Cemun and Obrh springs (Lake Cerknica)
Water that sinks in the Loško polje rises again in the Cemun and Obrh springs and flows through the Jezerščica into intermittent Lake Cerknica. Both springs are basins where water wells up from many small holes in the gravel bottom; there are no large underwater caves, as the entrances are filled with gravel. The dive starts in Cemun's big pool, about 5 m deep, follows the stream down to the confluence and then works upstream against moderate current in the Obrh. In spring at medium-high water the channel is full of brightly coloured plants and small invertebrates, while fish are very rare.
Facts
- Region: Slovenia – Lakes, Rivers & Caves
- Area: Notranjska & Brkini (Cerknica, Postojna, Pivka)
- Depth: 0–5 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: drift, channel
- Coordinates: 45.72125, 14.41622
- Highlights: spring basins with many small upwelling holes, lush, colourful water plants in spring, aquatic insects, worms and snails, very rare, shy fish, clear spring water around 9 °C
- Tips: From Cerknica take the main road towards Loška dolina, turn west in Grahovo to Gorenje Jezero, then right down towards Otok and Laze; opposite the small church at the end of the village take the cart track about 1 km to the springs. Park on the meadow before Obrh where the track gets too steep and muddy for ordinary cars, kit up and walk to Cemun's big pool. Surface regularly to check your position and do not overshoot the Cemun–Obrh confluence; if the Obrh current is too strong, get out on either bank. Bring a compass. Water levels swing strongly with the seasons – best in spring at medium-high water. The site is in Notranjska Regional Park; its 2002 decree contains no diving rule (motorboats are banned), so check locally. The sheet dates from 2013.