Zelše (pronounced [ˈzeːu̯ʃɛ]; in older sources also Želše,[2] German: Selsach[2]) is a village along the road linking Cerknica and Postojna, at the northwestern part of the karst Cerknica Polje in the Inner Carniola region of Slovenia.

[3] Zelše Caves (Zelške jame)—the source of Rak Creek, a sinking stream—lies west of the village.

Big Karlovica Cave (Slovene: Velika Karlovica), receiving the waters of Stržen Creek, lies southwest of the village.

[3] The local church, built on a small hill south of the village, is dedicated to Saint Wolfgang (Slovene: sveti Volbenk) and belongs to the Parish of Cerknica.

[4] This Renaissance church was built around 1680 with a triple rounded apse, unique in the region.