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Rakov Škocjan - Lake Cerknica
Cycling route · Notranjska (Inner Carniola) · Gravel, Trekking
- Length
- 28.5 km
- Elevation gain
- 300 m
- Duration
- ~2 h
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Region
- Notranjska (Inner Carniola)
- Route type
- Gravel, Trekking
- Surface
- asphalt 2 km · gravel 26.5 km
- Suitable for
- E-bike, MTB, Gravel, Trekking
This circular gravel route connects two of the most distinctive karst areas of the Notranjska region. In Rakov Škocjan, it passes natural bridges, caves and the Rak River before continuing along the edge of Lake Cerknica, an intermittent lake and habitat for numerous animal species. Most of the route follows wide forest gravel roads with little traffic and gentle climbs, making it ideal for a relaxed exploration of the area’s natural surroundings.
Points along the route
Rakov Škocjan
0 km
Starting Point
The tour starts at a gravel parking area next to the motorway. After a short descent, the asphalt soon gives way to a wide gravel road known as Medvedova dežela (“Bear Country”), which leads through the central part of the landscape park. Forests, karst terrain and very little traffic accompany us for most of the route.
Rakov Škocjan
Rakov Škocjan is protected as a landscape park and is considered one of Slovenia’s most important karst valleys. The route follows the valley floor, passing caves, sinkholes and the Small Natural Bridge.
Great Natural Bridge
The Great Natural Bridge is about a three-minute walk from the route. The stone arch is a remnant of the ceiling of a former karst cave. Beneath it flows the Rak River, which rises in the Zelške jame caves and disappears underground in Tkalca Cave at the eastern end of the valley. We continue along the forest gravel road.
Lake Cerknica
10 km
Lake Cerknica
Beyond Rakov Škocjan, the route opens out towards Lake Cerknica. It is the largest intermittent lake in Slovenia, and its appearance constantly changes throughout the year between open water, meadows and pastures. When we visited for photography, the area was covered by pastures.
Otok Village
The route passes through the village of Otok, which stands on a slight rise at the edge of the lake basin. When the water level is high, the village is surrounded by water, which is also the origin of its name, meaning “island”.
View of the Lake Basin
Otočec Observation Tower stands on the edge of Lake Cerknica and offers views over the lake basin and surrounding karst landscape. The area is an important wetland where the combination of water and meadows provides a habitat for numerous bird species.
Return Through the Forests
The final section of the route follows forest gravel roads back towards the starting point. The surrounding forests are home to brown bears, so while cycling it is advisable to make our presence known by talking or using a bicycle bell.
Rakov Škocjan and Lake Cerknica are part of a karst system that continues to be shaped by water. This circular route connects natural bridges, sinkholes, forests and an intermittent lake, bringing together some of the most characteristic features of Slovenia’s karst landscape.
Along the way
Towns and villages
Otok (15 km), Dolenje Jezero (21 km), Dolenja vas (22 km)
Food and drink
- Gostilna & Pizzeria Pri Stani (16 km from the start): A traditional local restaurant in Žerovnica offering daily lunch specials and classic Slovenian dishes. A great choice for a meal after completing the route.
- Gostilna & Pizzeria En Krajcar (23 km from the start): Located about a 10-minute drive from Rakov Škocjan and just 5 minutes from Cerknica, Gostilna En Krajcar is known for traditional dishes from the Notranjska region and authentic homemade cuisine.
Sights
- Ruins of the Church of St. Cantianus (0 km from the start): On a hill above the Great Natural Bridge stand the remains of the Church of St. Cantianus and a former village. Archaeological finds indicate that the site was inhabited as early as the Iron Age.
- Great Natural Bridge (0 km from the start): The Great Natural Bridge is the largest natural rock bridge in Rakov Škocjan and one of Slovenia’s most distinctive karst features. It was formed when the roof of a former cave collapsed.
- Tkalca Cave (1 km from the start): At the western end of Rakov Škocjan, the Rak River disappears underground into Tkalca Cave and continues its journey through the karst underworld towards Planina Cave. When water levels are low, the entrance to the cave is particularly easy to see.
- The Sinking River Rak (1 km from the start): The Rak River emerges from the Zelške Caves and begins its short journey across the surface through Rakov Škocjan. Near its spring, the remains of former water-powered sawmills can still be seen.
- Hotel Rakov Škocjan (2 km from the start): The only hospitality venue located directly in Rakov Škocjan is Hotel Rakov Škocjan, which features a restaurant and terrace. It is a convenient place to stop for lunch or a drink while exploring the valley.
- Small Natural Bridge (3 km from the start): The Small Natural Bridge is a remnant of the former cave roof and stands in the eastern part of the valley. Just beside it, the Rak River emerges from the Zelške Caves and continues its course above ground.
- Zelške Caves (3 km from the start): The Zelške Caves are the source of the Rak River and an important part of the karst underground system of the Cerknica polje. The water reaches the caves through sinkholes along the edge of Lake Cerknica.
- Lake Cerknica (18 km from the start): Lake Cerknica is the largest intermittent lake in Slovenia. Its landscape changes throughout the year, shifting between a vast expanse of water, meadows and wetlands that provide an important habitat for numerous bird species.
- Rakov Škocjan Landscape Park (27 km from the start): Rakov Škocjan is the oldest landscape park in Slovenia, protected since 1949. This relatively small area brings together natural bridges, caves, sinkholes, the source of the Rak River and extensive forests.