Discover the magic of nature – the winter fairy tale of Lake Cerknica
Begin your exploration at the Visitor Center Lake Cerknica, where you will discover through interactive content and multimedia presentations how the largest intermittent lake in Europe changes with the seasons. If you enjoy field exploration, take along the Lakeside Adventure, which will lead you along the awarded Drvošec Trail. Interesting tasks, challenges and puzzles await you, and the Jezerko - the will reveal a few more secrets of Lake Cerknica.
Discover Lake Cerknica at the Visitor Center Lake Cerknica, then set off on an unforgettable exploration of nature and see it live in the company of Lakeside Adventure.
Hiking trails for all tastes – views that take your breath away
The silence of vast forests and views that enchant – winter is an ideal time to explore Notranjska Park.
- The Drvošec Trail: Explore a path of exceptional views of Lake Cerknica.
- Rakov Škocjan: Take a walk through a karst valley and admire the stunning Great and Small natural Bridges and the remnants of the church of St. Kancijan.
- Trail of springs: Discover 14 springs that feed Lake Cerknica and create a unique karst landscape.
- Slivnica: Climb the Witch's mountain, where you will surely encounter a witch who is preparing for the grand carnival.
- Mount Špička: Take in the views of the expansive, forested Menišija plateau, where in the distance you will already hear carnival icons of this area: Sevski potecini, which drive away winter.
Walk through our very special piece of the world. (Photo: NRP archive)
The mysterious world of the underground – the magical Križna jama
Beneath the surface of Notranjska lies a world that takes your breath away – Križna jama is one of the most beautiful underground caves in Europe. In winter it will enchant you with its serenity and the play of light on emerald-green waters. With flashlights in hand you will discover stalactites, halls, and the stories that nature has been crafting for millennia. During the winter holidays, tours are possible every weekend and on holidays at 3:00 PM.
Križna jama - the beauty among caves. (photo: Peter Gedei and Gašper Modic)
Carnival celebrations in Cerknica – experience the true capital of carnival revelry
Have you heard of the Butale? If you haven't yet, then it's high time you visit Cerknica – or Butale, as they're called during carnival. The town is overtaken by mischief and masks flood the streets.
The carnival week begins with a carnival podcast and carnival exhibition, where carnival revelers reveal anecdotes and secrets of more than 50-year tradition of Cerknica's carnival.
Next comes the sawing of the old woman - Žaganje babe, which symbolically marks the takeover of power in Butale – the Butalci solemnly proclaim their mayor, the witches from Slivnica light the carnival fire.
On Friday it's time for Polslavnica – half funny sketches, half entertaining speakers and half in-tune musicians. We guarantee you'll be bursting with carnival atmosphere.
Saturday is reserved for the youngest. In the morning, children will enjoy the carnival show Medved Bu in Butalah, in the afternoon they can look forward to a children's masquerade, where they will appear in their favorite costumes.
Sunday brings the climax of the event – the grand carnival Pustoletje. A colorful procession of masks and figures winds through the town, bringing to life the rich stories, fairy tales and legends of our very special piece of the world. This is a spectacle you simply must not miss.
The Great Carnival - where fairy tales and legends come to life. (photo: Zoran Vidrih)
You can secure your tickets at this link.
Stay longer and experience the mystical land of Lake Cerknica
Let your winter break be truly relaxing. Spend holidays in pleasant apartments or comfortable rooms, where after a day full of adventures and carnival mischief, you will enjoy the peace of nature. The hosts will pamper you with the warmth of a home environment and local delicacies.
Get to know the remarkable beauties of the mystical land of Lake Cerknica well, and spend a whole week on our very special piece of the world.
You can view the list of accommodations here.
Don't stop your exploration in Notranjski Park
Notranjska Park is part of the beautiful destination Green karst, which is an excellent choice for lovers of active outdoor experiences.
Visit:
- Visitor Center Lake Cerknica
- Ecomuseum - The seasonal lakes of Pivka
- Dina Pivka Center for Large Carnivores exhibition
- Park of Military History in Pivka
Experience unforgettable family adventures in the Green karst. Today you are karstologists, tomorrow you are trail seekers who know the paths of the large predators. You can be cycling wanderers or heroes from fairy-tale castles. Learn to survive in nature and enjoy outdoor adventures and unusual museums. Where will your journey take you this time?
Welcome to our very special piece of the world!
