Snežnik Castle, Križna jama

A short distance from Nova Vas is the castle of Snežnik, a fine Renaissance building, although there was a castle on the site as early as the 14th century. Standing at the edge of a forest, the castle's high white walls are reflected in the waters of a small lake, created to provide the castle with water and fish. The grounds of Grad Snežnik are a delight to wander around with the remains of a fine English garden and a number of historic outbuildings including a rare ice-house. One of these well-restored buildings now houses a Hunting Collection, founded in the 1970's to preserve the local heritage and tradition of dormouse hunting. There is also a large building that was Slovenia's first Forestry School, established in 1869.

The vast complex of Križna Jama is approached through quiet forests of birch, spruce and beech. This is one of Slovenia's greatest and best known karst caverns, a network of 22 crystal clear lakes, first described in the early 18th century. The huge stalactites and stalagmites, glittering gold and silver lichens, and sparkling waters create a magical scene, and a guided tour of the caverns will also introduce the prehistoric great cave bear (ursus spelaeus), the remains of more than 100 animals having been preserved here.