Nova Vas: Village Wells, Trails and Events

Nova Vas is a roadside settlement with well-preserved buildings and an intact village layout. The village offers several distinct ways to plan a stay: historic village wells in the center, circular trails in the wider Bloke region, and events at different times of year. You can tailor the focus of your visit to your interests without conflating the different places and offerings.

Village Wells and the History of Water Supply

Large stone village wells, built at the end of the 19th century, stand in the center of Nova Vas. Their history goes back further, however: as early as 1863, the village center was supplied with water from the Sušica spring through wooden pipes. The wells are therefore not only distinctive structures but are also connected to the village’s former water supply.

The area around the oldest surviving well has been extensively renovated. A surviving water pipe made of pine wood is displayed beside the well. Those interested in local history can view the stone wells and an example of the former pipeline together here. The historical information relates to the water supply and wells in the village center.

Cycling and Hiking in the Bloke Region

The 33-kilometer Bloška kolesarska pentlja starts and ends in Nova Vas. This identifies the starting and return point for this circular route; check current route conditions locally before setting out. For a hike, the Krpanova pot in the wider Bloke region offers a different distance: the circular trail is 19 kilometers long, with a longer option covering 23 kilometers. These two distances give you a concrete comparison for planning, without implying a walking time or difficulty level.

At the annual Krpan Hiking Day, the marked route is considered suitable for all generations. You can choose the length and difficulty to suit your abilities. As the event date is set separately, check it before traveling. Hikers can get a leaflet with a map at the TIC Bloke in Nova Vas, describing and marking sights along the Krpanova pot; check its availability before relying on it for planning.

Seasonal Nature and Activities

In summer, the Bloško jezero near Nova Vas attracts swimmers. In winter, ice skaters also come to the lake when its surface freezes. There is also a playground for children on the shore. These seasonal differences make the timing of your visit relevant when choosing suitable activities.

The Bloščica also shapes the landscape in a distinctive way: when water levels are high, it flows past Nova Vas in an otherwise dry riverbed as far as Fara. There, it disappears into numerous swallow holes. The watercourse therefore cannot be described independently of its water level; the stated route and its disappearance at Fara are connected.

Events and Local Offerings

The Mihaelov Sejem takes place every September in Nova Vas as part of the municipal holiday. The market offers goods and products from local manufacturers and producers; the selection may vary from one edition to another. If your visit depends on the market, check the current date before traveling. The Tek po Blokah is also a recurring race held as part of the municipal holiday. Its 15th edition took place in 2025. At a race in 2011, the start was beside the grass sports field in Nova Vas; the route details from that time may have changed.

At Ranč Bloke, Nova Vas 3a, horses can be rented by prior arrangement. The farm also takes in visitors’ horses for care and offers the breaking-in of young horses and Western riding lessons. These services require advance arrangements. This makes it possible to plan a stay centered on horses and riding without assuming that individual services are available at short notice.

Winter and Culture at the Bloški smučar Hall

The footpath to the cross-country skiing area, 100 meters away, starts at the parking lot beside the Bloški smučar Hall in Nova Vas. Access depends on the season and snow conditions. North of the parking areas by the hall, there is also an open-air theater with wooden bleachers for 200 visitors. It is suitable for cultural events and open-air concerts; individual events may vary. Cross-country skiing and open-air culture are therefore two distinct reasons to visit, with the season or event program playing a role in planning.

Discover more destinations: Markovec, Cerknica, Rakek, Dane, Žerovnica, Runarsko, Kozarišče, Iga Vas.

Return to the main travel overview: Cerknica.