# Lake Cerknica

> Lake Cerknica (Cerkniško jezero) is an intermittent karst lake. At full level it covers about 26 square kilometres and is then Slovenia's largest lake; for…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/cerknica-lake/

A seasonal karst lake that fills and drains through underground channels, so its size changes with the weather and the time of year. Check the water level before you go and bring binoculars for the birds.

Lake Cerknica (Cerkniško jezero) is an intermittent karst lake. At full level it covers about 26 square kilometres and is then Slovenia's largest lake; for roughly eight months a year it covers about 20 square kilometres. The water drains away through swallow holes (ponors), so the same area serves for paddling, fishing, walking or mowing depending on the season. The lake lies on a karst polje between the Javorniki hills, the Bloke plateau and Mount Slivnica. It is a Ramsar wetland and a Natura 2000 site, chiefly because of its endangered bird species.

More than 300 bird species, 45 mammal species and 125 butterfly species have been recorded in the area. The naturalist Johann Weikhard von Valvasor studied the lake, and his work is regarded as a forerunner of karstology. Check the current water level before you travel, as it decides whether you find a lake or a meadow. Binoculars are worth bringing for birdwatching.

- **Nearest town:** Cerknica, Slovenia
- **Category:** Nature & parks
- **GPS:** 45.7500, 14.4000

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

**Getting there:**

- **Slovenia: Vignette needed for motorways.** Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

## Sources

- [Notranjska Regional Park: Lake Cerknica](https://notranjski-park.si/en/discover/natural-landmarks/lake-cerknica)

## Nearby

- [Postojna Cave](https://camping-spirit.com/places/postojna-cave/) – 16 km
- [Predjama Castle](https://camping-spirit.com/places/predjama/) – 22 km
- [Škocjan Caves](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b16-skocjan-caves/) – 33 km
- [Ljubljana Castle](https://camping-spirit.com/places/ljubljana-castle/) – 34 km

## FAQs

### Where is Lake Cerknica?

Lake Cerknica is in Cerknica, Slovenia, at GPS 45.7500, 14.4000. It is about 15 km from Postojna.

### Can you camp near Lake Cerknica?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Turistična Kmetija Logar, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 23 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Lake Cerknica?

Places worth a stop nearby: Postojna Cave (16 km), Predjama Castle (22 km), Škocjan Caves (33 km) and Ljubljana Castle (34 km).

### When is the best time to visit Lake Cerknica?

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)