In 1964, the Bavski Potok river was dammed to prevent it from flooding, creating the Vanganel Reservoir, which is a peaceful and secluded spot popular with fly fishers, just outside of Koper. You can park at the village of Vanganel and take a short walk through the woods to come up on the dramatic wall... Continue Reading →
Also known as Istrski Triglav, 'The Istrian Triglav,' Slavnik is the highest mountain in Slovenia's Primorska region. Though it is significantly lower than Triglav (Slovenia's highest mountain, 2863m), it affords stunning views over the Istrian coast, and to Triglav itself on a clear day. It is a suitable objective for a family hike as it... Continue Reading →
The Slovenian coast is the land of the setting sun, and sunsets are something I used to miss whilst living in Spain, as we always lived on the East coast. The sunrises were of course spectacular, but I was not always up and about early enough to appreciate them! Back home in Britain, I used... Continue Reading →
The Parenzana was a narrow-gauge railway line which ran from Trieste in Italy via the Slovenian coast to Poreč (Italian Parenzo) in Croatia. The line opened in 1902 and took 7 hours to complete the 123 km journey. It closed in 1935 when it ceased to be profitable. It may be long gone, but the spirit... Continue Reading →
If you're visiting the Slovenian Coast and you like wild beaches, then you really should pay a visit to Mesečev Zaliv, or Moonlight Bay, a hidden paradise on the Strunjan peninsula which is only accessible on foot. How to get there I am absolutely terrible at directions, so here's the link in Google Maps for... Continue Reading →
Socerb Castle is situated on the Slovenian-Italian border, atop a karst cliff which marks the watershed between the two countries. This site of rich history played an important role in the Partisan defences during the Second World War, as witness the abandoned barracks, gun towers and the cave of Sveta Jama ('The Holy Cave.') The... Continue Reading →
Sečoveljske Soline, or the Sečovlje Salt Pans, are located just south of Portorož on the Slovenian coast, close to the Croatian border at the Dragonja river estuary. This is a poetic landscape steeped in history, where salt has been farmed for over 1000 years. It is also an important wetland bird sanctuary and nature reserve.... Continue Reading →
Izola is a small fishing town on the Slovenian coast, which retains much of its Venetian character. It boasts a picturesque marina affording stunning views across the Adriatic Sea towards Venice, and some great restaurants serving up local delicacies and of course the freshest of seafood! History of Izola Izola seen from the nearby hill... Continue Reading →
When we moved to Slovenia in June, I started a new series of blog posts called Postcards from Slovenia. These are generally short, image-heavy posts with a little background history of the featured place. There is no particular order to them, though I think that together they form a diverse and interesting series, Slovenia being... Continue Reading →
Today's postcard comes to you from a true Christmas wonderland, the Pokljuka Plateau which lies at an altitude of 1100-1400m (3,600-4,600ft) high above the lakes of Bled and Bohinj. Though the ski slopes are currently closed, it is still possible to ski and sledge here, which those lucky enough to be locked down in the... Continue Reading →
