The Notranjska Regional Park is located in the southwestern part of central Slovenia, with its center in the town of Cerknica.
Yes, access to the park's natural areas is free. You can choose among countless guided experiences, activities, tours, karst caves and others museums or centers, which, however, are paid.
We recommend that you first visit us at the Visitor Center Lake Cerknica, at Dolenje Jezero, where our tourist information officers will ensure that you obtain the most up-to-date information and recommendations for your visit.
Notranjska Regional Park offers a variety of excellent spots for rest and relaxation throughout the year. Lake Cerknica is most impressive in spring and autumn, when it is full of water. In summer it often dries up and, at that time, reveals the extraordinariness of this karst phenomenon and offers a wonderful opportunity for hiking and observing the peculiarity of the drying process.
Yes. We regularly organize guided experiences throughout the park. Between April and September you can participate in guided experiences "Thematic weekends", or you can check events page, where you will find the most up-to-date events in the park. You can also sign up for our e-newsletters and thus stay updated on all the park's news.
Of course. Notranjska Regional Park offers several marked cycling routes, suitable for recreational cyclists and families. There is also rental of standard or electric bikes from selected providers.
We offer educational programs, which include outdoor learning sessions, workshops and experiential learning in nature. The programs are tailored to children's ages and learning objectives.
Yes. We offer guided experiences and presentations on how the park operates to organized groups (e.g., associations, companies) by prior arrangement.
Please write to vodenje@notranjski-park.si or call +386 31 668 223 and book your guided tour. We recommend booking at least 14 days in advance.
The main feature is Lake Cerknica, which occasionally completely disappears – it is the largest intermittent lake in Europe. At the same time, the park protects numerous rare and endangered plant and animal species, characteristic of karst wetlands.
Swimming in Lake Cerknica is permitted at your own risk, as permanent swimming areas cannot be maintained due to the lake’s intermittent nature. Visitors are kindly asked to respect the rules of conduct in the protected area.
Skating on Lake Cerknica is allowed at visitors’ own risk. The lake is not a regulated ice rink, and due to fluctuating water levels and sinkholes, water may suddenly disappear under the ice. Extreme caution is advised.
Yes, but they must always be on a leash, especially in areas where birds nest or livestock graze. Please also ensure cleanliness.
Visitors should use designated areas (benches, tables, etc.) for gatherings and picnics. Campfires or open fires are not allowed. After picnicking, take all waste with you and dispose of it properly.
For quality local dining options, visit: https://notranjski-park.si/en/plan-your-trip/cuisine
Starting fires and camping are not allowed except in areas specifically designated for this.
The boating regime applies to the area of Lake Cerknica.
Visitors are directed to Zone A, where the key condition is a water level of at least 1.5 m at the Dolenje Jezero measuring station. Visitors must carry their boats manually to the entry points – vehicle access to these points is not allowed.
The use of motor-powered boats is prohibited throughout the park, except for interventions.
During the bird nesting period, so-called “quiet zones” are established in the narrower area of Lake Cerknica, allowing birds to nest peacefully without major disturbances from visitors.
The use of Zone B is not recommended, as it covers the most sensitive areas of Lake Cerknica. Boating in Zone B is prohibited from 1 March to 15 June during the bird nesting season.
Permitted types of boats in boating areas:
- Rowing boats up to 6 m long and 1.8 m wide
- Kayaks, canoes, sailboats, and windsurf boards of all kinds
- Electric boats (only for fishery management and intervention purposes)
- Traditional boats
The boating regime applies to Lake Cerknica. Surfing or SUPing is allowed in Zone A, where the key condition is a water level of at least 1.5 m at the Dolenje Jezero measuring station. Visitors must carry their equipment manually – car access to the entry points is not permitted.
Cycling in nature is allowed on paved roads unless prohibited by the owner or manager. Designated cycling routes are available, leading away from the most sensitive parts of the lake.
Walking on the dried lakebed is not strictly prohibited, but visitors are encouraged to stay on visible trails and limit movement as much as possible. Access to natural reserves such as Osredki, Dujice, Zadnji Kraj, Levišča, and Vranja Jama is restricted, as disturbing wildlife is prohibited – particularly during the breeding season from April to July.
For the best views and information about this natural wonder, we recommend the Drvošec Trail.
Designated camper stops are available where you can safely park and stay over night: https://notranjski-park.si/en/plan-your-trip/accommodations.
Overnight camping in parked campers outside designated areas is prohibited.
Park can be supported with:
- donation,
- by volunteering,
- participation in our events,
- sharing knowledge about the importance of nature conservation.
We occasionally publish calls for collaboration, workshops or volunteer opportunities. Follow us online or sign up for e-news.
It is forbidden to intentionally destroy or pick protected plant species. Admire and photograph them instead to preserve them for everyone to enjoy.
Regulation on Protected Wild Plant Species (in Slovenian only)
Driving, parking, or organizing rides with motorized vehicles in natural areas is prohibited. Vehicles may only be used on officially designated roads and forest roads.
Flying any type of aircraft, including drones, below 100 m above ground level is prohibited in the Lake Cerknica area.
Flying over the five nature reserves (Osredki, Dujice, Zadnji Kraj, Levišča, and Vranja Jama) is completely prohibited, regardless of altitude.
For drone filming, you must obtain permission from the Slovenian Civil Aviation Agency.
Flying kites is allowed only if the altitude does not exceed 100 m above the ground.
Parking outside designated parking areas is prohibited in the Lake Cerknica area. Official car parks are available between 7:00 and 23:00. Overnight stays and camping setups in parking lots are not allowed.
If you wish to film in the Notranjska Park with a larger crew, you must inform the park administration and obtain permission from the landowner or manager.
For more information or assistance with your filming plan, contact us at info@notranjski-park.si or call +386 1 7090 636** (Mon–Fri, 8:00–14:00).
Detailed filming guidelines are available here: https://notranjski-park.si/en/about-the-park/filming-guidelines
