GOTTSCHEER HERITAGE / KARST PHENOMENA: KUNČ AND ICE CAVE AT KUNČ
Jame, Rastlinstvo in živalstvo, Pohodne poti, Naravne znamenitosti, Zgodovinska dediščina
Kunč, 8350 Dolenjske Toplice
The former Gottscheer village of Kunč (German: Kuntschen, Gottschee Kuntschn) lies on a large clearing at the edge of Kočevski rog plateau. It is one of the oldest villages in the area. In 1574 it encompassed only a farm, which was cultivated by two farmers, in 1937, there were five farms, seven houses and 28 inhabitants here. More than half a century before that, Kunč was considered the most "royal" village in Kočevsko, since more than half of house owners had a lastname König (German for king). During the war, Kunč was burnt down, and after the war, one house was rebuilt for the residence of forest workers. The nearby ruins of Auersperg's manor house (wall remains to the left of the path) are related to legends about Veronika of Desenice, the wife of Frederick II, Count of Celje.
In the near vicinity of the village the most prominent ice cave in Kočevski rog is located. According to the story Veronika of Desenice hid here from Herman of Celje, Frederick's father, who greatly opposed to the marriage and considered her to be of lower status. The chronicles of the Counts of Celje suggest he had his son arrested and, while holding him prisoner, initiated a trial against Veronika accusing her of witchcraft. She was acquitted by the court.
KUNČ ICE CAVE
An ice cave is any type of natural cave that contains perennial (year-round) ice. At least a portion of the cave must have a temperature below 0 °C (32 °F) all year round, and water must have traveled into the cave’s cold zone. Certain cave configurations allow seasonal convection to import cold air from the surface in winter, but not warm air in summer. Kunč Ice Cave is located at the bottom of a sinkhole, northwest from the abandoned Gottscheer village. Here, people would go to the cave for ice during times of drought. Under its vertical wall a prominent entrance opens up (30x20 m) to a closed ice chamber. The entering aisle widens into a 90 meters wide and 30 meters high underground hall. The cave has a diverse ecosystem, among other flora and fauna we can find underground beetles here.
CAUTION: In Kočevski Rog, always stick to marked and maintained trails and forest roads! You can only enter the caves accompanied by experienced cavers, provided that you have all the necessary equipment and permits, unless it is a strictly protected area, where entry is not allowed at all. Tours are only at your own risk. We advise you to always first inquire about the possibility of visiting with the Slovenian Caving Association or the local caving association in Novo mesto.
There are some strictly protected areas, such as Podstenice Sink-hole, which is protected as a natural monument and a forest reserve. Here you can only take a careful peek from the edge. Similarly the entrance into the Jazbina cave is generally forbidden, as it is a known bat refuge, which is why it is not visited during summer and winter.
For more information, contact us at 07 38 45 188 or at tic@dolenjske-toplice.si.
