Zelške jame caves

The 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!

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Joco 79

November 1, 2022

Hiking

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.

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Taste_thenature

April 27, 2023

Hiking

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.

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Best routes near Zelške Caves

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1. Zelške Caves – Wooden Bridge Over the River loop from Slivice

7.07km

01:58

110m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

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2. Zelške Caves – Wooden Bridge Over the River loop from Rakek

13.6km

03:55

240m

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

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Informations

Elevation 630 m

Weather

Monday 16 March

9°C

2°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Cerknica, Notranjsko-kraška, Slovenia

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Zelške Caves

1. Zelške Caves – Wooden Bridge Over the River loop from Slivice

2. Zelške Caves – Wooden Bridge Over the River loop from Rakek

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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