Koroška

Koroška

The forest seclusion between the hills Peca and Uršlja gora, as well as the Alpine valleys that extend far into the mighty mountain range of the East Karavanke Mountains, are a true paradise for those that appreciate nature, peace and quietness. There are countless trails leading from one peak to the other, and the Koroška history confirms that this is a historic land, the cradle of the Slovenian nation. And there is the Drava River, which divides and connects at the same time.

The landscape around Črne na Koroškem in the Upper Mežiška Valley is very heterogeneous. For hiking trips the trails to Smrekovško pogorje (1684 m) with Črno jezerce (the Black Lake), to the solitary Olševa (1930 m) with the ancient cave habitations Potočko zijalka are suitable, whereas the rocky Raduha (2062 m) is a paradise for climbers and Uršlja gora (1699 m) for family trips. The highest peak of the Slovenian Koroška is Peca (2126 m). Inside it is the dwelling of the legendary King Matjaž. The Park of King Matjaž, which is the name of Črna with its surroundings, is convenient for various sport activities due to its natural characteristics and facilities for sports and recreation.

In winter the park attracts a lot of attention because of the interesting snowy sculptures. Deep under the ground a completely different story begins – the lead and zinc mining tradition with a hundred years of hard work. Long years of mining and the development of the mine in Mežica have typically characterised the lives of people as well as the landscape. Visitors can follow the mining tracks in the tourist mine.The picturesque world of minerals also gives a special charm to the underground spheres. On the other hand, the technical heritage in the field of ironwork industry has a special place in Ravne na Koroškem.

The Koroška Museum also shows the Prežihov home, where the famous Slovenian writer Lovro Kuhar, better known under the name of Prežihov Voranc Prežihov Voranc (1893–1950) spent his youth. Amongst the artistic historical monuments of sacral art, the most interesting ones are Sv. Uršula, the highest positioned church in Slovenia on the mountain Uršlja gora, the Roman rotunda Sv. Janez Krstnik in Muta and the ecological chapel of St. Francis Assisi , unique in Slovenia. In its immediate vicinity there is a 23-metre long waterfall Sedelnikov slap. But this is not yet all about Koroška. The people and places of Koroška have always had a strong affection to the Drava River, for example Dravograd, as well as Vuzenica and Radlje ob Dravi. The times are gone when raftsmen were present on the Drava River. At least some of the former raftsmen's spirit can today be experienced in a raft ride along the Drava River. On the western side of Pohorje the Mountaineers s tourist centre Kope is establishing itself as a holiday and recreational resort, attracting numerous skiing fans especially in winter time. The town Slovenj Gradec, the administrative, economic and cultural centre of Koroška, is a living account of everything that took place in this part of Slovenia during the two millennia. The rich collections of the Koroška Regionač Museum lead us through its history. One should not leave the "land of King Matjaž" without having tasted the beer of King Matjaž. For beer lovers this should be a real treat because of its unique manner of production.