The Vrata Valley is one of the most spectacular glacial valleys in the Julian Alps. This valley begins in the town of Mojstrana close to Kranjska Gora, and ends abruptly in the north wall of Slovenia's highest mountain, Triglav. Although it provides a door (literally vrata) to the highest of the Julian Alps, the valley... Continue Reading →
Slovene Cuisine #5: Kranjska Klobasa
Kranjska klobasa literally means 'sausage from the Kranjska (Carniola) region.' It is an authentic Slovene product which has gained worldwide fame and popularity. Read on to find out more about Slovenia's most iconic sausage! Origins and ingredients of the Kranjska Klobasa Kranjska klobasa gained 'Protected Geographical Indication' status in 2015, meaning that a sausage can... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #33: Autumn in Bled
The leaves have all but turned to brown or fallen by now, but what a stunning display of colour they went through in their final days. Especially delightful is the range of colour visible through different altitudes, as Autumn comes slightly earlier or slightly later depending how high up the mountainside the trees grow. I... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #32: Autumn in Bohinj
I wanted to bring you another visual post today, because at the moment where we are the Autumn colours are simply breathtaking. I don't think my camera or my words can really do them justice, but I will try. These photos were taken in the Bohinj area last week: Reflections, Lake Bohinj Autumn leaves on... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #30: Lake Jasna
I have already talked briefly about Lake Jasna in my post on Kranjska Gora in Summer. It's a man-made lake at the base of the Vršič pass. The water is shallow and clear to the bed of the lake, making it perfect for fishing, swimming (in Summer) and stand-up paddling. On crisp Autumn evenings, the... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #29: Church of St John the Baptist, Bohinj
The Church of St John the Baptist is situated at the foot of Lake Bohinj, beside the bridge which spans the Sava Bohinjka river. Built in the typical Slovenian Alpine style, it is notable for its picturesque location and the striking fresco of St Christopher on its southern exterior wall. I have passed the church... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #28: Piran
Piran is the Venetian jewel of Slovenia's picturesque coastline. Though we've paid a flying visit here in an earlier postcard, this unspoilt historic town is certainly worth a closer look. History of Piran St George's Church The earliest surviving written reference to Piran as a town dates from the 7th century A.D., at which time... Continue Reading →
Slovene Cuisine #4: Soup of the Day
There is a saying in Slovenia: brez juhice ni kosila - 'without soup, there is no dinner.' It is traditional to serve soup as a starter with the main meal of the day in Slovenia. You will always find a dnevna juha - 'soup of the day' on the menu in traditional gostilnas (pubs with... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #27: Potočka Zijalka Cave
Potočka Zijalka cave is located high above the Alpine valley of Logarska Dolina, on the slopes of Mount Olševa at an altitude of 1,675 m (5,495 ft). It was first inhabited by humans around 35,000 years ago, and has provided shelter to humans and animals alike for millennia. As such, it makes a fascinating place to visit,... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #26: Logarska Dolina
You will find the pristine glacial valley of Logarska Dolina hidden away in Slovenia's Kamnik-Savinja Alps to the north of Ljubljana. Unlike the tourist hotspots of the Julian Alps, this area boasts no lakes nor flashy tourist resorts: there are only lush meadows, crystal clear rivers and steep soaring mountains rising almost vertically from the... Continue Reading →