Rakov Škocjan

After about four kilometers we will see several stops where we can leave our vehicle. It is recommended to leave the vehicle at the first signs and continue the journey on foot, as this way we will see and experience the most in this varied river valley, which was named after the church of St. Kanciana. The ruins of the church are located near the Great Natural Bridge and are worth a visit, despite the age stamp. As philosopher David Hume, a recognized personality of Eastern philosophy and the Scottish Enlightenment, says: "The beauty of things exists in the mind that thinks about them." That's why we just do our best and try to see beauty even in things that at first glance hide their essence. Nearby is a soft green carpet made of moss that wraps around the strong roots of nearby trees, so let's not forget to satisfy another of our senses and touch and caress this simple creation of nature. Then let's continue along a well-marked path, 3 kilometers long, on which there are many checkpoints with explanatory boards. Near the church, above the sinkholes of the Zelška Caves, there is the Small Natural Bridge, then the path continues along the right bank of the river and on to the Great Natural Bridge, which surprises us with its power and unusual connection to nature. We are also charmed by the surroundings, which with their green color calm even volatile souls and with unique combinations of colors speak of the season that is ahead of us. After admiring the natural masterpieces, we walk further to the spring Prunkovec. In addition to the Raka spring, this is one of the seven groups of karst springs that lie mostly on the left bank of the stream. When the water is high, older, higher-lying springs are also active. Prunkovec gets the most water from the overgrown Javorniki, and its name refers to the characteristic sound of water that is produced during heavy downpours under pressure.

Hidden desires
Prunk, prunk... it echoes as we explore further, stopping on the way at the Rakov Škocjan Forester's Hut, which was made from polar pine wood by the Finnish manufacturer of massive wooden houses, Honka. Let's trust the wish that we too could have such a weekend one day to the higher forces, who will, as always, make sure that things come true at the right time. Without a doubt, it was time for lunch. So, soup, on to the Hotel Rakov Škocjan, where lunch is waiting for us for 7 euros. And even more, because in addition to their selection of culinary delights, they allow us to warm up and pamper our bodies in their Finnish sauna, or we can decide to look around a little more and rent a bike for this purpose. In the hotel, you can also buy tickets for fishing on Lake Cerkniška, in the river Rak or Unica. In any case, there are many opportunities to make the most of the afternoon, but we can decide to extend our weekend and rent a room for two people in their hotel for 35 euros. We can arrange a guided tour of the Zelška Caves or a trip to Snežnik Castle, Planinsko polje and beyond, as we can't run out of ideas for research in this area. But let's design our route in such a way that we return again through Unec, where the word about the pizzas of Pizzeria Portus is already spreading from afar. As experts say, their pizzas are divine, but we definitely have to see for ourselves. We will be able to choose from more than 50 types of different pizzas with original names: Vidovska, Čufarska, Torbarska, Burja and many others. The reputation of their pizzeria is that in addition to a wide range of choices, they also create pizzas with their own measurements, as the 50-centimeter diameter ensures that you can visit Portus very hungry. And then, with all five senses satisfied, we head home.