Kočevje Lake
| Region | Southeast Slovenia Statistical Region |
| Starting point | Tourist information center Kočevje parking lot (by the lake) |
| Route length | 3,74 km (2.57 miles) |
| route duration | 1-2 h |
| Best time to visit | All year |
| Appropriate for | Baby Strollers , Baby Carriers , 1-3 years of age , 3-6 years of age , 6+ years of age , Bikes |
| Level of difficulty | Moderately demanding route |
Route Description
The Kočevje Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in Slovenia and offers many options to relax your body and soul.
The artificial lake was formed between 1973 and 1978. Initially there were two large ponds at the bottom of the opencast mining pit of the Kočevje Brown Coal Mine. The Rudniški potok Stream that originated from the mine filled the ponds with water before it disappeared underground and came out in the other mine stream. Water was pumped out of the ponds during the coal excavations and used in the screening facility for coal washing.
Together with the cessation of coal excavations, the re-pumping of water stopped the waterflow into the pit.
Interesting Facts
The lake is 40 m (131 feet) deep, its surface measures 1.5 km2 with the coast line about 3 km (1.15 miles).
Today, different animal and plant species live in its surroundings. The Lake Kočevje area is a nesting place for numerous bird species, many of which are also included on Slovenia's Red list of endangered nesting birds. At the far northern side of the lake, there is a pine forest, which represents a unique habitat in the Kočevska region. The vegetation is very lush and can be easily admired by taking a walk on a three-kilometre (1.15-mile) long nature trail winding past all major features of the lake and giving a truly remarkable view of the landscape.
Map
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Nearby Restaurants
Ribič bar
The Ribič bar is located in a quiet and pleasant environment. It is built in a wooden rustic style, where you can comfortably sit on a large terrace overlooking the lake. In summer, they serve delicious ice cream and cold drinks, and in winter hot drinks.
You can rent a boat here and with a little luck see freshwater crayfish. They also take care of sport fishing permits.
Trdnjava 8
1330 Kočevje
Vita, Olja and Juna Recommend
In summer, the lake is also an attractive destination for everyone who enjoys swimming, surfing, boating, diving, and fishing, while in the wintertime it is perfect for ice-skating.
