Petelinje Lake-Pivka
Region | Littoral–Inner Carniola Statistical Region |
Starting point | Ecomuseum of the Seasonal Lakes of Pivka parking lot |
Route length | 2 km (1.42 miles) |
route duration | 1 h |
Appropriate for | Baby Strollers , Baby Carriers , 1-3 years of age , 3-6 years of age , 6+ years of age , Dandy Horses, Bikes |
Level of difficulty | Moderately demanding route |
Route Description
Petelinje Lake is an intermittent lake in the Pivka Basin, located northeast of Slovenska vas Village in the direction of the village of Trnje or the Holy Trinity Church. This body of water is situated on a large karst field (the area of the Pivka River watercourse) and it fills or empties depending on the amount of water that flows from the surrounding hills.
We asked a local man whether the lake was there at the time of our visit and he happily confirmed its presence. With this information we were able to embark on our trip to this beautiful Slovenian pearl.
The lake is approximately 12 m (39 feet) deep and has a surface area of 0.74 km2 (0.8 mi2), which makes it the second largest lake in the group (the largest one is the Palško jezero Lake). This body of water is the longest lasting of all lakes in the region and remains for up to six months.
With heavy rain, the lake can be filled in a week. It is oval, about a kilometre (0.6 mile) long and about half a kilometre (0.3 mile) wide. Its bottom is located at about 530 meters (1,738 feet) above sea level. The water bursts to the surface from springs located at the bottom of the southern part of the depression, and drains mainly through sinkholes in the northern part. Most of the terrain around the lake is suitable for a baby stroller, except the last 200 metres (218 yards) of the trail. We just left the pram right next to the path and carried our toddler for the remainder of the stroll.
Interesting Facts
The Seasonal Lakes of Pivka Ecomuseum presents the story about the water in the karst world of Upper Pivka River. The special geological structure of the area together with irregular precipitation causes great oscillation in karst underwater surface. After heavy rains, the water rises and 17 intermittent lakes emerge in the basin. In order to learn how the lakes are formed, one must spin a special mill wheel. Presentations of individual lakes also include the presentation of the people who live in the region where water runs in abundance or not at all. Models of the most important habitats – humid and dry grasslands, scrubs, forests and caves – complement the presentations of the exceptionally diverse plant and animal world in the Pivka Valley.
Map
Take me to the starting point
Show route in Google mapsRent a car
Nearby Restaurants
Avio Pub
Let us mention that the food here is downright superb, as evidenced by the busyness at lunchtime! However, it paid off to wait a bit for a free table, as we loved their black-olive pizza with bacon and the delicious Karst pasta. It is finger-licking good!
The guesthouse is a proper museum! The walls are adorned with antique aircraft items and sports equipment, which make the bar unique.
There is actually a children’s plane at the front and our kids were hooked! They refused to go home and wanted to play for 10 minutes more, then it was another 10 minutes more and another and another…. :).
Looking at Postojna Airport and the planes taking off while sipping on some coffee at the Avio Pub patio has a special charm! I am sure all the parents agree with me.
We highly recommend you stop by for lunch here!
Rakitnik 1a,
6258 Prestranek
(05) 720 13 10


Vita, Olja and Juna Recommend
Visit the cold underground of the Trnska jama Cave in the company of the Ecomuseum of the Seasonal Lakes of Pivka.
Finally, summer is here! Warm temperatures, seaside, hills,…
All of you who like to hide from the hot summer sun, the Ecomuseum is a perfect location for a bit of refreshment.
Venture into the secret karst underground. Take a walk and find out how slowly time flows in caves, and how people too often live too fast, instead of breathing in life and nature, which is offered to us in such beautiful shades, especially here in the Pivka region.
For those who have never visited the cave with a flashlight and a helmet on their head, this will be a very special experience.
The museum’s mascot, the woodman's follower butterfly (“radovedni pisanček” in Slovene) accompanies you on an August trip to the mysterious underground of the Trnska jama Cave. For more information, contact the museum staff.
Address: Slovenska vas 10, 6257 Pivka
Phone number: +386 (0) 31 775 002
Email: pivskajezera@pivka.si