted by a local guide, who takes you to the Rak Škocjan landscape park. A visit to the local Karstic phenomena (the Large and the Small Natural Bridge, the disappearing river, etc.).The trip continues to the village of Zelše, where you visit the Church of St. Volbenk. A ride to Dolenje Jezero to see the Lake Cerknica Museum and its living lake model with a multivision of Cerknica Plain, which shows the lake in every season. A stroll to the lake shore, where your guide will reveal some of the lake’s secrets.…
The Strle farm stay is located in the village of Osredek, 21 km from Cerknica. Surrounded by unspoiled nature, it is a mere half-hour walk from Rivers Iška and Zala, which are both popular summertime bathing and camping sites. Let your hosts know in advance if you'd like to have lunch or dinner at the local inn, or if you'd like to taste some home-made dishes at the farm. There are no shops, ATMs or other services available in the village and its immediate surroundings.
On arrival at Dolenje Jezero, you are greeted by a local guide. You are divided into two groups with the same number of members. The first group cycles off to the agreed destination and returns by canoe, while the other group does this in reverse order. The cycling and canoeing routes depend on the water levels of the lake. At the point of changing activities or at the end, the groups may opt to break for a packed snack.
Visitors are invited to take our guided tours of Notranjska, both individually and in groups. Time slots should be booked in advance. Our employees are licensed local guides with extensive knowledge of the region. Tours are given in Slovenian, English, German, Italian, and Polish.
On arrival at the Unec tollbooth, you are greeted by a local guide, who takes you to Cross Cave past Cerknica. At the cave entrance, you are given a lantern and a pair of boots. When you’re ready, you set off exploring the dry part of this Karstic beauty accompanied by a cave guide, who gives an interesting presentation on the cave world. A boat ride over the first lake. A visit to Lož Valley, where you can see the museum of forest animals and the history of dormouse hunting at Snežnik Castle. Next stop –Cerknica. After a walk through…
The mountains of Notranjska are the best place for parachuting enthusiasts, who can enjoy a safe dive over some amazing vistas. Mount Slivnica next to Lake Cerknica is one of the most popular skydiving destinations. While Mount Race in the Lož Valley is a suitable airfield, the Bloke Plateau is a good place for gliding beginners.
Accommodations Miškar is located 3 km from Lake Cerknica, in the village of Žerovnica, 1 km from the town of Grahovo. The house is situated at the outskirts of the village, surrounded by a forest. Free parking and Wi–Fi are available, as well as rooms with balconies that overlook the picturesque valley. All accommodation units include private bathrooms with showers. Guests are welcome to use the shared kitchenette.
Accommodations Lastovka is located on the idyllic Bloke Plateau, in the village of Nova vas, only 2 km from Lake Bloke. There are six double rooms available, each with a private bathroom and WC, and access to the fridge. The immediate surroundings of Accommodations Lastovka include restaurants, a petrol pump, a shop, and a playground. The house, however, is in a quiet location, right next to a forest and some of the local hillocks. This area is ideal for cyclists, walkers, runners, and cross-country skiers, who can enjoy the excellent skiing tracks come winter time.
Oštir Farm is an authentic farmhouse with everything that goes with it, including a stove, a bread oven, and refurbished antique furniture. The farm also has a garden, a hayrack, and an orchard. The The farm offers its guests a journey back in time, inviting them to revive old customs by using the above facilities as they would have been by farmers in days of old.
Old School Villa še vedno spominja na čase, ko so otroci bosi tekali po travnikih Bloške planote. Osnovna šola, ustanovljena že leta 1911, je bila močno vpeta v življenja domačinov. Danes je še vedno povezana z lokalno skupnostjo, obdana s čudovito naravo Bloške planote. Ponuja prostorne sobe, večje prostore za druženje in polni penzion, ki vključuje tudi lokalne dobrote, za skupine. Je idealen prostor za posameznike in skupine, ki cenijo neokrnjeno naravo, športne aktivnosti ter spoštujejo slovensko tradicijo.
Knavs Farm is located in the village of Runarsko, on the border of the Bloke Plateau, close to many forest paths for hikers and cyclists. The valley of the Iška River can be easily reached from the farm.
Hotel Rakov Škocjan offers pleasant accommodation in the green forests of Rak Škocjan Valley Landscape Park, amidst undisturbed nature. The hotel’s vision is to create a comfortable and peaceful space in an enchanting natural environment.
Ars Viva Youth Hostel is located less than an hour’s drive from Ljubljana, at an approximately equal distance from Koper and the Italian border. It is a great starting point for exploring Slovenian tourist attractions such as Cross Cave, Snežnik, the Regional Park of Notranjska, Slivnica, Postojna Cave, Škocjan Caves, and Lipica.
Furman Guest House is located in the immediate vicinity of the local railway station, which makes it easily accessible by train. The E70 motorway, which connects Ljubljana with Italy, is only 1 km away. The guest house includes a large car park, which also has space for buses.
En Krajcar Guest House is located in the village of Podskrajnik, 2 km from Cerknica. The guest house is close to several tourist destinations, among these Rakv Škocjan Valley, Lake Cerknica, and the Church of Zelše, which is famous for its acoustics.
The “PRI STANI” inn and pizzeria is located in the village of Žerovnica, just over a kilometre from the regional road UNEC–CERKNICA–RIBNICA and the Babno Polje border crossing, from which the road leads on toward Gorski Kotar, the Croatian Littoral, and Dalmatia.
Glamping Lake Bloke stretches over an area of 5,000 m2. On arrival, you will be greeted by two forest dwellers guarding the entrance to the park. All the objects in the park are made of local wood, and create a cosy atmosphere. The various wooden sculptures are made of premium oak, while the one-of-a-kind fence is made of acacia wood.
Horse breeding has a long tradition in the Notranjska region as horses were very often used in forest and field work, as well as in transportation. As the people of Notranjska were traditionally horse and cart drivers, local farms have a long history of horse breeding. Farm stays offer tourists horse riding activities and hay cart rides.
If winter is »real winter«, it is the right time for cross-country skiing. Bloke, the cradle of the Slovenian skiing tradition, is the most popular place for it. The Bloke Plateau offers many beautiful tracks for cross-country skiing, as do the towns of Stari trg pri Ložu and Logatec.
The Karstic world is a veritable paradise for cave lovers. Postojna Cave and other caves in the same cave system are among the best known in Slovenia. Cross Cave, a visitors’ favourite, stands out in the bevy of Karstic beauties, followed closely by Zelše Caves, Planina Cave, Pivka Cave, and others. You can tour the caves individually or in groups. Most caves have designated touring schedules, and require large groups to book in advance.
The lakes and rivers of Notranjska are great for fishing. Be sure to visit Lake Cerknica, Lake Bloke, Cerkniščica Creek, Obrh Creek, Rak Škocjan Valley, River Pivka, and River Unica – the jewel meandering through the Karst plain of Planinsko polje.
The vast forests of Notranjska are home to many animal species. Joined by a hunter-guide, you’ll be able to observe and photograph bears, lynxes, wolves, wild boar, stags, deer, foxes, and other animals. You can choose to go wildlife watching early in the morning or late in the evening, individually or in a group of up to 4 people.
The forests, fields, and hills of the Slovenian Karst offer hiking trails for visitors of all ages. Most trails that lead to the Karst peaks (Snežnik, Nanos, Vremščica, Slivnica, Križna gora, Veliki Javornik, Špičasto Stražišče, etc.) are well marked. You can also choose from thematic trails, which are also well marked and run trough some of the natural and cultural attractions of Notranjska.
Many Karst lakes and rivers are ideal for water sports. Visitors can explore the waters of Karst with their own or with rented vessels. If water levels are normal, boating can be done between April and October. Most watercourses and lakes dry up in the summer (in July, August, and in the beginning of September), during which time they can’t be used for boating. When you do go boating, please observe the navigation regime. Given their low draft, canoes are very suitable for Karst rivers: you will be able to glide through the rush uninterrupted, and paddle to different points…
The region of Notranjska is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cycling destinations in Slovenia. Its many forest trails, dirt roads and local paths offer a variety of biking trips for cyclists of all stripes. You can visit most tourist attractions by bike, although you may want to avoid main roads with heavy traffic. The weather is good for cycling between March and the end of October. Visitors with their own bikes may park their vehicles in public car parks in any town, at their farm stays, hotels, etc. Bikes can be rented at farm stays, pensions and…
A plain that can turn into the largest Slovenian lake after a mere three days of heavy rain; a lake that can all but disappear just as quickly in the summer draught. The surface of the lake undergoes small changes every day. In extreme cases, it can stretch over more than 30 km2, and shrink to only 0.1 km2 in the summer time. Regardless of the water levels, Lake Cerknica offer wonderful vistas and a variety of ways to spend your free time, which include cycling, hiking, swimming, paddling, and hay cart rides.
One of the world’s most spectacular water caves, famous for its underground lakes, cave bear bones, and unspoiled beauty. Cross Cave is one of the few tourist caves without electricity, lighting or concrete paths. Visitors are given only lanterns and a pair of boots, after which they can paddle the emerald cave waters in the company of a guide.
A picturesque Karst valley created by a collapsed cave ceiling, the remains of which can be seen as two magnificent natural bridges looming 40 m over River Rak. Taking a stroll from the Small Natural Bridge to the Large Natural Bridge, in the shade of hundred-year-old trees, you will witness the geological processes that have shaped this land for millions of years. Founded in 1949, the Rak Škocjan area was the first Slovenian landscape park, which further attests to the uniqueness of this 2.5 km valley. We recommend a visit by foot or a cycling tour; if water levels are…
Snežnik is one of only two Slovenian castles with original decoration (the furniture from the chambers dates back to the second half of the 19th century). The castle’s surroundings are just as captivating as its interior: the beautiful nature that encircles this former hunting residence owned by the Saxon princes of Schönburg-Waldenburg is ideal for short strolls in the fresh air. The castle is also a very popular wedding venue, testament to its remarkable beauty.
Postojna Cave is the most popular Slovenian tourist attraction. The cave’s first visitor was Ferdinand I, the heir to the Austrian throne, who toured it in 1819; since then, more than 38 million people have done the same. Given that approximately a million people visit Postojna Cave each year, the next round jubilee cannot be far away. The main attractions of the cave are its stunning formations, the train that takes visitors through the first part of the cave, and of course the proteus, a peculiar cave animal that can be viewed from up close at the Vivarium, along with…
Lake Cerknica changes every day: the water level fluctuates constantly, as does the depth of the river bed, which is generally between 1 and 5 m, occasionally exceeding even these limits. To really understand the lake, you should observe it at least once a week. Alternatively, you can visit the Lake Cerknica Museum in Dolenje Jezero. The focal point of the museum is the scale model of Lake Cerknica, which demonstrates how water flows into the lake and fills it up, and how it disappears underground on dry summer days. You can also view footage of the lake in all…
The routes of Karstic waters are shrouded in mystery. The unpredictable weather and particular geological composition give rise to peculiar phenomena: in Pivka, for example, high groundwater levels lead to the emergence of as many as 17 lakes. Let the local eco-museum of the seasonal lakes of Pivka solve the mystery for you, and explain how they are created. While you’re there, you can take the opportunity to learn a number of other interesting facts, for example, what creatures inhabit the local forests, and how to recognize their tracks.
In 2014, the municipality of Bloke, the birthplace of Slovenian skiing, opened a museum devoted to its local tradition. Here, skiing did not develop as a pastime, but rather as a means to an end under specific circumstances. The museum shows this and more: the region’s rich cultural heritage, its geographical and meteorological characteristics, the habits of its people, etc. All of these factors led to the development of skiing in Bloke, which was also documented by the 17th century Slovenian historian Janez Vajkard Valvasor.
The Cerknica encampment represents one of the largest and strongest Slovenian defence complexes that survive to this day. It once consisted of five fortresses, of which only two remain: one is now a Tourist Office, while the other is the birth house of writer and poet Jože Udovič (1912). The encampment wall is right beside another famous building, the birth house of composer Fran Gerbič. Within the walls stands the Church of the Assumption of Mary. Interesting fact: Cerknica was named after this very church – originally appearing as ‘cerkvica’ (‘little church’), the name changed into ‘Cerknica’ through the years.
Thanks to its strategic location, the town of Pivka has a rich military heritage, which can be seen at the Park of Military History. Situated in an old army barracks, the park is both a museum and an adventure complex designed for learning and exploring. You can see weapons, vehicles, and equipment from different historical eras, walk through the period of the Slovenian battle for independence, look into a diversionary submarine, and more.
The world’s largest castle built in a cave – mysterious, formidable, and unconquerable. Predjama Castle represents an extraordinary marriage of nature and medieval ingenuity. Legend speaks of Erazem, the brigand knight, who would easily resist long sieges by supplying food and water to the castle through the cave – until one of his servants betrayed him, that is.
Cerkev svetega Volbenka v Zelšah je bila zgrajena okrog leta 1680. Zanjo je značilen tloris, ki spominja na triperesno deteljico, znana pa je tudi zaradi izjemne akustike. Prav zato se v njej še vedno odvijajo koncerti, zaradi svoje lokacije v naravi in odmaknjenosti od naselja pa je tudi priljubljena fotografska točka.
The meeting point of the mysterious Kočevje Forest and the characteristic Karst forms. The Log stream meanders through Travnik Plain, an area encompassed by forests and home to many animals. Apart from the three main European beasts (the bear, the wolf, and the lynx), these include stags, deer, wild cats, wild boar, and many others. This part of the world is heaven for forest enthusiasts and nature lovers in general.
Babno Polje is the coldest place in Slovenia, and is commonly referred to as »the Slovenian Siberia«. The absolute lowest temperature is believed to have been -39.6 °C (1929), although official records show an all-time low of -34.5 °C, which was measured in 1956. Babno Polje is not only the coldest, but also one of the most charming villages in the municipality of Lož Valley. The care and effort that the locals devote to keeping their environment beautiful can be seen at the very entrance to the village, where they built a giant »Crone of Babno«. Legend has it that…
This secret corner of Notranjska surrounded by forests is one of the least populated Slovenian municipalities. As the other parts of the region, it is home to many bears, which you can observe and photograph from the safety of hunting hides. Mount Snežnik (1,796 m above sea level), the highest non-Alpine peak of Slovenia, rises in the southern part of Lož Valley.. Below it stands a castle of the same name, which served as a hunting residence back in the 19th century.
The Slovenian Tibet with six months of winter, while the other six are just plain cold. It is therefore no surprise that Bloke is the cradle of Slovenian skiing: the locals had to find a way to travel from A to B in cold, long winter nights. Today, many villages on the Bloke Plateau are connected with asphalt roads, which do not see a lot of motor traffic, but are absolute paradise for cyclists who enjoy the rugged tracks that run through colourful meadows and in the forest shade. In the winter time, Bloke offers a variety of cross-country skiing…
Completely unspoiled nature only 30 km from Slovenia’s capital city. The extraordinary natural beauty of Vid Plain can be attributed to its limited accessibility. The crystalline rivers Iška and Zala, which flow along the plain, have carved their beds into the picturesque ravine, amidst pools, waterfalls, and cliffs. They attract visitors looking for adventure and summer relaxation in the many pools and untouched forests.
A Karst plain on which forests meet colourful meadows; a rugged-road paradise for cyclists where cars are a rare sight; a forest lover’s sanctuary. If you venture into these woods, make sure you remember your way back, and keep an eye out for the forest’s wildest dwellers – bears, wolves, and even lynxes.
The entrance to these water caves, which are the surfacing point of River Rak, can be found under the Small Natural Bridge in Rak Škocjan Valley. The water that disappears underground in the west part of Lake Cerknica flows on for 3 km through this very cave system, which used to be longer before the cave ceiling collapsed and created Rak Škocjan Valley, as well as the Large and the Small Natural Bridge.
Unec Collapse Valley (Unška koliševka) is one of the valleys created by the collapsed ceiling of an underground cave. Such valleys are characteristically steep, with bottoms hat are typically very difficult to access. Unlike those found in Rak Škocjan, the Unec collapse valley has an especially interesting history: it is surrounded by military trenches and bunkers that were built by Italian soldiers between the two world wars. A small part of these trenches, approximately 1.5 km in total, can still be accessed.
The largest water cave in Slovenia, famous for the unique underground confluence of two rivers: Pivka, which flows in from Postojna Cave, and Rak, which flows in from the Rak Škocjan Valley. Together, they surface as Unica, which winds its way down Planina Plain. You can visit Planina Cave by walking to the underground river confluence or by taking a boat trip to Paradiž, the most beautiful part of the cave.
Planina Plain is the lowest-lying Karst plain in the Notranjska lowlands. Like Cerknica Plain, Planina Plain floods several times a year, turning into a lake. Unica, which meanders through the plain, represents the penultimate part of the river with seven names before it finally surfaces as Ljubljanica. River Unica is a favourite among fishermen: they come from far and wide to dip their hooks into its waters, which are home to graylings, trout, and many other fish.
