Notranjska Regional Park (Inner Carniola)

The Notranjska Regional Park (in Slovenian: Notranjski regijski park) extends around Cerknica, southwest of Ljubljana. It protects an exceptional karst landscape: Lake Cerknica — Slovénie's largest intermittent lake —, the dense forests of the Javorniki plateau and the caves of the Snežnik massif. It is a territory where geology dictates the seasons and where wildlife remains ever-present.

Practical information at a glance

• Access: Cerknica is accessible by car from Ljubljana (approximately 50 km southwest); no direct rail link, regional buses available.
• Admission: The park is freely accessible; certain specific attractions (caves, visitor centres) may be paid.
• Duration: A full day minimum; two to three days to explore the lake, forests and caves.
• Dress code: Hiking boots recommended; waterproof clothing depending on the season.
• Wildlife: Lynx, brown bear, wolf and numerous bird species present in the park.

What to see there

The heart of the park is Lake Cerknica, a unique karst phenomenon: it appears in autumn and winter when underground waters rise, then disappears in summer. During high water periods, it welcomes thousands of migratory birds. The Javorniki forests and the Snežnik massif shelter one of the last populations of large carnivores in Central Europe.

History and context

Lake Cerknica has fascinated observers since antiquity. The Slovenian naturalist Janez Vajkard Valvasor devoted a detailed description to it in the 17th century, which earned him admission to the Royal Society of London. The regional park was officially created in 2002 to protect this fragile karst ecosystem and its emblematic species.

Highlights of the visit

The intermittent lake of Cerknica

In autumn and winter, the lake extends over several square kilometres, attracting grebes, herons, ducks and waders in great numbers. In summer, the dried plain is covered with flowering meadows. The two states of the lake offer radically different landscapes.

The Javorniki forests and the Snežnik massif

These relatively undisturbed primary forests provide a refuge for the Eurasian lynx, brown bear and wolf. Marked trails cross the massif to Snežnik castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress at the gates of the park.

The Cerknica information centre

The park centre features exhibitions on karst, wildlife and the history of the lake. It is the ideal starting point for organising hikes and nature outings.

Photography tips

Autumn light on the water lake is particularly favourable at dawn, when morning mist brushes the surface. In winter, the frozen lake offers unusual reflections. For wildlife, patience and silence are essential; a telephoto lens is recommended for birds.

Location and access

The park is centred on the town of Cerknica, approximately 50 km southwest of Ljubljana. The car remains the most practical means of transport. Regional buses connect Ljubljana to Cerknica. Lake Cerknica is accessible on foot from the town centre. Snežnik castle is located in the southern part of the park.

Around the area

• Postojna Caves — the most visited cave network in Slovénie, about thirty kilometres to the west.
• Predjama Castle — medieval fortress built into the face of a cliff, near Postojna.
• Škocjan Caves — UNESCO site to the southwest, featuring a spectacular underground canyon.
• Ljubljana — Slovenian capital, natural starting point for exploring the region.