Lake Cerknica

Lake Cerknica
Lake Cerknica after rain
Lake Cerknica
Location	Inner Carniola
Coordinates	45°45′08″N 14°23′06″E / 45.75222°N 14.38500°E / 45.75222; 14.38500
Type	intermittent
Basin countries	Slovenia
Surface area	38 km2 (15 sq mi) (max.)
Average depth	10 m (33 ft) (max.)
Surface elevation	546 to 551 m (1,791 to 1,808 ft)
Settlements	Cerknica, Dolenje Jezero, Gorenje Jezero, Grahovo
Ramsar Wetland
Official name	Cerkniško jezero z okolico
Designated	19 January 2006
Reference no.	1600[1]

Lake Cerknica (pronounced [ˈtseːɾknitsa]; Slovene: Cerkniško jezero, German: Zirknitzer See) is an intermittent lake in the southern part of the Cerknica Polje, a karst polje in Inner Carniola, a region in southwestern Slovenia.^[2] The lake, oriented in the Dinaric direction from northwest to southeast, is present for the most part of the year.^[2] When full, it is the largest lake in the country. The plain is surrounded by the Javornik Hills (1,268 metres or 4,160 feet) to the south and Slivnica (1,022 m or 3,353 ft) to the north, both belonging to Dinaric Alps. The area of the lake mainly reaches 28 square kilometres (11 sq mi), but can reach up to 38 km² (15 sq mi) and the surface level varies from 546 m (1,791 ft) to 551 m (1,808 ft) above sea level. The lake is an important wildlife resort, especially as a nesting place for many bird species. Botanically, it is distinguished by amphibious plants. It is therefore a part of two Natura 2000 areas of protection^[3] and the focus of the Inner Carniola Regional Park, which covers additional Natura 2000 areas in the broader region.^[4] The climate in the area is continental, with a mean temperature of 9.2 °C (48.6 °F) and the annual precipitation about 1,700 millimetres (67 in). The largest settlement at the border of the lake is Cerknica, located north of the lake. Various watersports, including rowing, are popular on the lake.^[5]