Muzej Cerkniškega jezera

About the museum

The Muzej Cerkniškega jezera (Lake Cerknica Museum) in Dolenje Jezero has since 1994 introduced visitors to the natural and cultural heritage of one of the most interesting karst areas in Slovenia. It is run by the Zavod Jezerski hram (Lake Temple Institute), which runs the museum as an interpretation centre by the lake.

The central exhibit is a live model of Lake Cerknica, the work of Vekoslav Kebe and his colleagues, on which visitors follow how water flows into the Cerknica polje, the lake forms, spreads and then disappears through swallow holes and sinkholes. The model took three years to make. It is complemented by a multimedia presentation that shows the lake through the four seasons, an ethnological collection of objects from life by the lake, an ornithological point presenting birds, and an exhibition on Pavel Kunaver.

Outside, the Ethnological Park Cerknica polje has been set up, with a toplar hayrack, a barn and a workshop for making the traditional lake boat. The visit to the museum is fully guided, and the lake is about 400 metres from the museum.

Highlights

• Live model of Lake Cerknica with water that flows in and disappears
• Multimedia presentation of the lake through the four seasons
• Ethnological collection on life by the lake
• Ethnological Park Cerknica polje with a workshop for making lake boats
• Interactive ornithological point with a hundred birds of Lake Cerknica

Permanent exhibitions

• Živa maketa Cerkniškega jezera – The model shows the formation, spreading and disappearance of the lake and the path of the water through the swallow holes and the karst underground.
• Etnološka zbirka in Etnološki park Cerkniško polje – A collection of original objects shows life by the lake; the outdoor park contains a toplar hayrack, a barn and a workshop for making the lake boat.
• Multimedijska predstavitev Cerkniškega jezera – The presentation shows the lake through the four seasons.

Founded

1994

Operated by

Zavod Jezerski hram

Admission & discounts

The price list is valid from 1 May 2026. Payment is possible in cash or upon a pro-forma invoice; card payment is not possible.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is a disabled parking space in front of the entrance, and all entrances on the ground floor are accessible by wheelchair. On the ground floor you can see the live model, the geology classroom, the exhibition on Pavel Kunaver and the multimedia presentation; in the outdoor Ethnological Park there are the lake-boat workshop, a tool collection and an interactive board with birds. Visits take place by arrangement, accompanied by a guide.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Lake Cerknica is about 400 m from the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The museum has a museum café and a small shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit