The new season is just around the corner and we look forward to your visit.
The first association with the Bela krajina is probably the river Kolpa, which cools us on hot summer days, but the land of the white people is much more than that.
In today's post, we unveil 10 (lesser-known) sights that locals say you must-see in Bela krajina.
1 The source of the river Krupa
Those who visited simply fell in love with the source of the Krupa River. Today the spring is definitely one of the most visited places in the White Krajina and especially popular in the summer months for various photo shoots, picnics or just a walk. The point is located in the village of Krupa, which is four kilometers from Semič in the direction of Gradac.
What is special about Krupa is that it comes to the surface in strong karst springs under a 30 m high and 50 m long rock face and below is a 7 m deep spring lake, which fascinates everyone with its emerald green color.
We recommend that you go to the source of the Krupa River in the morning when mysterious mists appear over the water and just enjoy the peaceful silence.
But the spring is also beautiful the rest of the day, especially in the summer afternoon when the valley of the spring spoils you with its coolness.
Cave snails, a tiny cave piper, even a human fish are hiding in Krupa's underground hinterland, but we understand that subterranean creatures are not accessible to us in nature.
If you want to learn more about the peculiarities of the spring, we recommend you to visit the Semič Museum House, where you will learn, among other things, that the area next to Krupa is rich in birds and that this area is home to the shelled turtle.
We believe that the authentic nature at the source of the Krupa river will let you slow down for a moment and dreamily enjoy the sounds of nature.
2 Landscape Lahinja
Lahinja Landscape Park is located in the heart of the Bela Krajina and includes the natural and cultural heritage area of the upper reaches of the Lahinja River.
Here you can see water of various forms, which has shaped many natural phenomena and plants, as well as a variety of animal species.The park is beautiful at any time of the year and this is where most of the Instagram-worthy photos are taken.
3 Kozice
At about 716 meters above sea level is the Kozice viewpoint, which gives you a view of the entire Poljanska valley and the Bela krajina. Kozice is usually located on the Kočevski rog, i.e. region west of Bela Krajina, but the view of Bela Krajina is so beautiful that we included it in this entry.
In clear weather, the visibility from Kozice is more than 10 km.
4 Kostel
A picturesque vast valley or a natural amphitheater enclosed between high and steep areas and in some places vertical walls of Jurassic and Cretaceous limestone - Kostel.
On Slovenian territory there are 30 smaller settlements in this area with the old parish center of Faro, where the vicar of Ribnica lived in the 14th century. The area we are describing was formerly controlled by the Counts of Burg Kostel.
5 Orehovec spring
The Orehovec spring, under which there is also a pond with standing water, namely near the village of Krašnji vrh. The spring flows to the surface from a walled rock well with a stone niche containing a statue of Mary of Lourdes.
A little below the spring is Kal, which is fed directly from the Orehovec spring.
If you go to the spring or the pond, we recommend that you take something to eat with you, because there is a table nearby that is really good for a picnic in nature.
And another peculiarity, the pond is fed by spring water, which is not a common phenomenon in Bela krajina. Today, the mud and the spring have lost their importance (in the sense of water for drinking, washing, watering cattle), but they remain an important part in maintaining biodiversity, since various snails, frogs, tadpoles and many other animals can be found in it.
6 Vinomerski steljniki
Probably you not have heard of "steljniki" as both locals and tourists consider it one of the most recognizable natural features of Bela krajina. "Steljniki" are not found anywhere else in Slovenia, they are all the more important for the culture and biodiversity of Bela Krajina.
They consist of birch forest, pine, litter, heather and heather. The special thing about the Vinomer Steljniki is that they are listed and protected in Natura 2000 as natural heritage.
7 Sand digger Nerajec
We're getting closer to more interesting works that even the locals don't know about. For example, a sand digger in Nerajec has been transformed into a real lake.
It is not even visible on the main road from Črnomlje to Vinica, as it is located deep in a hollow formed by years of sand mining, and today a unique biotope for plants and animals is emerging in this place. A fine example of nature's wounds being healed into beautiful natural phenomena and new tourist attractions.
We've also highlighted some special features everywhere and will do the same here. In the Nerajec sand pit you can see small islands rising above the surface.
There are fish in the lake, gray herons on the lake, water lilies bloom in summer and it's also nice in winter when the lake is covered with ice.
8 Pond Griblje
The small pond in Griblje is mostly known to the locals and is located among the fields between the villages of Krasinec and Griblje (very close to our resort).
There is a small cottage by the pond and a bridge to access it. It is very likely that you will see a stork at the pond, but otherwise the area is a natural habitat for many insects, beetles and worms.
9 Partisan hospital Hrastnik
In the autumn of 1943 the first medical station was built in Rog - barracks and outdoor kitchen. By the end of the war, eight buildings were then erected, and access to them was only possible by an old log and a path that led through the bushes. Today, the hospital and cemetery are protected as monuments.
10 Castle Turn
The castle Turn is said to have been built in the 14th century and was first mentioned in 1463. Today the castle and land have been bought from local farmers and the land has been used for grazing.
The complex is a ruin with minimal maintenance, but you can also see the Podturnščica spring, which is located below the castle. So in one place we have collected 10 lesser known places or attractions waiting for you to explore.
Believe me, Bela krajina is a wonderful country that calls out to get to know it well. Welcome!