The magical beech and fir forest of the Javorniki remains wild and mysterious despite its proximity to Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. It is home to bear, wolf and lynx, whereas man is a welcome guest.
The Javorniki hills are the lower part of the Snežnik plateau between the Cerknica plain in the north and Pivka in the south. They stretch from the Postojnska vrata pass (Postojna Gate) and Mali Javornik hill (Little Javornik) in the north-west, to the Mašun hill and the Leskova valley in the south-east. The steep northern slope of the Javorniki hills rises above Lake Cerknica into a high, rugged karst plateau of domed hills, deep valleys, dolines, pits and ice caves.
The Javorniki's massif stops warm and damp air heading north from the Adriatic, giving the climate in the heart of Slovenia its typical character. The region is known for heavy rains which feed intermittent lakes on both sides of the ridge, Lake Cerknica and Pivka Lakes, and also the springs of the Pivka and Reka rivers.
The woods of the Javorniki continue to the woods of the Snežnik and Gorski Kotar mountain range. Together, they represent the largest uninterrupted forest complex in this part of Europe, act as a home to wild fauna and as a source of construction material and firewood, link the region with the Slovene Littoral and invite people to relax and come in touch with the unspoilt nature.
| Highest peak: | 1293 m |
Gallery
Fauna
Due to inaccessibility and sustainable management, well-preserved Javorniki forests are inhabited by all three large predators that live in Slovenia! While cautious wolves and shy lynxes persistently avoid the human eye, encounters with bears are more or less an everyday thing...
Due to inaccessibility and sustainable forest management, the well-preserved Javorniki forests are inhabited by all three large predators that live in Slovenia! While cautious wolves and shy lynxes persistently avoid the human eye, encounters with bears are more or less an everyday thing...
Flora
Among other things, natural forest ecosystems also soothe the extreme climate phenomena, prevent soil erosion and act as water reservoirs. They invite us to relax from the tiring daily routine, but let's not forget – we're merely guests here; let's prove we're worth the invitation by behaving accordingly.
Among other things, natural forest ecosystems also soothe the extreme climate phenomena, prevent soil erosion and act as water reservoirs. They invite us to relax from the tiring daily routine, but let's not forget – we're merely guests here; let's prove we're worth the invitation by behaving accordingly.
Nearby attractions
Križna Cave
Križna Cave is one of the most beautiful tourist water caves in Slovenia.
Križna Cave is one of the most beautiful tourist water caves in Slovenia. 22 emerald lakes are connected by an underground crystal-clear stream, within side passages ancient bones of cave bears can be seen, and by the number of specialised cave dwellers, the Križna Cave ranks among the richest caves in the world.
Slivnica
The beautiful vista of Lake Cerknica and valleys of the Notranjska region made witches and their mistress Uršula choose Mount Slivnica as their home.
The beautiful vista of Lake Cerknica and valleys of the Notranjska region made witches and their mistress Uršula choose Mount Slivnica as their home.
