Lake Cerknica and Mount Slivnica are located near the town of Cerknica, which is where the lake gets its name. The lake is bordered on one side by Mount Slivnica and on the other by the Javorniki hills.
Both the lake and Slivnica offer various activities for enjoying quality time in nature. It’s up to you to decide how to spend that time.
Lake Cerknica
The lake is one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe. When full, it can cover up to 26 square kilometers, but during the dry season in the summer, it practically disappears entirely, leaving only a part that is artificially dammed.
It offers various activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, and fishing, though all of these depend on the water levels in the lake. The lake is also home to a wide variety of bird species. With at least 276 different species observed, representing about half of all bird species in Europe. This makes it an excellent destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Additionally, the lake is home to 45 species of mammals, which is half of the mammal species found in Slovenia. The biodiversity is truly remarkable.
Here are some photos of Lake Cerknica from a Mount Slivnica:
Locals have been closely connected to the lake for centuries. The lake has supported life with its fish and animals for hundreds and even thousands of years before our time. The care for the fish, animals, and the lake as a whole continues today, as it provides opportunities for tourism and nature conservation.
If you want to read more about the lake, you can read here.
You can also visit the Cerknica Lake museum, with more information available here.
Mount Slivnica
Slivnica is a 1114-meter-high hill above the town of Cerknica and Cerknica Lake. You can hike up from Cerknica in about an hour, or you can drive up a gravel road to a restaurant located just below the summit. Slivnica offers excellent views of Cerknica Lake and the surrounding hills and forests of the Notranjska region. You can also see Snežnik, the highest non-Alpine peak in Slovenia, at 1796 meters.
More about Mount Slivnica on a website of natural park here or on my other blog post Top 5 easy hikes in Slovenia
The trail starts from a parking lot on Brestova Street, initially climbing steeply through the forest. After a few minutes, the path becomes more gradual and easier. The trail is well-marked throughout its length.
The second part of the trail is particularly beautiful. As it passes through meadows and pastures, with continuous views of Cerknica Lake and the surrounding hills, which are lovely in every season. Near the top, there is a restaurant in a mountain hut where you can refresh yourself, and they also offer accommodations.
You can find more information about the mountain hut here.
