Lake Petelinje
Guided by: Paul Veenvliet, Licensed Guide and Biologist
Lake Petelinje is a magical destination for families who love nature and adventure. As the second largest of the 17 “disappearing” lakes in the Pivka Valley of Southern Slovenia, this unique spot offers a magical landscape that changes with the seasons. The water level rises and falls according to the underground karstic water system, creating an ever-shifting environment.
In the summer, when the lake bed often dries up, it transforms into a vibrant meadow, bursting with wildflowers and buzzing with bees and butterflies. But come autumn, the rain brings the water back, and the lake reawakens—sometimes overnight—offering a whole new world to explore.
One of the most fascinating sights at Lake Petelinje is the appearance of the karst fairy shrimp. These tiny crustaceans are found only in the Pivka Valley and nowhere else in the world! Spotting them requires a bit of luck, as the water level has to be just right, but for nature lovers, the search is half the fun.
The lake is also home to a variety of other animals and plants that appear depending on the presence or absence of water. Even for me, as a local guide, every visit is a new discovery, making it an exciting and unpredictable experience for families eager to connect with nature.
Come join me for a guided hike to Lake Petelinje and witness the beauty of this ever-changing landscape—it’s an adventure the whole family will treasure!
Ekomuzej Pivka &
DINA large carnivore center
Besides my outdoor guiding, I am also a guide for two nature exhibitions. Either of these exhibitions is an ideal addition to a day outdoors. The Ekomuzej is a hidden gem in Slovenska vas, just a short drive from the town of Pivka in Southern Slovenia. Perfect for families who love the outdoors, this unique nature exhibition offers an exciting blend of hands-on learning and natural beauty.
The Ekomuzej is more than just a museum—it’s a gateway to the fascinating Pivka Valley, home to 17 mysterious disappearing lakes. Through interactive displays, visitors of all ages can explore the region’s geology, history, and rich biodiversity. In 2024, the museum reopened after a full renovation, making it an even more engaging destination for curious minds.
For families who want to continue their adventure in nature, there’s another fantastic stop just around the corner in Pivka—the DINA Large Carnivore Center! This information center is a must-visit for anyone curious about the wild carnivores that roam Slovenia’s vast forests: bears, wolves, and lynx.
With interactive exhibits that bring these incredible creatures to life, the DINA Center offers an engaging experience for both kids and adults. You’ll learn about the behaviour and habitats of these large carnivores and gain a deeper understanding of the important role they play in the ecosystem. The center doesn’t shy away from the challenges of human-animal coexistence, but it also provides real solutions to help reduce conflicts and promote harmony between people and large carnivores.
Hike information:
Booking
directly with me: biologist.paul@gmail.com or tel ++386 41 902 110
Duration
about two hours
Meeting point
at the Ekomuzej in Slovenska vas near Pivka
Difficulty
easy, hardly any altitude differences
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water bottle
- Camera for beautiful scenery
Price per person
1 person: 40 €
2-6 persons: 25 €
Larger groups: please contact me for an offer
Children under 12 years of age are free of charge.
Picnic price per person (optional)
Adults: 15 €
Children under 12: 10 €
COMBINATIONS:
If you like a combination of a guided tour at either center (or both) with a guided hike, which I highly recommend, just contact me at biologist.paul@gmail.com or tel ++386 41 902 110
Of course, you can also independently visit either information center. You find all information on their respective websites here:
Sharing Nature with Bears
Brown bears are making a comeback in Slovenia: from a low of about 600 in the last years of the previous century to well over 1000 at the moment of writing. In response to the population growth, bears also disperse into areas where they were not seen for decades and even centuries. For many nature-loving tourists, the prospect to share the area with bears is an exciting and positive one; some of my guests specially choose to come to Slovenia because of the bears. At the same time, brown bears are large and strong animals and confrontations are not without risks. During this hike, I will tell (and show) how to recognise the tracks and traces that bears leave in the landscape, as well as what to do, and what not to do, when you see a bear.
Ekomuzej pictures:
