www.slovenia.info Travel Agent´s Manual 2010

HIKING
Although Slovenia only covers an area of
around 20,000 km 2 and can be traversed
diagonally by motorway in less than three
hours, it is criss-crossed by almost 10,000
kilometres of marked paths. Exploring areas
that can be covered by car in a matter of
minutes can take hours and hours on foot.
And the more you stray from main routes,
the more you realise that walking is the right
way to discover the true beauties of Slovenia.
Fifty-two hikers’ hotels located along
footpaths off er specialised accommodation.
You can also sleep in climbers’ huts, either in
the mountains or in lower-lying areas. Huts
in high mountain areas are open in summer,
while in other areas they are open all year
round (at weekends).
Slovenia is crossed by hiking trails in all
directions. If you want to experience the
genuine Slovenian countryside, set off on
one of the established routes. Th e Slovenian
section of the E6 European Hiking Trail –
the Cigler Trail – runs from the Drava to
the Adriatic, while the Slovenian section
of the E7 European Hiking Trail – the Mara
Rupena Trail – runs from Dolenjske Toplice
to Žužemberk. Th e Via Alpina, 5,000 kilometres
long and divided into 341 one-day
stages, runs through eight Alpine countries.
Th ere are over 380 themed tourist trails in
Slovenia. Most of them are located within
individual tourist destinations or municipalities
and lead past various sights of cultural
or historical interest. By following
these trails you can hear stories of the First
World War, discover archaeological remains,
protected areas and forest paths and hear
the stories of characters from literature.
MOUNTAIN
CLIMBING
Th e more diffi cult trails and rock faces in the
high mountains of Slovenia create countless
natural climbing areas. You can combine
climbing with other holiday activities, but
climbing conditions in Slovenia are good
enough for a climbing adventure of several
weeks.
It goes without saying that on mountain
paths suitable footwear and clothing are an
essential condition of safety and enjoyment.
Th e area around Bled and Bohinj, which is
also an ideal area for outdoor recreation in
the heart of the Alps, off ers everything that a
mountain climber could desire. Th e rock formations
of the Karst and the coastal area hide
many yet undiscovered climbing locations.
Beginners can get their fi rst taste of climbing
on the artifi cial climbing wall in Postojna.
Recreational climbers can head for the climbing
areas in Vipava, Črni Kal and Vipavska
Bela, while experienced climbers will enjoy
putting themselves to the test below the edge
of the Karst, on the 500-metre-wide cliff in
Osp, which together with nearby Mišja Peč
represents one of the most important climbing
areas in Europe. You will also fi nd several
climbing areas in the area around Celje.
HERITAGE
TRAILS
Th e protection aff orded to our national and
regional parks demonstrates our special care
for the preservation and presentation of natural
and cultural heritage and tradition. Th ere
are many areas where the preservation of our
natural and cultural heritage also provides
opportunities for relaxation and pleasure.
Heritage Trails through Dolenjska and
Bela krajina
In Dolenjska and Bela krajina, Slovenia’s
southern provinces, history is particularly coloured
by years of resistance to foreign rule and
invasion and by a strong local pride in Slovenian
identity. Fascinating heritage in historic
places, archaeology, rural traditions, religion,
festivals and cultural events await discovery.
www.slovenia-heritage.net
Path of Peace in the Soča basin
Since June 2007, the most important remnants
and memorials of the Soča (Isonzo)
Front in the Upper Soča Valley have been
linked together by the Path of Peace. Th e
Path is dedicated to the memory of the many
victims of the First World War and aims to
present to visitors the historical, cultural,
and natural sights of the Upper Soča Basin.
Th e Path begins in Log pod Mangartom,
near the entrance to the Štoln mineshaft,
and ends at the open-air museum on Mengore
Hill near Most na Soči.
www.potmiruvposocju.si
Slovenia Adventure____ 23
CONTACT INFORMATION
Hiking and Cycling Association
Dimičeva 13, 1000 ljubljana
e: info@hiking.si;
www.slovenia.info/hiking
An association founded as a strategic partnership
with the Slovenian Tourist Board for the purpose
of the joint marketing and development of quality
tourism products in the cycling and hiking
sectors.
Alpine Association of Slovenia
Affi liated mountaineering clubs maintain the
network of market mountain paths around
Slovenia, organise hikes and various events, and
help promote mountain climbing and safe hillwalking.
Offi cial website of the Alpine Association
of Slovenia: www.pzs.si
Association of Mountain Guides of Slovenia
Professional mountain guide services are
provided by IFMGA-licensed mountain guides,
who are members of the Association of
Mountain Guides of Slovenia. If you want to
experience the mountains in a diff erent way,
hire a mountain guide. In the company of an
experienced mountain guide, your experience
in the mountains will be safe and exciting.
More information at www.zgvs.si
Nordic Walking Federation
Th e Nordic Walking and Recreation Association
of Slovenia unites over 400 instructors
across the country who are qualifi ed to teach
Nordic Walking according to the programme
of the International Nordic Walking Federation
(INWA). Nordic walking is an excellent
way to improve health and is suitable for
individuals, families, organised groups,
children and athletes. Under the guidance
of INWA instructors, you can try Nordic
walking safely and eff ectively using special
Nordic Walker poles, and improve your
endurance, strength and fl exibility.
Information at www.nordicwalking.si