Rakek – Between the Kunaver Trail and Rakov Škocjan
Accommodation in Rakek
Rakek is the starting point for trails connecting the town with the Rakov Škocjan valley. The Kunaver Trail begins at Rakek railway station, leads through Rakek and continues to the natural bridges of the Rakov Škocjan valley. Along the way, it crosses the Rakek Plain and the Stražnik hill, passing through fir and beech forests to the Small Natural Bridge.
Hiking
The Kunaver Trail is well marked. The Rakek Tourist Association organizes regular hikes along it in summer and winter. This makes the trail one of the established routes for exploring the landscape around Rakek in different seasons, without restricting its course to the town itself.
Nature
In the wider regional area, Rakov Škocjan is a karst valley at the northern foot of the Javorniki Hills. It was formed by the collapse and caving-in of the roof of a karst cave. The valley is home to the 42-metre-high Small Natural Bridge and the 37-metre-high Big Natural Bridge. A nature study trail with information panels also runs through Rakov Škocjan. The trail passes the ruins of the Church of St. Kancijan, thereby combining the natural features of the route with a historical trace in the valley.
Trails
The Kunaverjev pohod is a separate annual event. It follows a 14 km circular route of moderate difficulty from Rakek via Stražnik to Rakov Škocjan and takes place once a year. The route thus names both the starting point and the two distinctive landscapes that define the circular trail.
Culture
Rakek is home to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is listed in Slovenia’s register of immovable sacred architectural heritage. It was created through the extension and renovation of the former Church of St. Ulrich between 1934 and 1938, based on the ideas of Jože Plečnik. Jože Valentinčič ultimately carried out the work in accordance with Plečnik’s ideas. Above the main altar is a fresco on a golden background by Mirko Šubic.
History
Other places in the settlement area are also protected or point to Rakek’s development. The park in Rakek is listed in Slovenia’s register as garden-architectural heritage. The tree-lined avenue between Unec and Rakek forms part of Slovenia’s immovable cultural heritage. Rakek railway station, which formerly also housed the court and was once regarded as the centre of the town, now accommodates rooms used by local associations. Rakek began to develop after the railway connection between Vienna and Trieste was completed in 1857.
On Site
For everyday needs, the Ivana Matičič Library Unit in Rakek offers four user computers with internet access, Wi-Fi and an event room.
For further navigation, you can switch to Cerknica.
For the higher-level travel overview: Municipality of Cerknica.
