3 hour hike at Lake Cerknica

Guided by: Paul Veenvliet, Licensed Guide and Biologist

It still sounds funny to myself, when I announce that we go to the lake, and then there is no water at all! This is Lake Cerknica, with its characteristic fluctuating water levels. After heavy rain, numerous springs become active and the lake fills up in as little as 3 days. At it’s maximum expanse, the water covers over 24 square kilometres and Lake Cerknica becomes the largest lake in Slovenia. 

But when the rain stops, the lake slowly drains into underground streams. Some three of four weeks later, the water is all but gone, and we can walk over the cracked mud that covers the lake-bed. Such a dynamic environment is challenging for both animals and plants and as a result, we find ourselves in an unique nature area!

I typically start this tour by explaining about the dynamics of the lake. At the starting point, we may see the vast expanse of water, or we may see something that looks like a vast expanse of tall-grass meadows. It depends: each day is a little different here.

The hike itself goes over trails along the forest edge. I particularly love how the canopy shelters us from the otherwise hot summer sun. Our goal is not as much the lake itself, but the largest springs that are located in the forest. This is a magical place, and animal footprints tell us that deer, wolf and bear also like it.

The distance is not particularly long, but we see so much on the way that we don’t go fast. Eventually, we come back at our starting point, where we enjoy a tasty picnic lunch made with products from a local ecological farm. 

Contact me for booking biologist.paul@gmail.com                                      or tel ++386 41 902 110