Museum of Lake Cerknica

The Jezerski hram Institute has been researching, protecting and presenting the unique natural and cultural heritage of the disappearing lake – one of the largest karst phenomena in Europe – for more than 30 years. In the heart of Notranjska, it offers visitors an in-depth experience that combines scientific explanation, folk tradition, and modern multimedia storytelling.

Living Model of Lake Cerknica

The central thematic part of the museum is the unique living model, which portrays the geographical relief of Cerknica plain and the dynamic karst groundwater system. With expert explanations you will precisely learn how the lake forms and disappears – and why this karst phenomenon has fascinated scientists and visitors for centuries. 

Multimedia Narratives

The path through the museum experience also leads you through the multimedia presentation »Jzeru je, jzera nej«, in which you follow the life of Lake Cerknica through the eyes of the Kebe family – a family that has lived with the lake for several generations. The narrative takes you through the four seasons and reveals the unpredictable, yet beautiful, nature of the disappearing lake.

Pavel Kunaver

The memorial exhibition, dedicated to Pavel Kunaver, takes you to view original drawings, sketches, watercolours and photographs that testify to his devotion to Lake Cerknica and his efforts to preserve the lake in its natural form.

Ethnographic Park of Cerknica plain

The story is enriched by the Ethnographic Park of Cerknica Plain, which showcases the area’s rich cultural heritage. More than 100 exhibited items – from equipment for traditional fishing, old skates to ice saws – bear witness to ingenuity and the connection of people with nature.

Drevak – the heart of the museum

A special place in the museum is the drevak, a distinctive boat of Lake Cerknica. In an authentic workshop, equipped with old tools, visitors can learn about the process of making a boat of this kind, which to this day is masterfully crafted by Vekoslav Kebe, one of the last guardians of this special knowledge.

Tours are conducted by prior arrangement and in the company of a guide who will lead you into the mysterious world of the lake, which disappears and reappears.

Schedule

October–April

During October and April, a prior notice of at least 3 days is required, by phone or e-mail. Reservations are for a minimum of 5 people.

May–September

Saturday: 11:00

Sunday: 11:00

Price list

Adults: 10.00 € per person
Children: 8.00 € per person
For groups of more than 30 people, a discount on the basic admission prices applies.

Duration of Guided Tour

The guided tour lasts 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Ticket payment is possible in cash.