Great miracle of nature
This magical karst landscape, showing a different face for each season, is a haven of biological diversity due to the cyclical disappearance and re-emergence of Lake Cerknica, the largest intermittent lake in Europe, filled up by rains in autumn and melting snow together with rain in the spring. Landscape is characterized by traditional farming: old orchards and hay racks are typical of this landscape; in the summer and late winter, when the lake is usually dry, picturesque karst features can be seen on its dry surface.
The highly preserved and exceptionally diverse natural habitats provide a paradise for various animal and bird species. So far more than 250 bird species have been observed: the wet meadows of the Cerknica polje serve as a nesting ground for the endangered corncrake, curlew, common snipe, and yellow wagtail. The extensive forests are home to rare bird species such as the Ural owl, boreal owl, white-backed woodpecker, and three-toed woodpecker.
