PIRAN

The old seaport of Piran lies at the end of the Piran peninsula, which gradually narrows between the bays of Strunjan and Piran. The peninsula reaches Cape Madona, ending with the Šavrini hills.

The meaning of the name Piran: elder scientists support the supposition that the origin could derive from the Celtic word bior-dun, supposed to mean a settlement on the hill, while younger generation advocates the explanation of the Greek word pyr – fire, as the original settlement was primarily used as a lighthouse for vessels sailing to nearby Greek colony Aegida on the site of today town Koper.

The town has preserved the medieval layout with narrow streets and compact houses, which rise in steps from the coastal lowland into the hills and give the whole area a typical Mediterranean look.

PORTOROŽ

Today Portorož is a popular place either for work or vacation and entertainment. Many comfortable hotels are witness to that, with their modern pools, varied culinary proposal of restaurants, and the events ettracting visitors from afar. Portorož is also a popular congress location. A visit to the nearby countryside, can colour your day. The coastal towns of Piran, Izola and Koper are intertwined with narrow streets, leading to picturesque squares, encircled with mighty palaces.

LIPICA

The charms of the Lipica Stud Farm are hidden in the unseen, the stories written by the local history. Only when walking on the historical paths we can truly experience the greatness of the local equestrian tradition.

History

The history of Lipica is closely intertwined with the Habsburgs and the time when horse was considered an ideal and was at the time a crucial strategic advantage. The Lipica story begins in the 16th century when the abandoned summer residence became the court stud farm.

Heritage

Lipica is the oldest European stud farm continuously breeding one of the oldest cultural horse breeds. As such it has a remarkable significance as a cultural, historical and natural heritage for Slovenia and Europe.

OTOČEC

Otočec, which is famous for it s romantic castle on a small island in the middle of the Krka river, also offers many other things to visitors. Numerous sports facilities are available; the Castle Park and nearby forests offer plenty of possibilities for walks and slightly longer tours, certainly one should not overlook the Krka river, where you can spend your free time boating, fishing or relaxing to the sound of water gently pouring through the dams. There is also adventure park. If you are a lover of golf or want to become one, in the immediate vicinity of Otočec castle there is a golf driving range.

There is no shortage of beds with Otočec offering accommodation at the Grad Otočec Hotel which boasts five stars and the four star Šport Hotel, however, there are also bungalows available which are categorised with three and two stars. In the vicinity, tourists can also select other accommodation in guest houses or on tourist farms. Close to the castle there is a managed car camp.

For those who love entertainment, there is Tango restaurant which, besides delicious dishes, at weekends also offers dancing to live music as well as a discotheque and casino.

Otočec is 6 km from Novo Mesto and with its location situated half-way between Ljubljana and Zagreb it is an excellent starting point for daily trips to each of these popular tourist places respectively.

LOGARSKA DOLINA Landscape Park

Logarska dolina is one of Europe’s most beautiful glacial alpine valleys. A tranquil walk in the valley and the surrounding area reminds us of the centuries-old harmony here between men and nature. The Logar valley is an excellent starting point for hiking to the peaks of the Kamnik - Savinja Alps or in the interesting immediate area.

The Logar valley lies nestled deep in the heart of the Kamnik - Savinja Alps, and due to its location is an ideal starting point for numerous excursions into the mountains. The foundations of the picturesque Alpine valley one can enjoy today were in fact laid down during the last Ice Age when a huge glacier abraded a 7-km long, 250-m wide U shaped basin. Today this trough-like valley lies enshrouded by the lofty peaks of Krofička, Ojstrica, Lučka Baba, Planjava, Brana, Turska Gora and Rinke, all of which rise above 2,000 metres. The valley is divided into three parts: the lower tract is called Log, the central one Plest, whilst the upper part is known as Kot. Log and Plest are covered by meadows, whilst Kot is partially forested. The attraction of the Logar valley to the nature lover lies in its abundant natural sights coupled with an almost pristine environment.

MOZIRJE

The ancient square lies at the start of the Upper Savinjska Valley (Zgornja Savinjska dolina), on the left bank of the river Savinja, where it is still clear and clean, at 330 m above sea level. The Mozirski gaj botanical gardens is not only interesting because of the flowers, but also because of ethnographic buildings, native trees and shrubbery. In the spring and autumn there are wonderful displays of flowers. The appeal to tourists of Mozirje is without doubt complemented by Golte-Slovenia, in the winter with wonderful ski slopes and in the summer with untouched natural surroundingse. Fishing in the Savinja , river, rich with brook trout, grayling and even ¨sulec¨ (a kind of salmon) is an interesting experience. The Savinja is a also appealing for lovers of kayaking, as well as for bathers. If there is a decision to be made

whether or not to visit the town of flowers and peace, then Mozirje is the answer!

PECA

UNDERGROUND BIKING

People usually see mountain biking enjoyment in the mountains, but we found a passage through the mountains, along the abandoned and mysterious tunnels under Mt. Peca. What we offer is a more than 5-kilometre guided underground cycling tour, the route of which follows an illuminated path from one valley into another, for you to enjoy a safe and unforgettable adventure.

Already in Roman times, lead ore was dug under Mt. Peca. Approximately 800 km of tunnels were made from 1665 until the end of the 19th century, when digging lead ore was discontinued. Most of the tunnels were made in solid rock. 

MEŽICA

UNDERGROUND KAYAKING

More than half of Mežica mine tunnels, from 12 to 20th level are due to closure of water pumps now flooded and here our adventure begins. Peddling through tunnels where mining trains were pulling the ore wagons, discovering the underground lake in once leaded rock and discovering the labyrinth of tunnels while peddling in fresh drinking mountain water.

Summer, fall, winter, spring, rain, snow, it doesn’t matter our adventure begins at the Mining museum in Mežica, as miners once were, we are now seated in old mining train and driven in to the core of mountain Peca. After about 15 minutes the train stops and it’s time for new adventure. From 8th level to 12 level we need to overcome around 500 stairs to reach the water. Changing to neoprene boots and safety west we are ready to jump in to the water. Peddling for about an hour in the labyrinth of tunnels, in total silence and darkness gives us the feeling of being lost in time. Then we return through the maze of tunnels and chambers to the 8th level where the train awaits to take us back to the surface.

VITANJE Cultural Center of European Space Technologies

The opening exhibition of KSEVT is dedicated to the man, who, as a historical reference, was the starting point of KSEVT project. Family of the spaceflight pioneer Potočnik originates from Vitanje, where there is also the Herman Potočnik Noordung Memorial Room, yet the exhibition about 100 monumental influences embodies his global significance.

Exhibition presents an idea of humanization of technological development. It represents a sum of influences on Potočnik's biography and influences his work has had on the next generations who managed to launch the first rocket to space, send the first satellite and the first man to space and construct the first habitat in Earth's orbit.

Herman Potočnik was born on 22 December 1892 in Pula. He spent his childhood in Maribor, attended school in Fischau, Hranice and Mödling. Just after the studies he was confronted with the battlefields of World War I, where he got seriously ill (tuberculosis) and was retired as an invalid after the war. Despite the illness he took up rocket technologies studies on the Vienna University and, after becoming an engineer in 1925, devoted himself entirely to scientific research work. He died on 27 August 1929 in Vienna.

Through the exhibition you will come across the entire development of rocket technologies and its pioneers. From the first plans and calculations, first flights from the Earth’s atmosphere, to the installation of the first artificial satellite in Earth’s orbit – Sputnik 1.

There is an original Sokol (Hawk) cosmonaut suit used for space flights to the International Space Station.

THE TREASURES OF MODERNITY COLLECTION include ground-breaking works from the history of spaceflight, including The Problem of Space Travel – The Rocket Motor.

ŽALEC

EcSlovenia grows 2–3 % of the world's hop crop, mainly in the Lower Savinjska Region where the hop-growing tradition dates back to the late 19th century. Originally the Hop Museum was established in the late 1950s through the combined efforts of the workers of the Kmetijski Kombinat ("Agricultural Combine") in Žalec, the Institute for Beer Brewing and Hop Growing, the Municipality of Žalec and the Tourist Association of Žalec. Until 1990 the collection was housed in Savin House and then moved to the premises of the Hmezad Export-Import Company.

In 2009 the museum was renamed to Eco-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing Industry in Slovenia and opened in the former hop drying facility in Žalec. Its interactive display presents the history of hop-growing and features old machines for processing hops, drying shafts, photographs, local hop species and hop packaging. The collection is rooted in the legacy of the local families whose lives have been connected with hop-growing. o-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing Industry in Slovenia.

VRANSKO Motorcycle museum

In the settlement of Vransko in Slovenia’s valley of “green gold” you’ll find the Grom Motorcycle Museum. The Museum which is a private collection surveys the world's and Slovenia's motorcycling history and development.

Over 140 motorcycles are in the exhibit, from world famous makes to rare and precious examples. You can find pioneer Puch motorcycles from 1906 and 1912, ABC from 1919 and from the twenties Indians, Harley-Davidsons, the BD Praga, Victoria, and the ladies favourites Ner-a-Car and art-deco Majestic 350. The 1930s are represented by several ARIEL, BSA, AJS, GUZZIs, Gileras and other pearls among motorcycles like the four cylinder INDIAN 437, a Boehmerland, a Standard and many others.

VELIKA PLANINA (1400 - 1666 m) Alpine Dairy Settlement

Velika planina is a high mountain plateau boasting one of the best-preserved traditional dairy herdsmen's settlements in Slovenia. It has an undulating landscape full of karst sinkholes and hollows. The tradition of pasturing and cheesemaking still lives on its mountain pastures where herdsmen tend their cattle from June to September, and picturesque herdsmen's cottages (the oldest have an oval floor plan) dot the mountain pastures in clusters.

Snow Mary chapel

The chapel of Snow Mary, which originally stood at the same place before the Second World War, is located slightly above the herdsmen’s settlement. It was burnt down by German soldiers during the war, and was rebuilt in 1988 on the herdsmen’s initiative. It was consecrated to Snow Mary and this is why 5th of August presents a special holiday for the chapel and the entire herdsmen’s settlement. During the summer, the masses are held every Sunday and several thousands visitors attend the sacred mass or the midnight service on Christmas Eve.

Preskar museum

The museum is located in the herdsmen’s settlement and is opened every day during the pasture season. It is distinguished by its appearance, since the small, grey herdsmen’s hut is located in the stone part of the settlement.

ŠKOCJAN Caves

Due to their exceptional significance, the Škocjan Caves were entered on UNESCO’s list of natural and cultural world heritage sites in 1986. International scientific circles have thus acknowledged the importance of the Caves as one of the natural treasures of planet Earth.

Ranking among the most important caves in the world, the Škocjan Caves represent the most significant underground phenomena in both the Karst region and Slovenia.

From time immemorial, people have been attracted to the gorge where the Reka River disappears underground as well as the mysterious cave entrances. The Reka River sinks under a rocky wall; on the top of it lies the village of Škocjan after which the Caves are named.

Archaeological research has shown that people lived in the caves and the surrounding area in prehistoric times – from the Mesolithic, the Neolithic, the Bronze and Iron Ages through Antiquity and the Middle Ages to the present; altogether for more than 5,000 years. The finds from this area testify that the Škocjan Caves had not only local but regional importance in prehistoric times. Pioneering research of Karst and karst phenomena began in this area in the 19th century. The international karstological terms "karst" and "doline" originate here.

Velika dolina and Mala dolina. In the backround we see village Škocjan.

JEZERSKO

"Jezersko" means "place with the lake". This mountain basin was formed by the glacier between Karavanke and Kamnik Alps. When glacier melted after the last Ice Age there was a large lake which remained till the end of 14th century. There are only fields and grassland nowadays. This place is a fine starting point to mountains. Here is a healthy Alpine climate.

Čedca waterfall used to have the highest, 132 metres, drop of water of all Slovenian waterfalls. That was before multiple landfalls started in May 2008 and completely changed the shape of the wall and the flow of the water. Today you can take a walk to see the mighty landfall, but be careful to take a good distance from the wall. Walking in the immediate vicinity is still forbidden.

There is a mineral water spring above Ank´s homestead called "Jezerska slatina”. This water has the highest magnesium content of all mineral waters in Slovenia and it is especially recommended to people with cardiovascular diseases. This kind of water is for medical purposes used in Germany and in neighbouring Eisenkappel for baths.

Lake Planšarsko jezero

The little heart-shaped lake was made by local inhabitants in memory of a larger glacial lake that had drained away, and after which Jezersko got its name. It is a well-visited spot and one could call it also a symbol of the area. In summer, it allows boating, in winter skating. At the same time, it gives you a chance to enjoy tasty local food at the restaurant by the lake all year round.

The Alpine river Kokra springs in three branches under Mt. Virnikov Grintovec in Komatevra valley at an altitude of 1100–1300 metres.

BRDO Castle near Kranj

Brdo Castle (Grad Brdo) is Slovenia's best known and best equipped venue for official functions. The present-day Renaissance castle, standing on the site of an older castle, was built in 1510 by Georg (Jurij) Egkh, the Governor General of the Austrian Province of Gorizia and the Vice-Governor of the Province of Carniola.

Brdo Castle has passed through the hands of numerous owners, including the Zoises, a noble family prominent in the history of Slovenians. In 1935, in the period of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, the castle was bought by Prince Regent Paul of Yugoslavia. After the Second World War, when it became one of the official residences of Josip Broz Tito, the President of the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, it was thoroughly renovated. Most of its original Renaissance features were lost, but it gained a rich collection of furniture, carpets, and works of art. Brdo Castle still houses President Tito's living quarters, including a workshop and a library with a large collection of early printed books.

Apart from a venue for official functions, the Brdo Castle Estate complex includes a hotel and a conference centre. It offers its guests a wealth of opportunities for outdoor activities. Brdo Castle is surrounded by a vast park, which has undergone several transformations since its original 15th century landscaping. Since its latest expansion in 1962, its gardens, orchards, a forest, several ponds, and numerous walking paths have been extending over an area of 500 hectares. A walk through the castle's park, which provides home to 1,111 animal and 968 plant species and space for a valuable collection of statues, is a unique experience. Horse riding sessions and horse-drawn carriage and sledge rides are available to guests. The castle complex includes a practice field for golf lovers.

BEGUNJE on Gorenjska

The Avsenik Museum in the village of Begunje na Gorenjskem will take you to the world of Slovene popular folk music. Get acquainted with the intriguing story of this world music phenomenon in the house where its legendary pioneers, Slavko Avsenik and Vilko Ovsenik, were born.