Lake Cerknica is one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe. It appears every year on the karst polje (plain), caught between the Javorniki hills and the Bloke plateau on one side, and Mount Slivnica on the other. During the dry season, the lake disappears, which enables paddling, fishing, hiking or grass mowing in the same area in just one year.
The lake normally stays on the Cerknica plain for about eight months a year. Water usually spreads over the surface of 20 km², but at its fullest, the lake covers a surface of about 26 km². When full, Lake Cerknica is the largest lake in Slovenia.
It was first mentioned as early as ancient history, and it has been included on the maps of Europe ever since the 15th century. The hydrology of the lake was first researched by Carniolan natural historian Johann Weikhard von Valvasor, which won him a Fellowship of the Royal Society. Here is the cradle of karstology and terms such as karst polje (plain) and intermittent lake.
The importance of intermittent Lake Cerknica, therefore, goes far beyond Slovenia's borders. Along with the Rakov Škocjan valley and the Križna cave, Lake Cerknica has been designated as a wetland of international importance – Ramsar Site, and also as a Natura 2000 Site because of its importance for the preservation of endangered birds.
Biodiversity
Here they observed:
- 303 birds species – half of all European species;
- 45 mammals species – half of all Slovenian species;
- 125 diurnal butterflies species – about a third of all European species;
- 15 amphibians species – almost a quarter of all European amphibian species ...
Life between lack of water and overflow
The intermittent Lake Cerknica has always been associated with people. The abundance of fish and game has attracted people and provided them with nourishment since the Stone Age. After all, generations of hard-working hands have co-shaped the typical landscape on the moist soil of the basin, and by maintaining the flood meadows, they continue to ensure habitat for endangered flora and fauna.
Gallery
Draining of the lake
The combination of time, water, and rocks has created the phenomenon of draining, which keeps the life on this marvellous karst plain in motion. Lake Cerknica is intermittent because it fills up after long precipitation periods and drains out during the dry season.
The combination of time, water, and rocks has created the phenomenon of draining, which keeps the life on this marvellous karst plain in motion. Lake Cerknica is intermittent because it fills up after long precipitation periods and drains out during the dry season.
Birds
The intermittent Lake Cerknica is a true magnet for birds. So far, more than half of all European bird species have been observed in this area. The ever-changing landscape creates unique opportunities to observe these animals in their everyday activities throughout the year.
The intermittent Lake Cerknica is a true magnet for birds. So far, more than half of all European bird species have been observed in this area. The ever-changing landscape creates unique opportunities to observe these animals in their everyday activities throughout the year.
Fish
Fish have attracted people to the shore, ponors and sinkholes of Lake Cerknica since prehistoric time, but beasts and flocks of birds feasted by the drained lake long before the first humans.
Fish have attracted people to the shore, ponors and sinkholes of Lake Cerknica since prehistoric time, but beasts and flocks of birds feasted by the drained lake long before the first humans.
Other animals
Lake Cerknica hosts the tiniest snail and the strongest bear. And everything in between. The life here, with its diversity, has long attracted naturalists and nature lovers, and each time offers something new, something yet unseen.
Lake Cerknica hosts the tiniest snail and the strongest bear. And everything in between. The life here, with its diversity, has long attracted naturalists and nature lovers, and each time offers something new, something yet unseen.
Flora
Are there plants that 'eat' animals? Yes. The intermittent Lake Cerknica is home to three species of 'carnivorous' plants – intermediate bladderwort, bladderwort and oblong-leaved sundew.
Are there plants that 'eat' animals? Yes. The intermittent Lake Cerknica is home to three species of 'carnivorous' plants – intermediate bladderwort, bladderwort and oblong-leaved sundew.
Nearby attractions
