Karst cave system
Kočevski rog is famous for its picturesque karst phenomena - caves, abysses, sinkholes, ice caves, ...
The caves were also an important asset to the inhabitants of the surrounding areas as they were used as cold storages or even as a source of water during severe droughts. According to a legend, Veronika of Desenice took refuge in the cave near Kunč to escape her persecutors. Many inscriptions on the walls show that these places were already visited by Gottscheer. After the Second World War, the caves and chasms of Kočevski Rog became a place where the army forces executed thousands of real and imaginary enemies in several of Rog`s chasms and pits. The symbolic place of memory of these aftermath events is Jama pod Krenom.The prosperous animal world will further enrich your experience.
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.
