Ronald Cassar spent five days in Slovenia and it was love at first sight! In this first of a two-part feature, he shares some of his insights into this stunning country.

An old Slovene tale tells how, when the world was created, every country was apportioned an abundance of one thing – one was given mountains, another the sea, another endless plains and another country dense forests.

But Slovenia – the only country in Europe that unites the Alps and the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain, all within easily manageable distances – was given everything that was left over – the best of everything.

All these features were forged into a single unit by the final, most important ingredient: love.

This love has a special power – it joined the sea to the mountains, the forest to the waters, the fields to the vineyards, the wonders of the subterranean world to the light of the sky. That is why Slovenia’s beauties come one after the other.

On landing in this country, I instantly felt at ease and relaxed. Slovenia is therapeutical. If you notice its inhabitants, they all look so laid back... the opposite to us Maltese.

You can see the sea from the mountains, the plains from the forests and the villages from the cities

Nothing is done in a hurry in Slovenia, everything takes its time. That is why a healthy lifestyle is constantly promoted here.

Since Slovenia is not a big country, you can see the sea from the mountains, the plains from the forests and the villages from the cities.

More than half of Slovenia is covered by forest. More than a third of Slovenia is part of Natura 2000, an EU-wide network of special protected areas. More than 22,000 animal and plant species make Slovenia one of the richest countries in Europe in terms of biodiversity.

Slovenia has 28,000 kilometres of rivers and streams and around 1,300 lakes. As well as the Triglav National Park, a protected area for nearly a century, Slovenia has three regional parks, 44 nature parks with protected landscape status, 52 nature reserves and more than 1,200 protected natural area nearby.

It is no coincidence that Slovenia presents itself to the world with its own special shade of green based on its nature and with the determination of its people that it will remain unspoilt.

It is an essential part of the ‘I feel Slovenia’ brand, an identity which expresses the mission of Slovenian tourism – forwards with nature – and supports a vision of ‘green boutique tourism’.

In this country, almost all the best things happen outdoors. There are 10,000 kilometres of well-marked hiking trails cross Slovenia. As well as more than 170 mountain huts and lodges, there are more than 40 hotels in Slovenia catering specially for hikers and information points have been created along popular cycling routes.

Slovenia’s thermal and mineral waters have been a source of health for centuries. There are 87 natural thermal springs. Water, the climate and other natural health-giving factors are the essence of the services offered by the various certified natural spas.

Located in very different surroundings, Slovenia’s spas combine the gifts of nature, centuries-old tradition and the very latest medical techniques.

Skiing is a national pastime in Slovenia, so it will be no surprise to see the slopes buzzing with activity once you are there in winter. Slovenia’s ski resorts have great facilities and are well maintained. Throw in some amazing views and you will be all set for a great winter holiday… for a fraction of the price than in more popular resorts in Italy, Austria and Switzerland.

Kranjska Gora, Christmas time.Kranjska Gora, Christmas time.

Kranjska Gora

Kranjska Gora is the most famous skiing resort in Slovenia. Located in the Julian Alps in the north-west of the country and touching both Italy and Austria, the international bandwagon that rolls into town every season for selected skiing events, most notably the awesome skijumping competitions makes this village a hive of activity in winter.

Kranjska Gora caters for every type of visitor, be it a family holiday or a group of ski professionals who ride into town for some serious skiing. With its great restaurants, bars and accommodation, this village is the closest you will get to Aspen in Slovenia.

Kranjska GoraKranjska Gora

Its hotels offer a wide range of different water delights. In addition to swimming in heated swimming pools, one can also enjoy and relax in the whirlpools as the soothing water flows will free you from all bodily stress. Wellness centres are also well equipped with saunas and massage parlours.

Kranjska Gora is the annual host of a major world cup downhill race which draws the planet’s media to this small resort each March.

The ski season in Kranjska Gora officially lasts from mid-December to mid-April but in recent years has not stretched far beyond the end of March but snow-making cannons – covering three quarters of the slopes – are used to top up Mother Nature’s efforts when required.

A number of companies offer ski tuition and rental equipment. There are four ski schools in the village and offers a range of lessons and courses for both skiers and snowboarders. In fact, the resort holds a strong reputation for the quality of its teaching.

However, Kranjska Gora is in no way merely a winter destination. During summer activities, walking rule supreme. There are enough routes for easy and recreational walks to serious Alpine tracks which demand experience, suitable equipment and an Alpine guide.

Almost as popular in summer is cycling with the fresh whistle of the Alpine air when making a descent or riding on the pass. What could be better after a hot uphill ride?

The wooden Russian Chapel, built by war prisoners in World War I, near Kranjska Gora, Slovenia.The wooden Russian Chapel, built by war prisoners in World War I, near Kranjska Gora, Slovenia.

You can decide for lazy pedalling or the most demanding trips into the heart of the Alpine valleys. For the adventurous type, armed with a cycling map and a backpack lunch, one might get to know the Zgornejesavska Valley in the best way possible, off the beaten track. This valley is also a paradise for fishermen, who let their catch back into the stream for conservation of the species.

A panoramic ride in a truly special tourist bus is an attraction in its own right. It has a glass roof giving an excellent view in all directions.

A walk through the village centre of Kranjska Gora makes you feel the pulse of a genuine alpine village. It is especially worth visiting in December, when the village is bubbling with festive spirit and a Christmas market is set up.

Bled

Plenta boat on Lake Bled.Plenta boat on Lake Bled.

Bled is an image of paradise, an alpine pearl. Surrounded by the peaks of the Julian Alps lies Lake Bled, described by Slovenia’s greatest poet, France Preseren, as Eden on earth paradise.

Ring the bell in the church on the island in the middle of the lake and your wishes will come true.

This place gives you timeless memories… like being in a carriage around the lake, with a boat called pletna going to the islet, and ringing the wishing bell to have your most secret wishes come true.

There are indeed many of those who have promised eternal faith to each other at Bled… it is that kind of place. Colourful fireworks light the night sky during popular folk evenings or the Okarina Ethno Festival.

The Bled Festival, which every single year wakes up the Bled muse, begins to play, sing and dance in order to embellish the natural beauties with cultural ones.

On the islet in the middle of the lake, the ancient Slavs worshipped Živa, goddess of love and fertility. Pilgrims later came to the church of St Mary on the island.

More than a thousand years ago, the town of Bled was mentioned for the first time when the Holy German emperor, Henry II, gifted it to the Bishop of Brixen.

At that time, a Roman tower already stood at the top of the cliff rising vertically 100 metres above the lake and it still forms part of the mighty castle that now houses a museum collection.

The town, already famous at the beginning of the 20th century as the most beautiful health spa of the then Austrian empire, attracted the European aristocratic elite.

Many of the world’s most important people thus enjoyed the beauties of Bled. And now, for decades, adventurers and common people have been discovering this charming town.

Seekers of diversity and beauty, of relaxation and inspiration, tranquillity and the challenges of sport will find here a multitude of opportunities.

Walking and coaching trails around the lake, traditional boats, discovering the castle treasures, the nearby ski pistes, mountain trails and golf courses – all these are but fragments of Bled’s attraction, which is truly worth experiencing. And those who experience it, long for it again and again.

Ronald Cassar travelled to Slovenia courtesy of the Slovenia Tourist Board and Britannia Tours who operate direct flights to Ljubljana. Winter skiing and New Year packages are being offered also by Britannia Tours.

www.bsl.com.mt

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