Green Treasures of Slovenia
Throughout the year, a palette of green shades is on display in the
Slovenian countryside. In many places, the nature is so intact that
visitors are completely astonished by its beauty. The air in
Slovenia is so clear and fresh that, after spending a day
surrounded by high trees, sleep will come in an instance. At the
heart of Europe, in the country stretching between the Alps and
the Mediterranean Sea, the magical green shades can be seen
everywhere. If the most recognisable tourist postcards do not
satisfy your travelling curiosity, it's time to put on a backpack and
your rambling shoes. The secluded Slovenian tracks await to be
explored. The Slovenians have always lived in harmony with
nature. In the past, rivers and forests were considered sacred, and
the indigenous people knew a great many tales about their
supernatural inhabitants such as fairies and dwarves. Both in the
countryside and in cities, the legends and old customs are still
alive. Welcome to exclusive, environmentally friendly hotels and
tourist farms, where visitors often have a chance to hear an
amusing family anecdote or two. Come and savour the green,
active and healthy Slovenia, one of the most densely wooded and
water-rich countries in Europe!
1. An Inside Tip: Alpine Paradise in Jezersko
Embark on the path of discovering green secrets in the north of the
country, near the Austrian border. The unique village of Jezersko is
situated under the high peaks of Grintavci mountains at the heart of the
Kamnik-Savinja Alps, merely 60 kilometres from Ljubljana. Shaped by a
mighty glacier, the idyllic valley was transformed into a large lake at the
end of the Ice Age. This is where the area's name originates from – Pr'
Jezer means “by the lake”. Today, the place is called Jezersko (jezero
stands for “lake” in Slovenian). Here, locals still make open fires and
prepare masunjek, a traditional shepherd's dish with cream and
buckwheat flour. Besides the magnificent nature, the region is also known
for a sheep breed indigenous to the Jezersko-Solčava area, which
provides the locals with high-quality wool. At shearing time in spring and
autumn, a single sheep yields as much as two kilograms of wool. Beautiful
products such as slippers and bags are made after the wool is felt
manually. Dedicated to the white “spectacled” sheep (named after the
circles around their eyes), the traditional Sheep Ball (Ovčarski bal) has
been taking place in Jezersko, every second Sunday in August, for over 50
years. The diverse programme commemorates the shepherds of Jezersko
who used to take their sheep to nearby pastures, some of them up to
2,500 metres high, while their housewives, following an old custom, bid
farewell by sprinkling the herdsmen and animals with holy water.
2. A Hint: The Solčava Valley and the Valley of Logarska dolina
Following the sound of indigenous "bicke" sheep bells, it is almost
impossible to miss the Solčava valley on the way from Jezersko. It would
be a pity to miss the stunning nature, so both the eyes and the heart
should remain wide open. Felting of wool and other local traditions are
presented at the sustainability-oriented Rinka centre in the village of
Solčava. In 2009, the Solčava area was proclaimed the European
Destination of Excellence. Shielded by the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in the
north, the valley of Logarska dolina is one of the main attractions and
one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Europe. Upon entering the vast
landscape park, visitors first catch sight of the valley's symbol: the
legendary Logar lime tree that is over 25 metres high. Visitors can walk or
cycle to the Palenk Waterfall, which can get particularly loud and
spectacular after the rain. Take a stroll past the traditional houses and get
familiar with the local life marked by farming and forestry. Make a stop on
your way and breathe in some fresh Slovenian air. A walking trail leads to
Rinka, one of the highest Slovenian waterfalls that flows down in a 90metre arch. The Kamnik-Savinja Alps are abundant in breathtaking
natural sights. The Olševa mountain hides two interesting secrets. On its
southern slope, the famous Potočka zijalka cave is located, where the
bones of cave bears were discovered along with fascinating objects and
stone tools used by the Ice Age hunters. The most interesting find was the
pipe, a musical instrument made from cave bear's jawbone. Just under
the Olševa mountain, there is a spring of železova kislica, i.e. mineral
water rich in calcium, magnesium and iron. As the only spring of its kind,
it was discovered in the 19th century. If you decide to stay in the north, it
is best to continue towards the east.
3. A Hint: The Peca Underground
Those who enjoy special adventures are recommended to discover
Koroška, the region of diverse forest grounds and enduring people. The
locals here describe themselves as the descendants of self-sustainable
people. Črna na Koroškem is the home town of Tina Maze, the current
world's best alpine skier and the absolute record holder in the total score
achieved in a single world cup season. When in Koroška, it is worth
visiting the Mt. Peca underground world at Mežica. The former mine
passages, now transformed into a tourist mine and museum, can be
explored by taking the pit railway, on foot or, even more exciting, on a
bicycle. Cycling through a former mine is something that can be
experienced nowhere else in the world! The water-flooded passages can
also be explored in a kayak. However, caution is advised as you might
bump into the legendary King Matjaž sleeping at the table under the
Peca mountain. The king is a hero known from a number of Slavic and
Hungarian folk tales. In the Mežica valley, the most well-known legend
about the good king refers to the Turkish invasions. He was said to be so
just that the mountain opened up and swallowed him along with a few of
his soldiers in order to protect him from the invaders. According to the
legend, the Slovenian king will wake up when his beard grows long
enough to wrap around the table nine times. Those curious to see this
famous beard can visit the cavern featuring a bronze statue of King
Matjaž near the hut on Mt. Peca. In memory of the emperor who coined
gold coins, a traditional event called The Castles of King Matjaž takes
place in Koroška every January, when skilful visitors from all over
Slovenia create amazing ice sculptures.
4. A Hint: Kolpa, the Warmest Slovenian River
Southern Slovenia is marked by the green Kolpa, one of the cleanest and
warmest rivers in Slovenia, and the 2010 Slovenian winner of the EDEN
award. A part of the river flows through the protected area of the Kolpa
Landscape Park. Owing to the 113 kilometres of Kolpa river, this natural
border with Croatia is full of life. While taking a boat tour on the river,
take in the sounds of nature: the gurgling of the river, the gliding of the
fish, birdsong, the scrambling of turtles in the high grass and the rustling
of treetops. The world of Kolpa is known as a relaxing and healing area,
with excellent restaurants and wine cellars dotted along the green river.
Kolpa is surrounded by the soft hills of the Bela krajina region, where
Saint George's Day is celebrated in late April, symbolising the arrival of
spring. The people of Bela krajina are very hospitable. Visitors are served
the pogača, a type of flat bread with egg wash typical of Bela krajina. A
protected traditional delicacy, it is known as a welcome meal expressing
hospitality. The pogača is usually served along with the excellent local
Metliška črnina wine. Cheers!
5. A Hint: Karst Secrets of the Notranjska Region
Slovenia is known for its rich and diverse underground karst (Kras)
world. The Kras region gave the name to karst phenomena created by
waters in melting rock all around the world. As karst features can be
found in as much as half of Slovenia, there are currently over 10,000
caves registered in the country, 22 of which are open for tourists. The
Notranjska region in central Slovenia is particularly renowned for Rakov
Škocjan, a nature reserve in a karst valley between the basins of the
Cerkniško polje and Planinsko polje fields. Arching dramatically over
meadows, the prominent small natural bridge is what remains of a former
karst cave. The nearby intermittent Lake Cerknica is one of the most
unique lakes in Slovenia. According to a legend, the nearby Slivnica peak
is home to witches who just might have something to do with the curious
periodic (dis)appearance of the lake. During the dry period, visitors can
take a walk as far as to the dry lake bottom. When the lake is filled with
water, it becomes the largest Slovenian natural lake. Underground, the
lake can be reached through the cave of Križna jama, the fourth most
known cave ecosystem in the world in terms of biotic diversity. The cave,
which can only be visited upon prior arrangement during the summer
season, is especially worth visiting because of its 22 emerald green
underground lakes.
6. A Hint: In the Land of Juicy Apples
In the east of Slovenia, the most beautiful shades of green can be
found in the protected regional park of Kozjansko. Why not spend
time in the midst of meadow orchards featuring some old apple tree
varieties? While there, you can stay at the Čerčkova domačija
homestead, reeking of a domestic scent of natural aromas. Their
meadow sample orchard with around 100 apple tree varieties
carrying interesting ancient names such as pisani kardinal (“colourful
cardinal”), carjevič (“tsar's son”) or jutranja zarja (“dawn”) yields an
abundant crop. In October, Kozjansko sees the highlight of the year with
the Kozjansko Apple Festival. The traditional event connects the nearby
organic farms and local craftsmen. Besides offering fresh apples, homemade delicacies and products, the produce sold on the stalls sparks
original ideas how to store fruit for winter. Bon appétit!
Welcome to explore the natural treasures of Slovenia! Discover
some of the most secluded corners of Slovenia and enjoy the
green paradise by visiting well-kept family tourist farms where
culinary delights are offered by hospitable people.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Slovenian Tourist Board
Dimičeva 13, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija
Tel.: 00386 (0)1 5898 550, Fax: 00386 (0)1 5898 560
www.slovenia.info/press
Brina Čehovin, Head of Marketing, brina.cehovin@slovenia.info
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