Rakov Škocjan Valley & Lake Cerknica (Slovenia)

Rakov Škocjan - May 2017 & March 2022

Rakov Škocjan is a picturesque valley and landscape park in SW Slovenia. During a walk of several hours, you can observe millions of years of geological processes that have formed this small karst valley, crossed by the Rak stream. In Rak Škocjan there are two natural bridges, the Small Natural Bridge and about 2.5 kilometres downstream, to the west, the Big Natural Bridge. Above the valley, near the Big Natural Bridge, stand the ruins of St. Cantian's Church, which gave the valley its name. The valley itself is surrounded on all sides by steep cliffs that can be up to 300 metres high.

I have visited Rakov Škocjan a few times in my life, but the last time (and the only time I had a camera or phone with me) was in 2017 and 2022. Looking at the photos, I noticed that some of the scenes I captured are very similar. That's why you can find examples where there are two photos of the same place, but one shows deciduous trees with no leaves and a low water level, while the other has vibrant green leaves are already developed and the water level is much higher - the Rak riverbed was completely dry in some places in March 2022. What I love most is the fact that it is a really peaceful place - I am almost alone whenever I visit this natural gem.

Map of Rakov Škocjan with all the natural and cultural attractions.

Lake CERKNICA- March 2022

Lake Cerknica is one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe, that appears every year in the karst plain near Cerknica. At its largest extent, the lake covers an area of about 26 km2 - then Lake Cerknica is the largest lake in Slovenia. The area offers unlimited opportunities for adventure, from bird watching, paddling and hiking to exploring the local caves.

Nearby is the mountain Slivnica (1114m) or "Mountain of Witches" (why this name, you will learn here), a popular destination for hikers and is visited daily by paragliders. You can see it in the background of many photos ;)