Zelške Caves

Zelške jame cavesThe entrance to the water caves from which the Rak River springs is under the small natural bridge in the Rakov Škocjan Karst Reserve. The water that seeps into the western part of Lake Cerkniško jezero continues its path right through this 3 km long cave system. The cave used to be even longer, but after the cave ceiling collapsed, the Rakov Škocjan gorge was formed and only the small and large natural bridges remain from the former ceiling.Definitely worth seeing!

The Zelška caves system is 7338m long. The river Rak flows through it, which is mainly fed from the Cerkniška lake, via the Karlovice cave system. We can freely visit the Little Natural Bridge, where we can see the river Rak flowing out of the cave. Guided groups can visit the cave between Osja jama and Brlog. Due to the sensitivity of the cave, the annual number of visitors is limited. The other parts of the cave are accessible only to cavers due to cave and water barriers.

The valley is so impressive and unique. The descent can be quite slippery when wet. However, once you have made it, many small caves and the origin of the river Rak await you.