Holiday Apartment in Laze: Karst Field, Sinkholes and Cave Trails

Laze lies on the eastern edge of Planinsko polje and directly borders this karst field, which covers more than 10 km². Above the village stretches the forested Logaški ravnik with numerous sinkholes, indicating the underground course of the Ljubljanica. The Unica also shapes the surrounding area: it meanders across Planinsko polje and rises in Planinska jama. Thus, in and around Laze, open karst landscape, forest and underground waterways come together.

Nature

One of the distinctive natural features is Laška Kukava, a sinkhole on Ravnik north of Laze. It is designated as a state-recognized natural value and is considered the best-known sinkhole above the village. Jama pri Stari žagi is likewise designated as a state-recognized natural value. It is a swallow hole cave of the Unica on Planinsko polje southeast of Laze. Erjavščica is also designated as a state-recognized natural value and is at the same time a habitat of the olm in a cave near Laze.

Trails

The circular hiking trail in Laze begins at the bus stop in the village and takes approximately one hour. Parts of the route run over gravel; the trail is suitable for walkers of all ages as well as cyclists. Along the way, the route passes the ceramics workshop of recognized ceramic artist Nataša Prestor. Visitors can view and, if they wish, purchase ceramic figures and other clay products there. The route also passes a dairy where kefir is produced.

The circular hiking trail also includes a recommended walk to a bend in the Unica and to artificially created swallow holes in the field near the village. The route thus combines various forms of the karst landscape with stops in the immediate surroundings of the village.

Culture

The village is home to the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The small sanctuary was built by the residents of Laze and blessed on 22 September 1907. The cultural heritage also includes the Laze pri Planini archaeological heritage area, where an ancient cemetery was discovered.

Caves

Speleo Camp Laze is a caving center in the Classical Karst region. Less than 1 km from Speleo Camp, there is a marked cave route with walks lasting two, three or four hours and offering different levels of difficulty. Another cave route begins in the village of Laze, passes Vranja and Skednena jama, and runs through the forest back to the karst field and the village.

An additional route also starts in Laze and passes Vranja, Skednena jama and other marked caves before continuing to Logatec. It is suitable for more experienced hikers. The various routes therefore differ both in duration and in their course and level of difficulty.

Trails and Surroundings

Laze lies below the motorway and the Ljubljana–Postojna railway line. The railway station in Laze is named after Planina, which lies on the other side of Planinsko polje.

To the main travel overview: Logatec.