You have those travel destinations that are not immediately top of mind when you want to head out. Slovenia certainly fits the bill. However, Slovenia has a stellar reputation in terms of unspoiled nature and diverse landscapes. High time therefore to discover this hidden pearl.
And we didn’t go there on our own. AS Adventure takes us along on its “Explore Camp”. With a team of 9, including other ambassadors, a journalist and a travel photographer, we gather at the airport. Off to Slovenia!
The Slovenian Alps
The plane sets its final meters towards the runway and Slovenia immediately shows its best side. From the plane window you see nothing but vast pine forests with the rugged natural beauty of the Alps in the background.
We have another 2 hours to drive with the crew to our first base for the first few days. After a winding mountain pass, we drive briefly through Austria to finally arrive at “Logarska Dolina”. A hidden idyllic valley among the Slovenian Alps that was carved out of the mountains by a glacier during the last ice age. This valley is known as one of the most picturesque valleys in Slovenia.
We spent the night here in hotel “Plesnik” in order to do various outdoor activities from here.
Mountain biking
The first activity on the program is a panoramic mountain bike trail. So we leave at the hotel and drive from there into the mountains. We are treated to winding mountain roads between green alpine meadows and beautiful vistas. The heart of the seasoned mountain biker will not immediately start beating faster on this route. The paths are not technical enough. However, this region does offer many possibilities for the more experienced mountain biker. So we should definitely go back with the mountain bike!
But ideal if you like some altitude meters or want to discover the region with the family on e-bikes!
“Rinka” waterfall
After mountain biking, there is still some time left to go and admire the “Rinka” waterfall, about a fifteen minute drive away. The waterfall is 90 meters high, making it the second highest uninterrupted waterfall in Slovenia!
After a short easy hike of 10 min we arrive in an enclosed small valley. The water tumbles down in free fall between the orange rocks. The clear mountain water forms a small azure pool at the foot of the waterfall before starting its journey through the valley via the “Savinja” river.
Due to the height and the mass of water, there is a strong breeze at the foot of the waterfall.
A wooden staircase leads you to the right side of the “Rinka” waterfall to a cozy hut where you can drink something. Unfortunately, the cafe was closed during our visit.
The “Rinka” waterfall is really a must-see when you are in the region. The land of waterfalls is pre-eminently Iceland but this Slovenian waterfall is certainly not inferior.
Kayaking on the “Savinja” river
The next day we follow the waters of the “Rinka” waterfall downstream. There the “Savinja” river winds through the valley. It rains uninterruptedly and the temperatures are not exactly tropical. But that doesn’t stop us from putting on our wetsuits, life jackets and helmets.
We begin our descent of the “Savinja” river by kayak. On the program is a trip of 5 km with regularly wild rapids between shallow rocks.
At this time of year (late April) the mountain water is still very cold. You notice this already a few 100 meters further when the first difficult passage occurs. A wrong move causes the kayak to tip over and suddenly you are carried along in the current like a toy. And this was certainly not the last time ;). Fortunately, the thick neoprene suits provide sufficient warmth.
From the kayak, we are treated to fantastic views. The clouds and fog hang low over the surrounding mountains together with the rain creating a mysterious landscape.
At the end of the trip, a drop of a 2.5 meter high waterfall awaits us. What a thrill!
Feel like a kayaking adventure on the “Salvinja” river? You can find more info here: https://www.adventurevalley.si/
Slovenian Tuscany
We leave the Slovenian Alps behind us and head towards the other side of Slovenia. A 2.5 hour drive away is the Nova Gorica region, or popularly called the Tuscany of Slovenia.
The landscape, culture, food… is completely different from what we have experienced in the past few days. The Italian influences are clearly noticeable here. What a diverse country in such a small area!
We stay for two nights in the Pikol lake village. An ecological and small-scale glamping resort with cozy huts around a small lake.
From here, two different hikes are on the agenda for the next two days.
Nanos hike
Nanos is a high plateau that rises steeply above the Psotojna Basin and the Vipavska Brda wine region. We plan to hike to the panoramic peak at an altitude of 1200 meters near the “Vojkova Koča” hut.
It is a hike of 12 kilometers long and 1150 altimeters starting from “Veliko Ubeljsko”. Here you can park your car and start the hike from there.
The trail is not really technical, but because of the distance and especially the altimeters it is quite challenging.
On the way to the top we walk through a varied environment that changes every so often into something new. As we get higher we get a better view of the nearby valleys. Unfortunately, there is a thick layer of clouds so we do not always have a view but rain was predicted and for now it remains dry so we are not complaining.
Near the summit, the trail gets a little steeper and narrower. The summit hangs in the clouds and conjures a mysterious atmosphere over the landscape.
After more than 4 hours of hiking, we finally reach the panoramic view. From here you would normally be able to see all the way to the Adriatic Sea. But unfortunately the clouds think otherwise. We hike a little further to the “Vojkova Koča” hut. Here, a home-brewed strong drink awaits us as a reward for our efforts.
Back in the Pikol Lake village, we dive into the hot tub. It could be worse to end an active day ;).
You can download our gpx route of this trail here.
The natural window of Otlica (Ajdovscina)
Today is the day that our tour of Slovenia unfortunately comes to an end. But before we get on the plane in the afternoon, we plan one more hike to the window of “Otlica”. This is a large hole in the top of a mountain that overlooks the valley below.
We start the hike in the morning. The legs are noticeably still a bit tired from yesterday. Despite the fact that the trail to the summit is only 2.76 km, we have to cover 555 altitude meters in such a short distance. It’s significantly steeper than yesterday and in some places the trail is also a bit more technical.
After 1 hour and 15 minutes of hiking we arrive at the top. It’s the perfect ending to our trip!
You can download our gpx route of this trail here.
Time to head back down to Ljubljana and catch the plane home. Slovenia impressed and showed itself from its best side. The untouched nature, outdoor possibilities, friendly people and diversity make the country a hidden gem for outdoor adventurers.
And whether you prefer to do that with a tent or relax in a spa at the end of the day? There is something for everyone!
We would love to go back to discover more of this beautiful country.
