A living heritage of humanity
Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka is one of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in Slovenia with a rich history and cultural heritage. Its old town is like a living painting: there are so many good stories, romantic views and secrets within its streets that the impressions will remain with you for a long time. The best time to visit is during the Škofja Loka Passion play. The 300-year-old tradition of staging the oldest European director’s book every six years, when the whole city becomes a stage, is included on the UNESCO list of living heritage of humanity. The scene of the performance is the streets of such an authentic medieval town that even on an ordinary day, you can easily imagine to be a gentleman on the way to the local castle, a footman from the city’s coat of arms, a monk returning within the walls of the Capuchin monastery, a traveler gazing across the stone bridge at the toll booth, a creator who has just brought the materials for his handicraft masterpieces or ingredients for culinary experiences from the lush countryside.
You can also visit the second biggest attraction, the mighty Castle of Škofja Loka, perched on a hill above the city. The castle was built in the 13th century and today it functions as a museum that shows the history of the city and its surroundings while also offering various exhibitions.
A monument to humanity
Franja Partisan Hospital
Franja Hospital was built during the Second World War as a partisan hospital in the narrow and remote gorge near Cerkno. It was built in 1943 to enable the treatment of the wounded partisans at a safe distance from the German occupying forces. It was built in extremely difficult conditions, as building materials and basic equipment were brought to the site over challenging terrain and in constant danger. The hospital was built from stones and wooden beams, with a roof made of spruce bark, which allowed the hospital to blend in with nature, thus successfully hiding from the occupying forces.
The hospital operated until the end of the war and treated hundreds of wounded during that time. After the war, the hospital was abandoned and fell into disrepair, but it was later restored and preserved as a monument of important historical heritage. Today, you can visit Franja Hospital as an open-air museum, which shows the operation of the hospital and the conditions in which the partisans worked during the war.
Neanderthal flute site
Divje Baba Archaeological Park
The archaeological park Divje babe, located in the rugged landscape of the hills around Idrija, is one of the most important sites of the Old Stone Age in the world. In the steep, rocky slope that descends from the Šebreljska Plateau into the valley of the Idrijca River, there is a hidden cave in which the bones of more than 60 different animal species (predominantly the cave bear), stone and bone tools, and the remains of Ice Age fire pits were found.
The most famous find of the archaeological excavations in Divja Baba is from 1995, when the oldest musical instrument in the world was discovered during the excavations. It was made by a Neanderthal and was found near the remains of a 50,000 to 60,000-year-old hearth. The instrument is neither a whistle nor a flute, but it is made from the left femur of a young cave bear, into which the Neanderthal made four holes with a stone and bone tool and a cutting edge on the mouthpiece, which, together with a special playing technique, enables the performance of even the most complex music.
Sports and activities
Soča Valley
The picturesque Soča valley, known for its exceptional natural beauty, can be found in the western part of Slovenia. Soča river is considered one of the most beautiful alpine rivers and its exquisite turquoise colour is known all over the world. The river springs from under the snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps and winds its way through the valley between fairy-tale forests all the way to the sea.
Soča Valley is a paradise for lovers of adrenaline-filled activities such as rafting, kayaking, canyoning and paragliding. The valley is also surrounded by magnificent mountain trails that allow for spectacular hikes and offer unforgettable views of the surrounding landscapes.
In the past, Soča Valley was also the scene of historical events during the First World War, which left many traces in the valley. Lovers of history and culture will enjoy museums, monuments, remains of fortifications and other extremely interesting sites. If you are a lover of nature, sports or history, Soča Valley will surely impress you with its unique beauty and varied range of experiences.
Breznica near Žiri
Crazy Duck
Crazy Duck sits in the hills west of Ljubljana at the highest altitude of all the breweries in Slovenia. Their beers are strong, unpasteurised, unfiltered, aged in oak barrels and 100% natural.
Cerkno
ZAJC
ZAJC 1725 brewery is located at the heart of the archaeological park Divja Baba near Cerkno, and their beers are anything but Neanderthal. They are modern, artisanal, and strong. That’s why we go to Zajc!