Autumn Holidays in Notranjska Park

Published: 22. 10. 2026 Author: NRP Categories: General, Events, Nature

A hiker on an autumn forest trail in Notranjska Park, with the slogan “Autumn + Notranjska Park = Unforgettable” and the I Feel Slovenia and Moja Slovenija logos.
Photo: Zoran Vidrih

Where does the water of Lake Cerknica disappear to? What does a tree sound like? And what awaits you in the enchanted forest on Mount Slivnica? From 26 October to 1 November, join us for nature discoveries, family experiences and a little Halloween magic. If you prefer exploring at your own pace, we have also put together some ideas for days out in Notranjska Park.

What's on during the holidays?

DATEEXPERIENCE
27 October – 1 NovemberLake Adventure + interactive exhibition – family package for €25
Friday, 30 OctoberFamily Sound Walk
Saturday, 31 OctoberHalloween Ponies
Saturday, 31 OctoberAdventure in the Enchanted Forest on Mount Slivnica
Throughout the weekSelf-guided trips and exploring Notranjska Park

Lake Adventure

Ready to uncover the secrets of Lake Cerknica? Where does its water disappear to? Which animals hide among the reeds, and who lives in the surrounding forests?

Start your visit at the Visitor Centre Lake Cerknica, where an interactive exhibition brings the fascinating world of this disappearing lake to life. Through hands-on activities, discover how the lake works and learn about the wildlife that calls it home.

Then head out onto the Drvošec Trail for the Lakeside Adventure. Equipped with an explorer's backpack and activity booklet, you'll tackle ten challenges, solve puzzles, collect stickers and discover fascinating things along the way. A bittern will guide you through the challenges, and you'll also discover the legend of the Water Man. Complete all ten tasks and a small gift will be waiting for you back at the Visitor Centre.

For the autumn school holidays, we've prepared a special family package for €25, combining admission to the interactive exhibition with the Lakeside Adventure.

When: 27 October – 1 November 2026
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
Price: €25 per family (2 adults and their children under 18)
Includes: Admission to the interactive exhibition and an explorer's backpack with the Lakeside Adventure booklet
Starting point: Visitor Centre Lake Cerknica, Dolenje Jezero

Family Sound Walk

What does a tree sound like? What can you hear beneath the water's surface? And how many sounds surround us without us even noticing?

On this special family sound walk, sensitive microphones and headphones will reveal a world of sounds that usually goes unheard. Guided by Andreja Košir, you'll explore and record the sounds of nature, discovering how differently we can experience our surroundings when we really listen.

The experience ends with a cup of herbal tea, and you'll take your own sound recordings home as a keepsake of this unusual nature adventure.

When: Friday, 30 October 2026, 10 am–12.30 pm

Meeting point: Malnšče Observation Platform, Gorenje Jezero

Price: €150 per family (2 adults and up to 3 children)

Suitable for: Families

Registration: Family Sound Walk

A girl is standing in the forest, smiling, with headphones on her ears. In front of her is a microphone, with which she listens to the sounds of the forest. In the background, behind her are two adults, each with their own microphone and headphones, listening to the events in the surrounding area as well.

The Enchanted Forest on Mount Slivnica

Mount Slivnica has long been associated with tales of witches. On the last Saturday of October, those legends will come to life in a magical Halloween adventure!

Neverland and the Mountain Hut on Slivnica invite you into an enchanted forest filled with cobwebs, mysterious challenges, glowing pumpkins and witches' potions. Children can enjoy face painting, pumpkin carving and delicious roasted chestnuts.

There will be two sessions: an afternoon adventure for families with younger children and an evening session for older children brave enough to enter the enchanted forest after dark.

When: Saturday, 31 October 2026

Sessions: 3 pm for families with younger children; 6 pm for children aged 9 and over

Where: Mountain Hut on Slivnica

Price: Free admission; voluntary contributions towards pumpkins are welcome

Registration: https://shorturl.at/PPxbS

Halloween Ponies

What happens when a riding centre transforms into a magical Halloween playground for a day? At Konjeništvo Ami in Zelše, children who love horses and playful challenges are in for a special morning.

The programme includes horse riding, Halloween-themed games, creative activities and sweet surprises. Children will get to know the horses, make new friends and enjoy a morning full of fun.

The event is suitable for children aged 4–10. Places are limited.

When: Saturday, 31 October 2026, 9–11 am

Where: Konjeništvo Ami, Zelše 8c

Suitable for: Children aged 4–10

Price: €25 per child

Registration: +386 40 789 719, by 29 October 2026

A black horse, a brown horse and a black-and-white pony in a green pasture near Lake Cerknica, with Mount Slivnica in the background.

More ideas for a holiday adventure

You don't always need an organised activity to enjoy a wonderful day in Notranjska Park. Sometimes all it takes is a comfortable pair of shoes, a backpack and a good idea of where to go. Here are a few suggestions for exploring at your own pace.

Autumn Walks and Hikes

Colourful forests, sweeping views and fascinating karst formations make the perfect setting for a family day out.

Follow the Trail of Springs to discover where the water flowing into Lake Cerknica comes from, while enjoying a peaceful walk through nature. If you're looking for panoramic views, hike up Špičasto Stražišče, where you'll be rewarded with views of the lake, the Javorniki Hills and the surrounding countryside.

Another wonderful place to explore is Rakov Škocjan, where you can walk beneath towering rock walls and admire the Small and Great Natural Bridges. With its colourful woodland and remarkable karst features, the valley offers plenty of interesting stops along the way.

Discover hiking trails.

A hiker descends from Slivnica on a sunny autumn day. She walks along a narrow path across a meadow covered in brown autumn colors. In the background, a beautiful view of the surrounding valleys and a blue sky, partly covered with clouds.

Explore the Park by Bike

Why not discover the park and its surrounding villages on two wheels? The Žaba (Frog), Kačji pastir (Dragonfly), Ščuka (Pike) and Jezerko cycling routes take you through villages, past meadows and forests, and along Lake Cerknica, where the landscape changes with the water level.

Choose a route that suits your preferred distance and level of difficulty, and check the weather and trail conditions before setting off. If you'd like to combine cycling with discovering local highlights, take a look at our cycling experiences too.

Explore cycling routes.

Križna Cave

What lies beneath the surface of Notranjska Park? Step into Križna Cave and discover an underground world of lakes, crystal-clear water and spectacular formations shaped over thousands of years.

A visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the karst underground and reveals how water has shaped this remarkable cave system. Tours run at scheduled times, so be sure to check availability and booking options before your visit.

Explore Križna Cave tours.

A Rainy-Day Idea

If the weather puts a stop to your outdoor plans, head to the Visitor Centre Lake Cerknica. Through interactive displays, sounds and stories, you'll discover the disappearing lake, its wildlife and the fascinating features of the karst landscape.

The exhibition is ideal for families and offers plenty to explore, even when the weather isn't suitable for outdoor activities.

Discover the Visitor Centre Lake Cerknica.

A Holiday Full of Discoveries

Whether you're drawn to Halloween adventures, exploring Lake Cerknica with your family or walking through colourful forests, Notranjska Park offers plenty of opportunities to make memories together.

Choose your next holiday adventure and discover our very special piece of the world!

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