RAKOV ŠKOCJAN
KARST VALLEY
TOUR DESCRIPTION
RAKOV ŠKOCJAN:
A CIRCULAR ROUTE THROUGH A SHADED KARST VALLEY
A circular gravel road is running through the Rakov Škocjan Valley, suitable for cyclists, hikers, and also cars.
The route itself is partially marked, leading you from one natural or cultural attraction to the next.
There are plenty of information boards along the way (in Sloveniand and English), teaching you about the formation of the karst features you see in front of you.
Signs directing you from one attraction to the next
PLANNING YOUR TOUR
Although the route is only 5 km long (3 miles), you still need around 3-4 hours to cycle it.
This is beacuse there are plenty of natural attractions waiting to be explored on foot, as well as a lot of information provided for you to read from the information boards.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
START THE TOUR AT THE SMALL NATURAL BRIDGE
Coming from the direction of the Cerknica Lake, it is best to start the tour on the east side of Rakov Škocjan, by the Small Natural Bridge.
This is where the River Rak first appears from the Zelše Caves.
CYCLE IN THE CLOCKWISE DIRECTION
After first visiting the Small Natural Bridge and the Zelše Caves, head towards the southern part of the route next (in the direction of Tkalca Cave and the Great Natural Bridge), since this is the more scenic part of the tour.
WHAT YOU WILL FIND ALONG THE ROUTE
The route runs through a forested and therefore well-shaded valley.
It leads past various karst features, such as natural bridges, caves, springs, and sinkholes.
There is a picnic spot near the Small Natural Bridge.
The signposts and the information boards are written in Slovenian and English.
THE END OF THE ROUTE
The route circles back to the Small Natural Bridge after 5 km (3 miles) and 80 m of elevation gain (263 ft).
Zelše Caves
Kotliči Spring