Area description
Lake Kočevje came into existence after they stopped extracting brown coal near Kočevje in 1978. The lake basin was formed as a consequence of tunnel subsidence and was later on filled up rainwater – thus creating a suitable habitat for many living beings. Each new visit of the lake can be full of surprises, as more and more animal and plant species appear at the lake and its surroundings. Today, the lake spans over an area of 120 hectares and is protected as a natural treasure.

Access
You can get to Kočevje with an intercity bus from Ljubljana. We get off the bus at the main bus station in Kočevje and continue to the lake, which lies outside the city, on foot. From the station we turn right onto the main road (direction centre) towards a large crossroad by the Nama department store, where we turn right and cross the bridge over river Rinža. We continue our way on Roška street (Roška cesta) to the next large crossroad and go straight. Afterwards we follow the turns to Kočevje lake (Rudniško jezero) that lead left and off the main road.

Trail description
Unpaved paths that lead on the east and west side of the lake, start by the parking space at the beach on the south shore. Some paths may be flooded and muddy (especially after rain).

Birds
Lake Kočevje is an important resting and overwintering place for migrating birds. Regularly we can observe the little and great crested grebe, mute swan and Eurasian coot here and rarely the red-crested pochard, Eurasian teal and common pochard. Some interesting bird species, such as the black-throated loon and black-necked grebe, appear here occasionally as well. So far almost 70 nesting bird species have been recorded on the lake and its surroundings. We also encourage you to look around the surrounding landscape, especially the grasslands on the eastern side, which are inhabited by many bird and other animal species. During nesting, skylark, stonechat, golden oriole, tree pipit and long-eared owl can be seen there.

Other plants and animals
So far 15 species of dragonflies have been found in reed beds on the lake. Interesting plant species (bracken, horsetail) and butterflies can be admired on the nearby grasslands.

Interesting links
Municipality of Kočevje