Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve
The Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve is Slovenia’s largest brackish marsh, hosting 259 bird species and a variety of rare flora and fauna.
The Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve is situated at the transition zone between sea and land, where the Rižana and Badaševica rivers historically flowed into the sea. It is the largest brackish marsh in Slovenia, covering 122 hectares. This unique site is ecologically significant, designated as a Natura 2000 Special Protection Area, and holds notable botanical, zoological, and ecosystem value.
Škocjanski Zatok was once a sea bay that gradually filled in with sediments from the Badaševica and Rižana rivers, transforming it into a swampy area. Almost three-quarters of the nature reserve consists of brackish lagoons, where saltwater from the sea mixes with freshwater from the rivers. This creates a unique environment characterized by saltmarshes and halophytes, plants that are specially adapted to thrive in salty soils. The mix of brackish and freshwater habitats makes the bay home to rare species of flora and fauna.
Visitors can also follow a circular nature trail that meanders along the edge of the brackish marsh. The path is gravel, fenced and suitable for all age groups, including families with strollers. In addition to birdwatching, visitors can meet the old Istrian Podol type cattle and the Camargue horses that help maintain the vegetation balance in the reserve. Children can also ride the horses upon prior reservation.
The Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve is home to 259 bird species, representing over 60% of all bird species observed in Slovenia. The area is ideal for birdwatching, featuring six observation points and a multi-storey central observatory. Here, visitors can safely observe birds and learn about them through informative displays.
What to do?
The village of Popetre has been on the windward path since Roman times. Take a walk to the important points…
