Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                

Slovenia's Summer Guide 2013

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 108

Essential information

Slovenia has been an independent democratic republic since 1991. The country has been a member of the European Union since 2004. Slovenia is one of the smallest countries in Europe (20.273 square kilometres). Its half the size of Switzerland, which isnt particularly big either. But Slovenia compensates its small surface with a lot of vertical kilometres; its the most mountainous country in Europe. Slovenia is also the third most forested country in Europe and with 27.000 kilometres of rivers it is also rich of water. Slovenia has two million inhabitants which is the same as the city of Paris. Thus, its a very sparsely populated country. Average height above sea level: 556.8 m

Traffic
For up to date traffic information check: www.promet.si Speed limits: 50 km/hr in towns and villages, 90 on main roads, 130 on highways. Cars in Slovenia must use their headlights at all times. The car must contain spare wheel, warning triangle, a spare lightbulb and first aid kit. On the Slovenian highways you must use a vignette. For cars there are weekly (15 euro), monthly (30 euro) and annual (95 euro) vignettes. Weekly vignettes are valid for seven consecutive days, from and including the day of purchase. Monthly vignettes are valid from the moment of purchase up until the end of the day with the same number one month after the day of purchase. Annual vignettes are valid till the 31st of January the next year, so this year till 31 Januar 2014. Dont take a risk with the vignettes. For driving on a motorway without a valid vignette sticker, a fine of 300 to 800 euros is envisaged. Railways: Slovenian Railways: sss.slo-zeleznice.si/en

Opening hours:
Banks: 9.00 am 5.00 pm generally with a lunch break at 12. Shops: MonFri 7.00 am/9.00 am 7.00 pm/9.00 pm Sat 7.00 am/9.00 am 1.00 pm/3.00 pm Sun 9.00 am/1.00 pm (only large shopping centres) All Slovenian cities now have large shopping centres on their outskirts.

Eating:
Restaurants go by the names of restavracija and gostilna. A restavracija is mainly for lunch and dinner. A gostilna is more casual. Its also a place you can go to for a coffee, for example. Both are usually opened all day.

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings. That includes bars, hotels and restaurants. You must be 18 years of age or older to buy cigarettes.

Important telephone numbers


112 113 080 12 00 1987 080 1900
2
The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013 Emergency services (urgent medical help, firefighters, veterinary help, rescue teams) Police (emergency) Police (reporting offenders, anonymous phone line) AMZS roadside assistance and towing Tourist telephone - free line for tourists and tourism workers to report their comments, complaints, criticism and suggestions 24 hours a day

be Active & stay Healthy in Slovenian Spas


Slovenian natural Spas take care of your wellbeing with their natural healing resources and thermal waters. Experience the wealth of offers in their Aqua Fun - Water Parks, outdoor and indoor pools, where a lot of new attractions are waiting for you to explore also this year. And dont forget the richest and complex Wellness offer in Slovenia! Make sure you search and surf through the best offer of 15 Health and Spa Resorts on: www.slovenia-terme.si

Contents

6 Map of Slovenia 8 WEST In the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway 9 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 18 19 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 24 26 26 27 28 30 34 35 38 40 41 42 44 46 47 48 50 54 56 57 57 57 57 58 58 58 60


Koper The Emerald Trail Bovec Tolmin and Kobarid Kanal Nova Gorica empeter-Vrtojba Rene-Vogrsko Ajdovina Vipava Idrija The Krast and Brkini Seana Divaa Hrpelje Kozina Komen tanjel Miren Kostanjevica kocjan Caves Lipica The Green Karst Krina Jama (Cross Cave) Notranjska Museum in Postojna Loka Dolina Pivka Park of Military History Postojna Cave NORTH King Matja sleeps and sleeps and ... Gorenjska Kranjska Gora Jesenice Jezersko Bled Radovljica Naklo Cerklje Tri kofja Loka Activities in Slovenia Special adventures The Upper Savinja and alek Valley Golte Gornji grad Topolica Velenje Ljubno Lue The Solava-Logar Valley Koroka

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

Contents

Editorial
What word would define Slovenia the best? Is it Green, a word the country is often associated with and now promoted with by its tourism board? Is it Mountains, because there are so plenty of? Is it friendliness, a trait of many people? Is it Fairytales because of the many tales, rich history and not in the least the picturesque scenes? I would say that the word that defines Slovenia the best might is Everything. The tiny spot on the planet Earth that we call Slovenia really has it all. Mountains and sea, meadows and lakes, cities and villages, forests and caves. To put it a little exaggerated, the only natural phenomenon that Slovenia lacks is desert. The other day I spoke with a man who told me he went skiing in the morning. We spoke in the evening in the centre of Ljubljana at the end of a sunny day in late spring. ,,And in the afternoon I was at the beach, he said to my surprise. Mountain, sea, city, this country has it all in just a short drive. On the next pages you will find a selection of everything. Use it as your treasure map to discover what gems this country has for you. You might not have heard about Slovenia a lot, but after exploring the country with this guide at hand, you will sure never forget it.
Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

Summer Guide 2013


Translations Andrea Jadrzyk

102

62 63 64 66 68 69 70 71 72 72 72 72 72 73 73 73 75 76 77 78 80 81 82 83 84 84 85 85 86 88 92 94 96 97 98 99 99

CENTER How a Greek hero founded Ljubljana Ljubljana Specialties from the Hearth of Slovenia The Ljubljana Moors Kamnik The Heart of Slovenia Srce Slovenije SOUTH The home of superman Peter Klepec Dolenjska, Bela Krajina, Koevsko Ribniko Dolenjska Temenika in Mirna Valley Suha Krajina Koevsko Bela Krajina Kostel Ribniko Osilnica Posavje Breice Krko Sevnica Kostanjevica na Krki Radee EAST Cradle of Slovenias most powerful family The Land of Celje Celje region Obostelje & Kozjansko Dravinjsko The Lower Savinja valley Maribor Pohorje: Slovenian Styria Ptuj Pomurje Moravske Toplice Murska Sobota Verej Turnie Gornja Radgona Negova Radenci Dictionary
Published by Domus, zaloba in trgovina d.o.o., Dunajska 5, 1000 Ljubljana CEO Brane Krajnik Contact: T: +386 (0)1 520 50 84 www.sloveniatimes.com

Summer Guide 2013 A special edition by The Slovenia Times Edited by Mark Koghee

Design & Layout Marko Pentek, marko@mgo.si Marketing & Distribution by Goran Mladenovi goran.mladenovic@sloveniatimes.com

Gorenjska: Big mountains with green slopes, savage high rock walls and even sometimes in summertime a small blanket of snow draped around the highest peaks.

Upper Savinja and alek Valley: The picturesque and colourfully vegetal landscape, rich with natural and cultural attractions, offers many opportunities for exploration and relaxation in a peaceful, natural environment.

Emerald Trail: The Soa has been an inspiration for poets, the frontline in the First World War and the location for a scene in the Disney movie Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Centre: THE HEART OF SLOVENIA is an area in central Slovenia, East of Ljubljana, where modern life intertwines with the traditional pulse of the countryside.

Me Kranjska Hruica Gora Mojstrana

JESENICE
Bled
Bovec Bohinjska Bistrica elezniki Tolmin Brezje Tri Kamnika Bistrica Preddvor Brdo

rna na Korokem

Ljubno ob Savinji

Naklo

Kobarid

KRANJ KOFJA LOKA


Vodice

Kamnik
Menge

The Karst and Birkini: The people of the Karst region invite you to their wine cellars for Teran and prosciutto. You can choose to spend the night on a homestead or in an apartment.

Cerkno

DOMALE
iri

LJUBLJANA
Vrhnika

Deskle

Litija

Idrija

NOVA GORICA
Ajdovina
Vipava tanjel

Logatec

Grosuplje Borovnica

Stina Ivanna Gorica

Postojna

Cerknica Ribnica

uem

Coast: Koper, one of the oldest cities in Slovenia, developed from a rocky island into an important tourist destination.
Ankaran/Ancarano

Seana Lipica kocjan

Pivka

K
Ilirska Bistrica Osilnica

Piran/Pirano Portoro/Portorose

KOPER/CAPODISTRIA Izola/Isola

Kost Hrastovlje

Green Karst: Within the embrace of wide forests, an astonishing world of karstic wonders, roaring underground and calm surface water awaits you.

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

Koroka: Its plentiful gems are scattered throughout numerous little towns, villages and the surrounding valleys stretching far below the mighty mountain peaks, which dominate the skyline.
Radlje ob Dravi Dravograd Ravne na Korokem Slovenj Gradec Topolica otanj Zree Lovrenc na Pohorju

Pomurje: Welcome to the dreamy Pomurje, a land of storks, vineyards, healing waters and energy points, windrattles, floating mills, original traditions and dialects.

Grad

entilj v Slov. goricah

Moravske Toplice Gornja Radgona Radenci

MURSKA SOBOTA

Dobrovnik/ Dobronak

MARIBOR
Lenart v Slov. goricah

Beltinci Lendava/ Lendva Ljutomer

eica

Mislinja

PTUJ Slovenska Bistrica


Pragersko

Dornava

Ormo

Sredie ob Dravi

Mozirje

VELENJE
Polzela alec

Dobrna Slovenske Konjice

Poljane

entjur

Rogaka Slatina

Rogatec

CELJE
Lako Podetrtek

Ptuj: From the Stone Age to this day, history has written a chronicle in stone in the Ptuj region, where roads meet that linked sunny Italy with the Pannonian lowlands and the Alps with the Balkans.

TRBOVLJE
Zagorje ob Savi

Hrastnik

Rimske Toplice Radee Sevnica entrupert Trebnje marjeke Toplice Brestanica Podsreda

Maribor Pohorje: Maribor is the second largest town in Slovenia with a unique old centre that provides rich events and is filled with attractions and pubs.

Krko Breice
entjernej ate

mberk

NOVO MESTO
Dolenjske Toplice

Otoec

Deela Celjska: A visit to the region in the summer is the time to experience good vibes, be it at medieval events, open-air concerts, local festivals or sporting events.

Koevje rnomelj

Metlika

Posavje: A green world at the confluence of the Sava and Krka, thermal springs, vineyards and castles;
Vinica

tel

Dolenjska: When you think you know what new is in Novo mesto (New City), you can experience a different Dolenjska. Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

West

,,The beautiful colours of the Soa river, that differ from emerald to turquoise, are all natural. The Soa gets it beautiful tints of greens thanks to the limestone thats on the rivers bed.

In the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway


It was the worst of times in the west of Slovenia between 1915 and 1918. The First World War held the region in a violent and tight grip. Legend says that the emerald green water of Slovenias natural crown jewel, river Soa, turned red. Among the thousands of soldiers that were engaged in gruelling battles was the famous American writer Ernest Hemingway who wrote his novel A Farewell to Arms based on his experiences here. Hemingway volunteered as an ambulance driver in the Italian Army that was fighting the Austrians

Soa

Ernest Hemingway

Napoleons bridge; Photo: LTO Sotoje

along the Soa. Back in those days the region was Austrian territory as Slovenia was part of Austria-Hungary. Hemingway describes the horror and pointlessness of war and the characters that are caught up in it. It was war in a beautiful setting. The way Hemingway describes the surroundings makes one want to visit them (in peacetime though). The novelist was for some time stationed in Kobarid, then known as Caporetto. ,,I remembered it as a little white town with a campanile in a valley. Hemingway wrote. ,,It was a clean little town

and there was a fine fountain in the square. Hemingway saw the Soa river many times: ,,There were trees along both sides of the road and through the right line of trees I saw the river, the water clear, fast and shallow. Hemingway started to write A Farewell to Arms back home in the United States. The book was published in 1929 and it became his first bestseller. The whole west of Slovenia fell into Italian hands after the war. The Italian influence is still present today. After the Second World War the region became part of Yugoslavia before finally be one of the regions of the republic of Slovenia. The west of Slovenia is one of the most diverse regions of the country. It harbours mountains and Slovenias 40 kilometre long Adriatic coast. The region has a long and rich history. Culture and architecture are influenced by the powers of the former Republic of Venice and Austria-Hungary that ruled here.

WWI museum in Kobarid; Photo: Bobo

WWI trenches

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

West Coast

Hrastovlje; Photo: U. Trnkoczy

Visit Koper

Koper Tito Square

Hrastovlje Frescoes

and its enchanting surroundings


Koper, one of the oldest cities in Slovenia, developed from a rocky island into an important tourist destination. Together with its hinterland, it offers great opportunities to discover the characteristics of the Slovenian Istria. Experience Koper and Hrastovlje with the combined tickets
Visitors can now discover the heart of the city centre of Koper with the combined ticket. It includes visits to the renowned Praetorian Palace, the Tito Square and the Cathedral of St. Marys Assumption. Experienced guides will present the rich history, geographical features and other interesting facts connected to this friendly Mediterranean city. The visit to the city tower at the end will astonish everybody with a beautiful panorama over the city and its surroundings. To upgrade the city experience, visitors are invited to discover the authentic Istrian hinterland where a number of small villages are hidden. Among them is also Hrastovlje. A trip to this unique village under the Karst edge can become a real experience. The combined ticket offers guided visits of the village with a presentation of historical, natural and cultural features of the area, visits to the two local galleries and visits to the church of the Holy Trinity, where the famous frescos are hidden. The discovery of the village will continue with two traditional food and wine tastings. Additional information, schedules and price lists are available on the website www.koper.si. Welcome to Koper, welcome to Hrastovlje, welcome to the Slovenian Istria!

Ljubljana
10 m 7k

Koper

EVENTS
Summer events in Koper 5th to 7th July: Feta Kalamarov (Kalamari Festival) > Pleasant atmosphere, a full plate of squid, local wines, sunset by the sea and Mediterranean music. This is Feta Kalamarov. 4th to 10 th September: EuroBasket 2013 > Koper is one of the hosting cities of the European basketball Championship, EuroBasket 2013. The Bonifika Hall will see the preliminary matches played by countries of the Group D (Finland, Greece, Russia, Italy, Sweden and Turkey). 21st and 22nd September: Sweet Istria 2013 > For an entire weekend, the streets of Koper will be transformed into the biggest venue of deserts and sweet products in Slovenia. Tastings, workshops, lectures and childrens program will diversify the rich festival program.

Tourist information centre Koper Tito Square 3 6000 Koper, Slovenia T: +386 5 6646 403 tic@koper.si www.koper.si
rni Kal Koper; Photo: Jaka Jeraa

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

DOIVI VIVI EXPERIENCE KENNENLERNEN


Spoznaj Hrastovlje s SKUPNO VSTOPNICO Scoprite Hrastovlje acquistando IL BIGLIETTO COMBINATO Discover Hrastovlje with the COMBINED TICKET Hrastovlje mit der einheitlichen EINTRITTSKARTE KENNENLERNEN

Hras t ovlje

GSM: +386 41 398 368

www.koper.si

DOIVI VIVI EXPERIENCE KENNENLERNEN


Spoznaj Titov trg s SKUPNO VSTOPNICO Scoprite Piazza Tito acquistando IL BIGLIETTO COMBINATO Discover Tito Square with the COMBINED TICKET Tito-Platz mit der einheitlichen EINTRITTSKARTE KENNENLERNEN

Capodis t ria
www.koper.si

Koper

Tel.: +386 5 6646 403

West The Emerald Trail

Paragliding; Photo: Suby Lutolf, Archive LTO Sotoje

The Emerald Trail


Treasure hunt on the Emerald Trail
It runs past high snow-capped mountains, through surreal gorges and under monumental stone arch bridges. But it is its emerald green water that makes river Soa so astonishing. The Soa has been an inspiration for poets, the frontline in the First World War and the location for a scene in the Disney movie Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. And now its also the centre of a route past some of Slovenias biggest treasures; the Emerald Trail. The trail connects all tourist destinations in the basin of the Soa river, that also includes rivers Idrijca, Vipava and Tolminka. The Emerald Trail binds the mountainous worlds of Bovec, Kobarid and Tolmin with the hills and vineyards of Gorica, Brda and Vipava and the mountains of the Upper Soa Region towards Idrija and Cerkno.

Soa; Photo: Bogdan Kladnik, Archive LTO Sotoje

are the lowest and southernmost entry point into the Triglav National Park and offer a surreal fairy-tale like sight.

Palette of activities
The diverse country side along the Emerald Trail offers a palette of activities. Get an adrenaline kick when you go paragliding from Stol, Lijak or Kobala or canyoning under the guidance of experienced guides on the Prjak, Kozjak, Suec, Fratarica, Mrzlipotok, Mlinarica or Predelica streams. The rivers also offer rafting, kayaking and hydro speed. And if you want to take it a bit slower you can go fly fishing and try to catch the famous Soa trout. There are innumerable hiking and biking trails.

Vineyards; Photo: Oton Naglost, Archive LTO Sotoje

The First World War


Along the Emerald Trail traces of the First World War are everywhere. You can hike the Walk of Peace in the Upper Soa region. The route passes trenches, fortifications, caves, memorials, cemetries and chapels. The walk starts at Log pod Mangartom, at the entrance to the mine shaft toln, and it ends at the outdoor museum on Mengore hill near Most na Soi. In Kobarid the Kobarid Museum tells many stories of the war. The museum shows two and a half years of static fighting and portrays in detail the 12 th Isonzo battle, also known as the Caporetto breakthrough. The latter is one of the major battles in the history of mankind having taken place in hilly terrain.

Natural treasures
On the Emerald Trail you can go on a quest to the most stunning natural treasures. Near the town Idrija the Wild Lake awaits discovery. The green lake, a natural monument, lies between trees and a hundred metre high rock wall. Near Nova Gorica the Kostanjevica monastery holds the worlds biggest collection of Bourbon roses. The roses blossom during the months of May and June. The Tolmin gorges are another true natural treasure. The gorges

Divje jezero; Photo: Samo Trebian, Archive LTO Sotoje

RDO Smaragdna pot Petra Skalarja 4 5220 Tolmin T: +386 5 380 04 86 info@emerald-trail.com www.emerald-trail.com

12

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

West The Emerald Trail


Bovec
13 3 km

Ljubljana

EVENTS
Summer in Bovec is not only known for outdoor activities, but also for open-air events.
Photo: Arhiv LTO Bovec, David tulc Zornik

In July, young musicians flock to Bovec for the Orkesterkamp summer camp and demonstrate their improved musical knowledge through their performances. The rich intangible heritage of the Trenta Valley is presented during the last weekend in July. The Trenta Fair is an opportunity to view, taste and purchase the products of local vendors and creators accompanied by a musical programme with entertaining shepherd and other games that recreate life in Trenta. In August omparska no (The Potato Night) attracts numerous visitors. During the omparska no on the 10 th of August, local groups revive the cultural heritage through dance, songs and games in the centre of Bovec. Bovec culinary offer will satisfy the gourmet taste with dishes such as frika (a potato and cheese dish), ompe (potato), Bovec cheese and other specialities. The Farm Games present the traditions of Bovec in a very particular way, spiced up with a humorous note. Theres fun waiting for you on the 17th of August in ezsoa, as teams compete in games that humorously portray farm work such as delanje in pospravljanje strga (making haystacks and gathering hay), pubiranje omp (gathering potatoes) and od japke do mota (from apples to must).

Photo: Arhiv LTO Bovec, Leonardo Olmi

Bovec

Be active in the Valleys of Inspiration and be curious in the exploration of heritage


The landscape along the emerald Soa River and in the neighbouring valleys is inspiring in its abundance. The natural sights will amaze you: Boka, the mightiest Slovene waterfall, trips to Krn Lake, Slovenias largest highaltitude lake, the ascent to the Mangart Pass on the countrys highest-lying road and Vri, Slovenias highest mountain pass. Wherever you turn in Bovec, you will be faced with beautiful views of Alpine scenery with a touch of Mediterranean influence. The heritage also shows the fascinating combination of influences. Cultural and historical paths take us past historical points such as the Klue fortress and the toln mine tunnel as well as past typical architecture and sheep pastures. The excellent Bovec cheese can be purchased in the mountains and at local cheese shops. Cheese and skuta (a sort of cottage cheese) often accompany local dishes and are followed by a dessert of bovski krafi (dumplings) filled with pears. The best way to explore Bovec is through sports activities. Besides the very popular

Photo: Arhiv LTO Bovec, David tulc Zornik

Photo: Arhiv LTO Bovec, David tulc Zornik

hiking and water sports, such as rafting and canyoning, one can also choose something from the extraordinary offer. Take a ride down into the valley on a metal cable in one of the largest zip-line parks in Europe or perhaps with the unusual Monster roller scooter. E-bike on the other hand will guarantee a relaxed ride around Bovec land. Events by the Soa river will be vibrant from spring to fall. But there are still innumerable nooks for those who seek peace and tranquility. Seek them out through active excursions on the mountain slopes, river banks, water or in the air.
TIC Bovec Trg golobarskih rtev 22, SI-5230 Bovec T: +386 (0)5 384 1919 M: +386 (0)31 388 700 info@bovec.si www.bovec.si

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

13

West The Emerald Trail

Bears head; Photo: Matev Lenari

Nadia; Photo: Serdjan ivulovi

Tolmin and Kobarid


A Valley of Numerous Faces
Photo: Matev Lenari

Along the Emerald Trail and under the peaks of the Julian Alps, the towns of Kobarid and Tolmin. The First World War made the greatest impact on this area, although of extreme interest is also the ethnological heritage of the old villages, revealing the way of life in the valley in the past. The unspoilt nature, one of the greatest assets of the area, offers numerous sporting options and exquisite local culinary delights. Valley of Action
Active holidays are the main magnet drawing visitors to the Soa valley. Be it hiking or cycling, the possibilities are unlimited. The brave can opt for paragliding and view the stunning valley from a birds perspective while those in favour of action can hit the emerald Soa river, a synonym for adrenaline water sports and fishing.

Valley of Discovery and Energy


You are invited to discover the mysteries of the past and the beauty of nature while filling up with energy. The Walk of Peace will take you to the remnants of the Isonzo Front, including the memorial church of the Holy Spirit in Javorca. Two pearls of nature, the Kozjak waterfall and the Tolmin gorges will enchant you, while families can enjoy swimming in the Nadia River. On the mountain pastures you can taste the famous Tolminc cheese and enjoy the gourmet offer of the restaurants appreciated by the Kobarid Gastronomic Circle.

Kozjak waterfall; Photo: Fabio Ferrari

KobaridTolmin
12 1040 km km

Valley of Festivals
Ljubljana

LTO Sotoje TIC Tolmin Petra Skalarja 4 5220 Tolmin T: +386 5 380 04 80 info@lto-sotocje.si www.visit-soca.com

TIC Kobarid Trg svobode 16 5222 Kobarid T: +386 5 380 04 90 info.kobarid@lto-sotocje.si

The numerous events of the Soa valley are a blend of tradition and nature. You can find them at www. dolina-soce.com. Musical spectacles such as Metalcamp, Sajeta, Punk Rock Holiday and the Weekend of Popular Folk Music attract people from all over the world to the confluence of Tolminka and Soa. The area also boasts interesting culinary events, such as the trukljada and Frika day, both celebrating the two most typical local delicacies, whilst hikers should note the Hiking Festival in September.

www.visit-soca.com

14

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

West The Emerald Trail


Neptunes Fountain
Neptunes Fountain was produced in 1815 with the help of the Count Coronini. It is believed that it is a work by the sculptor M. Chierigin from Padova. In the past, it was used for water collecting. The women used to take the water from this fountain with water containers made of wood. today. It is the symbol of Kanal and it attracts the attention of many artists and visitors from far and beyond, especially during traditional events such as the bridge diving.

in the heart of nature and culture

Kanal

The Famous Bridge


Kanals bridge was first made of wood in 1580 and following numerous turbulent historical events, including the First and Second World War, the bridge was reconstructed into the stone arch we can see

Kanal

127 km

Ljubljana

EVENTS
2 3 Aug > Bukafest, Vrhav 4 Aug > Donkey Races, Levpa 10 Aug > Summer party, Kanal 18 Aug > Bridge Diving, Kanal 13 Oct > Chestnut festival, Lig

The Municipality of Kanal ob Soi is situated in the central Soa Valley at the border with Italy. Its location between the hills of the Kanalski Kolovrat and the plateau Banjka planota offers visitors several possibilities for recreation; relaxation, cycling, hiking, hunting, fishing, and swimming. The heart of the municipality is Kanal, a small medieval town with a rich cultural heritage.

TIC KANAL Pionirska 2, 5213 Kanal T: +386 5 39 81 213 tic.kanal@siol.net www.tic-kanal.si

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

15

West The Emerald Trail EVENTS


Summer Adventures in Nova Gorica > July and August Mohorjevo Event > empas, July 13th and 14th Summer Polenta > mihel, July 15th The Polenta Festival > Ozeljan, July 21st The Hay Harvest Festival > Banjice, July 27th
Solkan bridge; Photo: M. Bijukli

The Peach Festival > Prvaina, August 3rd and 4th Bndimska kvaternica > Branik, 25th August

Nova Gorica

Photo: M. Moivnik

Photo: M. Moivnik

New Adventures

Nova Gorica is surrounded by stunning nature and numerous sights; the Kostanjevica Monastery, Sveta Gora (Holy Mountain), Kromberk Castle, the Solkan Bridge and Europe Square. The town is bordered by the TrnovoBanjka Plateau, a wonderful world with an entirely different climate, full of folk traditions and natural sights.

The green, viniferous Vipava Valley stretches out towards the east above which the wings of parachutists and hang-gliders are spread. This friendly area is the home of excellent wine of the autochthonous variety, which pairs harmoniously with the flavours of Vipavas dishes. Sporting activities include hiking trails, kayaking on the Soa River, the Soa Fun Park adventure park, bungee jumping and several other sports. The area offers a whole new world of experiences to enjoy.

Turistina zveza - TIC Nova Gorica Delpinova ulica 18 b 5000 Nova Gorica T: +386 (0)5 33 04 600 F: +386 (0)5 33 04 606 tzticng@siol.net www.novagorica-turizem.com

Nova Gorica empeter Vrtojba

109 km 105 km

Ljubljana

empeter-Vrtojba
The municipality offers a wide variety of pursuits for active holidaymakers all year round. As a matter of fact the choice of recreation and outings is so vast that even

The municipality of empeter-Vrtojba is situated where the Vrtojba-Bilje knolls meet the fertile plain. Green forests, vineyards, fields and meadows make the region colourful and vivacious. The Vrtojba-Bilje hills offer the best conditions for growing grapes, fruit, vegetables and flowers, which is why the region is known as the Garden of Gorika. Visitors can enjoy the lush landscape and climb the hill Markov Hrib above empeter pri Gorici and the St. Ot hill, which offer marvellous views of the nearby surroundings.
the most active tourists will not be able to take advantage of them all. Among other activities, visitors can choose from cycling, golf, hiking and even testing their driving capabilities at the Kart Track in Vrtojba. At 800 metres long and 10 metres wide with a total of 9 turns, the track is located on the former Vrtojba International Border Crossing. Besides championships and international races as well as various performances, carts are available for all adrenaline enthusiasts to rent. We offer a wide variety of carts including weaker ones for children. All of the carts provide a high level of protection, allowing for a safe and fun ride. More information at: info@drustvo-gas.si.

EVENTS
21. 6. 26. 7. 2013 > Poletje na placu summer festival in empeter pri Gorici with a wide range of events 6. 7. 2013 > Trio Eroika, concert 18. 24. 8. 2013 > Plesno poletje (A Summer of Dance), empeter pri Gorici Obina empeter-Vrtojba Trg Ivana Roba 3 a empeter pri Gorici T: +386 5 335 10 00 info@sempeter-vrtojba.si www.sempeter-vrtojba.si

16

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

West The Emerald Trail


riding are popular options. History lovers can enjoy the cemetary, monuments and bunkers of this former front line between the two world wars. Naturalists can observe the various forms of vegetation and wild life in the woods. Fisherman have the Vipava River or Lake Vogrek to choose from. The Paquito Casino in Volja Draga is definitely for those who like to try their luck, while others may prefer to see the Roman remains in Bukovica. saplings, natural fruit juices and local spirits can also be found here. And if you want to stay a bit longer; there is a wide selection of lodgings to choose from.

m 101 k

Ljubljana

Tales from the valley

Local Products
The friendly people of Rene-Vogrsko will be pleased to offer you their products and services. Wine merchants have a wine selection for you to taste and/or buy. Beekeepers sell products made with honey or beeswax. And, of course, items such as fruit, vegetables, goat milk products,

Vogrsko Rene

EVENTS
August > traditional Summer Festival in Bukovec September > performances for the opening of the Vzornega vrta in Volja Draga For more information: www.rence-vogrsko.si Contact Information: Obina Rene-Vogrsko Bukovica 43 5293 Volja Draga T: + 386 5 33 84 500 info@rence-vogrsko.si

The municipality of Rene-Vogrsko lies on the border between the Vipava Valley and Kras. Our beautiful unspoiled nature and friendly people create their own tales, tales from the valley.
The calm surroundings of the countryside offer tourists a variety of ways to enjoy their holidays. Short walks, cycling or horseback

Your Daily Source of Information

Check Summer Guide 2013 at

www.sloveniatimes.com

West The Emerald Trail

Ajdovina,
A land of active experiences
Ajdovina is situated in the heart of the Vipava Valley, a green and fertile land, which provides visitors with a wide palette of experiences for people of all tastes.
Discover the beauty of the Vipava Valley from the seat of a bicycle: ride along the Hubelj and Vipava Rivers, cycle through orchards and vineyards over the Vipava Hills or climb the Trnovo Plateau and Hruica. Discover the Gora Plateau, a number of hiking trails intertwine here and the areas natural features will enchant you: from caves and basins to the diverse world of animal and plant life. Explore the Vipava valley through the Otliko okno (the Otlica Window), a large natural opening in the edge of the plateau. Take off from Ajdovinas airport in a powered parachute or paraglider accompanied by experienced pilots and experience an unforgettable panoramic flight

EVENTS
Days of the Gora Plateau > July 13 th Tiha dolina na Predmeji Vodice Night > July 27th Vodice pri Colu Foresters Fair and Horse Races in Gozd > August 17th and 18th Gozd pri Colu Recreational Cycling Race in Predmeja > September 1st start at Lavriev trg (Lavri Square), Ajdovina

over the Vipava Valley. Fly from the Kvok on the Gora Plateau airfield for tandem skydiving and discover the magic of flight. Try our excellent Vipava wine, especially the autochthonous types, Pinela and Zelen. Sweeten things up with some of our juicy Vipava fruit and taste our typical dishes at tourist farms and in restaurants. Spend the night in a hotel in the centre of Ajdovina, a youth hostel on the edge of the town, in a campsite, in a modern apartment or at a tourist farm in the countryside. Welcome!

TIC Ajdovina Cesta IV. Prekomorske 61 a 5270 Ajdovina T: +386 5 36 59 140 tic.ajdovscina@siol.net, www.tic-ajdovscina.si

83 km Ljubljana m Ajdovina 78 k Vipava

come into contact with the rich natural and cultural heritage of Vipava and its surroundings, including the mighty Lanthieri Manor in the centre of Vipava.

The Vipava wine specialities, Zelen and Pinela, in the Vipava wine shop
Discover the Vipava autochthonous wines, Pinela and Zelen, at the Main Square in Vipava near the Tourist Information Centre (TIC Vipava). We offer wine tastings every day between 9:00am and 7:00pm. Taste the rich simplicity of the Vipava countryside at a number of wine cellars and tourist farms, serving top-notch wine and food.

Vipava
Cycling trails
Vipava Valleys mild climate allows for outdoor sports and recreational activities all year round. A number of macadam and paved trails, which wind between the viniferous Vipava hills and through the Nanos Plateau, provide many opportunities for cycling. On the seven circular trails, you will

EVENTS
Summer Cultural Performance IMAGO SLOVENIAE (Spring Water and the Voice of the Heart) > in July and August in Vipava at Pavel Rust Square (Trg Pavla Rusta). September 6th 8th, 2013 > Vipavska trgatev (Vipava Grape Harvest) TIC VIPAVA Glavni trg 1, 5271 VIPAVA T: +386 (0)5 368 70 41 +386 (0)51 215 226 tic.vipava@siol.net www.izvirna-vipavska.si

Where to spend the night?


Those wishing to stay with us for a few days will find a wide selection of options in both Vipava and the countryside. We recommend that nature lovers visit Camp Tura, situated beneath the immense climbing walls of the Nanos Plateau or Camp Vrhpolje, which can be found in the heart of the Vrhpolje vineyards. You can choose to spend the night in Vipavas rooms and apartments or at one of the nearby tourist farms.

18

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

West The Emerald Trail

Photo: Samo Trebian

Idrija

60 km

Ljubljana

The oldest Slovenian mining town on UNESCOs list


Idrija, the Alpine and EDEN town of 2011, is known for one of the largest mercury mines in the world, which, while it was in operation, attracted researchers and travellers from all over Europe. Last year the mine was put on UNESCOs World Heritage List.

Idrija,

Photo: Jani Peternelj

Idrija is also known for its enchanting bobbin lace that is held in high esteem all over the world. Today Idrija bobbin lace is a significant Slovenian decoration and business gift while modern lace accessories adorn the wardrobe of every modern woman. The culinary offer is also rich, particularly the local specialty idrijski likrofi (dough with a potato filling), which has been protected as a traditional specialty by the European Union. Idrija will inspire you with its unspoiled nature and it is a true paradise for hikers, cyclists, mushroom pickers, fishermen, photographers and the inquisitive who want a break from their everyday concerns and to relax in natures picturesque embrace.

EVENTS
International TANGO Festival > 12 th July - www.idrija-turizem.si The event is hosted by various musicians, who deal with this sort of music. Expect performances by soloists, musical groups and acclaimed foreign musicians. The International ALTER ART Festival > 9 th August - www.idrija-turizem.si The festival presents performers from the areas of amateur culture, alternative youth subcultures and serious culture, young alternative musical groups from Slovenia and abroad, art exhibitions and photographic artists, dance performances and literary evenings. The Assumption aka Prfarski trukljevc > 15th August - www.idrija-turizem.si Attracting a great number of visitors and pilgrims, the Church of Mary on the Rock is the stage for an annual holy mass. During this holiday, truklje and wreaths are made alongside dancing and singing.

Experience and taste


take a trip to the Antonijev rov Tourist Mine. Look out for the mischievous gnome, Perkmandeljc! check out the collections of the Idrija Town Museum, at the beautiful Gewerkenegg Castle. explore nature with a hike along the Rake Natural Trail and Learning Path visit the Idrija Geopark, enter into hidden nooks, narrow ravines and gorges and get to know our unique geological heritage visit the most beautiful and bio diverse public aquarium in Slovenia.
Photo: Dunja Wedam

Photo: Jani Peternelj

MUNICIPALITY OF IDRIJA

Information and reservations for guided tour groups: TIC Idrija Vodnikova 3, Idrija T: +386 (0)5 37 43 916 tic@visit-idrija.si www.visit-idrija.si, www.idrija-turizem.si

Photo: Jani Peternelj

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

19

West The Karst and Brkini

Seana
The Karstic Capital
Take off on a trip to the enchanting karst underground and the oldest tourist cave in Europe; Vilenica Cave. Rediscover your inner child at the Shepherd Games on the Pliskina Educational Trail. Get to know the craft of stonemasonry and then enjoy a relaxing stay at the best Slovenian youth lodging; Pliskovica Hostel. History buffs may be interested in the cemetery and Tabor War Museum, while those preferring the beauty of nature may enjoy visiting the areas karstic and botanical gardens. The wealth of the region can also be experienced through cuisine, namely the Teran red wine and local prosciutto. A word of advice: the region is best explored by bicycle or on foot.

Divaa A world rich of

nature and culture


A big part of our area is part of the limestone landscape of the Karst plateau. Here, besides the magnificent kocjan caves, a number of karstic caves, collapsed caves, sinkholes and, opposite this, the Senoeta, Vremica and Brkina hills can be found. Our world is rich with natural and cultural heritage, which allows for hiking, culinary evenings near a farm, restaurants, a descent into the dark and silent world of the caves, a study of our traditions, culture, performances... The krateljnova homestead, the home of the Museum of Slovenian Film Actors, can be found in the centre of Divaa. It is an excellent example of traditional karstic architecture. The museum offers insight into the countrys film heritage, while emphasizing the art of acting itself.

Hrpelje Kozina One municipality;


three worlds
The municipality of Hrpelje Kozina is situated at a junction of roads leading from Trieste (IT) to Reka (CRO) and from Ljubljana to Koper and, in a way, is a juncture of three worlds: the Brkini Hills, iarija, and Mali Kras. On Brkini Hills border with the Materija Valley, you will come face-to face with a picturesque landscape of streams and karstic features (Dimnice Cave). There are many trails available for cycling and walks amidst our breath taking natural sights. Friendly, traditional restaurants and tourist farms will offer you relaxation as well as local specialties. The pleasant climate is particularly good for growing fruit (the Brkini Fruit Road). The jewel of Mali Kras is Krajinski Park of Glinica and its numerous recreational trails. Time stands still at the iarija border with Croatia taking you back in time with its historical details.

EVENTS
Summer Events: The first week in July > multiple performances as a part of the Municipal Holiday From the end of June to September > open-air cinema (Museum of Slovenian Film Actors) Various ethnological performances > the Shepherd Games FOLLOW US THROUGH THE ENCHANTING PATHS OF KRAS AND BRKINI Contact information: Razvojni center Divaa T: + 386 (0)5 / 7310-941, /7310-949 razvojni.center@divaca.si

EVENTS
Summer in Pliskovica > June 13 August 31: Etno festival Maldifest > July 5 21: Youth festival Festival of Teran and Prosciutto > August 4 -11 Seana Day > August 23 31 Contact information: Tourist Information Centre Seana T: +386 5 7310-128 tic.sezana@siol.net www.vinskacestakras.si

EVENTS
The Brkini Apple Holiday in Tatre > An entertainment programme based on the ethnological characteristics of Brkini Chestnut fest > Rodik 19.10. Contact: Obina Hrpelje - Kozina T: + 386 (0)5 6800 150 obcina.hrpelje-kozina@hrpelje.si www.hrpelje-kozina.si

20

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

West The Karst and Brkini

kocjan Caves
Komen Miren Don't pass without a stop in tanjel Kostanjevica
When you travel through this part of Kras you cannot pass without stopping at tanjel, which is one of the oldest and most picturesque settlements in this region. tanjel is known for its quality design, history and the architecture of its town centre as well as its prehistorical foundations. The famous architect and urban planner, Maks Fabiani, designed the town's Ferrari Garden, which is still popular with tourists. Visitors cycling from tanjel through the vinyards can expect to encounter tourist farms, restaurants, friendly locals and a number of religious structures and WWI remains (Gorjansko, Brestovica pri Komnu). Life in the municipality pulses between Miren and Kostanjevica in the Karst. Going for a break in nature could include taking a walk, cycling or horseback riding along the Poti miru (Walk of Peace) in the surroundings of the Memorial to the Defenders of Slovenian Soil in Cerje, which offers an amazing view of the Gulf of Trieste, the Julian Alps and the Vipava Valley. Caterers are especially proud of their asparagus dishes in the month of May, as the last weekend in the month is the traditional asparagus festival in Orehovlje. The people of the Karst region invite you to their wine cellars for Teran and prosciutto. You can choose to spend the night on a homestead or in an apartment.

One of the worlds underground treasures


On the crossroads of the impenetrable flysch rock of the Brkini highland and the valley of river Reka lies one of Earths natural treasures; the kocjan Caves. In the caves near the town of Divaa you can see the karst phenomena at its best. The kocjan Caves are not just caves. They have been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1986 because of an incredible subterranean canyon, pioneering research into karst phenomena and rich archeological heritage and great biodiversity. The cave system consists of many individual caves, tunnels, streams, natural bridges and karst sinks. Already in prehistoric times people lived around the caves.

A walk through the caves


A visit to the caves is possible with an experience guide. During the summer a tour of the museum collections is included in the ticket for the kocjan Caves Park. This tour lasts about an hour. Visitors can see an ethnological collection in the Jkopin barn, a karst collection in the Jurij barn and a biological, geological and archeological collection in the natural science learning centre the Delez house.

EVENTS EVENTS
tanjel is waking up a series of performances: Summer Festival AlterSLO (July 12th 14th) Medieval Day (August 31st) > The Knight Games, medieval dancing, music, and a market. TIC tanjel T: +386 (0)5 7690056 +386 (0)41 383986 tic.stanjel@komen.si June 7th, 8th & 9th > Opekarski Dnevi a three day event with a variety of things to choose from such as: lectures, art exhibitions, a workshop for children, food tastings... June 24 > Midsummers Day celebration at 8:30pm (food, music, a bonfire and fun for everyone!) More information at: TIC Temnica T: +386 (0) 5 308 00 40 +386 (0) 31 310 800 info.temnica@siol.net TIC Miren T: +386 (0) 51 202 060 info.tic.miren@siol.net

Education Trail
At any time its possible to walk the Education Trail around the kocjan Caves Park. The trail, which was voted the best thematic trail in Slovenia in 2011, begins and ends in front of the information Centre in Matavun. The trail is two kilometres long.

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

21

West The Karst and Brkini

Lipica,
Ljubljana
87 km

Lipikum Museum of the Lipizzaner. Interactive


You will discover everything you ever wanted to know about Lipizzaner horses and Lipica in the museum. It is based on modern museuological principles. A variety of classical and interactive approaches turns the visit into an interesting and playful experience for children.

The Cradle of the Lipizzaner


White pearl A picturesque experience
The Lipica Stud Farm is one of the most beautiful cultural-historical monuments in Slovenia. This cradle of the famous white Lipizzaner horses has a tradition of over 400 years and today you can find a rich offer of various unforgettable experiences and a comfortable accommodation.
It was already in 1578 when Archduke Charles decided to build a stud farm in the Karst region with Spanish horses which were known for their strength and agility. In the 18th century the famous white Lipizzaner breed was developed here. Lipizzaners now feature in films and books, but if you really want to know about them; you have to visit Lipica and let yourself be enticed with a unique charm and Karst delicacies.

Guided tours
Take a walk around the estate of the stud farm in the company of a friendly guide, who will lead you through the world of Lipizzaners. Apart from Slovenian, the tour is also available in English, Italian, German, Croatian and French.

Carriage ride. Unforgettable


Enjoy a unique experience. Take a tour on the estate of the Lipica Stud Farm with a carriage and enjoy beautiful moments. The friendly carriage-drivers and elegant Lipizzaner will be happy to take you on a ride along the trails, an experience you are sure not to forget.

Lipica

SCHEDULE
April October, from 9am to 6pm > guided tours in different languages May September: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday, 3pm > performance of the classical riding school April October, Daily, 10am > training of the classical riding school, except on monday Also available > riding for children, carriage ride, riding courses, Lipikum Museum of Lipizzaner horses

Business events. Tailored to your every wish


The comprehensive offer of the Lipica Stud Farm includes a rich business tourism programme. Its offer comprises coordination of all types of informal activities and full catering services. The surroundings will give business meetings, seminars, employee training seminars, press conferences, new product presentations, international congresses and protocol visits a distinguishing mark.

Trainings and performances. Astonishing


The Classical Riding School is the pride and success of the Lipica Stud Farm. Select stallions will delight you with their elegant walk, turns and other surprising elements. Take a look at the training of the Classical Riding School and do not miss out on one of the numerous performances. You will certainly enjoy it.

Lipica Stud Farm Lipica 5, Seana T: +386 5 739 15 80 info@lipica.org www.lipica.org

22

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

23

West Green Karst


visited attraction the Postojna Caves, the Cave under the Predjama Castle, Cross Cave and Planina Cave reveal the astonishing splendour of stalagmites, subterranean lakes with calcareous sinter and the largest confluence of subterranean rivers in Europe. In the caves you can encounter miraculous species like the human fish that can live to be a hundred.

Protected
The value of Green Karsts exceptional nature is accentuated by the fact that 54 per cent of the regions surface is listed as a protected Natura 2000 area. Natura 2000 aims to protect unique species. In the Green Karst you can, amongst others, find the Carniolan Lily, Pyramidal Orchic and the ural owl, the stage beetle and fire salamander, the freshwater Shrimp and Smooth Snake and the brown bear, lynx and wolf. The Green Karst was the first Slovenian region to focus on sustainable tourism. The result is that the Green Karst will be as it always was; green and quiet.

Photo: Archive Notranjski regijski park

Two Faces of a Single World


The exceptional interlaced surface and underground karstic world gives the InnerKarst region characteristics that are entirely its own. The intermittent Lake Cerknica is the largest lake of its kind in Europe and a sight to behold all year round. Forests cover more than seventy per cent of the region that is extremely sparsely populated.

Castle in a cave
Historical monuments stand proudly in the area, such as Snenik Castle, Prem Castle and Predjama Castle near Postojna. Predjama shines in splendour underneath a cliff. The castle, thats built in a cave, was once the home of the notorious knight and robber Erazem Lueg.

The intertwined surface and underground world of the Green Karst


Within the embrace of wide forests, an astonishing world of karstic wonders, roaring underground and calm surface water awaits you. Venture out from the hustle and bustle of the city to the most secret corner of Slovenia, Zeleni kras or Green Karst. If youre coming from Ljubljana, you can be here in less than an hour.
Photo: Toma Penko

Underground wonders
In the Green Karst the world below the surface is just as fascinating. The region boasts the most beautiful, world-renowned Slovenian karstic caves. Slovenias most

24

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

West Green Karst


The castles are one of the remnants of the Green Karsts thousands of years old military history. Ruins of fortifications from the Bronze Age to the Second World War still tell a story today. A part of this past is brought back to life by The Pivka Park of
Photo: Archive Postojnska jama d.d., Miha Krivic

Military History that at an altitude of over 500 metres is home to a submarine!

Get active
The Green Karst landscape is not only nice to look at. It invites you to get active.

Get moving in the Green Karst countryside and go: riding horses, driving a horse team or hay cart, bird and bear watching, cycling, fishing, hiking and cave trekking. The Great Krpan Hiking Trail is a 91 kilometre long route that will take you all across the Green Karst. The trail begins at the railway station of Pivka and leads the way over the Javornik mountain chain to Lake Cerknica through the Loka Dolina by the Snenik Castle and ascends to the Bloke Plateau. From there it descends along Mount Slivnica to Lake Cerknica and takes you to the Rakov kocjan Valley. In the last section, the path ascends over Mount Kali and towards the town of Postojna where it ends at the railway station. There is a wide variety of bike routes. From Postojna you can follow the Castle Path or take the Cave Path through five caves around Postojna. www.zelenikras.si

Photo: Toma Penko


km

Ljubljana

Postojna Cerknica Green Karst

EVENTS
Furmanski praznik (Carting Day) in Postojna, July 7th, 2013 > A traditional allday ethnological performance, which revives old customs from the land of horse and cart drivers. A procession of vehicles of various types with horse teams diversifies the programme with a demonstration of old Slovenian crafts connected to horse and cart driving. Turistino drutvo Postojna Zmaj ma mlade (The Dragon has Young), Postojna, August 20th September 1st, 2013 > A traditional festival of cultural events (music, films, theatre) Zveza drutev mladinski center Postojna (Postojna Youth Centre)

Photo: Archive Notranjski regijski park

Photo: Toma Penko

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

54

25

West Green Karst

First Lake, Photo: Gaper Modic

EVENTS
A ONE HOUR TOUR OF THE DRY SECTION OF THE CAVE GROUP TOUR April, May, June > on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at 3:00pm July, August > every day at 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm and 5:00pm September > every day at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm FOUR HOUR TOUR OF THE ACTIVE SECTION OF THE CAVE FOR TRUE CAVE LOVERS In order to protect the cave, this section can only be visited by one group of up to 4 visitors per day. The tour is approximately 3.5 4 hours. Tours must be booked in advance. CONTACT INFORMATION Krina Jama T: +386-41-632-153 krizna_jama@yahoo.com www.krizna-jama.si

Port of Venice, Photo: Botjan Burger

Krina Jama (Cross Cave) Notranjska Museum in Postojna


The new representative building contains the broad history as well as the cultural and natural heritage of the Inner Carniolan

A primeval attraction of the underground world


Krina Jama (Cross Cave) is a world renowned karstic active cave. Its main attractions are its crystal clear underwater lakes with barriers of calcareous sinter. The cave also contains a site filled with cave bear bones, which are among the oldest in Europe. Cross Cave is the fourth largest cave ecosystem in the world by biodiversity.

Postojna

54

MAY - SEPTEMBER > Every day from 11am 6pm OCTOBER - APRIL > Monday Friday: from 9am 3pm Saturday and Sunday: from 11am 4pm The museum is also wheelchair accessible. CONTACT INFORMATION Notranjski muzej Postojna Kolodvorska c. 3, Postojna T: +386 05 7211 090 info@notranjski-muzej.si www.notranjski-muzej.si

(karstic) region. The exhibitions are arranged by theme: Memory is at Home in the Museum, a multimedia presentation of the human fish, The Living Underground World and Photographs of the Eternal Darkness: Postojna Cave. On the ground floor of the museum, visitors can also see a brown bear and the skeleton of a cave bear. The museum is a five minute drive from the world famous Postojna Cave.

26

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

km

Ljubljana

Krina jama

West Green Karst

Loka Dolina
The Land of ostrnice
In the south-west of Slovenia, in the midst of a vast forest, the secret karstic world of Loka Dolina is revealed. Here you can still experience the authenticity of life in the countryside and the diversity of natural beauty.
A thousand year old look back in history focuses on a rich cultural heritage which has drawn silhuettes of ostrnice, a unique method of drying hay and agricultural produce in Loka Dolina. Local hosts will serve you traditional home-made food. Various forms of lodging are also on offer: sleeping in a hay loft, in a tent, in apartments or in comfortably equipped rooms. by boat. The cave is known for the diversity of its cave organisms and also as a dwelling place for bats. The cave also contains a cave bear bones site. Loka Dolina offers a number of possibilities for outdoor activities. Hikers can take off through the mountain and themed trails, climb nearby hills or the prominent Mt. Snenik (1796 m). Cyclists can choose a trail based on their capabilities and wishes, horse lovers may prefer an unforgettable ride or merely enjoy a ride in a carriage, hay cart or sledge during the winter months.

Stari trg pri Lou Loka dolina

EVENTS
Summer Events: In the Land of Ostrnice > a selection of ethnological performances, the most important of which are: Igre med ostrnicami (Games among the Hayricks) and Medieval Day from May 23rd 26th, 2013 at Castle Snenik Loka Night > June 8th, 2013, Lo International Archery Competition 3D Ring > June 22nd, 2013, in the vicinity of Castle Snenik Lo Kovinoplastika Wind Instrument Orchestra on Statehood Day > June 25th, 2013, Stari trg pri Lou The Gallop Races > July 13 th, 2013, in the vicinity of the village of Nadlesk 15th ZAPIK Festival > September 13th, 14th and 15th, 2013, Castle Snenik Lo Grass Skiing > September 14th, 2013, Loka dolina The Open Municipal Championship in Accelerated Chess > September 22nd, 2013, Stari trg pri Lou Performance as part of the European Heritage Days > September 28th October 10 th, 2013, Loka dolina

Main Offers:
The Snenik Castle is a unique museum of living culture in the 19th century and one of the rarest castles in Slovenia, boasting its original furniture and fittings. The imposing Renaissance structure, with a touch of the romantic, is situated in a park designed in the regional style and composed of a number of promenades, clearings, water features and walking paths. The Hunting Collection and Dormouse Museum, which was hunted for its pelt, can be found in the castle manor house. The underground karstic world conceals one of the most beautiful water-filled caves, Krina jama. It was named after the Church of the Holy Cross, which is situated on a nearby hill. Its most interesting features are the crystal clear, underground lakes divided by a calcareous sinter that can be explored

Tourist Office Contact Information: Lo Tourist Information Centre Cesta 19. oktobra 49 1386 Stari trg pri Lou T: +386 (0)81 602 853 tic.loz@kabelnet.net www.loskadolina.info

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

56 km

Ljubljana

27

West Green Karst


Slovenian war of independence
A special place in the collection belongs to the T-55 tank which entered Slovenian streets on 26 June 1991 from the barracks of what is today the Military Park, and opposed the Yugoslav army over the just liberated Republic of Slovenia. This event has made the location of the Park very symbolic as it was where the war for Slovenias independence began and it was also the first armed conflict in Europe after WW2. A reminder of the dramatic events of 1991 is the gazelle TO-001 Velenje helicopter, the first aircraft of the Slovenian armed forces.
Photos: Simon Avsec, Andrej Kogovek

Zeta submarine
The Park is also home to a submarine. The largest and heaviest exhibit of the museum, a P-913 Zeta submarine, represents an important engineering legacy of Slovenia. The inside of the submarine can also be seen making the entire experience truly unforgettable. Visitors can learn about its mysterious operations and experience how it was to live in a small, cramped place deep under the sea.

A unique museum and tourist centre

Park of Military History Pivka

Throughout the centuries many empires, kingdoms and countries have tried to subordinate and fortify the broader area of the Postojna Gate (also known as the Gate of Italy) as this has always represented one of the most important strategic points in Europe. The rich military history of the area is now exhibited in Pivka and includes a vast national tank artillery collection containing examples of American, Soviet and Yugoslav tanks, and cannons left behind by various armies on the territory of what is today the Republic of Slovenia. The Park of Military History Pivka is a unique museum and tourist centre in Central Europe offering its visitors an outstanding experience and an insight into the diverse history of this part of the world. WW2 exhibits
The most interesting exhibits date back to the Second World War. You can see the famous Soviet T-34 tank, the most typical armoured vehicle of the eastern front and the American Stuart and Sherman tanks from the western front.

Where history meets nature


Visitors who would like to learn about history in the embrace of unspoilt nature should walk the Circular Trail of Military History. Hikers can see the former Italian fortress at Primo and continue to the ilentabor Castle where the largest Slovenian fort, used against the Turks, stood. Continuing through the tourist village of Narin visitors then return to the starting point - the Park of Military History Pivka.

Ljubljana
62 km

Pivka

Park of Military History Pivka Kolodvorska cesta 51, Pivka T: +386 5 721 21 80 tank.pivka@siol.net, www.parkvojaskezgodovine.si

28

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

FRESHNESS ON THE GO
in March restaurants in Slovenia
A1
DRAVOGRAD JESENICE

A5

LENART

GRABONO LENDAVA

A2

VELENJE

PTUJ TEPANJE I & II

VOKLO I & II

A1
CELJE LUKOVICA

A2
NOVA GORICA LJUBLJANA

BARJE I & II LOM I & II

A2

NOVO ME STO GRI ATE MOKRICE OBREJE EJE STARINE OTOEC I & II

A3
RAVBAR KOMANDA I & II

A1

WC for FREE

Freshly s lemon queezed fru ade - a it juice lso as take a s and way!

es and re ade cak m e m o H ies. specialt

gional

More information: marche-restaurants.com


Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

29

West Postojna Cave


,,Postojna Cave is the only cave where you can take a special train and ride under magnificent underground arches.

The most popular tourist attraction in Slovenia


About half way between Ljubljana and the coast or if you like, between Vienna and Venice lies one of the most beautiful corners of this world the Slovenian Kras. This is an unusual world of rocks and water interwoven with numerous specific surface and underground phenomena which have always stirred our imagination and attracted many visitors and researchers with their mysterious character. One of the most recognizable and beautiful natural sights which has brought international fame to Kras, is the Postojna Cave which has attracted visitors from far and wide for centuries; and in the last two centuries in great masses. Kras is also a world of exciting culture and castles, such as Predjama Castle ranked among the 10 most fascinating castles in the world.

Postojna Cave

Postojna Cave
Postojna Cave, the underground cathedral where centuries mean nothing, is one of the longest caves with 21 kilometres of explored tunnels and sits in the elite group of underground caves with the greatest number of stalactites. It is extremely well equipped for tourists and easily accessible by anyone. Its beauty has been admired by more than 35 million visitors who are taken into the mysterious subterranean world by the cave train while the kind and qualified cave guides safely lead them along the illuminated tunnels. For 140 years, the Postojna Cave, as the only cave in the world, offers a unique and adventurous ride with a special train, which will take you into the cave, under spectacular underground arches, which are embellished with chandellier look-alike stalactites, through a beautiful subterranean world full of playful limestone sculptures. The enchanting halls will take your breath away and the thrillingly narrow tunnels will raise your heart rate.

Proteus Cave with vivarium


Since the middle of the 17th century, Postojna Cave has been of interest to natural scientists and is therefore considered the cradle of speleobiology, the science of subterranean life. The Postojna underground world is inhabited by around 150 different animal species. Visit the Proteus Vivarium in Postojna cave to discover the peculiarities of the subterranean environment, the history of karstology and speleobiology. Apart from

30

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

West Postojna Cave

the, olm (Proteus anguinus), you can see other species of cave animals. The most fascinating among them, the Olms, have been exciting peoples imaginations for centuries, and it was once believed that they were the offspring of a dragon. They are blind and can live up to 100 years.

Predjama Castle and cave under the castle


Only 10km from Postojna Cave, nestled in a 123m high rock wall, sits one of the most picturesque wonders of human history the Predjama Castle which has been a

dominant feature for more than 700 years. It is massive, threatening and unconquerable. It was perfect as the secret domicile of the daring, stubborn and persistent Erasmus Lueger (Erazem Predjamski) who is described in a romantic and beautiful story about a robber. Underneath Predjama Castle the subterranean river, Lokva, formed an underground cave, the tunnels of which are arranged in four discernible storeys. Visitors can choose a variety of ways to see it from the interesting tourist walk to more demanding tours suitable for experienced cavers.

Postojna

EVENTS
Visitor Information > Postojna cave is open all year in July and August from 9am - 6pm, in June and September from 9am - 5pm. Tours of the cave last approximately 90 minutes. No special equipment is needed, however comfortable footwear and some warm clothing is recommended; the cave has a constant temperature of 10C. Audioguides are available in 15 languages.

Postojnska jama, d. d. Postojna Jamska cesta 30, Postojna info@postojnska-jama.eu www.postojnska-jama.eu

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

54

km

Ljubljana

31

North
Mountain Peca opens up and king Matja and his soldiers enter. They are safe. After the mountain closes again, Matja and his soldiers sink into a deep sleep. But just wait, one day they will wake up again and rescue Slovenia from who- or whatever it needs rescuing from. Now, hundreds of years later Matja, who is cast in bronze, is still sleeping in the cave. Any progress on the growth of his beard as, unfortunately, yet to be seen. The cave can be found near the top of the mountain Mala Peca. There are many versions of the tale of King Matja. It is still the most popular tale in the north of Slovenia.

Aljas Tower on Triglav Slovenias Highest Peak (2864m)

King Matja sleeps and sleeps and sleeps


On top of the Mala Peca in the Karavanke mountain range a man sits at a table in a cave. Its King Matja and he is sleeping with his head resting on his right arm. When his beard will have wrapped itself nine times around the pillar of the table Matja will wake up. When Matja rules over Cartinthia (Koroka) in the north of Slovenia, life is good. In fact, it was never better. The compassionate and generous Matja hands out golden coins as if they were crumbs of bread. Krn Castle near Klagenfurt is the Kings home and the doors of the castle are always open for people who need his help. But the happy times dont last in Koroka. The Turks are coming from the east. And one night when Matja is out fighting the Turks, the sultan and his men attack the kings castle where Matja wife Alenka is sleeping. The sultan kidnaps her. Alenka disappears in the night with the sultan and not knowing of the events in the castle Matja fights on. The next morning the king returns home, tired from a fierce battle, to find his castle empty. Then Matja finds a scared and wounded stable boy whos wandering around the castles square. ,,Majesty, oh majesty, its terrible, the boy cries while he throws himself on his knees in front of Matja. ,,It was the sultan. He and his men came during the night and took the queen. After the king handed the boy some coins he jumps on his horse again. Matja and his men, the black army, ride all day before they find the Turkish camp. They surround it and at night they attack. Matja rescues his Alenka from the tent of the sultan. Together they ride back to Koroka. In absence of the king though, the envious rulers of surrounding kingdoms forged a plan to defeat king Matja and conquer Koroka. An enemy army is waiting in a field for the arrival of Matja who got wind of the plan. Matja and his best soldiers storm, their swords raised high, towards their new enemy. But the opposition is strong, too strong. Matja loses many of his soldiers and with the leftovers of his black army he flees to the Karavanke mountains where they get stuck. And then a miracle happens.

Bled; Photo: Luka Esenko

,,Every Saturday morning there are free run trainings around Lake Bled. Point of gathering is the terrace of Grand Hotel Toplice. The trainings start at 9, except in July and August when the start is at 8.

King Matja sleeping; Photo: STO

34

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps


valley was the first place in the Triglav National Park that got a protected status.

Gorges and waterfalls


Water is showing its enormous strength on several places in gorges and waterfalls. In Triglav National Park you can find the 78 metre high Savica waterfall in Bohinj and near Kranjska Gora the Martuljek waterfalls and the Perinik waterfall. In Gorenja VasPoljane the Slatuki waterfalls fall down. There are seven waterfalls located at the source of the Slatuka stream. Close to Besnica near Kranj is the um waterfall. The Vintgar Gorge in Gorje is a surreal natural phenomenon. A 1.6 kilometre long path of bridges and galleries runs through this wild landscape of pools, rapids and a 13 metre high waterfall. Nearby is the dry Pokljuka Gorge. Its one of the most impressive gorges of the region and with 2 kilometres the longest one in Slovenia. The Dovanova Gorge near Tri is a unique geological site. Along a geological nature trail you can find rock that dates back almost 300 million years.

Gorje; Photo: Jot Gantar, Picture Slovenia

Enchanted by a marvellous mountain panorama


Big mountains with green slopes, savage high rock walls and even sometimes in summertime a small blanket of snow draped around the highest peaks. Places in the Gorenjska-region (Upper Carnolia) share a beautiful mountain panorama. But dont just stare at it; go and discover the treasures that lie in between.
Zavrnica stream for Slovenias first hydropower plant in 1914. The plant is closed, its location a popular tourist destination. In Jezersko locals created the heartshaped lake Planarsko to commemorate a glacial lake that disappeared. In Preddvor the rnava Lake is a popular place for fishing or a boat trip. A fishing top spot you can find in Bistrica near Naklo. Here in the eje fish ponds you can fish all year long. Near iri is the Raevsko Lake. Its one of the smallest lakes in the country and once a year it falls dry. And not to forget the seven lakes of the Triglav Lake Valley that lie between a height of 1294 metres and 1993 metres. The

Lake Bohinj; Photo: STO

Lakes and ponds


No region in Slovenia features so many lakes as Gorenjska. Slovenias only island in the middle of Lake Bled creates such a picturesque scene that Bled got nominated as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. A few dozen of kilometres further than Bled lies Slovenias biggest natural permanent lake; Lake Bohinj. Bohinj is a place too beautiful for murder said murder mystery author Agatha Christie when she was on holiday here. On the plain near enur, Trboje Lake is home to no less than 140 species of water birds. In the Zavrnica valley in irovnica a lake was created after damming the

Kukova pica; Photo: Jot Gantar, Picture Slovenia

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

35

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps


Jesenice is and always has been a city of steelworkers. Now its the home of Slovenias biggest steel factory. Ironworks started here already in the middle ages. Stara Sava, a protected industrial area of the former ironworks settlement, is open for visitors. The small town of elezniki was once a centre of iron smelting. In the town you can find preserved ironworkers houses and the only example of a blast furnace to be preserved in Europe.

kofja Loka

Jesenice; Photo: Jot Gantar

Where history comes alive


The city of Kranj, the capital of Gorenjska, has a history that goes back some 1500 years when Slav tribes arrived. Their jewellery can now be seen in Kranjs regional museum. Underneath Kranj more recent history comes to life in the network of tunnels and shelters, built during the Second World War. During the German occupation a 1300 metre long air raid shelter was built. The underground world can now be visited. On Bleds island remains are found from prehistory. Bled Castle on the hill along the lake is one the oldest castles of the country. More recent history had more effect here though. In the 19 th century Swiss therapist Arnold Rikli established the foundations of spa tourism in Bled and that was the start of organised tourism here.

Kranj Kranfest

During a visit to the towns and villages of Gorenjska history comes alive. Archaeological finds in museum collections can take you back as far as prehistory and in Gorenjska old city centres you feel as if you are walking in the period of their construction; the middle ages.
park are protected features. Along the original city walls the only surviving moat in the country can be found. If you walk over kofja Lokas upper square Mestni Trg or lower square Spodnji Trg you get the feeling a knight on a horse might pass you any moment. The town is one of the most carefully preserved medieval towns in Slovenia. Outside of the city walls a trail leads to the kofja Loka Castle.

Radovljica

Industrial heritage
The little town Tri near the Austrian border was for a long time known as Neumarkt, now its a little gem thats sometimes called the Venice of Gorenjska. The town has a long history in shoemaking and related industries. Its also the only European town where the houses have door- and window shutters made of forged metal. A much more industrial setting you can see in the city of Jesenice, that is tucked in between steep Karavanke mountains.

Medieval
Seated on top of a hill, the centre of Radovljica still breathes the middle ages. The restored medieval centre and the castle

Bled Castle

36

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps

Lake Bled; Photo: Role Bregar

Be active

Gorenjskas beautiful nature invites you to get moving. Options to hike and bike are almost endless; from routes on the plains around Kranj, to journeys to the mountaintops.
One of Slovenias most exceptional bike routes is the bike path that lies on the foundation of a decommissioned railroad in the north of Gorenjska, connecting Jesenice with Italian Tarvisio and passing Mojstrana, Kranjska Gora and Ratee. Winter sport paradise Kranjska Gora offers in summer a toboggan run, an adrenaline cycling park and alpine climbing and hiking routes. For children there is Kekec Land; an adventure park named after a popular hero from books and television. Also the ski-resort Krvavec in Cerklje offers summer activities. In Bled you can play golf on one of the most beautiful courses in Central Europe, on the lakes you can go rowing, fishing and swimming

Cycling around Lake Bohinj

Triglav; Photo: STO

prisoners of war laid them during the First World War. Along the road is a Russian chapel. In the north the Karavanke mountains separate Slovenia from Austria. For a great view over Jezersko you can drive or hike up Jezerski Vrh. The 1218 metre high mountain pass is one of the road connections between Slovenia and Austria. In the east of Gorenjska lie the KamnikSavinje Alps. Mountain Krvavec, that is part of this range, is a true challenge for cyclists with gradients of almost twenty per cent. In the south of Gorenjska the rugged mountains have passed over in the green kofjeloko and Polhograjsko mountain range.

Kranjska Gora

Memorable mountains
Slovenias highest mountains lie in the Julian Alps. Among them is the countrys highest mountain pass Vrsic (1611metres). The pass, which has 48 hairpins, offers great views. Take note of the cobblestones in the hairpins on the northern slope. Russian

Mystical mountain
On 26 June 1991, the eve of Slovenias declaration of independence from Yugoslavia, two mountaineers hiked to the top of Mount Triglav. Upon arrival they unfurled a new flag; the colours white, blue and red and in it a coat of arms with very prominently a drawing of the three headed

peak of Triglav. The 2864 metre high Triglav is much more than Slovenias highest mountain. Triglav is literally and figuratively Slovenias biggest symbol. The mountain is the centrepiece of Slovenias only national park, Triglav National Park, which has more than a thousand valuable natural features. Its also the home of Goldhorn (Zlatorog); an immortal buck from a famous Slovenian tale that teaches us to respect nature. Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

37

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps

In the Kingdom of the Goldhorn

Kranjska Gora

Photo: Photo collection LTO Kranjska Gora, foto Matev Lenari

Photo: Photo collection of LTO Kranjska Gora

Cycling
You can decide for a lazy pedalling style or for more demanding journeys into the heart of the Alpine valleys. You will work up a sweat and get a tan on the steep slopes of the Karavanke range. On the bicycle trail of three countries, which starts at the threecountry border with Austria and Italy, a visit to Bled through the valley Radovna is highly recommended. A bicycle route map and lunch in your backpacks might be the best way to get to know the Zgornjesavska valley. The trail is in perfect condition all the way until Mojstrana. You can also take many detours from this main trail. If you are an adrenaline buff, then the Kranjska Gora bike park with its courses offers everything you could wish for, including the childrens bike park.

In the northwest of Slovenia there is a fairy tale land which offers thousands of pleasures on the snow in winter and an escape from the unbearable heat to a pleasant shade for everyone who wants an active holiday full of experiences in summer. We are, of course, speaking about one of the most beautiful mountain jewels KRANJSKA GORA. In summer and winter Kranjska Gora offers a wide range of active experiences. You may choose from hiking, cycling, Nordic walking, golf, fishing, horseback riding, Alpine climbing, skiing, crosscountry skiing, sledding, ski touring and ice skating.

Photo: Photo collection of LTO Kranjska Gora, foto B. Kladnik

Hiking events
Hiking is definitely amongst the most popular summer activities. There are plenty

of trails for everyone, from the easiest recreational hikes to serious Alpine tours, which demand experience, appropriate equipment and a mountain guide. The first wonderful trail can be found in the confines of the Triglav National Park The Triglavska Bistrica trail in Vrata is a true experience of nature the Perinik waterfall, the galleries, the gable of the Vrata and the mighty Triglav northern wall. Conquering Triglav via this wall is a real achievement. You can also have mysterious experiences in the valley Kot, from where the road along the Radovna valley leads you to the Gorge (Vintgar).

38

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps


Those who enjoy the sight of a precipice have to experience the challenging trail to Prisank from Vri. Those who like safer sights can discover the road to Slemenova pica, the meditative solitude of the panoramic forest walk from Vri to the lakes with a view of the magnificent Jalovec. Perhaps the most beautiful trail in the Zgornjesavska valley is the trail to the first and second Martuljek waterfall. POCAR FARM, ZG. RADOVNA The house has been turned into museum and is one of the oldest homesteads in the Triglav National Park. Through its appearance, rich exhibition and the story told by the guide it introduces the visitor to the life, work and architectural heritage of the past centuries.
Kranjska Gora
85 km

Ljubljana

Nordic walking
Kranjska Gora offers many opportunities for this ever more popular version of simple walking. There are instructors available and you can also borrow poles.

EVENTS
15 Jun 18 Sep > Triglav fairytales 20 Jun 23 Jun > 120 th Anniversary of PGD Mojstrana 22 Jun > 3th Assault on Dovka Baba 23 Jun 30 Jun > 12. Kekec Days 25 Jun > 19. Vri Mountain Pass Run 29 Jun > Alpine Convention Day 4 Jul 29 Aug > Slovenian evenings Dovje and Mojstrana 3 Jul 25 Aug > Vitranc Summer Festival 6 Jul > Pa damaem in Rute 10 Jul > Alenka Gotar students 11 Jul > Ansambel Zupan Concert 12 Jul > Nuka Draek and Bla Jurjevi Concert 13 Jul > Village evening in Dovje 17 Jul > MC Trio Concert 19 Jul > Iva Stani Concert 20 Jul > SOLUM: Divine valley, divine food 25 Jul > Ansambel Zupan Concert 26 Jul > Katrinas Concert 26 Jul 4 Aug > Charcoal days 27 Jul > Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka Choir from St. Petersburg Concert 28 Jul > Memorial celebration by the Russian Chapel 2 Aug > Duo Igmar Jenner and Borut Mori Concert 3 Aug > SOLUM: Divine valley, divine food 3 Aug > Fireman party Pod lipo 6 Aug > The Municipality of Kranjska Gora celebrating holiday 7 Aug > Tulio Furlani and Milko Coev 8 Aug > Ansambel Zupan Concert 9 Aug > Ditka Haberl Concert 10 Aug > SOLUM: Divine valley, divine food 14 Aug > The Users Concert 15 Aug 18 Aug > Zgornjesavska valley picnic 15 Aug > Village day in Ratee 15 Aug > The running event Kranjskogorska 10-ka 23 Aug 24 Aug > kerljs Days 23 Aug 25 Aug > The Alja event 7 Sep > 35rd Ascent up Vri 8 Sep > The Tree-country border meeting 20 23 Sep > 3tour VITRANC 1st Recreational Cycling Congress We hold the right to change the program.

Cultural sights
SLOVENIAN ALPINE MUSEUM, MOJSTRANA In the Slovenian Alpine Museum the past and present walk together. A rich collection of objects with versatile historical backgrounds, versatile photographic and archival material and a comprehensive technical library offer visitors an insight into the mass appeal and importance of Alpine activities in Slovenia.

Photo: Photo collection LTO Kranjska Gora, foto Matja Vidmar

THE KAJNK HOUSE, RATEE It belongs in the category of renovated objects with a very much preserved folk architecture. In it you can see a reconstruction of the equipment from a black kitchen and pantry, exhibitions of the Ratee folk garb and local history, old films on the still preserved customs and the Planica ski jumping competition and an exhibition of handiwork made by members of the Ratee-Planica Tourist Association.

Photo: Photo collection of Slovenian Alpine Museum Photo: Photo collection of Gornjesavski muzej esenice, foto Silvo Kokalj

THE LIZNJEK HOUSE, KRANJSKA GORA The Liznjek house is a genuine Slovenian Alpine house, which was renovated and refurbished in 1983 and adapted into an ethnological museum. The cellar features a permanent exhibition about the life and work of childrens author Josip Vandot (18841944) and a temporary gallery.

TIC Kranjska Gora Ulica Dr. Josipa Tiarja 2 SI - 4280 Kranjska Gora T: +386 (0)4 580 94 40 tic@kranjska-gora.eu, www.kranjska-gora.si
Photo: Photo collection LTO Kranjska Gora, foto Iztok No

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

39

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps

The town of Jesenice, located on the sunny side of the Alps, is well known for its traditional ironworking and steel industry. Sports enthusiasts, aboveall, consider Jesenice a Slovene hockey town due to the boldness of its players and fans. Jesenice also boasts one of the most beautiful and well-kept town centers including the 'Old Sava', a former setlement now officially part of the town, which unites cultural heritage with modern industrial architecture.

Jesenice

Jesenice
65 km

Ljubljana

Adventures and Activities in Jesenice:


Jesenice is enveloped in a shroud of natural beauty including stunning mountain hamlets, the proximity to the peaks of Karavanke, rivers and streams, ski slopes and forest trails. For tourists who are curious and eager to learn, Jesenice will entice and enchant you while filling you with new strength. Jesenice's point of interest are the Bucelleni-Ruard Manor which is a museum about the iron-industry, the Kasarna Residential House where in the 18th century soldiers where housed, the Church of the Assumption of the Mary from the 16th century and the former heart of the ironindustry Plav. hiking cycling trips skating swimming the trim erjavec footpath themed trails guided and independent trip

TIC Jesenice Cesta marala Tita 18, 4270 Jesenice T: + 386 4 586 31 78 tic.jesenice@siol.net www.turizem.jesenice.si

Your Daily Source of Information

Check Summer Guide 2013 at

www.sloveniatimes.com

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps


Themed walking path
While walking through the Ravenska Kona Valley, you can stop and take a peek at the past of the beautiful mountainous landscape, observe how a glacier once shaped its surface and how natural forces have changed the landscape right before our eyes. The unassuming path goes along the Jezernica stream through pastures, over which it opens to a magnificent view of the northern walls of the Kamnik Savinja Alps. On the way, you will learn about the emergence of the valleys wealth of animals and plants as well as the other attractions that make Ravenska Kona worth a trip.

Jezersko

Jezersko
56 km

Where nature is at its best.


Experience unforgettable mountain scenery
Jerzerskos surroundings have long been attractive to hikers and nature lovers, due to its untouched wild life, refreshing climate and numerous natural attractions. You can experience the wealth of nature here all year round as the valley is encircled by lovely mountains, peaks and walls of rock. Its location and accessibility makes it an ideal destination for all those wishing to enjoy their holidays in natures most beautiful form.

Ljubljana

The Shepherds Ball (the second Sunday in August)


The Shepherds Ball is the oldest ethnographical performance in Slovenia. Here you can witness the droving of sheep from the mountains, the life and customs of the alpine shepherds and dairymen as well as the shearing of sheep and processing of wool. At the performances, we will spoil you with the authentic food of the shepherds and pleasant local music.

EVENTS
Vox Laci Music Festival > June - August Jezerska torja, Ethnographic Weekend > July 25th 28th The Shepherds Ball > Sunday, August 11th TIC Jezersko Zg. Jezersko 57 4206 Zg. Jezersko T: +386 51 219 282 tic@jezersko.si www.jezersko.info

................
www.bohinj.si
Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

41

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps

Photo: Bled Tourist Board Arhive

Bled
58 km

Ljubljana

Photo: Jot Gantar, Picture Slovenia

Bled: Slovenias tourist hot spot


The little overgrown rock in Lake Bled is Slovenias only island, but it is quite some island! The main building is the Church of the Assumption of Mary. There is a staircase with 99 steps leading to the church. Tradition has it that grooms have to carry their brides up these stairs.When visiting the church, make sure to ring the Wishing Bell from 1534. Those who ring the bell three times will have their wish come true.

,,When you visit Bled, be sure to try the famous kremnita. This cream cake was invented in Bled and is celebrating its 60th birthday this year.

EVENTS
From 1 July till 18 July violins will sound everywhere on the 18th International Music Festival Bled. > Its one of the biggest violin festivals in central Europe. Expect concerts every evening in Bleds Festival Hall, St. Martins Church and Vila Bled, workshops, master classes and a violin competition. The performed music is a crossover of Jazz and Classical. When the sounds of violins have faded another festival starts. From 19 till 21 July Bled Days and Bled Night will be. > On this event there will be local art craft and concerts on the promenade of Bled. And the highlight will be during Bled Night when 15,000 lights are lit in Lake Bled and fireworks will be set off from Bled Castle. The 23rd Okarina Ethno Festival Bled will again bring music to Bled. > In the first two weekends of August (2-4 August and 9-11 August) music from all over the world will sound in Bled Castle and Spa Park. Slovenian ethno musicians as well as renowned ethno musicians from the rest of the world will perform. Other popular events this summer in Bled are: 13 July > Nights 10 (A 10 kilometre run around the lake at night) 24-25 August > Firefighter Combat Challenge Slovenia 1 - 3 September > Bled Strategic Forum 7 September > Triathlon Bled 21 September > 23rd National Rowing Championship TIC Bled Cesta svobode 10, Bled T: +386 4 574 11 22 tdbled@telemach.net www.bled.si

Slovenias most picturesque scene


A lake surrounded by mountains that have their tops covered in snow, a small island in the lake with a white church that sticks its head out above the trees and next to the lake Slovenias oldest castle shining its splendour on top of a hill. There you have Lake Bled, Slovenias most pictured scene and tourist hot spot number one. An eventful summer
Health tourism was the driving force that, from the second half of the 19 th century, made Bled Slovenias most popular tourist destination. The picturesque little town has the thermal springs, mild climate and surroundings for a proper health holiday. But today it offers much more. This summer a series of events is scheduled, that will make a visit to Bled more than worthwhile.

Photo: Bled Tourist Board Arhive

Photo: Bled Tourist Board Arhive

42

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps


Begunje na Gorenjskem
Beneath the foot of Karavankes mountain crest, the village of Begunje na Gorenjskem can be found. Begunje is the home of Oberkrainer music and the Elan ski company as well as hiking paths leading to mountain pastures and the peaks of the Karavanke mountain range. The village is also the home of the Avsenik Museum devoted to the most famous Oberkrainer ensemble as well as the Hostage Museum. Entrance to the Draga Valley beneath the Karavanke is protected by the mighty ruins of Kamen Castle. Not far away is the village of Brezje with its basilica of the Virgin Mary, Slovenias largest pilgrimage centre.

Radovljica

town walls opens out towards the valley of the Sava River and the Julian Alps.

Kropa
Near the foothills of the forested Jelovica plateau you can find the green Lipnika Valley, where, in the 14th century, blacksmithing began to develop in Kropa and Kamna Gorica. Kropa, the cradle of Slovenian blacksmithing, is unique in its preservation of our architectural and technical heritage testifying to centuries of hand forging. The Blacksmith Museum offers visitors an insight into the rich tradition of iron-forgery in Kropa. Today, this tradition is still being continued by companies and individuals from the area who forge exquisite works of art from precious iron.

Radolca, honestly sweet


Less than an hours drive from the capital, just before Lake Bled, is the charming town of Radovljica, its surroundings presenting a destination of numerous sweet experiences and discoveries.
Radovljica and its surroundings are known as Radolca, which, with its nature and traditions intertwined, offers many historical, cultural, natural and traditional experiences. Discover the traditions of beekeeping and blacksmithing, which have continued to produce their precious creations for centuries without interruption. We invite you to discover the local Slovenia through our excellent cuisine, recreational options and numerous sweet forms of self-indulgence.

Radovljica
k 51 m

Ljubljana

EVENTS
Every Tuesday and Friday between 1 july and 16th August > Hop On Hop Off Radolca, Tourist Bus: BledRadovljica BegunjeKropa Radovljica - Bled Every Tuesday at 10:00am > guided tour of Radovljica July 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th > Musical Thursdays at Linhartov Square, Radovljica July 7th, August 4th, September 1st > Flea Market, Radovljica July 6th > Iron Forging Festival, Kropa August 4th > Medieval Market, Radovljica August 10 th25th > Festival Radovljica (old music festival), Radovljica August 23rd25th > Festival Avsenik, Begunje

Radovljica
The attractive medieval town centre of Radovljica will inspire you with its many tales hiding behind the walls of charming houses from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. To this day, the town is the home of potters and gingerbread makers and in the museums, you can acquaint yourself with beekeeping, the first Slovenian dramatist and bourgeois houses. The crowning points of the central square are the exquisite Baroque manor and the stunning view, which from behind the

Turizem Radovljica Linhartov trg 9, 4240 Radovljica T: +386 531 51 12 info@radolca.si www.radolca.si

44

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps

Naklo Air View

Confluence of Sava river and Trika Bistrica

Its happening in the village

Naklo

Its happening in the village!


Aleksander Meek expressed his wish, in one of his poems, for a country road to lead him to Upper Carniola. Should you also be carried away to the Upper Carniolan paradise between the grey mountains and the green rivers, make sure you stop in Naklo. Come and see the relaxed pulse of our municipality for yourselves!
Theres something for everyone in Naklo. Nature lovers can visit the camp near Trika Bistrica, recreation enthusiasts can release their energy in the Udinbort forest, enjoy horseback riding, cycle on our cycling trails, go fishing or visit the nearby mountains. Perhaps, though, you would prefer to listen to the gentle murmur of Trika Bistrica and the Sava River or instead fall in love with the peaceful green forests. The Duplje Manor Spodnje Duplje also boasts a manor built in the 13th century by the Knights of Duplje. The small countryside manor has seen many different owners such as the Mauser family who, according to historical sources, renovated the manor. Visitors are also invited to stroll through the galley and the museum corner.
The Duplje Manor

Naklo Ljubljana
36 km

Local attractions:
Vogvarjeva House in Duplje Vogvarjeva House in Spodnje Duplje, is definitely worth visiting. It is a well preserved ethnological monument filled with a variety of internal fittings and a black kitchen, which demonstrates the 18th century housing culture of the countryside. The rich, age-old tradition of shoemaking in Duplje is revived through shoemaking workshops with all of the original tools and equipment.

Our Lady of Sorrows in Podbrezje


The Our Lady of Sorrows Church captivates us from its place on the hill. With its pointed bell tower built in the Gothic style, the church was once protected by an anti-Turk encampment. Its picturesque beauty has appeared in its share of global cinematography. Its rich interior contains, among others, the painting Immaculate Virgin Mary by the artist Ivana Kobilica as well as Layers painting The Death of St. Francis Xavier.

EVENTS
The most beautiful blossom of the municipality can be seen right around the time of the municipal holiday on Saturday, June 22nd, 2013. > The performances will begin at 11am in Podbrezje at the Church of St. Jacob, where we will reveal the memorial dedicated to the writer Mimi Malenek. The tourist bus Happy Janez with its band of local musicians will again connect the surrounding villages where craftsmen, entrepreneurs and farmers will display their products.

Contact Information Obina Naklo Stara cesta 61 4202 Naklo T: + 386 4 277 11 00 glavna.pisarna@obcina-naklo.si http://naklo.si/
Vogvarjeva House in Duplje Lady of Sorrows Church

46

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps

Cerklje

Go to Cerklje? Why not?


Among the colourful fields and the diverse hills beneath the slope of Krvavec, the beautiful town of Cerklje na Gorenjskem has attracted visitors for years. Its rich cultural and historical heritage, marked cycling and hiking trails, vibrant culinary offer and beneficent climate of gives you a reason to visit us again and again.
In Cerklje and surroundings the past and the present walk hand in hand. The centre of Cerklje is dominated by the Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary, the cemetery with its small vestibule, the birth house of Ignacij Bortnik and the summer residence of the former mayor of Ljubljana, Ivan Hribar. You will also come across Petrovc House with the library and the museum. If you take the path from Cerklje to Adergas, you will pass by Castle Strmol. A walk through the grounds of the completely renovated castle is an unforgettable experience. The village of Adergas was once the home of the famous Velesovo Dominican Monestary. It is now better known as the Parish Church of the Annunciation of Mary and also houses catacombs and the oldest statue of Mary in Slovenia. The Sports Centre of Krvavec offers hiking and adrenaline sports in summer.

Cerklje Ljubljana

EVENTS
July 13th > the 2nd birthday of the Summer Park in Krvavec August 17th > Roks Fair and Folklore Festival in Cerklje August 24th > Cycling climb for the king and queen of Krvavec September 23th > Celebration of the Municipality Cerklje na Gorenjskem October 12th > The best crop of the year 2013 Contact: Turistino informativni center Cerklje (Tourist Information Centre) Krvavka 1b Cerklje na Gorenjskem T: +386 4 28 15 822 info@tic-cerklje.si www.tic-cerklje.si

27 km

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps

Tri

The town where the Radetzky March began


What in Tri was so heavenly, that the famous Marshal Radetzky, whose famous march is played by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra every New Years Day, took time out during the battle with Napoleon for a wedding and even bought a castle from his miserable mother-in-law in this place for 60,000 Goldinars? He liked it! Believe it! He was a man with taste! Main attractions
Hills, alpine pastures and mountains The peaks of Karavanke and the KamnikSavinja Alps, which rise above the landscape of Tri, have long been an attractive goal for mountaineers. From here, the view opens up to two provinces, Carniola and Carinthia, and two countries, Slovenia and Austria. The Alpine pasture trails in the hills of Tri will satisfy the most demanding mountaineer as much as lovers of interesting walks through forests and high-mountain pastures, due to the large number of alpine posts and herdsmen, which are also interesting for longer mountaineering trips. The old city centre The old town centre of Tri, with its restored streets, still whispers stories of shoemakers, stocking makers, leather workers and blacksmiths who used the hydraulic power of the Moenik and the Trika Bistrica as well as the proximity of the busy trade route over Loibel to earn a living. The rich heritage of craftsmen is loyally preserved in the Tri Museum. On a walk through the Trg svobode (Freedom Square), you will be able to see signs of these limited trades in the drying spaces of roofs, porches with the engraved initials of the landlord and guildsmens signs. Dovan Gorge On the edge of Tri, approximately 2 kilometers away from the centre of Tri, the remarkable Dovan Gorge can be found. It is here that the wild current of Trika Bistrica has excavated the deep gorge for millennia and thus exposed stoneware, which testifies to its long, interesting geological history. Saturday mornings are reserved for childrens performances and workshops while Saturday evenings are reserved for theatre performancesfor adults. The programme sticks to its slogan: Theres something for everyone! Come and take a look!

Tri
km 47

Ljubljana

Performances
Tri is known in Slovenia and around the world for its Shoemakers Sunday, which has taken place for more than 45 years on the first Sunday in September. This is the day when the shoemaking apprentices, the jungri, were accepted as assistants, the ksele. The summer pulse of the town is meant for children and adults alike, as

CONTACT INFORMATION Tourist Information Center Tri Trg svobode 18 SI-4290 Tri Tel: +386 4 59 71 536, +386 51 627 057 informacije@trzic.si www.trzic.si

48

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

2015
kofja Loka

In Lent and Easter time 2015, in kofja Loka, the town of the passion play, one can once again experience the magnificent performance, which brings the spirit of another time and the fascination of ancient days. After a six-year break, scenes and images of the oldest Slovenian drama, written upon biblical stories, will once again be moving in front of you.

Tourist Board kofja Loka Kidrieva cesta 1a SI-4220 kofja Loka, Slovenia T: +386 4 517 06 00 M: +386 51 427 827

In March and April 2015, the Passion Play of kofja Loka PROCESSIO LOCOPOLITANA will set out on its way along the streets and squares of the medieval town as it did in ancient year 1721, when it was written by Romuald Marui, Capuchin friar from kofja Loka. The performance in the open air can be experienced by daylight when the town is surrounded by sunshine, or by night when torch flames cover the town with mysterious expectation. With its spectacularity and expressive power, the Passion Play of kofja Loka is not just one of the most beautiful passion plays in the world but it is first of all a live story, which carries a strong message on the meaning of human life with it.

F: +386 4 517 06 05

E: info@skofja-loka.com

W: www.skofja-loka.com http://pasijon.skofjaloka.si

Experience it with us!

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps

kofja Loka

One meadow, two valleys, three mountain ranges, infinite stories

In writing, kofja Loka is the best preserved medieval town in Slovenia as it inspired many stories. The curious of heart are invited from far and wide to witness a rich tradition of guilds, echoes of the past, which reverberates in the age-old squares and streets as well as a mosaic of annual performances in the town beneath the mighty kofja Loka Castle.

Photo: kofja Loka (Jana Jocif)

The beauty of the thousand-year old town is supplemented by the Selka and Poljanska Valleys, which preserve the tradition of the nearly forgotten crafts and inspire visitors with their unique natural and cultural features and a palette of activities. In the past, the Selka Valley was marked by ironworking. The area is also known for its rich tradition of trade, especially the production of dragoki kruhki (hand-made gingerbread biscuits) and bobbin lace. To this day, the bobbin lace and shoemaking trades are preserved in the Poljanska Valley and in iri.

Be active and curious!


The green hills of kofja Loka and fields of Sorsko Polje offer an abundance of options for hiking, cycling and excursions. The trails vary in difficulty. The marked trails lead you through the vast forests and over flowering fields to scenic hill tops and friendly villages. To really feel the hospitality of the locals, stop by one of the tourist farms, where you can try home-made baked goods, ecologically produced fruit and vegetables, home-made juices and spirits. While wandering through the diverse hills of kofja Loka, dont miss Rupnikova linija (the Rupnik Line); a system of underground fortifications. An experienced guide will reveal its secrets.

Photo: Rupnikova linija

Photo: Tavarjev dvorec (Izidor Jesenko)

Photo: Cycling (Jana Jocif)

50

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

North Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps

kofja Loka

23

km

Ljubljana

EVENTS
Historial kofja Loka Festival of History
kofja Loka, 22nd June, 9:00am - 8:00pm The Fair was Alive > Town Square / 9:00am 8:00pm Culinary Offer > Town Square / 9:00am 8:00pm Promenade > Town Square / 10:00am Central Event Drama Play: A Blackmoor with a Crown > Town Square / 1 11:00am and 6:00pm Performances of Musical Groups and Knights from Twin Towns (Freising, Medicina, Tabor) > Town and Cankar Square / 9:00am 8:00pm Handicraft Workshops and Children Games > Cankar Square / 10:00am 7:00pm Horseback Riding for Children and a Little Garden of Domestic Animals > Hill below Loka Castle / 10:00am 6:00pm Visit of the Capuchin Library > 1:00pm 2:00pm Visit of Naces House with Handicraft Workshops for Children and Fairy-tale > 3:00pm 5:00pm Evening Concert with Singers of the Musical School kofja Loka > Sokol Home / 8:00pm Sunday, 23. June 2013: Opening of new Theme trail: Path to Crngrob > kofja Loka Crngrob / 10:00am 1:00pm Free Entrance Motley Meadow, kofja Loka, July and August > The Cycle of Summer Concerts. It really is beautiful in the countryside at harvest time, irovski vrh, 27. and 28. July > Traditional Performance with a demonstration of work on the farm. Charcol Burners Day, Stari vrh, 4. August > Ethnographic presentation with a demonstration of erecting charcol piles and charcol burning. Musica Locopolitana, kofja Loka, 28. August - 1. September > The International Summer Academy for Old Music Hike by Rapalska meja, iri, 15. September > A traditional sports performance with a cultural programme.

Photo: Crngrob (Urka Potrebuje)

Uncover tales of the past


Just a short distance from the medieval town, visitors can set off on one of the themed hiking trails. Poti treh gradov (Three Castle Trail) takes you from the Loki Castle past the ruins of the defence Tower on Krancelj Hill all the way to the secret ruins of the Old Castle or Wildlack Castle. The Path to Putal will walk you through fascinating tales of how the Putuci used to live and their connection to the devil, combs, frogs and why the wooden footbridge across the Sora River is named after an ancient account of the devil in this place. Both themed trails begin at the information board in front of Martinova hia (Martins House) in the town square. The third themed trail Path to Crngrob takes you out of kofja Loka, through the picturesque trails between fields and forests and past Stare Loke, Papirnice and Pevna to a former Pilgrims Church of the Annunciation of Mary in Crngrob. If a walk to Crngrob seems too short, you can always continue on to Planica and Krina Gora. The trail is also appropriate for cyclists as it is partially connected to the Loki cycling ring.

Photo: Hike by Rapalska meja in iri (Vlasta Peelin)

Indulge in a variety of experiences


The motley buildings of kofja Loka set the stage for the numerous open air performances that offer visitors a unique cultural, artistic or musical experience. The main town event is the June Historial, during which the streets and squares bring the medieval spirit back to life. The numerous ethnological, cultural, entertaining and sports performances affirm the jovial pulse of the areas green surroundings. Welcome to the kingdom of infinite stories!

TOURIST BOARD KOFJA LOKA Kidrieva cesta 1a 4220 kofja Loka T: +386 4 517 06 00 M: +386 51 427 827 info@skofja-loka.com www.skofja-loka.com
Photo: Historial kofja Loka (Jana Jocif)

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

51

52

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

53

Activities in Slovenia

,,Slovenia is also a great place to relax. The east and south are famous for their magnificent spa-resorts and all around the country you can plunge yourself in the tranquil vibes of the country life at tourist farms and vineyard cottages.
Steam Train; Photo: STO, Leon Hmeljak

Special adventures
Mountains, sea, wild rivers, caves, fields and forests. Slovenia has the natural infrastructure for the wildest and rarest activities. If leaning back, watching time go by is not for you, then we have some unique Slovenian activities here for you.
The bear safari
Sure, you can watch a bear in the circus or see a bunch of them in the zoo. But what about watching bears in the wild? Slovenia has a vital brown bear population and there are several possibilities to visit them in their natural habitat. The best way is to go, under the guidance of an expert, to an observation post from where you can see bears feeding themselves. There are possibilities to spend the night among the bears or you can go on a trip during the day. Marko Gore of the Lovska druina Lo-Stari Trg says spotting a bear requires patience, but the satisfaction of seeing one is grand. ,,Its like climbing Mount Everest. When you see a bear, its like reaching the top. Slovenia Forest Service T: +386 (0)41 65 7 31 2 Na meji Tourist Farm T: +386 (0)41 648 9 60 Tuam Vinetou T: +386 (0)40 8 05 761 Lo-Stari trg Hunting Ground T: +386 (0)41 53 6 949 Iga vas Hunting Ground T: +386 (0)41 225 015
Cave Biking Under Mount Peca Brown Bear

54

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

Activities in Slovenia
Cave biking
Slovenia is full of beautiful cycling routes but there is one without comparison; the underground bike trail. Under Mount Peca in Koroka there is a 5 kilometre long illuminated path through tunnels and caves. Bike tours in the mountain are guided. The starting point for this adventure is the Meica Mining Museum. The Mount Peca bike route is the only bike route in Slovenia where a rainless ride is guaranteed. The cave is 500 metres below the surface and has a constant air temperature of 10 degrees Celsius. Bikers need to wear a helmet with headlamp which they can rent. Bike Nomad T: + 386 2870 30 60 through the Julian Alps by steam train. The German built August Borsig locomotive from 1930 sets of regularly in summer from the station in Jesenice. It rides all the way to Kanal on the other side of the Julian Alps. The two hour journey will take the passengers past Lake Bled and the Soa River. The train will pass through tunnels and drive past gorges and plains. Departures dates: June (22), July (13, 27), August (10, 24), September (7, 14, 21), October (5, 9), November (9). Tickets and information: Slovenian Railways T. 01 29 13 391or potnik.info@slo-zeleznice. focus on climbing. Especially high rope parks are popular. Here the adventurers have to complete a course that hangs 14 metres above the ground. Adrenaline parks can be found in Jeica (the north suburb of Ljubljana), Postonja, near Tolmin, near the town of Tri, Maribor, Bohinj and Zree. For a good dose of adrenaline there are also downhill bike parks. Here you can descend mountains by mountainbike. But be careful, besides courage you will need good skills, lots of experience and protective gear. If you are an avid downhiller though, than these parks you shouldnt miss. Bike parks can be found in Kranjska Gora, Maribor, Kanin and Koper.

Paragliding
Fly like a bird. In Slovenia its possible on several places. Para-gliding flights from mountain Krvavec near Ljubljana, Vogel in the Julian Alps and around the Vipava valley offer incredible views and there are many more mountains where its possible sail down. And you dont have to be an experienced paraglider to enjoy the birdviews over Slovenia. Several agencies offer tandemflights. www.lifeadventures.si www.renospot.eu www.hostel-podvoglom.com/en www.nomad2000.com/tandemparagliding-in-slovenia

(Almost) Anybody can be mountaineer


Climb to the top of the highest mountain of an Alpine country. That sounds like a job for a seasoned mountaineer. In Slovenia it isnt though. The three headed top of the 2,864 metre high mount Triglav is reachable for anyone with hiking experience and a good health. Triglav is accessible from the Vrata valley in the north, The Krma valley in the East and the Trenta Valley in the West. A nice starting point is Mojstrana in the north. Mojstrana is home to the Slovenian Alpine Museum. In this museum is the Triglav information centre. Never go without having informed yourself of the weather and equipment to take along. If you are not at home in the Slovenian mountains it is advised to climb Triglav with a guide.

Paragliding Vipava; Photo: STO

Ride the steam train


Weee weee., Here comes the steam train! Take a trip to long gone days and travel

Adrenaline rushes
For a good adrenaline rush you can visit one of the adrenaline parks in Slovenia. The parks offer thrilling activities, with a large
Adrenalin Park at Pohorje Maribor; Photo: Duan Vrban

Almost at the top of Triglav

Descending with mountainbike; Photo: Marko Pentek

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

55

North The Upper Savinja and alek Valley

Logarska Valley Terme Topolica

The Upper Savinja and alek Valley


A region of wonderful variety
The region of Savinja and alek is an area which enchants with its unexpected variety, a region with numerous faces and images of vivid colour. Visitors can discover the unique contrasts, seemingly incompatible combinations and mosaic structures. Trails take them from underground depths to alpine peaks, from serene lakes to lively little torrents, from flat meadows to vast alpine forests, from villages to towns, from traditional handicrafts to the latest in technology. An area of thousands of images which merge into a perfect mosaic of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Terme Topolica

56

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

North The Upper Savinja and alek Valley

Golte

Golte

Golte

The Golte Tourist Centre can be found in the high-mountain plateau at the start of the Zgornja Savinjska Valley.
The surroundings offer many outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, mountaineering, climbing and zip-lining for lovers of adrenaline sports. Access to Golte is possible by cable car, which will have you at

the hotel in 8 minutes, but you can also take the road to the peak. After an active day, enjoy some rest and relaxation at our new 4 star hotel, located at an altitude of 1,410m. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with balconies, a wellness centre with saunas, a fitness centre, a congress hall, 2 restaurants and the rental of sports equipment.
Golte Tourist Centre T: +386 3 839 11 00 info@golte.si www.golte.si

Velenje

ABBA Revival Press Photo

Summer cultural highlights in Velenje


During the summer months, as a part of the 29 th Summer Cultural Performance in Velenje, our town will play host to over 50 cultural events in different locations around the town. The full programme is available at www.festival-velenje.si. Get caught in the wave of summer fun in the urban centres mosaic of experiences.

Gornji grad
Gornji Grad

Nature in its prime


Gornji Grad lies in the heart of the foothills of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps giving it a

specific microclimate and classifying it among the members of the European Climate Association. The area has a lot to offer to tourists. Our pristine nature makes many activities possible such as: hiking, mountaineering, climbing and cycling. In Gornji Grad, we are very proud of our heritage, especially the Cathedral of St. Mohor and Fortunatus, the largest in the country and a jewel of Baroque architecture in Slovenia. The former Benedictine monastery now houses seven museum collections including the collection of a local artist and inventor considered Gornje Grads Leonardo da Vinci.
Tourist Information Center Gornji Grad T: +386 7 039 7 979 td.gornjigrad@siol.net www.gornji-grad.si

EVENTS
21. 6. 2013 > Novi fosili (CRO) 27. 6. 2013 > Bossa de Novo (SLO) 10. 7. 2013 > Perpetuum Jazzile (SLO) 12. 7. 2013 > Panergya (A) Drum project (Carribean Music) 16. 7. 2013 > The Klezmatics (USA) 26. 7. 2013 > ABBA revival (CZ) 1. 8. 2013 > La Follia di Circolya (IT) Acrobatic Circus 19. 21. 8. > 25. Zitherist Festival

Topolica

Welness in the valley of the moon


Terme Topolica can be found in the valley of the moon, surrounded by lush greenery. The once predominantly centered health complex with the capacity of two hotels has grown into a modern spa with large pools, Ocepkov gaj; a new apartment settlement with a comprehensive wellness offer. In the

Zala Wellness Centre, you will be welcomed with open arms and royally papered. We will also enchant you with the availability of private spaces, unforgettable massages and saunas with magnificent terraces. The above standard apartments provide you with a second home, pool complex and playground as well as excursions that are sure to make your holiday unforgettable.
Terme Topolica d.d. T: +386 3 896 3 106, +386 3 896 3 100 info@t-topolsica.si www.terme-topolsica.si

Festival Velenje T: +386 3 898 25 70 info@festival-velenje.si www.festival-velenje.si

Gornji Grad Ljubljana


84

Golte Topolica Velenje


km

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

57

North The Upper Savinja and alek Valley

Ljubno

The jewel of the Upper Savinja Valley


This region, surrounded by beautiful peaks along the Savinja River, has a great deal to offer.

All those who visit us are impressed by the beauty of our nature and quickly see how much is possible in such a small place. From cultural attractions (a treasure trove of vestments in the Church of St. Francis Xavier, Raftsmens Museum) to recreational activities (hiking, cycling, rafting, fishing, camping by the Savinja River one of the most beautiful Slovenian rivers). We are also proud of our local cuisine, which you are welcome to taste in our hotel, restaurants and tourist farms. We invite you experience our natural paradise.

Tourist Information Center Ljubno T: +386 3 839 17 83; ticljubno@gmail.com www.ljubno.si

Lue; Photo: Matev Lenari

Logar Valley Strelovec

Lue

The magical prealpine village of Lue lies in the upper basin of the Savinja River, at the very edge of the Savinja Alps.
The picturesque and colourfully vegetal landscape, rich with natural and cultural attractions, offers many opportunities for exploration and relaxation in a peaceful, natural environment. Lue is an excellent departure point for trips to the alpine peaks, which are popular with mountaineers and climbers. The Savinja River, one of the most beautiful alpine rivers, is authentically delightful for fishermen while adrenaline enthusiasts may prefer to get acquainted with its rapids and pools from a raft or kayak.
Tourist Information Center Lue T: +386 3 839 35 55 tic@luce.si www.luce.si

The Solava-Logar Valley


Life in the embrace of the Alps
The Logar Valley Landscape Park and Robanov kot offer a wide variety of activities for hiking and other outdoor activities. Embraced by forests, the view from the Solavske Panoramic Road extends over the valley and peaks of the Alps, providing visitors with a true connection to nature. It is not difficult to find a peaceful place to stay in this region. Tourist farms, hotels, rooms, apartments and mountain homes are all available from which you can explore the jewels of the Alps.

The Solava-Logar Valley tourist region, surrounded by the Kamnik Savinja Alps, was awarded the coveted title European Destination of Excellence.
Center Rinka Visitor Centre T: +386 3 839 07 10 info@solcavsko.info www.solcavsko.info
Solava LueLjubno Ljubljana
60 km

58

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

59

North Koroka

Koroka
Takes you by surprise
In the north of Slovenia, next to the border with Austria, lies the region of Koroka. The area consists of three valleys: Mea, Drava and Mislinja as well as three mountain ranges: Pohorje, Karavanke and the Savinja Alps. It may be one of the smaller regions in Slovenia, but it is all the more diverse and picturesque. Its plentiful gems are scattered throughout numerous little towns, villages and the surrounding valleys stretching far below the mighty mountain peaks, which dominate the skyline.

Mountainbiking

Discover nature
Koroka is one of the hilliest and most forested regions in Slovenia. It is marked by white stones and the soft edges of the hills which form its distinctive vista with green forest tones of the deep, dark and at some points, nearly impenetrable woods. Koroka is perfect for hikers as they have many options to choose from such as the European Long Distance Path E6 or the Slovenian Mountain Trail, which cut through the region. Trails popular with hikers include the Koroka Alpine Trail, the peaks of Urlja Gora, Pohorje, Kozjak and Smerkovec as well as the more demanding ascents to Peca, Oleva and Raduha. There are many interesting thematic trails not far from the towns, which are suitable for relaxing walks, fun physical activities oradventurous walking. The experience of unspoiled nature is enhanced by the solitude. You will almost never stumble upon hordes of mountaineers. One of the most stunning natural highlights in Koroka is the amazing Topla regional Park below Mt. Peca. The main outdoor activity and ski center, Kope Ribniko Pohorje, can be found at the western and highest part of Pohorje.

Cyclists paradise
Koroka boasts more than 1,000 kilometres of marked (either on the ground or with maps) cycling tracks indicating the various terrains and difficulty levels. There is also a unique underground biking trail, a number of outstanding single trails for mountain bikers, the international Drava River Cycling Route, the first Mountain Bike Park in Slovenia, the Pohorje Hills Biking Trail, the Bike Trail along the Mislinja Valley and many more. You can create unlimited combinations for a tour up, down, between or even through the mountains.

Cultural and artistic vibe


The strategic position of the turbulent border region has always dictated the lively cultural and artistic vibe of Koroka, which can be viewed through its rich heritage. The medieval core of Slovenj Gradec, the Peace Messenger city, is home to the seat of the Koroka Regional Museum, the Koroka Gallery of Fine Arts and the memorial museum in the house where the composer Hugo Wolf was born. There is a unit of the regional museum located in Ravne na Korokem housing interesting collections.

Ribniko jezero lake at Pohorje

Koroka forest

Woodrafting on the Drava river

60

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

North Koroka

On a forest trail

At Ojstrica

Numerous other collections and exhibitions are housed across the entire region. Ravne is also home to the Dr. Franc Sunik Central Library of Koroka.

The highest church in Slovenia


Koroka is also famous for its rich Christian heritage. Just beneath the peak of Urlja Gora (1699 m), the highest church in Slovenia, the Church of St Ursula, can be found. The picturesque and diverse architecture of the succursal churches located on nearly every hilltop, reflects numerous local features and keeps the landscape of Koroka recognizable and places it amongst the most culturally enticing parts of Slovenia.

Typical food Kvoevi nudlni

Dravograd Radlje ob Dravi Ravne na Korokem Slovenj Gradec


12 1k m

Unique activities
Today, activities of the past are getting a bit of a facelift. In previous centuries, the area was dotted with mines. Today, the former mine in Meica has been transformed into a tourist mine and a museum which offers unique activities including underground biking and kayaking in the disused tunnels under the mysterious Mt. Peca. Additionally, rafting, formerly the most important economic activity of the Drava Valley, is still possible using the original rafts, which are now generally reserved for tourists.

Slovenj Gradec

Ljubljana

the entire region. Local hospitality can be experienced at the numerous tourist farms dotted across the countryside. Natural, homemade and traditional are the perfect words to describe the local cuisine; the best of which is the tasty brown or rye bread and the excellent cider made from age-old varieties of apple.

Natural, homemade and traditional


Koroka boasts farms of the highest altitude in Slovenia, which are dispersed throughout
Kayaking Underground of Mt. Peca

RDO Koroka Mea 10, Dravograd T: +386 59 085 190 info@koroska.si www.koroska.si

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

61

Centre

,,In Slovenia, movies are not dubbed. So if there are movies out in a language you speak, you can consider a trip to the cinema. Movie under the Stars at the square of the Ljubljana Castle is a very special movie experience in summer.

How a Greek hero founded Ljubljana


They came with their boat Argo over the Danube and the Sava onto the Ljubljanica and there they stopped to overwinter. And thus Jason, the Greek hero from antiquity, and his Argonauts became the founders of Ljubljana, in those days known as Emona. The story of Jason and his Argonauts is an ancient Greek myth about the heroic voyage of Jason and the Argonauts. The story has many versions and Jasons routes vary in all. In the third century before Christ poet Apollonius Rhodius described a route for Jason that must have passed through Slovenia. In the 5th century historian Sozomen wrote for the first time that the Argonauts founded Emona. The story of Jason starts when Jasons uncle Pelias kills Jasons father who is the king of Iolkos. Pelias takes the throne and Jason is brought to the mountain Pelion where a centaur (half man, half horse) raises him. When Jason is 20 years old he returns to Iolkos to demand the throne. Pelias tells Jason that he needs to complete one task for that to happen; Jason has to retrieve the Golden Fleece that is kept beyond the edge of the world in a place called Cochlis along the Black Sea. Jason picks a group of heroes, the Argonauts, and with their ship Argo, they set sail to the end of the world. After a journey full of adventures they reach Cochlis where Jason and the Argonauts steel the Golden

Fleece. They have to flee and take another route. The Argo sails north and takes Jason and the Argonauts through the rivers Danube and Sava until they the reach the Ljubljanica where they pass the winter and build a city, which they call Emona. When spring comes, Jason and the Argonauts take the Argo apart and carry it over land to the Adriatic coast. In the Ljubljana marshes they encounter a dragon. After a long and furious fight, Jason kills the monster. He and his Argonauts can continue to the Adriatic Sea. Eventually they will reach Cochlis again but Jason will never be king. The story of Jasons heroic fight with the dragon is one possible explanation for the fact that the dragon became a symbol of Ljubljana. There is a dragon in the citys Coat of Arms and on the Zmajski most (Dragon Bridge) in the centre stand big dragons guard. There are more explanations why the dragon became a symbol for Slovenias capital. The legends of Saint George could be a source or the Slavic mythology in which the dragon represents the god Veles. Despite the ferocious dragon as city symbol, the not so elegant nickname for people from Ljubljana is frog.

62

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

Centre

Ljubljana
In the evening, while the sun slowly sinks behind the mountains, people fill the centre of Ljubljana for the daily grand finale of a vivacious day. The sound of thousands of conversations and laughter from the terraces mixes with the tunes of dozens of street performances to a long song carried through the city by river Ljubljanica; its the Ljubljana Vibe.

Vibrant city with something for everyone

Ljubljana panorama; Photo: Janez Kotar

Ljubljana may not be big, compared to other European capitals, but its spirit more than makes up for that. Ljubljana is a unique city. Its a town with village friendliness, a small city where there is no shortage of anything and where there isnt too much of anything; the perfect size.

Castle
Ljubljana Castle is one of the must-sees of Ljubljana. Of course, when visiting Ljubljana it will be hard not to see it with its location on the hill high above the city. Already in the bronze age settlers have been on the hill. The current castle dates back to the early middle ages but its distinctive outlook tower was not built until 1848. A funicular can take you to the castle from the centre but there is also a hiking path going up the hill. From the castle you have a great view over Ljubljana and the surroundings. Ljubljana has several museums and during summer there are many events in the city. Also dont forget to take a look in Tivoli Park, starting already near the centre. More about the attractions and events in Ljubljana: www.visitljubljana.com

Ljubljanica
River Ljubljanica streams straight through the centre of Ljubljana. A number of special bridges connect the two sides. Among others Dragon Bridge with its large statues of dragons, Butchers Bridge with its padlocks of lovers, the wooden bridge and last but not least the famous Three Bridges. Ljubljanas bridges are a must see. For a special look at Ljubljana, the Ljubljanica and the bridges you can make a boat trip on the river. There are even tours in the evening.

Boat on the Ljubljanica river; Photo: Dunja Wedam

Gallery on Jakopi promenade; Photo: Miran Kambi

A city in the city


In Ljubljana there is a city in the city. Metelkova City is even maybe more than that. The inhabitants call it a self-declared autonomous culture zone and it occupies the pre-independence Yugoslav Army barracks in the city. Metelkova is an internationally renowned alternative culture community. It is a site full of clubs, bars, live music spaces, art galleries and artist studios. There is also a former prison which has been transformed into one of the most unique hotels in the world; the many times awarded Celica (the cell). Numerous events are happening in Metelkova all year round. With its colourful painted walls and other street art its always worth a look.

Ljubljana

Artish; Photo: Dunja Wedam Hanging flower pot; Photo: Dunja Wedam

Turistini informacijski center Ljubljana - TIC Adami-Lundrovo nabreje 2, 1000 Ljubljana T: +386 (0)1 306 12 15 tic@visitljubljana.si

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

63

Centre

Photo: Tomo Jeseninik; Fried chicken drumstics and wings

Long culinary tradition


Ljubljana has a long culinary tradition. Already hundreds of years ago you could buy fish from the Adriatic Sea as well as fish from the Danube on the Ljubljana market. Besides that there was also plenty of fresh fruit from the coast. In 1799 Valentin Vodnik wrote the first Slovenian cookbook. He is now commemorated with a statue on the Ljubljana market. The Central Market in Ljubljana is still the centrepiece of Ljubljanas culinary scene. Every Friday morning at 11 a renowned chef cooks in the open air kitchen of the markets outdoor restaurant. The open kitchen is opened every Friday from 8 in the morning to 7 in the evening until October. In history many specialties were developed in the kitchens of Ljubljana, like the Ljubljana cottage cheese pancakes with a cottage-cheese and tarragon filling. A popular dish of the people of Ljubljana has always been boiled and marinated beef tongue with horseradish. It would be served as a Sunday afternoon treat in autumn and winter. Other Ljubljana specialties are the Ljubljana egg dish, frog legs from the Ljubljana Moors, Ljubljana strudel, fried chicken drumsticks (very popular as a snack with workers on river Ljubljanica) and of course the Ljubljana Cake. Legend has it that the cake was first created by a cook that wanted to cheer up the sad daughter of the lord of Ljubljana Castle. Today you can find something for everyones culinary liking in Ljubljana. The city has many restaurants and their offer varies from traditional Slovenian to Asian food.

Ljubljana Central part of the Market; Photo: J. Skok

Specialties from the Hearth of Slovenia


A tasteful journey
Great views, different sounds, strange smells, good feelings; travelling is an experience absorbed by many senses. But lets not forget to put our taste to the test and explore the flavours of the destinations. The Hearth of Slovenia invites you to join the table. In Slovenia there are no less than 24 gastronomic regions, represented by almost 200 dishes. In the centre of the country it all comes together. The restaurants and traditional gostilnas in Ljubljana and its 25 surrounding municipalities serve a fine selection of national and local dishes.

Photo: Tomo Jeseninik; Kranjska klobasa

Photo: Tomo Jeseninik; truklji rolls

Photo: Tomo Jeseninik; Ljubljaan cottage chees pancakes

64

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

Centre

Photo: Tomo Jeseninik; Vodnik lambs lettuce salad

Photo: Tomo Jeseninik; Trojane doughnuts

Photo: Tomo Jeseninik; Trni cheese from Velika planina

Travel along tastes


In Dol pri Ljubljani, the Pr Kra tourist farm dominates the culinary scene of Dol. Specialty of the house is juicy roast knuckle of veal. Trzin is a village of butchers. No surprise then that a heavily smoked meat sausage is the local piece de resistance. Domale stuffed pig stomach is the dish of Domale. Menge is home to a thick and delicious local stew. In pottery village Komenda tripe stew and vampi goulash is a popular dish. In Vodice, the Vodice pretzel is the local treat. Near Kamnik you can find VelikaPlanina, where the salty Trni cheese is from. Balls of this cheese were only made in pairs because their shape resembled women breasts. World famous in Slovenia are the doughnuts (krofi) from hill Trojane near Lukovica. In Morave the former horse carriage drivers inn gostilna Pr Frfrau is known for its pig stomach stuffed with chopped pieces of pork meat and pearl millet. Liver sausages are common in Slovenia but in Litija they are more popular than elsewhere. The recipe came supposedly from Czechs who built the railway here. In martno pri Litiji the Valvasor platter at Gostilna Pri Maku reminds us of Janez Valvasor of Bogenperk Castle whose writings gave us insight in the dietary habits of the nobility in the 17th century. Where there is forest, there are mushrooms. No wonder that in forested Dobrepolje mushroom soup with ganci is a specialty. In Ivanna Gorica father Simon

Ai (19061992) of the monastery in Stina developed medicinal teas which are now incorporated in a successful brand. In Velike Lae moderation was the rule, even on festive days. Nonetheless does the municipality have its own specialty; Poprtnik Christmas Bread. Specialties of Grosuplje are available anywhere. The Pekarna Grosuplje bakery bakes for the Mercator supermarkets in Slovenia. In kofljica ot linkrofi dumplings of Gostilna ot are worth a try or the moorland game meat of gostilna Petkovek. Ig commemorates the pile dwellers that once lived here with a Pile dwellers platter. Cereals, vegetables and carrots are part of

it. Borovnica is known for its American blueberries. Each year at the end of July there is Bilberry Day here. The Logatec areas speciality is the moist anddelicious wine truklji roll. In Vrhnika truklji rolls with prune filling are the local delicacy. In Log-Dragomer apple sticks are the local variety of apple strudel. In the many family run gostilnas in Brezovica veal stew is often a house special. In DobrovaPolhov Gradec honey delights can be found in the Bonar House of Honey. The village Sora pri Medvodah is home to the annual Carniolan Sausage Festival. No wonder then that the Carnolian sausage is a specialty in Medvode.

Photo: Tomo Jeseninik; Ljubljana Cake

www.visitljubljana.com/en/ljubljana-and-central-slovenia/view-ljubljana/tourist-brochures

Photo: Tomo Jeseninik; ot linkrofi dumplings

Photo: Tomo Jeseninik; Mushroom soup with ganci

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

65

Centre

Photo: Rok Godec; The Ljubljana Marshes

Photo: Branko eak; Ljubljanica River: The main watercourse of the Barje Plains is the Ljubljanica River, the source of which is numerous karstic springs near Vrhnika.

(The Ljubljana Moors)


The co-existence of man and nature
The Ljubljana Moors is a unique combination of meadows, fields, hedges and ditches, where the green surface comes into contact with the sky and the Ljubljanica River, which, over time, helped to create the marshes. It is known as one of the most important natural regions in Slovenia.

Ljubljansko Barje

Due to the traditional method of farming, a great deal of the biotical and regional biodiversity can be observed. Wet meadows, flooded woods and kilometres of canals invite in the moisture loving representatives of the living world. The Ljubljana Moors see over 200 species of birds fly overhead along with a large number of butterflies. The underground world is also rich as, to this day, over 40 pile-dwellings, which had been resting beneath the surface of the Ljubljana Moors for millennia, have been discovered. It is for this reason that they have also been included on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.

Photo: Ale Smrekar- Canoeists: The calm, slow current of the Ljubljanica River is perfect for various forms of water recreation.

Most attractive local points:


On the 3 educational trails in the central part of the park, you can discover the exceptionally rich world of animals and plants, the mysterious soil and water of the marshdwellers as well as follow the presence of man in this place through history. Bird lovers can walk along the circular Corn Crake educational trail near Brest. In the immediate vicinity you can find the Ika river educational trail which reveals the mysterious 13 km trail of the River Ika. The rich treasures of the Ljubljanica River are revealed through the 6 km circular Bevke educational trail. The Barje plain is the home of a remarkably rich cultural heritage. In Ig you can, in the vicinity of The pile-dwellers remains included on UNESCOs World Heritage List, find 2 information boards in the centre of the settlement and a permanent collection of pile-dwellers of the Great Lake. In rna Vas you can visit Pleniks Church of St. Michael. In Bistra, the numerous springs of the Bistra River greet the former Carthusian monastery, which was later used as a castle and is now the Slovenian Technical Museum.
Photo: Branko eak; Pleniks Church of St. Michael in rna Vas was built with the wet and inadequate weight bearing properties of the marsh soil in mind.

EVENTS
Professional tour through Ljubljansko barje Nature Park > prepared in cooperation with recognized experts and locals: 15. 6. 2013 Herbalism in the Ljubljana Moors, 14. 9. 2013 Non-native invasive species in the Ljubljana Moors, 5. 10. 2013 Farming on the Ljubljana Moors. 17. 8. 2013 > Pile-Dwelling Day in Ig, conjure up the everyday life of the piledwellers through a number of workshops appropriate for the whole family. 20. 7.2013 > Blueberry Day in Borovnica, where you can buy your own basket of blueberries or other local specialties. Information: NP Ljubljansko barje, Podpeka cesta 380 1357 Notranjske Gorice T: +386 8 20 52 350 info@ljubljanskobarje.si; www.ljubljanskobarje.si

66

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

shop pI n G

reCreaTIon

e n T e rTaI n M e n T

BTC CIT Y CIT Y of endless ChoICe and experIenCes


- more than 450 stores - 8500 free parking spaces - view from highest cafe in Slovenia - Atlantis water park - Kolosej cinema - bowling center ...
E61 A
KRANJ JESENICE EXIT Lj. - Nove Jare CELJE MARIBOR

E57 A

LJUBLJANA

BTC CITY

EXIT Ind. cona Moste EXIT Ind. cona Moste BTC

E61 I

TRST KOPER NOVA GORICA

NOVO E70 MESTO ZAGREB CRO

THIS IS MY CIT Y!

WWW.BTC-CIT Y.COM

Centre

Velika Planina; Photo: Ale Frelih

Terme Snovik

Kamnik

Kamnik
23

In the arms of the Kamnik-Savinja alps


Kamnik is known as being one of the oldest and most beautiful medieval towns in Slovenia, embraced by the Kamnik - Savinja Alps. The town prides itself on its numerous cultural and religious monuments. Kamniks appeal also lies in its beautiful surroundings, only 25 km away from Ljubljana and 10 km away from the Joe Punik Airport.
Transform into a herder and help milk cows at Velika Planina. Take a walk through the lovely town streets and get to know Kamniks rich history. Take in a show! Visit the Budnar museumhause and knead your own dough. Replenish your energy at Zdravilni gaj Tunjice, open-air healing resort or indulge yourself at Terme Snovik . Learn to play golf and dont forget to visit the Volji Potok Arboretum. fresh air is an excellent opportunity to take a walk and get away to Velika Planina. Though beautiful in any season, it is particularly stunning in summe.

Ljubljana

EVENTS
20.6. Taste Kamnik > Terme Snovik 5. in 6.7. Ana Desetnica in Kamnik > Street festival 7.7. Cycling marathon Alpe > Kamnik 24.8. Traditional Prangerjada fest > Motnik August 11th, Velika planina > Cheese(trni)-Making Workshop August 16th and 17th, Terme Snovik > Tradicional ethnological performance September 1st, Volji Potok Arboretum > A Magical Day (Children Festival) September 5th 9th, Kamnik > Days of National Costume and Clothing Heritage

Health and Wellness tourism


In the authentic Tuhinj Valley, you can indulge in Terme Snoviks eco-world of thermal delights and spend your holidays in an apartment settlement, which was the first to receive the EU Eco Label, the EU Flower Emblem, for tourist accommodation. Enjoy your new energy to the fullest in the Holistic Healing Centre in Tunjice or perhaps take a walk among the spring flowers in the Volji Potok Arboretum. Not far from the park is a pine forest extending out towards the popular Golf Arboretum golf course.

Breathtaking nature
Get to know the unspoiled alpine world, visit the Kamnika Bistrica valley, take off into our mountains and spend a few days at the one of a kind Velika Planina, which boasts the oldest preserved herder settlement. The combination of sunny weather and the desire to socialize in the

Contact: Zavod za turizem in port v obini Kamnik Glavni trg 2 1241 Kamnik T: +386 (0)1 831 82 50 tic@kamnik-tourism.si www.kamnik-tourism.si

68

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

km

Centre

Srce Slovenije
The Heart of Slovenia
Summer cycling through the Heart of slovenia
Treat yourself to a cycling trip on the family (druinski), mountain (gorski) or road (cestni) line, explore different areas and collect stickers during your breaks at tourist providers in the region. The cycling guide S kolesi po Srcu Slovenije (Cycling in the Heart of Slovenia), published by the Development Centre of the

,,If you are an avid cyclist and you want to go for a group ride near Ljubljana, then every Wednesday at 4 in the afternoon the so called Dol-ride starts at the Mercator in Dol pri Ljubljana. Even real professionals sometimes go along.

THE HEART OF SLOVENIA is an area in central Slovenia, East of Ljubljana, where modern life intertwines with the traditional pulse of the countryside. Unforgettable experiences can include delicious local dishes, excellent local wine, a rich cultural heritage and socialising in the countryside.
Heart of Slovenia, includes a collection of 32 cycling trails with detailed maps of the trails. Visitors can also enlist the aid of a QR connection on their mobile phones to receive the GPS coordinates of an individual cycling line, which runs through the municipalities of Dol pri Ljubljani, Ivanna Gorica, Kamnik, Litija, Lukovica, Menge, entrupert and martno pri Litiji. Altogether, 1,448 kilometres are available to visitors, adding up to a possible 91 hours of cycling.

Ljubljana Litija Heart of Slovenia

38 km

EVENTS
Recreational Event: A DAY OF CYCLING THROUGH THE HEART OF SLOVENIA Beginning of the cycling season > Saturday, June 15th, 2013 in Litija End of the cycling season > Saturday, September 21st, 2013 in Dol pri Ljubljani

Info point: Srca Slovenije Tourist Point Valvazorjev trg 10, 1270 Litija T: +386 59 940 503 M: +386 51 312 739 turizem.litija@razvoj.si www.srce-slovenije.si

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

69

South

Kolpa river; Photo: Dunja Wedam

,,If you want to go for a swim; river Kolpa in the most southern part of Slovenia is the warmest river in the country. It can reach a temperature of 30 degrees in summer.

The home of superman

Peter Klepec
Tucked in between the steep green mountainsides near what is now the border of Slovenia and Croatia lived once, along the meandering river Kolpa, Peter Klepec; a hardworking young sheepherder. Peter was a weak boy until a fairy gave him superpowers with which he would scare off the Turks. The tale of Peter Klepec is one of the most well-known tales in Slovenia. It originates from the south of the country where the story is being told from generation to generation since the 16th or 17th century. Peter is a boy from the tiny village of Osilnica on the bank of the river Kolpa, all the way in the south of Slovenia. He comes from a family of farmers and after the death of his father he lives alone with his mother. They have problems making ends meet and thats why Peters mother gets him a job as shepherd.

Peter is a hard working shepherd who meticulously looks after his flock that grazes on the grassy hills around the Kolpa. But life just wont go easy on him. Other shepherds bully him. Being the smallest and the weakest of all, Peter is an easy target. Not a day goes by without being tormented. One hot summer day things take a turn for the better. While Peter is working along the Kolpa, he sees a young woman lying in the grass. Peter steps between her and the sun and creates a shadow for her. The woman turns out to be a fairy and Peters action pleased her so much that, as a token of her gratitude, she offers the gallant shepherd one wish. Peter wishes to be strong. And so will be. After his wish, Peter walks to the first tree he sees and with his bare hands he pulls it out of the ground and throws it metres away. Hes not a weak shepherd anymore but a boy

with superpowers. Peter goes to his bullies and, while he stands in front of them, he pulls another tree out of the ground. The bullies ran away in shock. Then Peter goes home. There he removes all the rocks from the garden so his mother has good soil to grow crops. Peters days as a sheepherder are over. He is a superman now whose daytime job it is to help the people in his region. And when the Turks start invading the south Peter chases them back to Constantinople. If you travel along de Kolpa river you will meet Peter Klepec. He is standing next to road near the tiny village of Ribjek and with his arms hes holding a tree above his head.

70

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

South - Dolenjska, Bela Krajina, Koevsko Ribniko

Dolenjska, Bela Krajina, Koevsko Ribniko


Come to the hills of Lower Carniola to rest the soul, activate the body and exchange energy in the best possible company. Experience yourself.
South-eastern Slovenia: vibrant, green, sparkling, calm and sociable, openly boastful and mysteriously sophisticated. Here you will find a landscape of meadows and forests, pretty green rivers, a cradle of picturesque places and sincere, hospitable people. Placidly sited in south-eastern Slovenia, between the Ljubljana basin and the Sava River, the region has many surprising faces. The varied relief, numerous streams, karst features and biodiversity create its unforgettable dynamic. Through the local landscapes the region boasts deep green forests, whose primeval remains and giant trees are absolutely breath-taking. The river valleys of sparkling beauty, the Krka, Mirna, Kolpa and Lahinja Rivers, are the homes of rare plant and animal species and invite visitors into their quiet retreats. Sun-kissed grapes ripen on the slopes of its hills, which, once they are in the wine cellars, mature into veritable poetry whose verses run inwards. Restorative and healing thermal waters bubble in the bosom of its deep springs. Our rich heritage refines the hamlets, villages and towns of Dolenjska, Bela Krajina, Koevsko and Ribniko. Just when you thought you knew Slovenia Dolenjska, different experiences.

Ljubljana

71 k

Kostanjevica na Krki Mesto Otoec Novo Ribnica Koevje Osilnica Kostel

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

71

South - Dolenjska, Bela Krajina, Koevsko Ribniko

Dolenjska
When you think you know what new is in Novo mesto (New City), you can experience a different Dolenjska. Novo Mesto is in the centre of Dolenjska, just big enough for a new culture, new theaters and new energy - and manageable enough to retain all the qualities of Dolenjska: contact with nature, the river, and especially the people, their smiles, wine and local delicacies. In the centre of Dolenjska, the best connection of a positive attitude to life can be found through a rich cultural heritage, vibrant cultural events, the indulgence of the spirit and pampering of the body in the nearby spa. Here, health and well-being really go hand in hand with different experiences.
For more information please contact: Tourist information center Novo mesto T: +386(7) 393 92 63 tic@novomesto.si

Temenika in Suha Krajina Mirna Valley


If you would like to see heaven, you neednt go too high. Heaven can be reached at a height of 602 meters. The Mirna Valley, together with the Temenika Valley, in the area around Mirna pe, forms an idyllic landscape, where picturesque churches intertwine with well-preserved hayracks, fields and vineyards. Similarly, as the Mirna and Temenica Rivers offer nearly as much pleasure as the much more famous Krka and Kolpa Rivers. This is a place of tranquil heritage, local restaurants, vineyards and wine routes an ideal place for hiking and cycling or multi-day rides. This is not a joke. It is a part of the different experience.
For more information please contact: Tourist information center Trebnje T: +386(7) 348 11 28 tic@trebnje.si

At the lower Temenica River, in the southern part of the entvika basin and below Stina, water begins to move under the earths surface. There it creates mysterious dwellings in the inaccessible depths of earth. There the young Krka River hides, caught in the bosom of the karst subfield, which penetrates to life for the first time in Suha Krajina and decisively heads towards its future, to new rivers and seas. Otherwise, Suha Krajina is, in all respects, anything but dry. Karst caves, fields and ravines, picturesque wine-growing areas, ancient architecture and rich history, set in the present day rhythm. Here taste buds come alive, the mind is calm and the heart is filled with happiness at all the different experiences.
For more information please contact: The Suha krajina Tourist Association T: +386(7) 388 51 84 td.suhakrajina@siol.net

Koevsko
Experience your inner strength in the home of the Koevje bear and Martin Krpan.

Koevska inspired the tales of the bold and independent Martin Krpan, drawn by Fran Levstik from the cheerful, clever, witty and honest character of the local people and thus, despite the weight of Slovenian history, symbolically highlighted the nations power and indestructibility. The intact heritage of Koevska is also an inexhaustible source of inspiration to present generations. The hidden corners of nature in Koevska reveal educational and hiking trails. They run past the forest reserves, the ruins of the disappeared villages, forest giants, karst caves, panoramas, and reveal hidden wildlife. There are opportunities for hikes and walks, alone or in a company. Parks, monuments, architectural and art heritage wait to be discovered. Forests offer hunting and safaris, and galleries, rich with art, will satisfy even the most demanding tourists.

Bela Krajina
As Zeleni Jurij (Green George) awakens our senses in spring, similarly Bela Krajina revives old experiences and adventures. Bela Krajina is a land of ancient traditions

72

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

South - Dolenjska, Bela Krajina, Koevsko Ribniko

Kostel
The sharp valley that the Kolpa River carved in the landscape a long time ago presents a linguistic and political division, which gently but permanently touches your heart. Mountain diversity, intact forest reserves, karst caves and a castle with a handful of settlements in its lap are admired by travellers as well as locals. The vast landscape is home to the brown bear and many other animal and plant species. It is also the home of friendly people who live in harmony with our beautiful nature and with each other. The Kostelsko landscape with the Kostel Castle and the Neica and Kolpa Rivers, are endowed with a mysterious beauty and pervaded with many ancient legends. Stories of the past reflect in the present and inspire generations to come.
For more information please contact: Culture and Tourism institute Kostel T: +386(1) 894 80 70 tic@kostel.si

Ribniko
In the middle of the Ribniko Plain, between the slopes of Mala and Velika Gora, and along the Bistrica River, there lies the lovely and inviting Ribnika Valley. The poetic natural environment has always been an inspiration to many Slovenian artists. Even Primo Trubar spent his time there in order to spread the word of the bible. In the middle of the valley, in all its glittering splendour, we find Ribnica, one of the oldest Slovenian towns, enriched by Pleniks parish church steeples, Miklova house, a library and a craft centre with a gallery and a museum. The kind environment, endowed with a rich religious, artistic and historical heritage, invites you to discover the gifts of the past and awards the soul with the beauty of the present.
For more information please contact: Ribnica handicraft centre T: +386(1) 346 11 04 info@rokodelskicenter-ribnica.si

Health and Well-being


Health is the trademark of the region; we are all aware that welfare is a source of health. Not only the spas with a tradition such as Spa Dolenjske toplice and Spa marjeke toplice, but all of Dolenjska with its gentle waves and kind residents, local delicacies and opportunities for all types of sport, as a genuine source of health. The Krka and Kolpa allow for the primal connection with the relaxing nature. The life cycle among homemade delicacies, activities in the most wooded part of Slovenia and unwinding among countless forms of thermal relaxation is only disturbed by the fact that there are almost too many options to pick from. However, a spiritual release also provides the answer to this question.

and people who carry their hearts in their hands, as Toni Gaperi wrote. Lahinja joins the Kolpa and the two form an ideal environment for, at this moment, probably the most innovative educational programs far and wide, in an environment that is a treasure trove of wisdom and freshness that is made alive each year by Green George. He can also be found in Bela Krajina.
For more information please contact: Tourist information center rnomelj T: +386(7) 305 65 30 tic.crnomelj@ric-belakrajina.si Tourist information center Semi T: +386(7) 35 65 200 tic@kc-semic.si Tourist information center Metlika T: +386(7) 363 54 70 td.vigred.metlika@siol.net

Osilnica

Although only a tiny jewel on the map of Slovenia, Osilnica inherited the power of its hero Peter Klepec: the power for growth and development, the power to respect the past, to honour the present and open up to the future as well as the power to extract its very best and divide it between those who find it and visit it. Ancient, Roman, medieval and modern history have granted it the values of the past, while a lively image of the present gives it a sense of modernity. Osilnica recognizes and respects its natural beauty. The high mountains, wild rocky overhangs, numerous streams, among them the most beautiful Mirtoviki Stream, are its timeless jewels. And Kolpa, the green beauty, is

especially generous in this part. To immerse the body in its depth, to feel the power of its flow in a raft, kayak or a hydro speed, to relax on its banks while fishing, to inhale the scents of trees while hiking or cycling and to taste its culinary gifts are unforgettable experiences that gently erase the memories of a hard day and also give strength for a new day.
For more information please contact: Local tourist guide Mrs. Alenka Kova T: +386(0) 31 65 03 62

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

73

South - Dolenjska, Bela Krajina, Koevsko Ribniko


Natural and Cultural Heritage
From prehistory to today Destination Dolenjska has been unique, different. The Dolenjska Museum in Novo mesto contains important finds from the 10th century BC onwards, particularly outstanding are finds from the Hallstatt period, the Late Iron Age. At the time of the Roman Empire Trebnje hosted the only military post in Slovenia. In the times of Christianization and the Middle Ages, Dolenjska became a province dominated by numerous fortresses and castles, some of them still being wellpreserved. These picturesque images from the past are surrounded by farms, vineyards, cottages, craft shops and granaries full of local delicacies, which, together with the good people of Dolenjska, give the region its kind-heartedness: a wide smile and a warm embrace. All of this is accessible by car, bike, horse or a local can take you for a ride along the winding roads that follow the contours of the hills of Dolenjska. few days living the Dolenjska and Bela krajina lifestyle. For a person from Dolenjska and Bela krajina, ones cottage is not ones second but first home. Working in the vineyard and on the fruits of the vineyard is not only an enjoyable use of leisure time, but a responsibility passed down by the ancestors who developed this way of life. Experiences in vineyard cottages are not only different, but they cannot be compared to anything in this world.
Photos: Archive RDO, Terme Krka, Municipality of Sodraica, Toma Ovak, Alenka Lamovek, Rudi Vlai, Jot Gantar

SUMMER EVENTS
rnomelj 2. - 4. 8. 2013 > Schengenfest in Vinica pri rnomlju 16. - 31. 8. 2013 > rnfest, in the atrium of rnomelj Castle Dolenjske Toplice 20.7.2013 > Toplika no 28.7.2013 > Pond Picnic Koevje Every Thursday in July and August at 8pm > Summer evenings at the town platform 13.7.2013 > Prangerjada ethnological performance in Predgrad Kostel 23.6.2013 > MIK Festival (Melodies of Istria and Kvarner) 14.-15. 8.2013 > Tamburanje va Kostele, traditional cultural ethnological performance Loki Potok 29. - 30. 6. 2013 > 10 th Anniversary of the Art Colony 18.8.2013 > Games without Borders the Farm Games in Retje Metlika 15. - 21. 7. 2013 > Culture Week at the Partizan Square in Metlika June, July, August 2013 > An Evening at the Castle, the Castle courtyard Mirna 29.6.2013 > Recreational Sports Performance Mirna on the Move 31.8.2013 > TRIM PODARIM Charity Performance as part of the Trim steza Mirna Performance Mirna Pe 22.6.2013 at 11am > Hike along the Slakova in Paveks Youth Trails 22. 6. 2013 at 6:30pm > Procession of Mirna Pes Clubs at the Mirna Pe Square and festivities Mokronog Trebelno 22.6.2013 at 10am > The 8th Cycling Marathon through the Mirna River Valley Novo mesto 19. - 24. 8. 2013 > Jazzinty international music workshop and festival 31.8.2013 > Night on the Krka River Osilnica 29.6.2013 > Municipal performance Petruvu in the Land of Peter Klepec Ribnica 31.8.2013 > Bean Day in Hrovaa 1. 9 2013 > Hand-made Household Utensils and Pottery Fair Semi 12. - 14. 7. 2013 > The 19 th Semi Wedding at the Semi Firehouse 8. - 10. 11. 2013 > The 7th Semi Celebration of Autumn in Bela Krajina , in the Semi Cultural Centre Sodraica 29.6.2013 > Psoglavski Days (a day of sports and a village evening in the square) 30.6.2013 > Psoglavski Days (market day) Straa 24.7.2013 > Day on the Krka River 31.8. - 9.9.2013 > The 27th Autumn in Straa entjernej 15.8.2013 > Cycling Marathon August 13, 2013 > Jernejevo (name day of St. Bartholomew and the entjernej municipal holiday) entrupert 20.7.2013 > Summer in entrupert concert: More from Split (Barbo Manor on Vesela gora) 24.8.2013 > Jernejevo Herbalist Day in the Land of the Hayracks (Deela kozolcev, entrupert) kocjan 25.6.2013 > Market Day in Buka (in the vicinity of the Cultural Centre) 28. - 30. 6. 2013 > KNOBLEHARJEVO 2013 (in front of the municipal building) marjeke Toplice 16.6.2013 > marjeke Toplice Run: 8 and 2 km long tracks, suitable for children 31.8.2013 > Concert: Uro Perich and the Bluenote Quartet Trebnje 14.-16.6.2013 > The 25th Tourist, Sport and Ethnological Performance Iz trebanjskega koa (From Trebnjes Basket) 19. - 20. 7. 2013 > The 11th VIC Festival in ate pri Trebnjem uemberk 5. - 15. 7. 2013 > Market Days and the15th Medieval Day in uemberk 9. and 16. 8., 13. 9. 2013 > The 17th Summer Castle Performance Regional destination organization Dolenjska, Bela krajina & Koevsko Razvojni center Novo Mesto, d.o.o. Ljubljanska cesta 26, 8000 Novo mesto T: +386 (7) 337 29 90 F: +386 (7) 337 29 81 www.facebook.com/VisitDolenjska

Adventures & Recreation


Although Destination Dolenjska is gently undulating and ideal for non-aggressive recreation, the unspoiled nature and lively character of Dolenjska allow for some adrenaline experiences for those who crave an additionally seasoned experience. Thats why the whole region of Dolenjska can serve as an adventure park. An evening experience in a cottage requires some courage - at least as much as to allow for the possibility to spend one or more nights alone or with a family in the solitude of the Dolenjska forests. The Koevje primeval forest, the only primeval forest far and wide, is more likely to raise the adrenaline with its silence than with its bears. Destinaton Dolenjska is practically made for various forms of outdoor recreation, since it is less congested and has just the right dynamic for cycling. Because it is so lushly forested, is ideal for hiking. Krka, Kolpa and other rivers and lakes provide swimming in natural pools, trips with kayaks, canoes, and rafting, as well as create idyllic natural beaches. Not only experienced, but also amateur fishermen agree that the rivers and waters of Dolenjska are a picturesque and an inexhaustible place for relaxation.

Cottages and wine tours


Dolenjska and Bela Krajina is a country of cottages. Many of them, crisscrossed by numerous wine routes, have now been converted into comfortable, yet unabridged posts, which offer a unique experience for a

We invite you to participate in our contest Picture paints a 1000 words! Check on our Facebook page

www.visitdolenjska.eu

74

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

South - Posavje

Where winemaking became an art


Its a moment to look forward to every year. Around the end of each year a friend from the south of Slovenia comes for a visit with the trunk of the car full of the finest treasures of the Posavje region; Modra Frankinja wine in large bottles with labels that only carry the text: Screno novo leto (happy new year).

Posavje

In the south-west of Slovenia, leaning against Croatia and around river Sava, lies the Posavje region. Posavje is one of three big wine regions in the country. The Posavje wineworld is characterized by a large number of independent wine producers, like our friends father who made winemaking an unpaid art. The winemakers in Posavje grow different types of grapes. The unique Slovenian Cviek wine was born over 200 years ago in Posavje. Cvicek is a combination of red grapes (modra frankinja and ametna rnina) and white ones (kralkevina, laki rizling, rumeni plavec, zeleni silvanec).

can discover the secrets and the tastes of the Modra Frankinja, ametna rnina and the Cviek. On the Bizeljsko-Sremika wine road you can see the repnice caves, that were dug out 200 years ago and were used as food storage. Due to their high humidity and a constant low temperature the caves are used for maturing and storing wine. There are 150 caves, but less than 30 are used permanently. The Bizeljsko-Sremi district is seen as the best wine-growing region in Posavje.

Vineyard cottages
To spend some more time between the Posavje wines, and get in the real vineyard mood, you can stay at a vineyard cottage. There are several in the area. These cottages are usually on the edge of the vineyards where they offer magnificent views over the undulating countryside. The vineyard cottages were traditionally places to invite friends but now several farmers opened them for anyone in search of the delights of the quiet (wine) country life. And, if you dont have a wine producing friend yet from Posavje, this might be an excellent way to make one here. Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

Wine routes
To learn all about the Posavje wines and, of course, get a taste of them, you can travel along three wine routes: the Bizeljsko-Sremi, the Gornjedolenjska and the Podgorjanska vine roads. The roads cut through vineyards and pass by vineyard cottages, log cabins and wineries and winecaves. The Gornjedolenska wine road is with 64 kilometres one of the longest wine roads in the country. It extends from the Trebnje district through the Sevnica and Krko community up to kocjan. On the route you

75

South Posavje
gladly await you in their vineyard cottages. Today, Breice is known for its variety of cultural events. Every summer, the old centre of town glows with rich entertaining, cultural, sports and, last but not least, ever more tourist centred performances such as Breice, My Town (22. 6. 30. 6. 2013), which gathers more than 10,000 visitors to the old town centre every year. This year, visitors will enjoy a diverse, colourful palette of various genre performances, exhibitions, street music, stand up acts ( Tin Vodopivec) and free pop concerts (Perpetuum Jazzile, Mi2, Bajaga, Nina Pular). As a part of the performances, the traditional Primo Kozmus Run is back again this year. The weekend before the main events, Breice hosts the AC Milan Soccar School for children and the last Sunday afternoon in June a live act is prepared at First Wake Park in Bort.

A town with a 660 year tradition!


A green world at the confluence of the Sava and Krka, thermal springs, vineyards and castles; Breice, many call it the place where different worlds connect.

Breice

Ljubljana

104 km

Breice

Zavod za podjetnitvo, turizem in mladino Breice Gubeva 10a, 8250 Breice T: + 386 5 90 83 790 info@visitbrezice.si www.visitbrezice.si

The municipality of Breice is situated above a fault line and is extremely rich with springs of thermal water, which were discovered 200 years ago near the banks of the Sava River. Breice boasts a number of thermal springs, which have been put to good use. Praise is especially owed to the largest thermal complex in the country, Terme ate, as well as to the newest thermal Riviera in Slovenia, Terme Paradiso in Dobova. Either of the two are an excellent choice for those wanting rest and relaxation as the Wellness Centres of both will attend most graciously to your needs. Those more courageous guests can opt to leave the boundaries of the pool and instead enjoy a cycling or hiking trip though the surrounding hills. Bicycles are available for rent at both locations. A ramble through the hilly municipality of Breice is not limited to the interest of hiking and cycling enthusiasts, but also to those who revel in wonderful gastronomic experiences. Two wine roads wind through the hills, Podgorjanska and BizeljskoSremika, and with them you can expect to encounter friendly locals and wineries, where guests are kindly served local delicacies and excellent wines. Depending on how well you would like to get to know the Bizeljsko-Sremika wine road, we can organize guided tours through the renowned natural caves of Bizeljsko Repnice, a unique curiosity of the area, which is complemented by the kindness of the locals and the excellent selection of wine stored there. We also organize tours of the birthplace of Cviek wine, Gadova pe, where the locals

Just a few more reasons not to miss out on a trip to Breice this year! (for more information about the festival: www.bmm.si)

76

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

South Posavje
Adrenaline day meant for both younger and older visitors looking for adrenaline adventures (photo 2)
Enjoy a day in the adrenaline park and test your skills in a go-kart racing or safe driving course. We also offer programmes, which conjure up the true spirit of racing and allow visitors to organize races for both small and large groups. Our team will take you through the qualifications and all the way to the final lap, after which an award ceremony will be held. Theres something for everyone from adrenaline junkies and speedway lovers to spectators and ex-drivers. The high point of this years speedway season will be the Speedway Grand Prix racing series on the 7th of September. exploring the mystic forests. New thematic trails are also being developed, namely hiking and viticultural trails. The countryside is also a treat for gourmets as the rich flavours of traditional cuisine and the wide variety of wine will not fail to impress. House, local and regional specialties made with local ingredients are offered at tourist and excursion farms as well as in restaurants.

Lodging Make yourself at home. (photo 4)


The many options for accommodation allow visitors to enjoy a pleasant stay whether in the city or countryside. For those who prefer the pulse of the city, hotels, guest houses and youth hostels are on offer, while nature lovers and more active types may be more inclined towards our wide selection of countryside accommodation, particularly the authentic holidays offered by vineyard cottages. (www.tvz.si)
4

A mosaic of experiences

Krko

Historical and cultural points of interest The Bounty of our Forefathers (photo 1)
Castle Rajhenburg is a monument of national pride, recently having undergone a complete renovation. With the discovery of the earliest Romanesque and Gothic construction elements the significance of the castle in the development of Slovenias architecture and society is reinforced. A seal of great importance was left on the castle by the Trappists, who were in possession of the structure as of 1881. The Trappists had a great influence on the cultivation of cereal grains, fruit farming, beekeeping, cattle farming, cheese trade, viticulture and the production of chocolate and liqueurs. It was in keeping with this historical legacy that a hiking trail designated THE TRAPPIST TRAIL was created, which takes us along the Trappist trails in Sremi and Grmada to the Church of St. Mohor and back into the valley before leading up to Castle Rajhenburg. We invite you to visit Castle Rajhenburg with its fascinating permanent display, temporary exhibits and summer events. Join us for The Days of European Cultural Heritage, with the Grand Opening at Castle Rajhenburg on the 28. 9. 2013.

The municipality of Krko lies in the centre of the Posavje region and is easily accessible from Ljubljana (45 minutes), Maribor (1 hour) and Zagreb (45 minutes). Posavje is a popular tourist destination mostly due to its natural, cultural and historical wealth. Besides the beautiful castles, guests are also captivated by the thermal springs. The region has a rich tradition of food and wine, which is complemented by the events of the countryside and the entertainment of the town.
2

Ljubljana

99 km

Krko

A world of natural sights including experience in wine and food (photo 3)


3

The variety of the region offers numerous opportunities to visit our natural peculiarities and enjoy an active day in the countryside with hiking, cycling, water sports, jogging in nature, hunting and fishing to relaxing and

TIC (Tourist Information Centre) Krko CK 46, 8270 Krko T: +386 (0)7 490 22 21, (0)8 205 18 00 tic.krsko@cptkrsko.si www.visitkrsko.si, www.tvz.si

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

77

South Posavje

Source: KTM Sevnica

Grad Sevnica castle


Sevnica Castle is situated on a hill with a magnificent view of the old town centre. The existing structure was built over the remains of a castle that was most likely constructed during the first half of the twelfth century. The castle was first mentioned in written records in 1309 as castellum Liechtenwalde. During the Croatian Slovenian peasant revolt of 1573, the structure amazingly managed to avoid destruction unlike many other buildings of the time. It is very likely that the Lutheran Cellar was also built during this period, which was supposedly periodically visited by Jurij Dalmatin (approx. 1547 1589), the first person to translate the Bible into the Slovenian language. The cellar later became a tomb for several nobleman of Sevnica. Today, concerts and other events take place in its acoustic spaces. The castle and the surrounding area have undergone numerous renovations in recent years and, as such, the castle and the old town centre beneath it provide the area with a marvellous medieval landscape. The contents of the castle are especially rich: Visitors to the castle are invited to watch a short film about Sevnica, the history of the castle and the famed Ajdovski gradec acheological park. Various exhibitions (a Baroque hall, a tower decorated with frescoes, a wedding

Source: KTM Sevnica

A beautiful municipality to visit


The municipality of Sevnica invites you to explore a region offering both active and relaxing ways to enjoy your holidays. We believe that our offers, a selection of which will be presented further on, will give you something to get excited about. You are welcome here.

Sevnica

and conference hall, a school museum, a firefighters museum, a museum of Exiles, a chapel, a collection of decorative art by Ivan Razborek, an exhibition of a collection of talking stones, galleries of artwork...) The Sevnica Castle Puppet Theatre provides workshops and performances for children. The castle vineyard is located on the hillside terrace and boasts 500 Modra Frankinja vines. The Castle Winery offers a wide selection of wines. The Castle Coffeehouse. The Castle Granery and Chocolate Shop. The Castle Park with labelled energy points and immense trees. Wedding ceremonies can also be performed at the castle. The most beautiful and magnificent weddings take place in the Castle Park in warm weather. An animated programme for children provides them with an opportunity to see what life was like at the Sevnica Castle in the 17th century, when it was occupied by the Baron Moscon and his entourage.

During the summer, the traditional Summer at Sevnica Castle Festival takes place, which includes various cultural and entertainment events. For more information on events and programmes, visit us at www.grad-sevnica.com.

78

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

South Posavje
Active recreation for tourists and families
Sevnica and its surroundings offer a variety of options for those wishing to spend their free time in a more active way. The northern part of the municipality ascends into a sequence of mountain peaks including Veliko Kozje (993 m), Lovrenc (721 m), Lisca (948 m) and Bohor (1022 m). These peaks of the Sava Hills are interwoven with the maintained mountain and hiking trails while dirt tracks and side trails are popular with both mountain bikers and regular cyclists alike. Lisca is extremely popular among mountain cyclists as it is a wellknown hiking spot as well as being an excellent take off point for paragliders and hang-gliders. strewn with vineyards, vineyard cottages and wineries blend the distinctive look of the countryside with a connection to the kind and straightforward locals. Throughout the year every village attends to such gourmet pleasures in their own unique way. You are invited to confirm the quality of our combination of the way we combine natural diversity into a harmony of authentic experiences and adventures. Salami, bread from a wood-fired oven, Cviek and Modra Frankinja... Or perhaps brown trout and a stew of wild game... Potica with cracklings, ajdovi ganci and truklji of all kinds... The treasures of the countryside may be simple, but that is what makes for a tasty and authentic culinary adventure. Choose a holiday, which includes lodging in the peaceful countryside and the opportunity to visit various tourist and cultural events of the societies, which operate within the municipality of Sevnica. An event schedule can be found at www.kstm.si. Welcome!
Source: KTM Sevnica

Interesting group offer including: Sevnica Castle the old town square flosarska malica (rafters meal) natural sights in the area a late lunch A guide meets the group at a previously agreed upon location and takes them to the castle slope. With the aid of the tourist guide, visitors examine the Sevnica Castle and its captivating details. The rafters meals are prepared in an old market pub, followed by a tour of the town as well as the opportunity to purchase items from small retailers. Price: 25 / per person, guided tour 77 per group (The price includes the general tour, entrance fees, guided tours at specific points, a snack and lunch). The accordionists are not included. Additional payment may be required. The one and two-day excursions are described and priced in more detail in the Tourist Catalogue (www.dozivljaj. si/izleti.php).

The ethnological and culinary wealth of the countryside


The catering and accommodation on the tourist farms and in the vineyard cottages near the Upper Dolenjska and Bizeljsko Sremi wine road is second to none. Hills

Ljubljana 106

km

Sevnica

Source: KTM Sevnica

For further information: The Sevnica Institute for Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Activities Glavni trg 19, 8290 SEVNICA T: +386 7 81 61 070 info@kstm.si, www.kstm.si Doivljaj Tourist Agency Trg svobode 10, 8290 SEVNICA T: +386 7 81 65 462, +386 51 680 287 dozivljaj@kstm.si, www.dozivljaj.si Sevnica Castle Cesta na grad 17, 8290 Sevnica T: +386 7 81 61 075, +386 51 680 289 grad.sevnica@kstm.si, www.grad-sevnica.com

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

79

South Posavje

An historical landmark on a river island

Kostanjevica na Krki
of the most important contemporary artists from Slovenia and abroad. The Forma Viva sculpture park, as part of the Boidar Jakac Art Museum, presents work by international artists and participants of the biennial symposiums with the same name. In accordance with natural resources, the symposium focuses on sculpting oak wood.

Kostanjevica na Krki, a town situated on a river island, was first mentioned in written sources in the Judenburg documents in 1252. Throughout its 760 year history, the town has played an important role under the ownership of Count Speinheim. During this period, Kostanjevica even had its own source of money.
In 1997, the town centre was pronounced a cultural and historical landmark. Today, it is the heart of a municipality that was founded in 2007. The river island is 15 hectares in size with a population of 194. Important cultural landmarks include: the St. Jacob Parish Church, the St. Nicholas Parish Church, the former ministerial hall and wooden bridges.

electric lightning system and offers around 300 metres of charted routes. The guided tour, also suitable for children and seniors, lasts 45 minutes. The cave is open from April 15th October 31st (Sat, Sun) with daily tours in July /August (10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm). The constant temperature of the cave remains 12 degrees Celsius.

Krakovo Forest
The 3,000 hectares big Krakovo forest lies in the area north of the Krka river, between the Krka and Sava rivers. Its well-preserved primeval core contains numerous pedunculate oak trees, some as many as 300 years old and up to 40 metres high. At the edge of the forest (Malence) is the Cvelbar oak which has the third largest girth in the country. In addition to being home to interesting flora, this forest is also a nesting area of European significance to some rare species of birds, as well as a spawning ground for certain increasingly threatened amphibians. At the beginning of the 19th century, the forest was surveyed by engineer Josef Ressel (17931857), a pioneer in the development of the screw propeller.

Boidar Jakac Art Museum


The Boidar Jakac Art Museu, established in 1974, is one of the largest art museums in Slovenia. Its permanent exhibitions present works of Slovene Expressionist painters, while temporary exhibitions cover the work

Kostanjevica Cave
The Kostanjevica Cave was formed due to the karst area next to the Gorjanci Hills in the Dolenjska region. It was additionally transformed by the movement of tectonic plates, creating forms of extraordinary beauty. Officially opened to the public in 1971, it is, at present, equipped with an

Ljubljana

92 k m

Kostanjevica na Krki

TIC Kostanjevica na Krki Galerija Boidar Jakac Grajska cesta 45 8311 Kostanjevica na Krki T: + 386 7 49 88 150 F: + 386 7 49 88 151 tic-gbj@galerija-bj.si

80

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

South Posavje
Timber rafting cruise
The Radee rafter receive you at the Savus pier and, as a traditional Slavic welcome, offer you salt, bread and a small bottle of homemade blueberry schnapps. During the enjoyable cruise, the captains fascinating commentary will take you deep into the adventures and traditions of the Sava rafters. The rafters also make sure that you dont go hungry or thirsty on the cruise, serving up Rafters Goulash and offering you a drop or two of something homemade along the way. The sounds of the accordion accompany a set of dances performed by a local folklore group, while a humorous initiation ceremony rounds off a memorable trip.

The Savus trail


The Savus trail is based on an innovative interpretation of natural and cultural heritage and shows the great importance of water, flora and fauna to the area. A local guide will unravel the history of the Sava and its significance for the surrounding population. Youll learn why water is so important to us and our environment, and get a little help identifying some of the main species of trees in the park.

Where time flies differently


Radee today is a small town of around 2,300 people, situated on the banks of the River Sava. It was once a rafting town and the story of rafting remains alive here to this day. The tales of the locals are matched by excellent food, superb local wine and the fascinating Savus Trail, which runs alongside one of the longest and most beautiful angling trails in Europe.
Ljubljana 77,5 km Radee

Radee

KTRC Radee Ulica Milana Majcna 1 1433 Radee Slovenija (EU) T: + 386 3 56 87 941 info@ktrc.si www.ktrc-radece.si

Your Daily Source of Information


Check Summer Guide 2013 at
www.sloveniatimes.com

East

Cradle of Slovenias most powerful family


Three stars in the flag of Slovenia still remind us today of a long forgotten European power; the Counts of Celje who had their cradle in the east of Slovenia. Through heroic actions, clever politics and strategic marriages the dynasty from Celje became a substantial power in the late middle ages. In the 14th century the Lords of ovnek from the Savinja valley moved to Celje Castle after inheriting the town of Celje. The castle on top of the rock that towers high above the city became the centre from where the dynasty began its march to a central European superpower. In 1341 emperor Louis IV of Bavaria granted the Slovenian family the title of Counts. In the second half of the 14th century the Counts of Celje started to expand their power to Eastern Europe, a region the more powerful Habsburgs didnt seem to have much interest in. The Habsburg had most of Europe, including the west of Slovenia and Ljubljana, under their control. After a series of marriages, the dynasty from Celje owned more than twenty castles in Slovenia and the rest of Central and East Europe and had influence throughout all of Europe. At the end of the 14th century Herman II was the sole master of the Celje dynasty. During a battle against the Turks, Herman rescued Hungarian king Sigismund of Luxemburg from the river Danube. For Hermans heroic action the house of Celje was rewarded even more property in present day Hungary and Croatia. Hermans successor, his son Ulrich II, became the most powerful count of Celje. Ulrich fought wars against the Habsburgs which ended with a peace agreement according to which the dynasties would inherit each others estates when one would die out.

,,In Prekmurje you have to try some Prekmurska gibanca. This cake with poppy seeds, walnuts, apples and raisins is a local specialty with a protected status from the EU.

For the Celje dynasty the end would come soon. On the morning of 9 October 1456 Ulrich and his Hungarian rival Ladislaus Hunjadi were in the Castle of Belgrade. In the castle it came to a fight between Ulrich and Ladislaus. It became a long fight that ended when Ladislaus beheaded Ulrich. The last Count of Celje had already outlived his children, thus came the mighty dynasty from Celje to a violent end in Belgrade. The people in the east of Slovenia werent unhappy with the death of Ulrich. The Counts of Celje were known as tyrants. At the funeral of Ulrich in Celje people shouted: Counts of Celje today and never again. All estates and properties of the Counts went to the Habsburgs who since then ruled over the current Slovenia. Slovenia never had people as powerful as the Counts of Celje again.

82

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

East - Deela Celjska

Celje

THE LAND OF CELJE

Budapest Vienna Graz

350 km 280 km 110 km

The Land of Celje


Deela Celjska, or the Land of Celje, is a year-round tourist destination comprising 21 separate municipalities all centred around Slovenias third largest city, Celje. Stretching over 75km from east to west and nearly as far from north to south, the region is geographically diverse with valleys surrounded on three sides by mountains and high hills. There is much that ties it together though. Six large modern thermal spas are found here, which already receive more than one million visitors every year, but outside of the healing waters, four-star accommodation and state-of-the-art facilities that these resorts offer there are countless things to see and do.
RDO Deela Celjska Krekov trg 3, Celje T: +386 3 428 79 30 tic@celje.si www.dezela-celjska.si
This advertisement of destination Deela Celjska is co-financed under the RDO Deela Celjska project from the European Regional Development Fund

TERME ZREE Zree TERME DOBRNA Dobrna

MA

RIB

OR

Slovenske Konjice

alec

ROGAKA HOTELI & LOTUS TERME Rogaka Slatina

Celje
LJ UB LJ A NA
THERMANA LAKO Lako RIMSKE TERME Rimske Toplice entjur pri Celju

ZAGR

EB

TERME OLIMIA Podetrtek

Zagreb Beograd

115 km 500 km

Ljubljana Trieste Venice Milan

71 km 200 km 350 km 620 km

THE LAND OF CELJE IN SLOVENIA


Madrid 1556 km London 1235 km Paris 1300 km Brussels 930 km Zrich 740 km Frankfurt 751 km Munich 470 km Berlin Prague Vienna Graz 771 km 590 km 280 km 110 km

THE LAND OF CELJE IN EUROPE

MARIBOR

CELJE LJUBLJANA

Zagreb Budapest

115 km 350 km

Trieste Udine Milan Venice

200 km 250 km 620 km 350 km

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

83

East - Deela Celjska

Celje region
The region of Celje is extremely picturesque and diversified. You can enjoy the rich history and culture of the third largest city in Slovenia Celje and its surrounding cities; Lako, Dobrna, tore and Vojnik. The experience of a visit to a local farmhouse, sampling tasty delicacies and chatting with the locals will last forever. A visit to the region in the summer is the time to experience good vibes, be it at medieval events, open-air concerts, local festivals or sporting events. Allow yourself to be charmed!
RDO Deela Celjska Krekov trg 3, Celje T: +386 3 428 79 30 tic@celje.si, www.dezela-celjska.si

Attractive mix of culture and wellness

martinsko Lake

Celje Regional Museum

Hotel Celjska Koa

Obostelje & Kozjansko


Where the soul feels at home
The local hills of Obsotelje and Kozjansko are still largely undiscovered so take the time to pay a visit. The flavour of the local wine is rich and the homemade bread crumbles in your mouth in a different way. This is the place where the soul feels at home. Obsotelje and Kozjansko are areas close to the Slovenian-Croatian border. The municipalities of marje pri Jelah, Rogaka Slatina, Rogatec, Podetrtek, Kozje, entjur and Dobje all boast a well preserved natural and cultural heritage and a number of activities for visitors including trips on the marje-Virtanj wine road (VTC 10) which is also very suitable for hiking and biking.
Development Agency Sotla marje pri Jelah T: +386 3 817 18 60 rasotla@siol.net, www.ra-sotla.si TIC entjur T: +386 3 749 25 23 tic@turizem-sentjur.com www.turizem-sentjur.com
This advertisement of destination Deela Celjska is co-financed under the RDO Deela Celjska project from the European Regional Development Fund

Church of St. Rok with Calvary

Olimje Monastry

84

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

East - Deela Celjska

Dravinjsko
ie Charterhouse

Where tradition and the future hold hands


The Dravinjsko area (Vitanje, Slovenske Konjice and Zree) is a destination which is full of surprises, offers a number of diverse ways for quality leisure time and holds the special power of putting a spell on its visitors, urging them to return time and time again. A rich tradition of handicrafts resounds at every step while the merging of tradition with contemporary in each of the three municipalities gives Dravinjsko its soul and rhythm.
TIC Slovenske Konjice Stari trg 27, Slovenske Konjice T: +386 3 759 31 10 tic.konjice@siol.net www.knjiznica-slovenskekonjice.si LTO Rogla-Zree Cesta na Roglo 13b, Zree T: +386 3 759 04 70 tic.zrece.lto@siol.net www.destinacija-rogla.si

KSEVT Museum

Rogla

The Lower Savinja valley


The valley of green gold
Travellers who journey around the Lower Savinja Valley are always greeted by the densely growing hop plantations which have resulted in the name: the valley of the green gold. This noble plant colours the landscape with its unique tone of green making it so very special. Tourism in the area is created by the alec, Polzela, Braslove, Vransko, Tabor and Prebold municipalities, each in their own unique way contributing to the variety of the tourist offer.
TIC alec landrov trg 25, alec T: +386 3 710 04 34 zkst.tic@siol.net www.zkst-zalec.si
This advertisement of destination Deela Celjska is co-financed under the RDO Deela Celjska project from the European Regional Development Fund

Eco-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing Industry

Komenda Castle

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

85

East - Maribor Pohorje, Slovenian Styria

Maribor Lent; Photo: STO Matej Vrani

Pohorje Lobnica; Photo: Jurij Pivka

Maribor Pohorje: Slovenian Styria


Colour your day!
Maribor was put on the world tourist map in 2012 when it became the European Capital of Culture, the site of the World Youth Chess Championship and one of the Top 10 tourist destinations in the world.
Maribor also boasts the world's oldest grapevine, which is over 400 years old! It is easy to imagine then that the town has a rich wine culture as well as excellent traditional and modern cuisine, which inspires lovers of wine and food. This can not only be said for the town, but also for the picturesque winegrowing hills and green slopes of Pohorje, which embraces the town. Maribor is the second largest town in Slovenia with a unique old centre that provides rich events and is filled with attractions and pubs. The fusion of the town
Maribor Square Grajski trg; Photo: Bogdan Zelnik

hospitable and relaxed nature of the locals or tajerci. As of 2013 Maribor also boasts the title of European Youth Capital. Maribor is an excellent departure point for exploring Slovenia: Ljubljana is just over an hour away by car and 2 hours away by train and it is 150km to Joe Punik Airport in Slovenia, 60 km to Graz Airport in Austria and 130 km to Zagreb Airport in Croatia.

Our offer: Well take you on a trip!


It could be a short walk through the centre of Maribor, a walk from vineyard to vineyard or you could indulge in a tasting of Slovenian Styrias wine and food amidst the vineyards of the Meranovo Estate, which rises above the town. Those who prefer the countryside need only visit one of the picturesque villages, such as Zgornja Velka, to enjoy nature, cultural attractions and try the local delicacies. For those more active visitors, we recommend a culinary cycling trip to the botanical garden in Pivola, a family ramble through Pohorje, an excursion to Ptuj,
Maribor The Oldest Grapevine in The World; Photo: Vesna Male

with the green countryside of the Slovenske Gorice, the forests of Pohorje, the Drava River basin inspire many enthusiastic travellers looking for valuable cultural and ethnological village treasuries and wellpreserved nature. Its diversity offers exactly what lovers of active holidays, hikers, cyclists and adrenaline freaks are looking for as well as providing for those looking for a little peace and quiet. Maribor-Pohorje features sunny weather, lush nature, healthy drinking water and a serene way of life as well as the open,
Love in wine growing hills; Photo: Karmen Razlag

86

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

East - Maribor Pohorje, Slovenian Styria


Slovenias oldest town, and much more... An excursion programme is available at the Maribor Tourist Information Centre (TIC).

A green holiday
Welcome to a green destination, adorned with the hilly vineyards of the sunny Slovenske Gorice and the green forests of Pohorje criss-crossed with a number of hiking and cycling trails! What do we recommend? The kayak and bike Green Adventure (for adrenaline lovers), the culinary cycling excursion to the botanical garden or a family trip through Pohorje...
Boat on the river Drava; Photo: Domen Groegl Maribor
m 8k 12

Ljubljana

The oldest grapevine in the World


Highlight of this destination is certainly Guinness Records oldest vine, growing up the faade of the Old Vine House, functioning as a wine museum and wine shop at Maribors Lent. Over 400 year old grapevine is celebrated every year at the Old Vine Festival. This rich wine tradition is reflected in Styrias excellent wines. You can put our claim to the test on a walk along the City Wine Path where three best wine experiences are on offer from 9 EUR.

SUMMER EVENTS
21-6. 6-7 > Festival Lent, the International Multicultural Festival, largest Slovene open-air festival and one of the largest in Europe, floating stage and 40 venues 3-8. - 2-9 > Summer puppet Pier, 24th International Puppet Festival best from the puppet world 13 22-9 > Old Vine Festival, top gastronomic, cultural and wine festival and the biggest tourist event in autumn 5 15-9 > Festival Maribor, Festival of SERIOUSly fantastic MUSIC, with Richard Tognetti one of the most important European Festival 12. 7. - 30. 8. > every friday from 17. to 20.00 hours, Summer on the courtyard in the Old Vine House 13. 7., 10. 8., 14. 9., 12. 10. > from 9. to 19.00 hours, Grajski trg, ArtMar, creative performance and selling exhibition Numerous entertaining ethnological events in the countryside

Maribor : a town of culture and entertainment


The lively centre offers everything from topnotch cultural experiences to smaller events taking place in the streets and squares. Exceptional cultural establishments, such as the Regional Museum, Art Gallery, Slovenian National Theatre, Puppet Theatre and Synagogue, inspire even the most doubting visitor. Entertainment can also be found on the town train, carriage rides or trips onto the Drava River in either a boat or a traditional raft.

Black Lake - Hiking; Photo: Ale Fever

Adrenaline Park Betnava; Photo: Anka

For families with children


The destination of Maribor-Pohorje, Slovenian Styria offers families the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful holiday. Take in a show at one of the most modern puppet theatres in the world or visit the creatures that inhabit the Aquariumterrarium in the beautiful Town Park. Children are always excited to ride the Jurek Train, which is a fun way to acquaint yourself with the towns main attractions. Of course, if you prefer something more exciting, try the Betnava Adventure Park or Bolfenk Fairy tale Village.
The Old Vine-House; Photo: Matja Ledinek

Cycling through wine growing hills; Photo: Ale Fever

Zavod za turizem Maribor Pohorje (Maribor Pohorje Tourist Board) Website: www.VisitMaribor.si, www.FB.com/VisitMaribor TIC Maribor (Maribor Tourist Information Centre) Partizanska 6A T: +386 (0)2 234 66 11 Skype: touristinformationmaribor tic@maribor.si Hia Stare trte (The Old Vine House) Vojanika 8 T: +386 (0)2 25 15 100 stara-trta@maribor.si

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

87

East - Ptuj

The oldest Slovenian town


From the Stone Age to this day, history has written a chronicle in stone in the Ptuj region, where roads meet that linked sunny Italy with the Pannonian lowlands and the Alps with the Balkans. In the place where the Amber Trail crosses the river, a busy, strategically and economically significant settlement grew, which played a perceivable role not only in politics and administration, but also in art and culture.
The Roman Petoviona, first mentioned in written sources in connection to events of the year 69, became one of the largest and most important towns in the Roman provinces. The town became one of the most important trade centres in central Europe. The tradition of annual medieval fairs is revived every year at the St. Georges Day Fair, Oswalds Fair and Katarinas Fair. The entire centre of Ptuj is preserved as a historical monument. The rich collections and interesting exhibits of the Ptuj-Ormoz Regional Museum are displayed at Ptuj Castle, the old town jails, the Arts Salon and the Miheli Gallery while a Roman kiln and the Mishra Shrine III are preserved on site. The treasures are maintained by the churches and monasteries and by one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe. The theatre, with its appearance and attractive programme, completes the picture of the old town centre.
Hotel Primus and Ptuj with Castle in background

Ptuj

Ptuj The Roman Games

Another type of treasure is kept in a number of wine cellars, continuing the tradition of winemaking as wine shops have always been very important in Ptuj. The Ptuj Cellar, the oldest working wine cellar in the country, stores Slovenias oldest wines, produced in 1917. The image of the town, which has been described, praised, and commended by numerous authors, was also shaped by the Drava River, which has protected the town for a millennium and linking it to lands both near and far. Of course, Ptuj is not an island. There is a strong connection between the town and its surroundings. This can be seen in the rich ethnological heritage and traditions. Kurentovanje in Ptuj is one of the most important traditional events in Slovenia and in central Europe. Ptuj hosts every year in August the National Music Festival, which, for more than 40 years, has invited lovers of
Days of Poetry and Wine; Photo: Igor Benevi

local tunes to town. The list of performances in the town and its surroundings is varied and rich. A lively, artistic, international environment in summer is created by the International Festival of Modern Art, Art Stays, while the Arsana Festival offers a variety of musical delights. Lovers of literature and wine gather in the second half of August, when the town comes to life during the Days of Poetry and Wine. In June, visitors can also enjoy the traditional Castle Games, improved by the Castle Wine Holiday, and the Roman games in August, which has become a popular event. Also popular are The Ballooning Festival, a variety of sports and entertainment events at the Ranca Marina on Lake Ptuj as well as performances by the Ptuj Students Club and other organizers. In summer, Ptuj changes into an experience for people of every taste and age.
Medieval games

88

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

East - Ptuj
The autumn months are marked by the harvest of sprouts from the oldest grapevine at the Ptuj Castle as well as those of the town vineyards and Mestni Vrh, Krevina and Grajenak. The harvest is completed around St. Martins Day and is already tied to next years carnival with the selection of a Carnival Prince. The people of Ptuj live in above standard cultural circumstances. Their lives revolve around the spirit and heritage of the past. Everything they happily and hospitably share with visitors is to help them feel, discover and enjoy the wealth of beauty and delicacies of the ancient town by the Drava River. In the past, Ptuj was known for its restaurants and hotels just as it is today. New and centuries-old structures offer both
Terme Ptuj Ptuj Wine Cellar

a number of delicacies and the total comfort expected by the modern guest. The benefits of water, massages, warm air, sunlight, aromatic oils and salts were discovered centuries before us. Today, Ptuj happily spoils its guests in old and new ways in the spas and salons. A colourful experience is guaranteed at Lake Ptuj, where you can choose from a number of adrenaline sports and explore the Ptuj and its seaside from a tourist boat. A peaceful, yet active experience awaits you at the golf course, which has received many awards for orderliness and hospitality and also offers magnificent views of Ptuj and its castle. Whether youre looking for an active or relaxing experience, it is guaranteed in the treasury of well-being!

Ptuj
km 138

Ljubljana

SUMMER EVENTS
Lake Ptuj Oberkrainer Music Festival; Photo: rtomir Goznik

June 15, 2013 > POLI MARATHON Bike marathon June 23, 2013 > THE 5TH TRADITIONAL PTUJ PARTNER TOWN RUN 2013 June 21 23, 2013 > THE 11TH PTUJ CASTLE GAMES July 24 August 2, 2013 > ARSANA SUMMER FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL July 24 September 1, 2013 > THE 11TH INTERNATIONAL MODERN ART FESTIVAL: ART STAYS August 3, 2013 > Lake Ptuj (Ranca Marina) August 22 25, 2013 > THE ROMAN GAMES August 20 25, 2013 > DAYS OF POETRY AND WINE August 30, 2013 > OBERKRAINER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Ptuj Golfcourse

www.ptuj.info www.visitptuj.eu

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

89

summer energic! festivaly hot! activ positively!

www.visitptuj.eu www.visitjeruzalem-ormoz.eu www.visithaloze.eu www.visitslovenskegorice.eu


Booking: ptuj@vedute.si; info@turistagent.si; anja.cuznar@capriturizem.si

Photograps: archive RDO, archives of partners RDO, Ciril Ambro, Matija Brodnjak, Vid Ponikvar, rtomir Goznik, Rado krjanec, Gregor Brodnjak, Foto Tone, Foto alar, Aljoa Videti project MuraDrava bike, fototeka Pokrajinskega muzeja Ptuj - Ormo, Foto Langerholc, Ale Fever project Biking & Hiking, Domen Grgl archive Vinocool, Tomo Jeseninik, Zmago Kokol, Vanja Buar, Boris Voglar

East Pomurje

Pomurje

Photo: Pomurska turistina zveza

A different Slovenia
In the northeast of Slovenia you enter a different world. There is flatland here, surrounded by green rounded hills. Welcome to the dreamy Pomurje, a land of storks, vineyards, healing waters and energy points, wind-rattles, floating mills, original traditions and dialects.
Pomurje is part of the Pannonian plain. Slovenians call the countryside flat which is hard to imagine if you are from, lets say, the Netherlands or Belgium or any other country that doesnt have high mountains. Pomurje has endless rows of, Tuscany like, green rounded hills that are covered in vineyards, but it lacks real mountains that are always present in the rest of Slovenia. In Pomurje you can see the horizon, instead of another mountain in the distance. Terme Lendava, Terme Banovci, Terme 3000, Terme Vivat and Bioterme Mala Nedelja. There is much more to offer though. The region is excellent for a bike ride. The roads are quiet and the variety of flat and hilly countryside offers routes for any type of cyclist. Other activities are horseback riding, hiking, golf, hot air balloon flights and on the Gajevsko lake its even possible to surf. And dont forget the Mura, the river along which Pomurje is situated. Here you will find floating mills and wooden ferries with which you can cross from the west side (Prlekija) to the east (Prekmurje).
Photo: Bojan Kar

rooms as there are days in a year (365). Legend has it that the Knights Templar built the castle as a temporary residence. Later Hungarian lords owned the castle. In the castle should live a dragon with a golden crown and the ground under the castle releases energy.

The other Jerus(z)alem


Was it the view on the green rolling hills that stretched till the horizon or was it all the wine made from the vineyards? In the 11th century something must have sparked crusaders to name a settlement in Pomurje Jeruzalem. As the story goes, the crusaders where going to the real Jerusalem in present day Israel. But when they arrived on a picturesque hill in Pomurje, they never left again. They named the settlement Jeruzalem and the hills that surrounded it were named after apostles.

A touch of the country life


Between the Pomurje hills are wide fields where farmers grow crops. The region is Slovenias food barn. Its the largest agricultural region of the country. For a touch of the Pomurje country life and a taste of the local dishes, you can stay at one of the dozens of farmers who started a tourist farm.

The 365 rooms of Castle Grad


Pomurje is home to Slovenias largest castle, Grad in Goriko. The triangular castle is from at least the 11th century. It has as many
Photo: Pomurska turistina zveza

More to offer
Pomurje is probably most known for its thermal health resorts; Terme Radenci,
Photo: Center za zdravje in razvoj Murska Sobota / Ale Fevar

92

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

Prekmurska gibanica is a speciality among desserts and is one of the national culinary delicacies of the Slovenes. This festive and ceremonial dish was named after the word gba (wrinkle) and originated from the region around the river Mura in ancient times. Originally, the ingredients of the pie were different from the ones that are being used today. Through the centuries new enriched layers were added and the prekmurska gibanica slowly became the dessert we now know. The base is made of short pastry and different stuffing is layered upon it in this order walnut, cottage, cheese, poppy seed and apple stuffing. A thin layer of strudel dough is placed on top of each of the four layers of stuffing, which are then layered in the exact same order a second time. On top there is a last layer of strudel dough, covered with sour cream and yolk gravy or coated with a fatty spread.

Please find locations which serve prekmurska gibanica under the following link: www.disi-po-prekmurju.si

EUROPEAN UNION

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.

REPUBLIKA SLOVENIJA

East Pomurje

Slovenias Prekmurje Region


An outstanding selection of indulgences in Moravske Toplice and its surroundings
94
The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

A collage of sensory experiences from

Photo: Akleksander Krpi

In summer when ones senses are awakening, venture to north-eastern Slovenia in the heart of idyllic Prekmurje; Moravske Toplice. Here, a source of healing thermal mineral water bubbles from the earth to be utilized by Terme 3000 and Terme Vivat. This location also serves as a departure point for recreation and other exploits. Let curiosity be your guide. You can expect more than storks within the vicinity of Moravske Toplice as numerous opportunities to enjoy precious moments arise, embellished with Prekmurjas patina. It is under the Moravske Toplice trademark that we introduce the tourist attractions of Moravske Toplice and the surrounding area.

East Pomurje
A harmony for the eyes and a symphony for the ears
Recreation in Moravske Toplice and the Surrounding Area
The vast fertile fields and pastures, fertile orchards, photogenic flat and partly hilly landscape is an ideal departure point for various forms of recreation such as cycling, hiking and Nordic walking. Unwind to the clattering of storks, the croaking of frogs and the chirping of crickets! 11 thematic hiking trails, 10 cycling trails, 2 cycling marathons, more than 10 hiking trails and the new trim footpath await you at Moravske Toplice! of Gorikos famed cheese and experience the areas untouched splendour. Other products possessing the art craft certificate can be found at the tourist market in Moravske Toplice.
Moravske Toplice
k 201 m

Ljubljana

Architectural treasures
Visit the Romanesque rotunda in Selo, Pleniks masterpiece in Bogojina (white dove) or the Church of St. Martin in Martjanci. For those who seek spiritual relaxation, we recommend the Spiritual Centre in Kanevci. The open air museum is also worth visiting (Magdas House in Filovci and asars Mill in Berkovci).

EVENTS
The Prekmurska Gibanica and Prekmurska Ham Festival in Terme 3000 > 14. 6. And 15. 6. 2013, M. Toplice The Ajda Cycling Marathon > 16. 6. 2013, M. Toplice Statehood Day Hike > 25. 6. 2013, Filovci Festival of Wine and Food > 22. 6. 2013, Filovci Summer Tourist Market > July and August, (Thurs - Sun), M. Toplice BBQ-athon > 17. 8. 2013, M. Toplice Ivanocy Hike > 31. 8. 2013, Ivanovci Mari Pub Culinary Hike > 7. 9. 2013, Sebeborci Greengrocers Day > 7. 9. 2013, Ivanci Lax Grinding Event > 8. 9. 2013, Bogojina The Moravske Toplice Cycling Marathon > 8. 9. 2013, M. Toplice Cultural Heritage Hike > 14. 9. 2013, Bogojina Corn Shucking Event > 20. 9. 21. 9. 2013, Selo, near the Romanesque rotund The Tourist Potato Market > During the socalled potato holidays (28. 10. 1. 11.), M. Toplice Martins Hike > 9. 11. 2013, M. Toplice Ivanovci

Reasons to visit
Besides the numerous performances, which will be carried out during Moravske Toplices 50 th anniversary of tourism, a rich summer concert programme is expected to take place in Terme 3000 (28. 6. Boris Novkovi, 10. 7. - Modrijani, 20. 7. Siddharta, 24. 8. Tabu). Moravske Toplice lays the foundations for amazing flavours and indulgence that promise to awaken the senses. Dont let them oversleep! For more information concerning the entire tourist offer, lodgings and events, do not hesitate to contact the Moravske Toplice Tourist Information Center (TIC Moravske Toplice), which is located in the centre of town. The office is open every day of the year.

The temptation of Pannonian tastes and scents


Culinary treasures
The carefully protected recipes of Prekmurjes vertinj and sakaic and locally sourced ingredients add succulence to Prekmurjes cuisine. A treasure trove of Pannonian flavours, which is combined with the contemporary and harmoniously flavourful food and wine of Prekmurje, is offered by tourist farms, wineries and guesthouses within the vicinity of Moravske Toplice. To this day, a large number of traditional Prekmurje meals are still served in traditional clay pots. You can also expect to see certain local novelties such as the chocolate shop (The Passero Chocolate Shop) as well as the various food items on offer by local manufacturers and farmers (pumpkin oil, pumpkin seeds, grape marmalade and honey).

The sights a touch of the natural and perpetual Talent artistic masters of traditional and local crafts
Try your hand at making pottery (Lonarska vas Filovci), decorate your own licitar heart with a visit to a honey venders workshop (Mediarstvo Celec Ratkovci) or have a taste
Photo: Archive Terme 3000 and archive TIC Moravske Toplice

TIC MORAVSKE TOPLICE Kranjeva 3 9226 Moravske Toplice T: + 386 (0)2 538 15 20 info@moravske-toplice.com www.moravske-toplice.com www.facebook.com/TIC.MoravskeToplice The Selo Tourist Information Centre (TIC Selo) is in the immediate neighborhood of the Romanesque rotund. We offer guided tours of the rotund. For information: TIC Moravske Toplice

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

95

East Pomurje

Murska Sobota

k 178

Ljubljana

Murska Sobota
The attractions
The small Pannonian town is marked by two religions and their churches, the RomanCatholic Church and the Protestant Church, rising in front of the Victory monument, a symbol of the victory against fascism. From there you can take a stroll through the beautiful park and admire the renaissance castle amongst the centuries-old oaks that give witness to our history and heritage. The castle is now the residence of the regional museum, which received a high ranked European Museum-of-the-year award for his permanent exhibition. The castle square is a place of culture. The space between the old walls of the castle, underneath the star filled sky produces a magical atmosphere that

Summer times in Murska Sobota


The beauty of the mighty centuries-old oaks in the park, the old historical buildings in the centre of Murska Sobota dont change the fact that you are about to visit a young spirited and vibrant town on the margin of the Pannonian Plain. The proximity of neighbouring countries with their different cultures and the millennium old unbreakable bond to the river Mura infused the people with a uniqueness that is visible in every aspect of our lives. Despite the fast modern life, our people still know when to stop and enjoy the small pleasures of daily life. This is shown in the various events that we host, our unique local cuisine and the genuine hospitality and friendliness of our people.
makes every cultural event a highlight. The river Mura is the essence that binds and connects the people and all living things in Pomurje. Its banks are teeming with life but are also of soothing tranquillity. They provide the ideal place to just let go of your daily troubles and relax or actively engage in sports like fishing, kayaking, canoeing and rafting. Tracking and cycling have dedicated marked cross-country routs. Moreover, one can indulge in panoramic hot air balloon flights, skydiving and horseback riding. You are invited to discover more of the beauty Murska Sobota can offer.

EVENTS
June Sobota Race > a traditional race through the streets of Murska Sobota. 8 th June. Museum Summer Night > no entry fees for the visits of the regional Museum and the Gallery. From 9pm on the 15th June. Festival Soboki dnevi > a greeting to the summer with a rich musical and cultural program for all ages and musical preferences. From the 21st to 24th June. Water Games 2013 > traditional competition based on water sports between all local communities of the municipality of Murska Sobota. 22nd June. June-August Sobota Summer > enjoy a treat for your ears and eyes every Friday evening at the Culture Square in Murska Sobota. Experience diversity of musical genres and performing artists from all corners of the world. Children entertainment program every Saturday morning. August Fish picnic at Sobota lake > a traditional musical entertainment event with a rich array of fish dishes. Festival Front@ modern dance > international festival of modern dance, from the 27th to 31st August.

Unique local cuisine


The region, with Murska Sobota as its centre, is well known by the distinctive tradition-rooted cuisine. Several excellent restaurants in the surroundings of the town really stand out with high quality food and regional specialties. Amongst the traditional dishes, the most famous ones are Prekmurje dried pork ham, a meat stew called bogra, and the layered pastry called prekmurska gibanica. Based upon this rich culinary tradition, a trade-mark of high quality food Smells of Prekmurje has been established. There are nearly 200 restaurants and catering businesses in the municipality thus the gastronomic and culinary offer is diverse and of high quality.

TIC Murska Sobota, Zvezna ulica 10 9000 Murska Sobota T: +386 2 534 11 30 tic-sobota@siol.net www.zkts-ms.si

96

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

East Pomurje
The institution of Marianum Verej, which is a centre for handcraft as well as tourist information point, awaits you.
Verej
km 174

Penzion Mavrica (private hotel)


Enjoy a HOME away from home while on holiday! A selection of tidy rooms available for families, individuals and groups. We also offer an interesting animated programme in Pomurje, thermal springs, gastronomic specialties, top-notch wines as well as a number of handicrafts workshops.
Ljubljana

SUMMER EVENTS
Spend your holidays with our craftsmen > Camp for animators, June 30 th July 4th, 2013 Camp for families > July 5th 12 th, 2013 Camp for children > July 14th 18th, 2013

Verej

Center Duo
(local and artistic crafts): A rich selection of hand-made items. Traditional products of the Pomurje region. Handicrafts workshops. Camping.

The Institution of Marianum Verej Your home away from homeon holiday
Verej is a home where you arent forced to choose between the traditional and the modern world. In the embrace of our unspoiled nature, the majestic colours of the seasons can almost be felt in the air.

Zavod Marianum Verej Center DUO Puenjakova ulica 1| 9241 Verej T: +386 51 370 377 penzion.mavrica@marianum.si www.marianum.si

The DUO Promotional Information Centre, will gladly let you in on the best kept secrets of this beautiful region!

On Holiday in Hotel DIANA in Murska Sobota


Attractive and aordable packages to choose from (2, 5, and 7 day Well-Being Holiday Packages, a Romantic Holiday Package, 'A Glimpse of Prekmurje' Holiday Package, a Cycling Holiday Package and the list goes on...) ASK ABOUT OUR SUMMER HOLIDAY SPECIAL PACKAGE OFFERS... Culinary traditions and modern avours, relaxation in the Wellness Centre... Prekmurje, a region of mysteries and self-indulgence (countless possibilities for enticing trips and unforgettable experiences)

| The Slovenia Times Summer guide 2013 97 Site: www.hotel-diana.si; Reservations and information at: Tel: 00386 (0)2 5141 200; E-mail: info@hotel-diana.si

East Pomurje

Turnie

Turnie
km 188

Discover why Turnie isnt a town but a varas


The municipality of Turnie historically possessed the market rights and characteristics of a town. The municipality is located in the heart of the Eastern region Prekmurje between Lendava and Murska Sobota. The terrain is typically Pannonian and the development of trade, particularly shoemaking, enabled the inhabitants to trade and to be recognizable within the wider area.
We warmly welcome you to Turnie, where we offer an insight into our culture, our natural resources, our culinary arts and our traditions of one of the oldest urban areas in Pomurje.

Ljubljana

EVENTS
Kouta Tourism 17. 8. > singing competition, sports, seniors meeting, musical programme, presentation of folk traditions Summer camp for children 19. 8. 24. 8. Its a Corny Life! 5. 10. > corn shucking, cultural programme, food and items made from corn, musical programme. Ferencs Fair 6. 10. > fairground offer of local products

Our treasures:
The Pilgrim Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Shoemaker Museum, the Homestead of tefan Kova, Ancova Gallery and the Poultry Farming Museum all testify to the history and significance of the municipality to the wider region. The rare Siberian Iris and Snakes Head Fritillary decorate the fields of the typical Pannonian region. Nature walks, fishing and the use of our rich sports infrastructure allow for active leisure time.

Zavod za negospodarske dejavnosti KOUTA tefana Kovaa 73 9224 Turnie T: +386 (0)2 573 50 40 zavod.kousta@gmail.com www.kousta-turnisce.si

Your Daily Source of Information


Check Summer Guide 2013 at
www.sloveniatimes.com

East Pomurje

A monument of national importance

In its long history Negova Castle, at the border of Slovenia and Austria, withstood invasions of Turks and Hungarians. Today the castle is an architectural, tourist and commercial venue suitable for business meetings, educational activities, various events, celebrations and weddings.
over the castle wall during the Turkish invasion and was bricked up alive. The Negova Castle area has been declared a cultural monument of national importance. On the outside is a beautiful herb garden. In the castle courtyard, the visitors may enjoy homemade delicacies and beverages. Castle Negova is part of the Apollonia Trail, which can be visited by bike, car or tourist train. It leads to wine cellars, the Remembrance Park, the Pannonian house, the learning trail along the Mura River, and the Friendship Bridge leading to Austria. The visitors are accompanied by Apollonia, the herbalist and intercessor for health and love. The castle is open from 1 April to 31 October, from Thursday to Sunday.

The old castle originates from the 2nd half of the 14th century. Inside you can find an 80-meter deep well which is supposedly dug by two prisoners sentenced to death who won their freedom that way. Legend has it that theres also a Turkish head in the castle; the head of the first Turk who climbed

Zavod za kulturo, turizem in promocijo Gornja Radgona Partizanska cesta 11 SI-9250 Gornja Radgona T: +386(0)2 564 89 07 F: +386(0)2 564 89 08 info@kultprotur.si www.kultprotur.si

go Ne

53 va 1

km

ci den

169

km

Radenci Negova

Radenci

Ljubljana

In Radenci three hearts await you


Along river Mura and between the vineyards and thermal springs of Pomurje lies the small town of Radenci; since the discovery of a mineral spring in 1833 a popular health resort. Radencis mineral water Radenska is one of the biggest Slovenian brands. When visiting Slovenia, you cant avoid noticing the bottle labels with Radencis trademark; three hearts.

EVENTS
21-26 June > Municipal holiday. Cooking Styrian sour soup and hiking on the Atilla Trail 3 -6 July > Rekreakcija and Radenska Night, Radenci.

In Radenci these famous three hearts are waiting to pamper you. The first heart of Radenci is given to those who enjoy finding out about the natural and cultural heritage, are enthusiastic about sightseeing and celebrate the traditions with us. The second heart is to satisfy even the most demanding sportspeople and enthusiasts who swear by exercising in unspoiled nature alone or with a group. The third heart has been enabling families and individuals to maintain and restore their health for more than 130 years. Radencis four natural healing resources satisfy even the most demanding guests.

15 August > Holiday of Traminer and raising the wind rattle (klopotec), Kapelski Vrh. 25 August > Bicycle marathon Tri srca (Three hearts), Radenci

Zavod za turizem in port Radenci Radenci Info: Turisticna pisarna Radenci T: +386 2 565 18 89 info@ztsradenci.si www.ztsradenci.si

Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times

99

Green. Active. Healthy.


The inspiration for a more active lifestyle can be found in this land of woods and water. Familiarize yourself with the scenery of winners!

SLOVENIA
ROMAN KEJAR
THE LIPICA STUD FARM TEAM
Organise equestrian competitions on the world famous Slovenian Karst.

Slovenias Olympic marathon hopeful is a multiple champion on the streets of Ljubljana.

PETER KAUZER

The 2011 canoe slalom world champion loves to train on the Soa river.

ANJA KLINAR

The European swimming silver medallist takes time out at Slovenias health resorts.

Ch

TINA MAZE

The best female skier on the world is at home on Slovenians ski slopes.

IZTOK OP

The first Slovenian gold medal winner at Sydney 2000 rows on Lake Bled.

VASILIJ BOGAR

Our 2008 Olympic sailing silver medallist trains in the Adriatic Sea, off the coast of Slovenia.

MATJA GOJI

The first Slovenian to make the European tour has a choice of world-class courses at home.

MARKO BALOH

Slovenias world-record holding ultracyclist trains in the beautiful Logarska valley.

PETRA MAJDI

Our Olympic cross-country skiing medallist loves Pohorje.

hoose your experience at www.slovenia.info/activeholidays.

Dictionary

Dictionary

Good day > Dober dan Good evening > Dober veer Hello > Zdravo Thank you > Hvala Please > Prosim Goodbye > Nasvidenje Yes > Ja No > Ne Sorry > Oprostite Whats your name? > Kako ti je ime? My name is > Jaz sem Where is? > Kje je ... ? How much is? > Koliko stane ...? Where are you from? > Od kod ste? Do you speak English? > Govorite angleko? I (dont) understand > (Ne) razumem Is there someone here who speaks English? > Je tukaj kdo, ki govori angleko? Wow, thats beautiful! > Vau, to je lepo! I adore this country > Oboujem to deelo! Would you like to dance with me? > Bi radi plesali z mano? (inf) Smem prositi za ples? (frm) I love you > Ljubim te

Zero > ni One > ena Two > dva Tree > tri Four > tiri Five > pet Six > est Seven > sedem Eight > osem Nine > devet Ten > deset Monday > Ponedeljek Tueday > Torek Wednesday > Sreda Thursday > etrtek Friday > Petek Saturday > Sobota Sunday > Nedelja

Eating
A table for one person/two people, please. > Mizo za enega/dva, prosim. Can I look at the menu, please? > Ali lahko vidim jedilnik, prosim? Is there a local specialty? > Ali obstaja lokalno posebnost? Im a vegetarian > Sem vegetarijanec. ,,Slovenias own soft-drink Cockta is not a I dont eat pork. > Ne jem svinjine. fake cola. Its an original drink developed in I only eat kosher food. > Jem samo koer hrano. the 1950s to compete with soft-drinks Water > voda from abroad, like cola. Beer > pivo red/white wine > rdee/belo vino May I have some _____? > Ali lahko dobim_____? Salt > sol black pepper > rni poper Excuse me, waiter?[m]/waitress?[f] > Oprostite, natakar?[m]/natakarica?[f] Im finished. > Jaz sem konal. It was delicious. > Bilo je odlino. The check, please. > Raun, prosim.

Lodging
Do you have any rooms available? > Ali imate prosto sobo? How much is a room for one person/two people? > Kakna je cena enoposteljne/dvoposteljne sobe? Bedsheets > rjuhe Bathroom > kopalnica Toilet > stranie May I see the room first? > Si lahko ogledam sobo? Do you have a quieter room? > Imate kakno mirnejo sobo? OK, Ill take it. > Prav, vzel jo bom. Can you suggest another hotel? > Mi lahko priporoite drug hotel? Is breakfast included? > Ali je zajtrk vkljuen? What time is breakfast? > Ob kateri uri je zajtrk? Please clean my room. > Prosim, poistite mojo sobo. Can you wake me at 7? > Me lahko zbudite ob sedmih? I want to check out. > Rad bi se odjavil.

102

The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013

At the heArt of your experience


Ljubljana, 27. 6. 10. 9. 2013
27. 6. 28. 6. 1. 7. 4. 7. 9. 7. 11. 7. 18. 7. 25. 7. 30. 7. Musical and visual performance with Ars Electronica 2Cellos and Slovenian Philharmonic Romeo and Juliet, ballet
Slovene National Theatre Maribor and Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra

Bjart Ballet Verdi: Requiem


Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra, Slovenian Chamber Choir, Opera Choir of the SNT Maribor

Verdi gala: Concert of Opera Arias with Soloists of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala Flamenco Evening: Mara Pags Mikhail I. Glinka Choir and Vladislav Chernushenko Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg and Valery Gergiev
Musical from West End, London

19. 22. 8. Grease, production Bronowski 28. 29. 8. Gewandhaus Orchestra Leipzig and Riccardo Chailly
Mahler and Beethoven: Symphony No. 9

2. 3. 9.

Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg and Valery Gergiev

Richard Wagner: The Rhine Gold and The Valkyr from the Tetralogy The Ring of the Nibelung

9.- 10. 9.

The Karamazovs

St. Petersburgs Boris Eifman State Ballet Theatre

Ticket sales and information www.ljubljanafestival.si, Krianke Box Office, Info Point of the Ljubljana Festival (Mestni trg 17), Eventim sales points, Petrol service stations, Pota Slovenije post offices.
SponSorS of the feStival:

General Media SponSor:

Media SponSorS:

officiAL cArrier:

official airline:

jubljana Festival Partners:

The LjubLjana FesTivaL was Founded by:

The honorary sponsor of hte Ljubljana Festival 2013 i s the Mayor of the Municipality of Ljubljana Zoran Jankovi.

Experience Best Slovenian Restaurants With Restaurant Club


See Slovenia through the eyes of a gourmet! Restaurant Club guide introduces you to the 350 best Slovenian and Croatian restaurants with scores ranging from 4.00 to 5.00, with added gold forks as a sign of special excellence. You can demonstrate the status of a true gourmet with our Restaurant Club Premium Card which will bring you recognition at the restaurant and save you money at the same time. This summer, enjoy your ne dining in seven of Slovenia's hidden culinary gems:

JB (Ljubljana)
One of the best restaurants in Slovenia, JB offers an experience that never disappoints. Chef Janez Bratov is famos for its delicious Slovenian cuisine, inspired by French and Mediterranean ingredients. It is based on four avors bitter, sweet, sour and salty representing the four elements. Don't forget to taste the indigenous wines; they will satisfy even the most demanding sommelier.

Pri Mari (Piran)


The ideal restaurant for anyone who wants to experience Slovenia's scenic coast is Pri Mari. Offering an escape from the overcrowded touristy restaurants, it caters to all of your gourmet needs. Pri Mari serves maritime and traditional Venetian dishes marked by fresh sh and seafood, homemade pasta and rst-class meat.

Maru (Ljubljana)
Do you want something original, something special? portno Drutvo Ilirija houses Restaurant Maru which hosts two rst-class Japanese chefs. From dumplings with bull testicles to spectacular sushi for dessert, there is nothing else quite like it in Slovenia. A new 'chef's greeting' is also available every day; it varies according to sh market supply.

Pikol (Nova Gorica)


For an authentic experience of Slovenian countryside, take a ride to Nova Gorica, where you will nd Pikol Restaurant in a cosy log cabin beside the picturesque lake. The idyllic nature is, however, not Pikol's main selling point this family-run restaurant is known by its excellent mediterranean dishes and one of the best Slovenian sommeliers.

Hia Franko (Kobarid)


Ana from Hia Franko is one of the best Slovenian chefs with her creative, imaginative cuisine. Despite her global recognition, she remains in touch with its native Istria and Slovenian countryside. Never straying from her principle that a good chef allways follows tradition and the time of the year, Hia Franko's menu changes every season. While Ana makes sure that the ingredients she uses are produced locally, her husband Valter, with his outstanding selection of wines, adds the nishing touch to the picture.

Kritof (Kranj)
In line with the best gourmet restaurants, Kritof's menu changes with the season. Its dishes represent a curious fusion of traditional Slovenian cuisine from all over the country, and are the only restaurant in Slovenia that has been awarded a bio-menu certicate.

Tabor (Podbrezje)
For all fans of excellent sh cuisine, restaurant Tabor is just a stone's throw from the Carniola region's motorway. Contrary to all expectations Carniola cuisine is usually associated with traditional Slovenian food it offers delicious Dalmatian dishes, with a menu that's ritch in sea sh. Surprising and excellent.

Best restaurants in Slovenia and Croatia


Introducing the top-rated restaurants selected by leading foreign and domestic evaluators. The study included 1,600 facilities, the guide presents the best 350.

Slovenia

Hia Franko

(Gault Mileau, Jeunes Restaurateurs d'Europe, Magnar Ben, NeDelo 2010, Mladina 2011, Siol.net 2010, Trip Advisor 4.75)

Croatia
Bokinac
(Dobri restorani 2012, Jeunes Restaurateurs d'Europe, Vodi kroz hrvatske gastro ikone, 100 vodeih hrvatskih restorana '04 '10, Trip Advisor 4.5) (Dobri restorani 2012, Vodi kroz hrvatske gastro ikone, Vodi kroz hrvatske restorane, Mangar Ben, Gault Millau) (Dobri restorani 2012, Vodi kroz hrvatske gastro ikone, Vodi kroz hrvatske restorane)

Morgan

Notromo Nautika Pri Mari


(NeDelo 2008, Siol.net 2011, Trip Advisor 4.5)

(Dobri restorani 2012, 100 vodeih hrvatskih restorana '02, '05, '07-'10, Vodi kroz hrvatske gastro ikone, Trip Advisor 4.25) (Dobri restorani 2012, 100 vodeih hrvatskih restorana, Jeunes Restaurateurs d'Europe, Vodi kroz hrvatske restorane, Mangar Ben, Gault Millau 2012, Trip Advisor 4) (Dobri restorani 2012, Gustoza ita 2010, Gault Millau 2012, Trip Advisor 4)

Pepenero

San Rocco Zigante

(Dobri restorani 2012, 100 vodeih hrvatskih restorana '04 '10, Vodi kroz hrvatske gastro ikone, Mangar Ben, Gault Millau 2012, Trip Advisor 4)

Kanova
(/)

***For one-time use only. On arrival at the restaurant give the card to your waiter and enjoy the discount.

+386 31 200 000 (9h-17h) help@restaurantclub.eu www.restaurantclub.eu

Visit the exhibition and experience the wheel in a completely new and surprising manner.

You might also like