Things to see and do Northwest

This charming museum will give you an overview of the last two millennia of world pharmacy, with a special emphasis on its development on Slovenian territory. It contains more than 2,000 exhibits: pharmacy equipment from the 18th and 19th centuries, a collection of decorated ceramic vessels for storing medicines, a pharmacy, an alchemy laboratory, a collection of mortars, as well as a number of period scales and weights.

Its origins remain largely unknown, but it is known that the bridge has existed for more than a millennium. Rebuilt in 1750, the Napoleonov Most is a bridge offering a breathtaking view of the beautiful turquoise blue river Soča. It is therefore an ideal place to take beautiful pictures of this typically Slovenian landscape. But it is also a historical site that was on Napoleon's path during his conquests, hence the name that has been given to it. It has long been a strategic place to defend the region during the two world wars in the 20th century.

Crossing the Vršič Pass leads to the Primorska region (upper Soča Valley from Kranjska Gora and then Bovec). Count 50 hairpin bends and 25 km before you reach Trenta and the valley of the same name. In winter, with the closure of the Vršič Pass, the inhabitants of the valley must reach Tarvisio in Italy by crossing the border at Predel and then cross the border a second time at Rateče before they can reach Kranjska Gora. The turns (numbered) are counted from Kranjska Gora.

Turn 8. At 6.5 km. A Russian Orthodox chapel of touching simplicity, built in memory of Russian soldiers who died in an avalanche in 1916. They are the ones who built the road you are walking on.

Turn 24. Vršič Pass. 1 611 m. Before you reach it on the left, there is the Erjavčeva Koča na Vršsiču inn. Beautiful view of Rogljica and its 2,547 m. Discover the look of the sad-eyed girl called "Ajdovska deklica" in the big cliff opposite.

Turn 48. Julius Kugy Memorial. He was an enlightened mountaineer and amateur botanist who climbed most of the peaks of the Julian Alps and wrote six books. At the end of the 19th century, this attracted many Austrians and the locals became guides.

Turn 49. On the right, the road leads to the source of the Soča (Izvir Soča), a 15-minute walk from the hostel with good shoes. This is where the journey from the Soča to the Adriatic begins.

This is a popular hiking destination in the vicinity of the small town of Kamnik, located at an altitude of 826 m above sea level. It is the site of the Gothic church of Saints Primus and Felicia, a small bistro and the quaint little church of St. Peter, which stands just at the top of the hill and offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills and the Ljubljana basin at its feet. It's a great place to plan a picnic!

The climb is steep from the city centre. However, the difference in altitude makes it possible to reach this church at the top of a hill in about thirty minutes. When the weather is mild, the view of Idrija and the surrounding mountains invites contemplation. The church itself is no longer open to visitors, but it reminds us that the patron saint of miners still watches over his city. A monumental Way of the Cross accompanies the last effort of ascent in a fascinating setting.

The permanent exhibition is based on the history of the museum, but also on the dangers and joys of mountaineering. Rewarded with the Živa Prize for the best Slavic museum in 2017, we can't say that this prize is usurped! Indeed, the permanent exhibition is structured around several thematic rooms that are very well documented and accessible to all types of public. Very complete development on mountain fauna and flora. The museum offers several additional activities: simulating a night in a bivouac or how to react to a storm in the mountains.

Straža (translate: sentinel). It is the highest point closest to the city. In fact, the inhabitants lit a fire there to warn the neighbours of the arrival of the Turkish enemy. Thus, from hill to hill, smoke messages were used as SMS at the time. Today, you can ski there and admire the dominant view of the lake from the hostel "Kuća na Straži" or climb the trees, toboggan... Be careful it is closed in the off-season, but nothing prevents a wonderful walk because it is only at 642 meters altitude.

From 1915 to 1917, the regions of Upper Posočje, Goriška Brda and Krast were part of the Soča Front. Soldiers of several nationalities fought, suffered and died there. Several remains of this period have been preserved: trenches, fortifications, underground shelters, memorial sites, military tombs, chapels..

The "Peace Trail" was inaugurated in 2007, connecting six open-air museums over 100 km, as well as the most important remains and memorial sites on the Soča front. From 2011 onwards, it was extended and a "Alpine Adriatic Peace Trail" was set up with the collaboration of the local authorities of Goriška Brda, the Karst region (Kras) and, on the Italian side, with some municipalities in the neighbouring Friuli Venezia Giulia region. It now extends 320 km to Trieste and includes many open-air museums. The principle remains, that of connecting the regions and people of the former Soča Front and raising awareness of the values of peace and common development.

The route starts in Log pod Mangartom, passes the Kluže fort, the Ravelnik open-air museums and Čelo. After the village of Drežnica, the road crosses the Italian ossuary and splits in two between Kobarid and Tolmin: one branch takes us to the open-air museum of Kolovrat, the other to that of Mrzli vrh. The two paths then lead to Nova Gorica on the Italian border.

Producing delicious cheeses for centuries, the Planika cheese dairy houses the "From the mountains to Planika" cheese museum. The heritage of the alpine pastures is presented with ethnological exhibits, documentary films and the reconstruction of the mountain building with all the milk processing equipment. The store offers the famous Tolminc cheese, as well as typical national handicrafts.

Housed in Coronini's baroque manor house, this museum showcases the valley's rich cultural, spiritual and memorial heritage. Not to be missed: the archaeological remains, the insistence on the central place of iron in the economy of the region in the Middle Ages or the very instructive zoom on the largely unknown municipal peasant revolt that took place in 1713. Temporary exhibition on the metal festival with beautiful photographs. To complete the visit, go to the place where the foundations of a Roman villa were uncovered.

A museum opened in the fall of 2018 dedicated to the history of the famous Slovenian winter sports brand, Elan. It is nothing less than the first ski manufacturer in the world to open a museum to its glory. The chronological and thematic exhibition focuses on the innovations and diversification implemented by the brand. We follow the commercial epic of this company throughout the rooms. A little extra: a ski simulation workshop!

A beautiful escapade in perspective through the green valley of the Soča. From the village of Plužna, follow the signs to Virje. Little effort to make, in only a few minutes you are in front of this impressive karstic waterfall! The water is a delightful emerald green and the décor is conducive to relaxation and smiles. However, refrain from swimming in these waters that seem so enchanting: first of all it is forbidden, and secondly the water is absolutely icy, even in summer, struggling to reach 7°C.

A superb alpine lake which is one of the most photogenic in the country. It must be said that the reflections of the snowy peaks of the Julian Alps on its crystalline water are breathtakingly beautiful! Its surface area exceeds 2 ha. A statue of Zlatorog, the chamois from the popular legend preferred by Slovenians, watches over the site. New infrastructures have been built around the lake to increase tourist activity: beaches, supervised bathing areas, diving area, fishing area, etc. A must-see!

The welcome is really warm and professional. You will find a multitude of brochures and additional information about the region. The agents are good counsellors and will provide you with ideas for itineraries according to your desires. They will also inform you about local festive events and the availability of accommodation and food on site. Brochures in many languages, mainly English and German.

There is a wealth of additional information on the entire region and practical brochures in French. Has a lot of information on cultural and natural sites to discover in the city and its surroundings. The agents will also inform you about local festive events and the many tourist farms and inns that can accommodate you during your stay. Bicycle rental service on site.

Here you will find a lot of additional information about the region and a multitude of practical brochures. Do not hesitate also to visit the institution Fundacija Poti miru v Posočju, located at number 8 Gregorciceva Street. Here you will find a lot of information about the peace route between the Alps and the Adriatic and the First World War. Several themed guided tours are available for groups of up to 30 people.

Lots of information on mountain tourism, alpine trails to follow with snowshoes, the ski resort and the many winter sports that can be practiced in season. The site is very complete but not yet in French language. A pleasant welcome on the spot, with the key to prodigious advice on accommodation, restaurants and sports and cultural activities to choose from. Numerous maps and brochures available.

Here's an original way to discover Slovenia. As ambassadors of tourism and bon vivants, Ksenija and Bogdan decided to combine business with pleasure by offering a tour of the town of Kamnik... through its beers! Indeed, the village boasts the highest number of breweries per capita in the world. Various packages are available online, including visits and tastings at the breweries, hiking, cycling or even a workshop to learn how to brew your own beer. An experience as close as possible to the locals.

The remains of the Kamen Castle stand in the north of the town. There are still some walls, the tower and part of the surrounding wall. This ruin, the most imposing of the Upper Carniola, gives an idea of what the castle might have been, having fallen into disuse. The Lamberger family, one of whose descendants, Sigismund, became the first bishop of Ljubljana. It also belonged to the family of the Counts of Celje for several generations. It was abandoned in the 18th century for reasons that are still unclear.

You're limited on the day's program and you're looking for a beautiful viewpoint for a postcard photo rendering, accessible even with children: direction Peč! A short but intense hike, well known to locals for a cardio workout or simply to revel in a breathtaking view of the lake and valley, allow around 20 minutes from Stara Fuzina. Up there, at an altitude of 720 m, there's a bench where you can take a break and contemplate the spectacular panorama over Bohinj. The perfect spot for a sandwich break!

The Bistrica stream, which gushes across the plain like a magnificent spring composed of two waterfalls, is the most powerful tributary of the Sava Bohinjka. The waterfalls dry up during the dry season, but when they're active, you'll be amazed. After passing the municipal waste disposal site on your right and following the signposts, you'll find the superb, wide Izvir Bistrice waterfall, just over an hour's easy walk away and without too many gradients.

Parish church where most of the services celebrated in the city are held. Its first major renovation dates back to 1495. It can be seen from afar in its Gothic structure, reconstructed in the 19th century. Inside, you will find the paws of Slovenian artists of the time: the black marble altar, which may surprise you, is signed Ludovic Bombassi from Ljubljana. The vault of the central nave is a pure masterpiece with its star-studded ceiling.

The origin is very old since a building already existed at the end of the 15th century to protect against the Ottoman invader. It was first destroyed by the untimely assaults of Napoleon's troops at the very beginning of the 19th century. Its present appearance dates back to 1883, following its first reconstruction. The upper part was heavily damaged during the First World War. The ensemble is impressive and the interior well transformed into a museum.

The Church of the Annunciation (13th century) has undergone various transformations. It has many 15th century frescoes. Outside, a Passion of Christ (14th century) and a Saint Christopher (1464). Note: a 17th century bell and a neo-Gothic porch from the 19th century. The ensemble is truly prodigious and is one of the most charming little churches in the region. Crngrob was once an important pilgrimage site and the nave's capacity has been constantly increased over the centuries.

The hotel is a state-owned property that provides accommodation for the world's leading figures during their official visits to Slovenia. The whole beautiful estate, with its pleasant park and ponds, was in the hands of the aristocratic Zois family for a century and a half. The Yugoslav royal family (1930s) and Marshal Tito fell in love with this Renaissance castle. Even today, it is the privileged place for international diplomatic meetings. There is a walking path around it, accessible by bicycle or pedestrian for a total distance of 10 km.

The church is dedicated to St. Ulrich, Bishop of Augsburg in the 10th century. Scenes depict the patron saint as well as St. Corbinian, known for his evangelization campaigns in the 8th century. Built at the beginning of the 1500s, it is full of frescoes from the same period in very good state of conservation and asserts its late Gothic style. On the vault of the choir are angel musicians. For the visit, ask at the gostilna Pri Boštjanu.

The paintings are from the Venetian school. The ruins of a 16th-century castle, once the estate of the Coronini family and then of the Attems family, remain today. Some facts have marked the history of the village such as the visit of Pope Pius VI in 1782 during his trip to Vienna. To the east, don't miss the Church of the Holy Cross. It houses an altar from 1515. The tower is one of the four ancient defensive towers erected in the 15th century to guard against the Turkish assailant. From these heights, the King of Italy observed the Battle of the Soča in 1917.

One of the most beautiful examples of Slovenian Gothic. The original church dates from the 13th century. Many changes were made in the following centuries. The three-nave hall choir was designed between 1521 and 1532 by Master Jurko of Škofja Loka. Sveta Nadelja (Holy Sunday) adorns the facade near the entrance. This representation is the work of John of Ljubljana (1460); it depicts the holy day of the good Christian. Many frescos. The church has the largest golden altar in Slovenia, designed by Jurij Karnos (1652).

In the small village of Suha, in the middle of nature, we find this church built in the first half of the 15th century. Its peculiarity: it has preserved magnificent medieval frescoes painted on the vault of the choir and the apse, representing the life of Christ, the apostles and the angels. They are classified as national heritage. The baroque altar, dating from 1672, is also of great beauty. Nice scenic stage which is worth the (short!) trip.

Thanks to a marked path, you will find this natural heritage site. Indeed, the Peričnik waterfall, due to the power of its water, has often been the subject of discussions about using it to generate electricity, so any plans to exploit it were scuttled. Ideally, it is best to observe it after heavy rains, at the height of its splendour. You can take the small pebble path behind the waterfall to disappear behind it.

The Vipava Valley is a short hour's drive from Ljubljana. It has a rich cultural heritage, offering many leisure activities (hiking, climbing, biking, paragliding, fishing, horseback riding...), excellent wines and delicious gastronomy. Throughout the year, you can follow a hiking trail that takes you through vineyards, orchards, meadows and fields. The local gastronomy is unique in its flavors, without compromising in its authenticity. You should visit the tourist farms and wine cellars.