North – Gorenjska / Slovenian Alps
Lake Bled; Photo: Rožle Bregar
Be active
Gorenjska’s beautiful nature invites you to get moving. Options to hike and bike are almost endless; from routes on the plains around Kranj, to journeys to the mountaintops. One of Slovenia’s most exceptional bike routes is the bike path that lies on the foundation of a decommissioned railroad in the north of Gorenjska, connecting Jesenice with Italian Tarvisio and passing Mojstrana, Kranjska Gora and Rateče. Winter sport paradise Kranjska Gora offers in summer a toboggan run, an adrenaline cycling park and alpine climbing and hiking routes. For children there is Kekec Land; an adventure park named after a popular hero from books and television. Also the ski-resort Krvavec in Cerklje offers summer activities. In Bled you can play golf on one of the most beautiful courses in Central Europe, on the lakes you can go rowing, fishing and swimming
Memorable mountains Slovenia’s highest mountains lie in the Julian Alps. Among them is the country’s highest mountain pass Vrsic (1611metres). The pass, which has 48 hairpins, offers great views. Take note of the cobblestones in the hairpins on the northern slope. Russian
Cycling around Lake Bohinj
prisoners of war laid them during the First World War. Along the road is a Russian chapel. In the north the Karavanke mountains separate Slovenia from Austria. For a great view over Jezersko you can drive or hike up Jezerski Vrh. The 1218 metre high mountain pass is one of the road connections between Slovenia and Austria. In the east of Gorenjska lie the KamnikSavinje Alps. Mountain Krvavec, that is part of this range, is a true challenge for cyclists with gradients of almost twenty per cent. In the south of Gorenjska the rugged mountains have passed over in the green Škofjeloško and Polhograjsko mountain range.
Mystical mountain On 26 June 1991, the eve of Slovenia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia, two mountaineers hiked to the top of Mount Triglav. Upon arrival they unfurled a new flag; the colours white, blue and red and in it a coat of arms with very prominently a drawing of the three headed
Triglav; Photo: STO
Kranjska Gora
peak of Triglav. The 2864 metre high Triglav is much more than Slovenia’s highest mountain. Triglav is literally and figuratively Slovenia’s biggest symbol. The mountain is the centrepiece of Slovenia’s only national park, Triglav National Park, which has more than a thousand valuable natural features. It’s also the home of Goldhorn (Zlatorog); an immortal buck from a famous Slovenian tale that teaches us to respect nature. Summer guide 2013 | The Slovenia Times
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