Witches' wrongdoings, who supposedly brewed their potions, rain and storms in the Coprniška jama cave beneath the peak, were first described by Johann Weikhard von Valvasor.
Today, this bald-peaked hill is a popular destination for hikers, who can access the mountain lodge located beneath the peak from each of the villages at the base. If you decide to surrender yourself to the magical sunset and return at nightfall, don't be afraid, witches have long ago retreated to less-crowded places. But you can easily bump into a bear!
The highest peak, which rises on the northern side above intermittent Lake Cerknica, is called Velika Slivnica (Big Mount Slivnica). Mt Slivnica's round ridge is separated from the Bloke plateau by the valley of the Cerkniščica stream and ravines of its tributaries. Along its base there a few smaller karst springs, which help to fill the lake, and a few villages, which grew up along the main road to the Lož valley and Bloke.
Just below the summit is Coprniška Cave, from which in winter warm moist air rises. The humidity condenses into fog, which contributed to the legend that witches live in the cave.
Archaeological finds
Archaeological finds at Gradišče hill show that Mt Slivnica was settled as early as prehistory and ancient history. In later periods, the area was dug for flint, which was then transported to glass workshops in the Javorniki hills, whereas forestry and grazing have partially preserved to present day.
| Highest peak (Velika slivnica): | 1114 m |
Gallery
Fauna
The northern steep slopes are covered with beech forest, which is a source of wood and home to all kinds of animals, ranging from long-horned beetles to bears.
The northern steep slopes are covered with beech forest, which is a source of wood and home to all kinds of animals, ranging from long-horned beetles to bears.
Flora
The carbonate bedrock forms the basis for diverse plant life. This is particularly interesting on south-facing grassy slopes, where the influences of the coastal region of Slovenia and Slivnica's elevation mix.
The carbonate bedrock forms the basis for a diverse plant life. This is particularly interesting on south-facing grassy slopes, where the influences of Slovenia's coastal region and the elevation of Slivnica mix.
Nearby attractions
Javorniki
The immense back of the Javorniki hills has been watching over intermittent Lake Cerknica and shaping the character of the Notranjska region landscape and its people since the old days.
The immense back of the Javorniki hills has been watching over intermittent Lake Cerknica and shaping the character of the Notranjska region landscape and its people since the old days.
