During my first trip to the Balkan country of Slovenia, where I stayed at the luxury landscape resort of Big Berry, I was afforded the opportunity to explore my surroundings a little more.
With a population of approximately 2 million, as a country Slovenia is pretty rural and is covered in up to 60% forest. This presents the opportunity to be amongst wildlife such as wolves, lynx and over 400 bears (many of which are exported to other European countries; France, Germany and Spain). In fact, 36% of the country is protected, the largest amount in Europe. One of the top things to do in Slovenia is to visit Krajinski Park Lahinja. Discover Slovenia nature at its finest in this stunning nature park, and one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe.
- Check out a day trip to Lake Bled and Ljulbjana – Slovenia’s capital.
Discover Slovenia Nature – Krajinski Park Lahinja
As you can see, the Park is pretty much on the Slovenian/Croatian border, actually in the region of Bela Krajina. With a size of 260 hectares (642 acres), it offers many natural and cultural monuments, two natural reserves with many species of flora and animals such as turtles and frogs, with the River Lahinja ambling through, providing the home for all this.
During my time spent with Big Berry, we were taken on a morning trip to visit the region.
- Check out my recommended anti-theft travel items as you plan your Slovenia nature trip
Church of All Saints – Discover Slovenia Nature
We were taken to one of the entrances of the park, at Pusti Gradec. Here there is a small farmhouse/sawmill where the owner and his wife greeted us and showed us All Saints church with external bell tower typical of the region. A medieval castle also used to stand in this area, but alas no longer, although we were assured the area holds a special type of ‘energy’ – possibly due to all of that history surrounding it.
The church is still in use by the community and interesting to note: people in Slovenia really keep the graves of their loved ones spick and span. Rumour has it that it’s so as to avoid gossip from the other people, along the lines of:
Ohhh, have you seen X’s grave? She hasn’t scrubbed the headstone/delivered flowers for ages!
It’s also possible to rent small canoes from here and take a boat trip along the river. The day we were there was quite misty, but it certainly lent to create atmosphere.
I’d have loved to have discovered more Slovenian nature and spent longer in Krajinski Park Lahinja; boating, hiking, taking in all the countryside Slovenia has to offer. As I said, with 60% of the country covered in forest, come and discover Slovenia nature…it’s truly a country to come and explore.
More can be found from the Slovenian Tourist Board’s site.
I loved the country. I think the Krajinski Park is one of the best hidden gems in Slovenia.
- Planning to only taking hand luggage? Then check out my Hynes Eagle Best Carry On Backpack to Avoid Paying Airline Fees – a great recommended travel and day pack
PIN for later
Looks great, Bex. I hope to go to Slovenia one day for sure. Everything I hear is so positive. 🙂
What a picturesque little church out in the woods. Very nice, and the style is quite unique. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks…yes, I was blown away by Slovenia and would love to go back for longer
It’s a great country…maybe I’ll join you as I’d love to go again!
The park looks like such an unspoiled place to visit.
I would have loved to have had time to explore further Irene! Maybe if I have the opportunity to go back again one day.
Very interesting insight on the country and aĺl it has to offer, I am happy you enjoyed it so much!
Thanks – yes, who knew that this country was so countrified? I will definitely be going back again I hope
Beautiful nature and from what I see on the board at the top there is opportunity for some adventures there, like caving and such, right?
It reminds me a little bit of Russia’s countryside! Looks like you had a great time 🙂
That’s right: canoeing, kayaking, cave exploring. I would love to go back one day and explore further.
I’d love to experience the wilderness of Russia one day. It’s always intrigued me, especially the wildlife such as the opportunity to see wolves
I dream to go there and your post it’s a signal for me 🙂
Thanks Tzina. I think you’d love it, it’s beautiful.
A country consisting with 60% of forest! That is amazing! That you for introducing us to this beautiful place!
You’re very welcome Marianna. I know your family – as lovers of nature – would love it.