Hikes through autumn-colored nature
Children will be excited to explore autumn forests, clad in warm orange and red hues. Family hikes in Notranjska Park are a great opportunity to discover together the secrets of the karst landscape. A walk along the Drvošec thematic trail will delight you with stunning views of Lake Cerknica. For an extra twist to your hike, bring along a very special backpack that contains the Lakeside Adventure.
On a stroll through Rakov Škocjan you can admire the stunning Great and Small natural bridges or the ruins of the church of St. Kancijan, on the Trail of Springs discover 14 springs that fill Lake Cerknica, or head to the witch-mountain Slivnica. Perhaps on your path, besides animals, you may encounter other mythical beings.
More hiking trails can be found at this link.
Photo: NRP archive, Blaž Žnidaršič, Janez Košir
Cycling – fun for the whole family
Family cycling trails in the park are designed to be suitable for all ages. Together you can explore the autumn landscape and enjoy the fresh air. To liven up family cycling around Lake Cerknica, there are interactive experiences available that will delight the whole family. During the ride, children discover mysterious clues and solve entertaining puzzles.
If you won't take bikes with you on holiday, you can rent them at Bike center Cerknica or at RenttheGreen.
More about cycling routes can be found at this link.
More about cycling experiences can be read at: Let kačjega pastirja, Žabavna pustolovščina, Glej, Ščuka! and Po Jezerkovi sledi.
Photo: Blaž Žnidaršič, archive Bike center Cerknica
Getting to Know Cerknica Lake
Cerknica Lake offers a unique experience in exploring nature. In addition to a walk along the lake, you can also visit the Cerknica Lake Visitor Center, where children, through interactive presentations, will learn how this world wonder came to be and which animals have chosen our very own special corner of the world as their home. There is also a family ticket available at a favorable price. A visit to the Cerknica Lake Museum will reveal to you the rich cultural and natural heritage of the area – an excellent combination of fun and learning for children.
In good weather you can also rent a canoe and embark on an unforgettable canoe safari on Cerknica Lake. The activity is also pet-friendly.
You can read more about the Cerknica Lake Visitor Center at this link.
You can read more about the Cerknica Lake Museum at this link.
Photo: NRP archive, Blaž Žnidaršič, Cerknica Lake Museum archive, Tur Servis Cerknica archive
Bird Watching – a natural spectacle for the youngest explorers
In autumn Lake Cerknica becomes a temporary home to numerous bird species, which is a real feast for the eyes of young naturalists. Bird watching with a telescope is an exciting activity, where children will be able to see migratory birds on their way south.
On the first Sunday in November you can also enjoy an unforgettable experience The Mysterious World of the Birds of Lake Cerknica, where you get to know in detail the habitat types of Lake Cerknica and the migratory routes of birds in the Ornithological Classroom, then, in the company of an ornithologist, you set off to observe birds by Lake Cerknica.
More about the Mysterious World of the Birds of Lake Cerknica, you can read at this link.
Photo: NRP archive
Mysterious Cross Cave
A visit to the Cross Cave is a real adventure for the whole family. Children will be fascinated by the underground world, where you will explore together beautiful underground lakes and stalactite formations. Guided tours provide an engaging and educational experience that will allow children to learn more about the mysterious world beneath the surface of the earth. On the memorable excursion you will also see the remains of cave bear bones, the highlight of the trip will be a boat ride on the cave lake.
You can read more about Cross Cave at on this link.
Photo: archive of Križne jame, Peter Gedei
Rakov Škocjan – a valley for family adventures
Rakov Škocjan, a karst valley, surrounded by autumn colors, offers excellent opportunities for family exploratory expeditions. Together you can take a walk along the Rak River and discover natural bridges and other karst wonders.
You can read more about Rakov Škocjan at this link.
Photo: NRP archive
Treat yourself to a full week of unforgettable holidays
To make your family experience perfect, you can spend your holidays in one of the pleasant accommodations. Tourist farms, mountain huts and apartments allow you, after a day full of activity, to enjoy the peace of nature. Together you can wake up to the sounds of nature and take another day to explore all the beauties that Notranjski Park offers.
You can view the list of all accommodations at this link.
Let your exploration not stop in Notranjski Park
Notranjski park is part of the beautiful destination Green Karst. Green Karst is an excellent choice for lovers of active outdoor experiences. Hiking, cycling, exploring underground caves, and wildlife watching are just some of the activities it offers.
Listen to the stories of Green Karst
Join us on a journey to discover the stories of Green Karst. Visit the Cerkniško Lake Visitor Center, Eco-Museum of the Pivka's Intermittent Lakes, Dina Pivka Center for Large Predators and Pivka Military History Park.
By visiting one of the centers/museums you obtain 25% discount on visits to the remaining three attractions and greatly enhance your family outings.
Experience unforgettable family adventures in the Green Karst
Today you are karst scientists, tomorrow trail trackers who know the paths of the great beasts. You can be cycling adventurers or fairy-tale heroes from castles. Learn to survive in nature and have fun with countless outdoor adventures and in unusual museums. Surprises and experiences await you, stories you'll be telling long after your visit to the Green Karst. So - where are you headed this time?
Welcome to our very special corner of the world.