Rugged geological features of the Notranjska Regional Park offer a diverse selection of cycling trails in an idyllic natural environment. Here, climbing-and-descending enthusiasts and also those who prefer gentle trails will find what they please.
The best trails for recreational cyclists of all ages can be found at Lake Cerknica. The circular routes around it may be too long to stroll, but are ideal for short and easy cycling trips. They run entirely on macadam.
Better-prepared cyclists can set off to the Rakov Škocjan valley or to the forests of the Menišija plateau. These trails are especially pleasant in summer, as the trees provide shelter from the burning sun.
Avid cycling enthusiasts can find their thrill in climbing Mount Slivnica or on longer trails where they can observe numerous sights of the Notranjska Regional Park. Along the way, there are enough opportunities to stop and have lunch or a drink, or just to rest for a while.
Bike rental:
| BIKE CENTER CERKNICA | Cesta 4. maja 45, 1380 Cerknica; +386 70 526 072 |
| RENTTHEGREEN, AVTOSTIL D.O.O. | Partizanska cesta 27, 1381 Rakek; +386 51 416 616 |
Bike paths
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Frog (12 km)
Shortest and easiest circular trail along Lake Cerknica, suitable for anyone. It leads from the village of Dolenje Jezero through the village of Otok and along the Javorniki foothills back to the starting point.
Starting point: Dolenje Jezero Length: 12 km Surface: macadam Gentle route Duration: 1 h
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Dragonfly (11 km)
Short circular trail, running along the Javorniki foothills above Lake Cerknica and offering fantastic views of the lake and Mount Slivnica.
Starting point: Dolenje Jezero Length: 11 km Surface: macadam Mostly gentle trail with one short climb and descent Duration: 1 h
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Pike (19 km)
Circular trail starting in the village of Dolenje Jezero, leading through the village of Dolenja vas and along the Javorniki foothills to the village of Otok, and back to the starting point. There are plenty of views of Mount Slivnica and the lake, and cycling in the fresh Javorniki forests is also pleasant in summer.
Starting point: Dolenje Jezero Length: 19 km Surface: macadam Difficulty: Mostly gentle trail with one short climb Duration: 2 h
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Jezerko (29 km)
Two impressive natural wonders only a couple of kilometres apart. The trail takes you from the village of Dolenje Jezero right along Lake Cerknica through the village of Otok, and then back north-east along the Javorniki hills to the Rakov Škocjan valley, along the circular trail over the Big Natural Bridge (Veliki naravni most), and then back to the starting point.
Starting point: Dolenje Jezero Length: 29 km Surface: Mostly macadam Rugged in Rakov Škocjan, otherwise gentle Duration: 3 h
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Corncrake (32 km)
Trail along extreme borders of Lake Cerknica – when at its fullest, of course. It runs from the village of Dolenje Jezero to Dolenja vas, proceeds along the Javorniki foothills to the village of Gorenje Jezero, through Grahovo along the foothills of Mt Slivnica to Cerknica and, from there, back to the starting point.
Starting point: Dolenje Jezero Length: 32 km Surface: ⅔ macadam, ⅓ asphalt Moderately gentle route Duration: 3 h
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The Rakov Škocjan valley (5 km)
Rugged route through the picturesque sunken valley with the Big and Small Natural Bridges (Veliki and Mali naravni most). It runs from the village of Dolenje Jezero to the Rakov Škocjan valley, along the circular route over the Big Natural Bridge, and back to the starting point.
Starting point: Dolenje Jezero (19 km) or Rakov Škocjan (5 km) Length: 19 km or 5 km Surface: mostly macadam Rugged through the Rakov Škocjan, otherwise gentle Duration: 2,5 h
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Along the Menišija plateau (22 km)
The Menišija Cycling Trail leads from the village of Begunje, past the spring of the Brejnice stream, through the Koželjski graben valley to the village of Dobec, and then through the village of Bezuljak back to Begunje. On your way, you will see numerous karst phenomena.
Starting point: Dolenje Jezero/Begunje pri Cerknici Length: 35 km altogether if starting in Dolenje jezero; the Menišija Education Trail itself is 22 km long Surface: Asphalt between Dolenje Jezero and Begunje, otherwise ⅔ macadam and ⅓ asphalt Gentle terrain between Dolenje Jezero and Begunje, otherwise rugged Duration: 3 h
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Witch (37 km)
For avid climbers, the ideal trail is from Lake Cerknica to the 1114-metre-high lookout on Mt Slivnica. On your way, you will be able to see the lake from near and far. It starts in the village of Dolenje Jezero, leads through the villages of Otok, Gorenje Jezero and Grahovo. From there, you ascend Mt Slivnica, continue towards Cerknica and then return to your starting point.
Starting point: Dolenje Jezero Length: 37 km Surface: ¼ asphalt, ¾ macadam 10-km-ascent makes about 500 m of altitude, otherwise the route is gentle Duration: 4 h
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Deer (53 km)
A 55-km route for avid cycling enthusiasts whom also ascend to Mt Slivnica doesn't pose any problems. Apart from the stunning view from the witch mountain, you will also experience cycling along the beautiful Lake Cerknica and the picturesque Rakov Škocjan valley.
Starting point: Dolenje Jezero Length: 53 km Surface: 10 km asphalt, the rest macadam Challenging route which includes an ascend to the 1114-metre-high Mt Slivnica and the rugged terrain of the Rakov Škocjan valley Duration: 6 h
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Bear (78 km)
A day-trip for avid cycling enthusiasts. It includes: plain at Lake Cerknica, Mt Slivnica, forests of the Menišija and the Javorniki hills, and the natural sculptures in the Rakov Škocjan valley.
Starting point: Dolenje Jezero Length: 78 km Surface: ¼ asphalt, ¾ macadam Very challenging route Duration: one day
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