The seemingly peaceful Krka River surprises the curious with its liveliness, creativity, and its at first very unpredictable karst character, which later inflowing streams transform into a deep and wide river. From its karst source through the calc tufa cascades and pools to the thermal springs of its lower reaches, images of the past are intertwined with experiences of the present along the river like those on a painter's canvas. Among the mills and castles, past towns and villages, the Krka at every step along the way displays its irresistible attractions for people in the past and present.

Take the Ivančna Gorica exit from the Ljubljana-Novo mesto highway and go in the direction of Muljava, where you can visit the birthplace of the writer Josip Jurčič. Follow the signs for the village of Krka, to the source of the River Krka. The river's source is in Krška jama (Krka Cave), from which water erupts in torrents after a heavy rain.
In the past the cave was used as a hiding place from the Turks; today it is open to the public. Continuing the route, follow the Krka River through the valley, in which the river has cut a deep gorge and flows over calc tufa cascades. The river valley used to be an important transportation corridor and the river was used to power numerous mills. Among the few remaining mills which are still in use is the mill in Prapreče before Žužemberk (1), which is open to the public. High above the Krka River is Žužemberk Castle (2), mentioned in the literature as early as the 13th century.
Continue through the river valley past Dvor, where you can stop for a bite to eat. The Auersperg iron foundry, which produced the materials used in making machines and bridges (e.g. the former Cobbler's Bridge in Ljubljana) used to operate at Dvor.
The blast furnace, the only remnant of the foundry, is protected as a technological monument. Very soon we come to Soteska and the ruins of a former castle (3).
The former glory of the castle park is recalled only by the garden pavilion, called "Hudičev turn", with the paintings by the 17th century master Almanach.
The Krka continues on from Soteska to the most important city of Dolenjska - Novo mesto, founded in 1365 by the duke Rudolf IV of the Habsburgs. The city was a flourishing economic center, as reflected by the arcaded shops and houses of Glavni trg. Walk to the Franciscan monastery and church, through the crowded quarter of Breg to the Chapter Church, where there is an altar painting of St. Nicholas painted by the Venetian master Tintoretto. In the Provost's House you can view a multimedia presentation of frescoes, and tour the library and the gallery of provosts. Stop by the Dolenjska Museum (4) on the way down and view the rich collections of archeological and ethnographic artifacts as well as those from more recent history, cultural history, and the works of Božidar Jakac. After touring the museum you can have some lunch.
The Krka River continues on from Novo mesto to Otočec Castle (5), the only Slovenian castle built on a river island. The castle, which has been converted into a hotel with an Old World ambience, is the starting point for any number of scenic walking routes.
From Otočec you can return by way of Novo mesto towards Mirna Peč, into the valley of the Temenica River, where you can visit Zijalo - the other source of this disappearing Dolenjska river. Stop for supper in Mirna Peč, then return home by way of Trebnje, where you can get back on the Ljubljana-Novo mesto highway.