FINALIST#8: Vrhnika by Bike – Experiences for all Generations

Vrhnika is a small town located in Central Slovenia, at the crossroads of the peri-Alpine and karst worlds, on the outskirts of the Ljubljana Marshes. The karst river Ljubljanica, a river of seven names that Greek Argonauts have sailed through, originates from many springs. The wonders of Vrhnika were also fascinated by the greatest Slovenian writer, Ivan Cankar. He honored his birthplace in several of his works, which still reach the very top of world literature.

“Vrhnika, a beautiful place …”, as Cankar wrote. With its rich cultural, archaeological and natural heritage, it eloquently talks about life in the past and invites visitors to explore it. And where to start? At the beginning, in prehistoric times. Explore the archaeological points of Vrhnika and the Ljubljana Marshes by bike. Visit the site where the oldest wooden wheel with an axel, more than 5200 years old, was discovered. The source of the Ljubljanica River and the Devil’s rock, on which you can still see the imprint of the fists of furious Jason. Drive through the Ljubljana Marshes and in the Mali Plac Nature Reserve, a unique example of a high bog in southern Europe, look for rare indigenous marsh plants and animals. Get to know the path of the old railway line, which played an important role in the reconstruction of Ljubljana after the great earthquake at the end of the 19th century. Cool off in Star maln, the natural bathing area of the dammed Bela stream. You can go on the road with a guide or on your own with the help of the ArchaeobikeVrhnika notebook.

In the gorge of the Bela stream, embark on one of three fairytale adventure trails. Visit the “Temple of the Dragon Lintvern”, transform into water tamers and discover the mystery of the Lintvern spring. Are dragon cubs really hiding there? The trail is very interesting especially for younger ones, because with the help of a note they solve puzzles, collect stamps and search for real dragons. Return to the centre of Vrhnika and discover how the greatest Slovenian writer grew up by visiting Cankar’s memorial house. He also spent several months in prison. Wondering why? Follow the pulse of history, which will take you to the Technical Museum of Slovenia. For more than 70 years, the Bistra Castle has been complementing permanent and digital collections in more than 12 different fields. Find the cars of the President of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito, compare the operation of lathes with contemporary ones. End the day at the idyllic Hotel Bistra, with dinner of local flavours and enjoy the tranquility of the forests of Bistrica and the Ljubljanica River.

In the midst of mystical morning mists, you can get lost among the flower beds of the Monk’s Garden, which is located next to the Bistra castle. Awaken your senses to the colourfulness and scent of herbs from the monks of the former Carthusian monastery and start your day with your herbal lemonade. It’s time to look at Vrhnika from above. Climb to the popular recreation point of the locals Planina nad Vrhniko, to which many trails lead, from less to more demanding. Extend your ascent by another 22 m and see the most beautiful view of the entire Ljubljana Marshes and even Triglav at the top of one of the tallest wooden lookout towers in Slovenia. At the cottage, reward yourself with tasting traditional dishes of mountain huts and the locally roasted cup of coffee and Vrhnika’s dumplings. And enjoy the sunshine and the pleasant breeze on the deck chair.

Day 1
9:00 Guided tour of the Cankar Memorial House
10:00 Explore by bicycle (picked up at TIC Vrhnika): ArchaeobikeVrhnika and the Ljubljana Marshes (snack from a travel bag)
13:30 Star maln hut – lunch and swimming in the dam of the Bela stream
14:30 Fairytale path Temple of the Dragon Lintvern (Dragon notebook available at TIC Vrhnika and at Star maln)
17:00 Visit to the Technical Museum of Slovenia
18:30 Dinner and overnight stay at Gostilna Bistra

Day 2
9:00 Breakfast at Gostilna Bistra
10:00 Monk Garden Adventure and Herb Making Workshop
11:30 Ascent to Planina and Vrhniko from the starting point Štirna
12:30 Lunch at the cottage on Planina nad Vrhniko: traditional mountain dishes and local cuisine (Vrhnika’ s dumplings and Cankar’s coffee)

**The timeline corresponds to the visit to Vrhnika during the weekend. During the week, we recommend first visiting the Cankar memorial house and the Technical Museum of Slovenia, then exploring Vrhnika by bicycle.

Contact of the Provider:
Zavod Ivana Cankarja za kulturo, šport in turizem
TIC Vrhnika
Tržaška cesta 9, 1360 Vrhnika
T: +386 051 661 063
E: tic@zavod-cankar.si
www.visitvrhnika.si

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