Julian Alps

The Gorenjska region has high peaks, steep mountain ridges, deep Alpine valleys and crystal clear mountain water. Add the thunder of waterfalls on narrow gorges and you get the perfect picture of an Alpine world, where quiet valley lakes reflect clear blue skies, dark green forests, extensive plains, cleared woodland, mountain pastures and the flora & fauna of colourful meadows.

The territory of the mythical Goldenhorn, escorting his flock of chamois (half goat - half antelope) and surrounded by white edelweiss flowers, is a protected zone in the Triglav national park, which also contains Mount Triglav (three heads), at 2864m, is the national symbol of the Slovenia.

The best way to start exploring this magnificent park is to visit one of the tourist offices in Trenta, Kranjska gora, Bovec or Ribičev Laz in Bohinj. By following the info signposts in the park, you can take a journey back to the time of the first mountaineers, the weather hardened shepherds or sink through the layers of earth to a deep Karst underworld. There are several forest-educational paths and other related trails which lead you to the river channels of Tolminka, Zadlaščica, Mostnica, the Gorge of Pokljuka or to Zelenci, where the central Slovenian river Sava has it's source.

Bled and its surounding area are one of the most beautiful Alpine locations and widely known for a mild healthy climate and thermal lake water. A stunningly beautiful island rises out from lake Bled, which is covered in green. Smaller church buildings are hidden behind vegetaion, whilst the magnificent church and bell tower are ever visible above the branches. Many legends surround the island and one such tale was used by Slovenia's great poet France Prešeren as the basis for one of his greatest works. The resort of Bled is famous for its boatmen, who row you on the »pletna« boat ride to the island and you must also try the classic local cake – »the cream slice«. Many other wonders of nature can be found near Bled, including the amazing Vintgar and Pokljuka gorges.

The Bohinj region spreads over the southeastern part of the Julian Alps, at the base of Triglav montain. A hefty 66% of the municipality is inside the Triglav National Park, and 84% of the region is protected as part of the Natura 2000 network. With natural wonders by the bagful, tourists can visit ski centres, do Summer water sports (kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, hydrospeed, rafting, swimming), learn about the local culture or participate in other events: for example the Courtship festival, Country wedding, Majenje turšce, Otepanje, Cows' ball, Balloon festival, Summer solstice bonfire, Vodnik's days, Summer theatre, Festival Kanal and Summer of music.

The area where Alpine freshness collides with the odours of the Mediterranean and Karst is a really special place. The Soča River (Isonzo), which is probably the most beautiful river in Europe, carves the narrowest of gorges into the huge rocks as her white pebbled riverbed winds majestically through. You can follow many pathways along this wonderful emerald river and explore nature, history and culture.

You could visit the pretty tourist town of Kobarid and its surroundings. Kobarid is also the location of the bloody World War One Soča Front, where the most ferocious mountain battle of all time took place. The excellent Kobarid Museum presents a sensitive picture of this shocking part of history and is well worth a visit.

The Walk of Peace connects the horrors of the Isonzo Front with the natural wonders of the Upper Soča Region. It is also dedicated to the memory of the huge number of First World War casualties. The Toncovcov Castle has its own ancient story to tell and centuries of folk tradition are preserved in the Carnival of Drežnice. The ancient Breginjski kot is an architectural and cultual monument, real proof of the magnificent co-existence between man and nature.

 Inthe Trenta Valley by Vršič you should visit the Trenta Museum to get a feel for the wonderful world of the Triglav National Park. Bovecis fast developing into an exciting new Alpine tourist centre, being close to the highest mountain ski resort of Kanin. The Bovec Rafting Team offer river activities for you to enjoy.

The centre of the Zgornje Posočje region is Tolmin with its old town centre and a modern sports park. In the Coronini Mansion you can find the Tolmin Museum. A really unique and special experience would be a trip on the museum steam engine along the "Bohinj railway". From Most na Soči the boat »Lucija« will take you on a trip along the river. Between the Kanal Kolovrat and the Banjšice plateau is the picturesque town of Kanal ob Soči. And just over in the far East of Slovenia is the wine-growing border hill region of Goriška Brda.

Holidays in Slovenia  - TRIGLAV NATIONAL PARK

Are you looking for an unforgettable vacation that is so perfect for you that you will be talking about it for years?

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