Directing the increased number of park visitors

16.03.2021

In recent weeks, on weekends in particular, visits to Notranjska Regional Park have increased significantly. Most visitors come to Lake Cerknica, but many of them go to Rakov Škocjan or hike to Mount Slivnica.

Park visitors must be aware they are entering a protected area of nature, one of the precious natural pearls, the land of the locals, which has been preserved for centuries through careful maintenance, living in close connection with it. Therefore, it is extremely important to systematically direct the flow of visitors, both in terms of parking and to ensure that pedestrians and cyclists do not use ecologically sensitive parts of the park where animals could be disturbed or protected plant species harmed. Reducing visitor pressure on most sensitive lake areas and on private land is one of the key objectives of the LIFE Stržen project.

Every weekend Notranjski park works hand in hand with the Municipality of Cerknica and the Intermunicipal Inspectorate of Postojna, Cerknica, Pivka, Loška Dolina and Bloke Municipalities to control and regulate the visitors flow:

– a traffic warden is present on the entrance to the lake and takes care of directing motor vehicles to parking spaces

– at the entry point to the lake at the end of the village Dolenje Jezero there is an information guide which helps and informs tourists to park`s walking and cycling paths

– in case the number of visitors exceeds the fixed limit, the information guide redirects the visitors to other locations where they can also enjoy the unspoiled nature (Slivnica, Rakov Škocjan, Gorenje Jezero, Snežnik Castle)

– through social networks, local media and on Notranjska Parks`s and LIFE websites, we regulary inform visitors about the rules of conduct and the behavior in the park

Also:

– both during the week and on weekends in the area of Lake Cerknica local police patrol control is performed every few hours

– during the high season, between April and October, Park organizes themed weekends – guided activities in the area of newly built infrastructure, for a limited number of participants who must pre-register.

Visitors are advised to only park on designated parking spaces. Do not leave vehicles in fields, nearby meadows or home driveways and follow the instructions of police, traffic wardens or tourist informer. A larger (for now) free parking space is at the end of the village Dolenje Jezero, where the asphalt road ends. If parking spaces are filled there, a visitor can park at other locations in Cerknica and the surrounding area, which are marked on the map below.

For visitors with RVs: there are currently 25 RV parking spaces by three providers, a list can be obtained from the tourist informer.

It is prohibited to drive between Dolenje Jezero and Otok village, every Sunday, between 8:00 – 21:00, except for local residents of village Otok and private land owners around Cerknica Lake. This rule applies from March 15th to November 15th.

Hikers and cyclists: road next to Lake Cerknica, between villages Dolenje Jezero and Otok, is also intended for motor vehicles. Stick to the right side of the road.

Notranjska Regional Park is an area of protected nature and one of the hotspots of Slovenian and European biodiversity, so we treat living beings and inanimate nature with respect. Park is home to an extraordinary number of species of organisms, many of them endangered or protected.

We do not disturb or frighten animals by screaming or hunting. Observe them with eyes not with the hands, as we can seriously injure them with clumsy handling.

In Notranjska Regional Park we are guests of nature and, as in other protected areas, we do not leave garbage behind. There are no waste bins in the area of Lake Cerknica and along footpaths and cycle paths. We are in the wildlife zone, and some animals might confuse some types of waste for their food.

Waste bins are at the entry point (parking lot at the end of the village Dolenje Jezero) and next to the parking lot at the cemetery, so visitors are asked to take garbage from the natural environment and throw it there.

In case you should find too big of a crowd at the lake, turn to the tourist informer who will redirect you to other sights of beautiful unspoiled nature. Plan your visit in advance, come early in the morning and check the freshest pieces of information on our wibe sites and social media.

By following these guidelines, visitors help maintain the beauty you have come to enjoy, show respect to the locals, and also have the best possible experience.

Novice in dogodki

Directing the increased number of park visitors