Lake Cerknica is an intermittent lake near the city of Cerknica in the European country of Slovenia. This lake is a bit different from most; it is filled mainly by autumn rains and the early spring thaw which ends in May or June, sometimes even later. The water comes from the local Karst hot springs which bubble up at the lake’s edge. The water flows out through sinkholes in the ground.
The most interesting phase in the Lake’s annual cycle is when it fills up. Water starts bursting from vent holes and the streams rise immediately, flooding the field at the bottom of the valley. When it starts receding, the water disappears into picturesque sinkholes and into swallow-holes, entrances to the hollow Karst underground which is embellished with stalagmites and stalactites.
Source: http://www.slovenia.si/did_you_know/
When the lake is full it is the largest lake in Slovenia, at its largest the lake is 16 miles long and 8 miles in width. It is also an important part of the local ecosystem, especially for the local wildlife.
Now that you know all this you have to see the beautiful photos of this remarkable natural phenomenon.
Lake Cerknica from the air, part 1.
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Lake Cerknica from the air, part 2.
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Lake Cerknica from the air, part 3.
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A rainbow over the lake.
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Fog at the lake- a common occurrence in Slovenia.
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An island created by the water.
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Landscape in the area when the water has recessed.
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Another photo of the landscape in the area when the water has recessed.
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Lake Cerknica in the winter without water.
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I hope you enjoyed the natural beauty of these photos. Unfortunately, the photographer is unknown.
Radensko polje – Natural Attractions – Slovenia – Official Travel …Because of its typical Karst features (underground streams, sink holes and gorges) it reminds one strongly of the famous intermittent Cerknica Lake. In the middle of the Radensko field is a 68 metres tall hummock Kopanj, …
Cerknica LakeCerknica Lake – a Karst disappearing lake is also famous. It is a lake for half the year in which one can fish and in winter,skate on the frozen surface. It starts to disappear in spring and leaves behind a field where farmers cut hay …
Adriatic to Alps Photo Tours » Day TripsRakov Skocjan in Winter (Luka Esenko) RAKOV SKOCJAN AND CERKNICA LAKE Best time to go: All year round. Duration: Full day. Notes: The water levels at Cerknica and Rakov Skocjan are very unpredictable. Ask for the recent situation. …
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
That is the most amazing thing I have ever read! A lake that disappears! This lake is just gorgeous. I would love to see it in person, in every one of the seasons, to experience it. That would take a year. Hummmmmmmmmm.
This is amazing! I especially love the aerial view where you can actually see roads disappearing beneath the water. I wonder if there are aerial views of this space when the water is completely gone. And I wonder how many kids have walked out on that space as the water was coming in, testing their courage…
Wonderful photos…fascinating place! The internet is such a wonderful vehicle for experiencing sights never before seen! Thank you so much for sharing these. I would never have known…….
Quite the interesting tale story. I really enjoyed reading all about this. The pictures as always were spectacular. Keep up the great work.
How inviting! Makes me want to dust off my fishing rods, grab a small boat, a buddy, a couple of good cigars, and head for the lake in the Fall! What a relaxing daydream!
The pictures of Lake Cerknica are truly breathtaking. The winter scenes, with the mountains behind are truly beautiful. The mirror image & the rainbow picture is outstanding. Very awesome!!!!!!