The idyllic surroundings of the Carinthian hills, mountains, forests and sun-drenched hill villages will conjure up moments of relaxation and homeliness. Authentic and unspoiled nature! Proximity to cities, but at the same time distance from excessive pace and stress. Priceless peace, warmth and homeliness are at home in Carinthia.
May 2024
Amazing adventure to Koroška!
Our first trip to Koroška was an amazing experience! Our family – myself, Colleen, my husband Marko and our young daughter, started our journey on the beautiful drive from our hometown of Slovenska Bistrica. As we wound our way up to a higher altitude, we found that the lovely scenery we experienced was also at another level. From babbling brooks to picturesque homesteads, to towns built with love and care, Koroška began to capture our hearts.
After about an hour and an half, we arrived at our first destination of Ravne na Koroškem. When we pulled up to Youth Hostel Punkl, we were greeted by the warmest and largest smile from our local guide Timi! Timi was eager to get to know us and share his love for his hometown and the region. He gave us a tour of Punkl and let us settle in. We were taken aback; neither Marko nor I had ever stayed in a hostel before and we were beyond pleasantly surprised! The wood interior and exterior are unique and add such a cozy feeling. It was so clean, warm and beautiful- the perfect spot to snuggle up after a long day of touring. As a bonus, our daughter had a fun time playing in the playground just outside!
Marko had a quick rest and got ready for a tour of Ravne na Koroškem with Timi as I was feeling under the weather. Marko and Timi had a lovely time and Marko was impressed by the iron works sculptures around town, the lovely architecture as well as the many parks and amenities. Ravne has such a rich and interesting history dating back many thousands of years. The people from this region are very proud yet humble- perhaps they know that this region is a well kept secret!
I had a different kind of local experience as I ended up visiting the Ravne medical center where I was treated with such kindness and compassion by the nurse and doctor- even though it’s not fun to be unwell while on vacation, I was reassured by the fact that there was such excellent medical care so close by! Meanwhile, Marko and our daughter had fun finding new parks to play in around Ravne- so much fun it was hard to leave the playground!!
Following the tour, Marko and our daughter went on a delicious late lunch to Gostilna Lečnik where local delicacies were served in abundance: beefsteak, prosciutto stuffed with homemade pate, beef soup with dumplings, veal ribs, kipjenke, cranberry sauce, kvočevi noodles, bull anthers, potato salad, dessert! The food tasted so fresh and was made with love. The Gostilna hosts were extremely nice and hospitable! They even gave us plenty of food to take home. We would definitely come back to Gostilna Lečnik!
Later that evening, after more playing in the park and a bit of star gazing from bed, we settled in for the night after such a big day.
On day 2 of our trip, after a great night of sleep (and myself feeling much better), we started the day with a copious breakfast spread of meat, bread, cheese, homemade eggs, fruit and all the fixings! We thought, wow, this is so much food!! Needless to say, we were extremely impressed by the spread! Once again Marko and I remarked about the amazing hospitality we were experiencing in this region!
After breakfast, we got ready for the 45 minute drive to the Najevska Lipa tree. The drive up was even more beautiful than the drive to Ravne- almost all along the way we were accompanied by a babbling brook or river. The towns we drove through, where we saw local markets, history, art and architecture, were spaced apart by pure wilderness- trees aplenty and the freshest air!! Time and again Marko marveled at how this route would be amazing to bike along as he is an avid cycler. I noticed how similar the nature actually felt to the flora and fauna of my home province of Ontario, Canada!
When we arrived at the Najevska Lipa, we felt as though we had traveled back in time (and up in altitude!). The few and far between farmsteads are nestled amongst pristine nature. After asking a very kind local woman for directions, we walked up the short path to Najevska Lipa- wow, what a beautiful tree!! This was a very special moment for us and we took some time as a family to take in Najevska Lipa’s beauty, strength and wisdom. Words cannot really begin to capture the feeling you have when at the Najevsja Lipa- it’s something to be experienced by each individual.
After spending some lovely time admiring Najevska Lipa (linden tree), we headed back on the road again to our next stop! The 30 minute drive, once again, did not disappoint!! We felt further and further away from towns, cities, noise and our daily responsibilities (and also from gas stations, so make sure to fill up!).
When we arrived at our next stop, Planinski dom Kumer, in Koprivna, we wondered how anyone could find this place if they didn’t already know about it! Nestled high above at an altitude of 1218 meters above sea level, this family run farm combines pristine panoramic views with homey traditional hospitality. Humble yet proud, the husband wife duo running the show (and their children helping out as supporting players) are eager to share both conversation and delicious food!! As a bonus, the farmstead has a small playground for children, which our daughter loved! The guest of honor, though, was definitely the neighbour’s extremely friendly and cuddly cat!
We were treated to a scrumptious spread of homemade soup, traditional side dishes, Koroška sausages and a lovely dessert of dried pear dumplings-mmmm! The food was very delicious and felt so healthy and fresh!! Just pure ingredients and everything was made on the farm. Whomever visits Planinski dom Kumer must try the dish made with horseradish and bread- it surprisingly tasted like horseradish but without the usual zing of raw horseradish. Just delicious!!
After lunch, we enjoyed the farmstead, playing in the playground and with the cat, admiring the scenery, looking at bugs amidst the wildflowers and soaking in a bit of sun. We had lovely conversations with the homestead owners, even if some of it was in my broken Slovene! All in all, this was a very lovely and relaxing afternoon!
As we got in the car to drive home, we all felt full with positive feelings about our trip to Koroška and were already talking about our next trip back to the region. This two day adventure had a bit of everything- pure nature, fresh air, relaxation, history, family activities, amazing food and the warmest and friendliest people. Needless to say, Koroška is a hidden gem wholly worth discovering and definitely has a permanent place in our hearts!
Colleen Leminski Toš in Marko Toš Leminski
Photos by Colleen & Marko
May 2024
After a rather short drive of a bit over an hour we arrived in Idrija, where Katarina, our host for the coming night and a member of the local tourism board, met us and accompanied us to the Tourist Information Center. There we had a very warm welcome with some local delicacies and two typical Idrija bitters.
After a short talk, Mojca took us through the exhibition in the Tourist Center and compassionately explained us the geological uniqueness of the area! A geologist herself, she is the perfect person to do so and the way the exhibition is arranged, it is interesting for everybody. After that, one will never look at rocks the same way!
A stone’s throw away from the Tourist Center is the Idrija Municipal Museum, which we visited right after. It is a very interesting museum, wide area of topics (geology, mining, the two World Wars, lacing) done with a lot of passion. The lady at the cashier was very nice and helpful!
Next stop was lunch at Gostišče Barbara. We had fish spread made from trout with toasted bread and some desserts and coffee. All very good. After sitting a while, it was time to go and se our accommodation. The House on the Hill! It is a 20-minute drive from the center, up to about 1000-meter altitude. And what can we say! Incredible! A lovely house for up to 5 persons, well equipped with a fireplace outside, a sauna, hot tub, and a WW1 bunker, built by the Italian army. But not to forget the extremely nice and helpful owners, who worked hard to make our stay unique. After settling in we went for a little walk with Dejan, the sommelier, who would lead the wine tasting later and Katarina, the owner of the house. They took us on a hilltop, from where you could see in a 360° view the whole area. It was overwhelming. Green hills and valley wherever you look! They brought fresh local cheeses and sparkling wine, so we had a snack and a toast with a view and nice company.
After arriving back at the house, we had a little time for us, while Dejan and Katarina prepared the wine tasting in the old bunker. With 8°C in there we changed into something warmer and met them inside. Dejan told us a lot about wine, and you could tell, it is his life. So much compassion is inspiring, and we recommend this to everybody, who likes wine.
Shivering from the cold bunker, we enjoyed the hot tub for an hour before we went to bed.
The next day began with an Idrija Breakfast, provided by the Tourism Board. Eggs, bacon, cheese, butter, all from surrounding farms. Since we had some time, we made a nice hike up to Jelenk, a 5-kilometer hike to a mountaintop nearby.
When we came back, Valerija, the director of the Tourism Board, awaited us already and took us to the Kanomeljske klavže. A short walk of 1 kilometer took us to this very impressing structure, which is several 100 years old. An impressive piece of engineering! After that we drove to Šturmajce, an old homestead, where a farmer family with sometimes over 70 people lived. There we attended a little workshop, where we learned to make žlikrofi a local delicacy. Hungry from the activities we were very happy to be served a large portion of this fantastic specialty. Eating that in this old farmhouse, where 200 years ago where farmers and their workers eating the same dish! What an experience!
Coming back to Idrija we had our interview with Ksenija from Radio Slovenija International and we ended our Idrija experience in a café in the center.
Final words: Go there! See for yourself! You will not regret it!
Anke Dullnig in Peter Klement
Photos by: Anke & Peter
Embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the natural and cultural marvels of the UNESCO Global Geopark Idrija. Through a hiking trip immersed in the pristine landscapes of the Geopark, we will delve into the picturesque countryside of Idrija.
September 2023
Exploring the Kolpa river valley
After a two hour drive from Ljubljana on Friday morning, we arrived at the camp known as Eco-village Rinčica on the Kolpa river at about 11 am. We were greeted with a warm welcome that included coffee, homemade elderberry juice and a hearty plate of snacks consisting of cheese, cold cuts and local mushrooms. After spending some time admiring a couple of very friendly alpacas at the camp farm, we checked into our small wooden glamping hut that was situated right next to the river. Mid-September was already well past the peak tourist season, so we were one of the few guests in the camp, and the atmosphere was exceptionally peaceful. Just what we were looking for!
After resting for a brief period and enjoying the serenity, we headed back to the camp office and suited up with helmets, lifejackets and neoprene suits to get ready for our river adventure. The camp owner, Tine, drove us 10 km upriver to the starting point, offering us some basic tips along the way for how to best negotiate the rapids. Once we arrived he helped us launch the canoe and wished us a safe and enjoyable experience.
The river itself is a truly magical environment, with gentle, slow moving waters that allow for a variety of mesmerizing sounds from nature to emerge. It’s truly a therapeutic experience to just sit and enjoy the serenity… at least until approaching one of the 7 or 8 spots where we needed to carefully navigate through the minor rapids. Neither my son or I were very experienced at this, having done it only a couple previous times with a larger group, so this was the first opportunity to prove that we could do it all on our own. And we managed to succeed, more or less, aside from the largest rapids where we decided to carry the canoe over the rocks. We’ll surely be back to give it another try next time!
Making our way back to the camp, we passed by a couple canoes with loud and drunken paddlers, but they were few and far between. Most of the time we could not see anyone else on the river. After returning to our hut, we rested for a short break and then met up with Tine again, who took us on a sightseeing drive and short hike to see an amazing vantage point on the cliffs above the river. It was truly a scene that would leave a landscape artist spellbound. Heading back to the camp, Tine also invited us to a delightful fish dinner at a local restaurant, where they served fresh trout caught locally from the river. And back at the camp, we wound up our long and active day with a couple bottles of local craft beer known as Robinson Kolpa, named in honor of the more adventurous “Robinson” canoe tours on the river which last for 3 days or longer.
Saturday morning was our time to relax and enjoy a late breakfast in the camp kitchen before heading out on ebikes to explore more of the river valley. We crossed over the nearest bridge to ride along the Croatian side of the river, enjoying the beautiful nature of the Kolpa valley from another perspective. There was no traffic along the narrow paved road… just us and the river, with a couple sleepy villages along the way. I think we discovered the perfect place to get away from it all 🙂
William & Robert
Photos by: William and Robert
When going on a trip to the green valley with crystal clear and one of the warmest rivers in Europe, the Kolpa River, you will create unforgettable memories and recharge your batteries.
August 2023
Retreat Through Aromatic Plants and Vineyard
Our trip to the Dragonja Valley started off by visiting the Bonistra estate. The scenery was beautiful, a stone house with great views.
At Bonistra we made our own essential oil and hydrolate from herbs in the garden that we harvested ourselves. We enjoyed a lovely homemade, traditional Istrian lunch prepared by our host Jana, which consisted of bobiči and fritule. After lunch we had a self-care workshop presented by Sara Bičič, where we learned how to massage the face and destress using certain techniques.
Afterwards, we then drove to the Brič estate for wine tasting. The drive there was very unique, as we had to drive across the Dragonja River, literally driving through the water!!!
At the winery we had a private tour of the facilities and vineyard, followed by wine tasting, accompanied by some local meat and cheese. Our host Karlo was very kind and knowledgeable. The winery had stunning views of the Slovenian Alps and the Adriatic. We enjoyed the sunset while sipping the wine. Unfortunately our night had to end.
We had such an amazing day!
Paul & Evgeniia
Photos by: Paul and Evgeniia
Welcome to the magnificent Dragonja Valley, situated in Slovenian Istria, an area renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, cultural richness, and delectable gastronomy. This enchanting valley is traversed by the Dragonja River, which meanders through the landscape, creating a vista of rolling hills, verdant forests, and picturesque hamlets.
August 2023
Rogaška Slatina – Spend your retreat with the best company
Our trip to Rogaška Slatina started on a Thursday morning. We drove from Ljubljana and it took us less than 2 hours to reach our accommodation for the night.
The moment we arrived at the parkway of the Pomono we were greeted by Janko, our host and the owner of this fantastic relaxing nature guest house. He welcomed us with open hands, and we immediately knew it would be a tremendous stay. We were taken inside the dining area for breakfast, of what is otherwise a fairytale corner in the countryside of the health resort Rogaška Slatina. We could hardly call it a corner, since Janko owns an extensive farmland that offers completely sustainable tourism. The farmland is all about pears, herbs, flowers, grass, and water. But we’ll get to that later on.
Janko continues telling us the story: All the rooms in a separate object are named by a different fruit sort. We picked an Apricot room for ourselves. And we weren’t disappointed. Each room comes with a modern feel as well as wooden floors. The wooden beams of the building are thoughtfully incorporated into the interior design.
After a breakfast that already felt like the highlight of our day, we were then taken around Janko’s land. Be ready to have your mind blown away by all the projects Janko has realized or is still working on. There is a whole wellness area that allows a guest to completely relax (saunas, natural pool, beehives bed…).
When going further, Janko took us through a 120m long bridge he has built over the part of his land, where looking down you can observe all different types of trees, shitake mushroom garden, pigs,… it’s like a small ecosystem right below your feet.
But it doesn’t end here. He then takes you to his herbs garden, vegetable garden, and water-powered greenhouse, and tells you that all you will eat at Pomona guest stay comes from this exact land.
Continuing the “learning path” as they call it, you soon pass by an extensive pears’ orchard. (Hint: buy their homemade pear jam and thank us later)!
This path ends with Janko’s introduction of his future projects and needless to say they are futuristic, as well as have a meaningful idea behind them. We won’t even start by trying to explain them – you should go and see them for yourself!
We had lunch and dinner both organized in Pomona’s restaurant. We had such an amazing opportunity to try all the traditional flavors in a modern and innovative version: local, healthy, prestigious, and VIP menu. And Janko went out of his way to introduce us to some local wines as well – and we were simply stunned. We were so grateful for how Janko and his team treated us, with warm hospitality and making sure we are always having a lovely time. They made sure we had all that we needed and still felt like we were at home, and we were so happy to continue chatting with Janko and getting to know his vision even after closing time.
The next morning, we visited the city center of Rogaška Slatina, which is known for its laid-back, relaxed environment, and it did not disappoint. We were brought to the Medical center, where we had a scheduled morning: Mini regeneration. We took a short break to relax and gain new strength. It included: 1 on 1 Body and nutrition consultation, 1 Donat drinking card (be sure not to skip it) and 1 body massage with magnesium oil.
The whole experience was as relaxing as it gets. It’s exactly what one needs at the end of a working weekend!
But what better way to connect the dots of these two days than ending the trip with a visit to Anin Dvor, where lovely Saša introduced us to the whole history of this place.
The legend goes that It has been a long time since Apollo, the God of light, healing, and beauty, (and today’s trademark deity for the healing mineral water Donat), encountered the winged horse Pegasus. With a powerful strike of his hoof, the winged horse revealed a mineral spring at his command, the power and fame of which are still with the people of Rogaška Slatina today.
Not only did we learn why everyone in this region is so laid back and relaxed, but we also got to know the most famous Glassware brand and its history and impact it has on this region, Swiss patron Kurt Müller’s Graphic Collection, Local History Collection of the local creator and collector Nani Poljanec, Park Collection of Rogaška Slatina’s native trees, Water Collection with water scenery for relaxation, Beauty Collection of the leading Slovenian cosmetics house, and the famous multipurpose Event Hall.
And no, this is not your typical museum, but instead an extremely interactive and versatile museum collection. Trust us.
We would once again like to emphasize how lovely the people of Rogaška Slatina were. How welcoming and warm they are with any newcomers, and how relaxing and calm the whole place is.
We’re so grateful we got to know this part of Slovenia, and we will surely be coming back in the future!
Nika & Mik
Photos by: Nika and Mik
FIt has been a long time since Apollo, the God of light, healing, and beauty, and today’s trademark deity for the healing mineral water Donat, encountered the winged horse Pegasus. With a powerful strike of his hoof, the winged horse revealed a mineral spring at his command, the power and fame of which are still with us today.
August 2023
Green Gourmet & Wellness Experience in Novo mesto
My partner Igor and I were given the opportunity to explore one of Slovenia’s underrated areas, the Southeastern Dolenjska region. We were particularly excited as this area was less on the usual tourist circuits. It was a bit new even for Igor, who works in Slovenia as a professional tour guide. There is always something to learn about Slovenia despite its small size.
The main sights of this were based around Novo Mesto, Otec, and Trška gora wine hill. We found the city of Novo Mesto cute; it reminded me of a Moravian village that you would find in the Czech Republic, where I lived for some years before residing in Slovenia. The waiter at our restaurant on the river was excellent with all his recommendations. I have to say my favorite things food-wise from this restaurant were the wine and the soup. There is something special about Slovenian soup. It’s simple yet done in a way where it can’t be beaten. Also, it’s not riddled with meat like other Central European counterparts.
We were treated to a beautiful kayaking trip with Green Adventures. This might have been my favorite part of the trip because I am no stranger to floating down rivers. I like their approach to tourism as well. I’m passionate about ethical and sustainable tourism and supporting local economies while having a great time. It’s challenging to strike the right balance, but I have confidence that Green Adventures is doing just that.
We spent the rest of the evening in Otočec, and we were treated again to a lovely meal at the Otočec castle; it was once again very accommodating to my vegetarian diet. All the courses were great, but once again, the soup was probably the best. There is just something about Slovenian soup. While the main courses were tasty, I have to say the appetizers were really outstanding.
The next day we got to check out the golf course, I was a bit nervous as I didn’t know the first thing about golf, but we had a lot of fun with it. The golf cart ride was a blast. Speeding around this stunning course was what was needed on a hot day. We followed up by visiting the winery. We were welcomed with a bottle of dry sparkling time, which is my favorite kind of wine. We found the hospitality received on Trška gora hill to be really friendly . They were very welcoming to receive us and it was the perfect end to these two fantastic days.
We were really thrilled to experience this unique part of Slovenia and hope to continue to explore more underrated pockets of this beautiful country.
Heidi Koelle & Igor Puh
Photos by: Heidi and Igor
Welcome to the picturesque landscape nestled between the valley’s wine-growing hills, the beautiful river Krka, the historical town of Rudolfswerth, and the forested plateau of Gorjanci on the border with Croatia.
July 2023
A mix of Culture & Gastronomy at Rajhenburg Castle
Day 1
We drive south from Sentjur along a scenic and very winding road. As you approach Brestanica you see Castle Rajhenburg rising majestically on a hill overlooking the river Sava below. We are met with friendly smiles at the reception desk inside the castle and meet our tour guide, Ms Rozman, who is the curator of the castle museum. She expertly explains the long and interesting history of the castle as we move through informative and interactive displays. The castle is over 1000 years old and was established by the Knights of Rajhenburg to protect the outer boundaries of the Holy Roman empire. These knights were loyal to the Holy Roman emperor through several centuries and were close allies of the Hapburgs. As the family line died out, the castle was purchased by various noble families until the 1880’s when it was bought by Trappist monks based in France. They brought with them their knowledge of herbal medicines, liquor, cheese making, wine and chocolate. They were responsible for introducing innovative farming techniques and machinery to the region as well as electric power. Alas they were forced out by the occupying German army during World War 2.
The wine cellar at the castle houses a very impressive collection of local sparkling wines. The Trappist monks started this tradition, which the castle keeps up. Tastings are offered in a room with a special ambience around a long wood table. The local tourism official, Ksenja Kragl, is also a sommelier, and expertly guided us through the large collection of sparkling wines offered here. Once again, we purchased some to take home to enjoy.
The castle houses exhibits about the Trappists, the general history of the castle and it’s more recent history as a prison for political prisoners, all presented creatively with explanations in Slovenian and English. Great thought went into the restoration of the castle and in creating an interesting presentation of it’s past. We recommend it so highly that we plan to return next month when our family arrives from Canada for a visit.
Lunch at Restaurant A3, situated in the castle Atri ( Atriium in English), thus the name, very cleverly is A tri ( 3 in Slovenian). It is the endeavor of 2 entrepreneurial couples who have combined their culinary and business expertise to create a delicious and original restaurant in the castle. We were treated to their 4 course menu and several local wines to compliment the meal. Without going into exhaustive detail, I can say we highly recommend this restaurant. Delicious and innovative! We bought the wine and penina ( sparkling wine) that were introduced with our meal. A memorable and delicious experience!
3/ Chocolate making at Kunej family vineyard and chocolatier. We made chocolate! Our hostess and owner Emmanuella led us through the process. She had created a recipe for lemon and raspberry chocolates, and she led us very nicely through the process of making a ganache, raspberry jelly ( using fresh raspberries) and then dipping in the chocolate sauce. Gerhard provided quality control throughout the whole process! Our end result was a tangy, tasty treat, covered in dried raspberry crumbles. Very original and delicious. We took home our creations, but stopped by the gift store to add some wine and more chocolate to our collection.
4/ Our stay at Tri Lucke restaurant and hotel was absolutely lovely. It sits on top of a hill surrounded by vineyards. The property is beautifully decorated with a modern touch, showcasing natural wood and stone elements with lots of windows to appreciate the views. Breakfast was a selection of locally sourced cured meats, cheeses and jams, eggs and breads. Our lunch was equally impressive, showcasing the chefs creativity. An innovative and delicious 4 course meal with complimentary wines was very tasty. We stayed in our own ‘ chalet’, a calm and spacious space with a private sitting room, separate bedroom, bathroom and vestibule. Satellite TV with numerous English options was a pleasant and welcome treat! We really appreciate that the hotel allows pets, so that we could bring our fur baby with us. The hotel provided e-bikes for our use. This was our first time trying out e-bikes and we were so happy to be able to try them out as we are very intrigued by them and think that we are potential customers. Well…right on!!! We loved the boost we get when going up hill and now know to look for nice wide seats ( for our elderly soft behinds )!!
5/ We explored the nearby attractions: Kostanjevic pri Krki, a charming little town located on an island in the middle of the river, with a very nice art museum, Terme Catez, a natural hot springs pool complex ( again highly recommend). Here, they did not welcome pets so we discovered a reliable and good dog sitter who works at the local animal hospital. Our Juno, was well looked after with ‘ Varstovo za Hisne Ljubljencke’ in Krsko, just a few minutes away from Tri Lucke.
All in all a very successful and enjoyable exploration of the Krsko area. Thank you for the opportunity of discovering this area. It was GREAT!
Mariann Poirier & Gerhard Fiedler
Photos by: Mariann and Gerhard
For a complete experience, go to the remote part of Slovenia in the Posavje region, where you will be taken on a guided tour in the peaceful surroundings of a mighty castle, put on an apron in the spirit of the Trappist heritage and make chocolate treats, visit the first Peninoteka in Slovenia in the company of a sommelier and in the end, indulge yourself in the gastronomic pampering of the top team of the A3 Restaurant.
July 2023
Eye Popping Tour – an adventure tour of Most na Soči
My nine-year old son Phinn and I experienced a wonderful “Eye-Popping Tour” of Most na Soči. Our guide to the history and natural beauty of the town was the friendly and entertaining Nataša Hvala. We began our day at Pension Šterk, a lovely guesthouse nestled on a hill above the opal-aquamarine confluence of the Soča and Idrijca Rivers. Our weather was perfect with majestic views of the valleys and mountains around us as Nataša introduced us to our surroundings as we walked through the town and learned about its origins as an Iron Age and later Roman settlement.
One of our first stops was the seventeenth church dedicated to the patron saint and former namesake of the town, St Lucia (also St Lucy). St Lucia is also the patron saint of the blind as we learned to chilling effect, when told that during her martyrdom she plucked out her own eyes. As such, she is often depicted in the church’s murals and statues around Most na Soči with her eyes presented on a plate.
Our ‘eye-popping’ tour continued with Nataša telling us about the Iron Age discoveries made in the region and showed us a quaint but fascinating museum with structures uncovered from that era. Next we went up through the town admiring the views with small stops and interesting explanations of Most na Soči’s importance during World War One and the town’s history in the twentieth century. Nataša then took us to the ruins of a Roman house, briefly explaining some architectural elements, before we headed down to a spring for a refreshing rest before we arrived on the banks of the Soča River. In the cool shade next to the iridescent blue waters of the river with high valleys rising above us, we were invited to ground ourselves in nature with a ceramic, or clay molding workshop. It was the perfect rest for us halfway through our tour, and allowed us to pause and absorb the scenery all around us while working earthen clay balls in our hands. Our small dishes formed and left drying in the sun for us to pick up later, Nataša led us along the Soča to meet our captain and crew of the mid-size paddle-wheeler that would take us along the river and under the most of Most na Soči to its confluence with the Idrijca.
We had a peaceful and relaxing boat trip as we paddled up and down the river, listening to interesting explanations and local stories from our guide and boat crew. After we embarked, we went back up to Pension Šterk for a truly delicious meal of fresh whole local trout cooked and seasoned to perfection followed by a lovely local štruklji filled with nuts.
In all, we had a really amazing day out and experienced Most na Soči in a way we never would have had we just come exploring on our own. We are very grateful to Radio Si, our guide Nataša, and Pension Šterk for such a memorable “eye-popping” day out!
Derek Elliott & Phinneas Žvan Elliott
Photos by: Derek and Phinneas
The Soča Valley is mainly known for the Soča River and outdoor sporting activities. However, it also offers a rich cultural heritage. One of the cultural jewels is the village Most na Soči, which was one of the most important stops in the past, as one of the first bridges over the Soča River was located there.
June 2023
The Istrian touch of tradition
We had a great time participating in the Slovenia’s Hidden Gems program from Radio SI!
We visited the Slovenian Istrian coast in the morning, and we enjoyed a guided tour around Strunjan, Portorož and Piran.
Črt was our guide and he was very helpful and willing to explain and answer each question we had!
Giassi Farm
Our first stop was at Giassi Farm at Strunjan. We met the farmer and we saw his biological production of artichokes, which we also tried, and they were absolutely tasty!
Salt Pants and Boating with Fisherman
Our next stop was at the salt pans in Strunjan where they explained to us how salt is produced naturally, and it was surprising to learn that to harvest salt there must be sunny weather for at least 3 weeks. After the salt pants, the fisherman was waiting for us to board his great old wooden boat, to take us to Portorož. He explained how fishing works in that protected area. We ate a typical fisherman’s snack, sardines “na šavor” which was very nice and we tasted water with vinegar which fishermen use to drink so as not being so thirsty.
E-bike renting and Gramona Farm
When we disembarked at Portorož Coast we rented e-bikes so as to get to the Gramona farm in Seča, where we saw an olive grove. Nina was such a communicative person that really introduced us to the whole story of how an olive farm works, when is the right period to collect the olives, how it is done and how you protect and maintain the olives safe during the whole year. We tasted her olive oil and what was outstanding is that except for the basic original olive oil, we tasted oil with lemon flavor and orange flavor. No one should miss that part!! We also ate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and bread with olive pastes, of course from their production while we were enjoying the beautiful view of the salt pans.
E-bike tour from Portorož to Piran and back at Mažinin Wine Bar
After we left Gramona Farm, we cycled from Portoroz to Piran and had a great view of the Istrian Sea. The weather was summerish. Črt guided us to Piran and explained to us how the town was named and how it is built. We also had a nice coffee at Tartini Square. Our route led us back to the place where we rented the bikes and then we tasted Istrian delicacies at the Mažinin Wine Bar.
We highly recommend the trip to the Istrian touch of tradition; one can really gain knowledge out of this enjoyable excursion.
Marianna
Photos by: Marianna and __________
An original experience of Istria. Getting to know authentic Istria, Mediterranean food and customs with a traditional fishing boat and modern electric bicycles.
June 2023
Destination Jeruzalem Slovenija – The Holy Place
There is more to Slovenia than Alpine mountains, green forests, majestic caves, historic cities and breath-taking coast. One of the most satisfying adventures we had here so far was our 2-day escapade in the area of Jeruzalem, including Ormož.
On our first day, we directly went to the Tourist Information Center of Ormož where Ms. Mojca warmly welcomed us with a sweet glass of Miklin Muškat Ottonel. She was very accommodating and very detailed in explaining our itinerary for the 2 days scouting.
First point – the Nature Reserve Lagoons of Ormož. Ms. Ana Vaupotič gave us a brief history and information about the Ormož basins. The place is perfect for families as they will be able to enjoy petting the ponies and the goats, bird watching inside a bird box, and admiring the hardworking water buffalos that are running around the basins. We were also lucky to meet an otter and some colorful dragonflies along the way. We were also able to chill in the bird box while watching ducks, swans and turtles. Moreover, people who love to cycles will definitely appreciate this place.
Second point – Jeruzalem SAT (Pumpkin Oil Mill). Ms. Katja showed us how much stuff you can make out of a pumpkin through impressing us with some pumpkin delicacies which was a great culinary experience. Aside from pumpkin oil and pumpkin seeds, we were able to try pumpkin liquor and pumpkin spread which tasted creamy and super.
Third point – Tourist Farm Puklavec. The owner himself Mr. Blaž Puklavec joyfully welcomed us with a fantastic glass of Modri Pinot rose. We were more than happy to stay there overnight as the room smelle really clean. Their waiter was super friendly and even gave us a quick tour of their cellar. The food tasted just like something Slovene grandmas would make at home. We enjoyed our breakfast and lunch by the expansive view of the vineyard and were also able to witness a golden sunset for dinner.
Fourth point – Church of the Holy Mother of Sorrows. We felt like we were really in the holy land as we were mesmerized by the terraces of vineyards from the uphill church. The interior of the church was a mix of gold and wooden colours which can set the mood for peaceful praying and meditating.
Fifth point – Mon Royal by Vino Herga. Ms. Nina was very knowledgeable of all the wines she let us taste. The wine tasting allowed us to smell and taste each of the wine’s character and aroma. This gave us the experience of a lifetime as you can truly taste the passion for wine production. We also found it cool to hear that the wine produced by Vino Herga was named after the stars and also after the characters from Star Wars.
Sixth point – Taverna. “Oh my Gosh”, this is the only thing we kept on saying as soon as we took a spoon of the mushroom soup. Our lunch there was classy and excellent. Their food was palatable. The famous Prleška Gibanica dessert has just the right sweetness and consistency, it will be hard for you to stop eating. Also, we enjoyed a few glasses of Šipon wine while enjoying the outstanding view.
Seventh point – Cellar Museum Brumen. Mr. Anton Brumen was very hospitable and accommodating. He narrated to us the history of the 255 years old house made of straw and clay. The antiques inside the house were very well preserved. We also got to try some of their homemade wine, a shot of berry liquor and pizza dough with pork crackling toppings. Outside the house, there are two wine barrels with tables and seats inside which makes the place instagramable.
Overall, Jeruzalem and Ormož are a hidden gem of Slovenia that is perfect for wine lovers, cycling couples, adventurous families and people who would love to try different pumpkin products. A must go, as you will be welcomed by the picturesque landscape and spectacular views.
Abigail & Blaž
Photos by: Abigail and Blaž
Jeruzalem, embroidered with a golden yarn, is a treasure of our region; with its holy name, energy lines, wine road with high quality white and red wines, exceptional viewpoints with a view of three countries: Austria, Hungary and Croatia, and a pilgrimage church. The town justifies the name of a heavenly place.