Slovenia is the only country in Europe that combines the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst. The changing landscape is constantly surprising, time and again. You can have one eye on the sea, then look in the other direction and be surrounded by high mountains. Heading up into the forests, you can see the green plains below you. From upland meadows your view stretches into river gorges. This proximity of opposites and contrasts is a hallmark of the country.

In Slovenia you can still walk through virgin forest, or watch the grapes ripen on the oldest vine in the world. You can hear tales of bears, and eat forest fruits that you have foraged yourself on a brief walk out of town. Here you can uncover the secrets of the land, and what lies beneath it. It also has a wealth of diverse architecture and urban design.

Slovenia is a land of greenery, which offers great opportunities for activity holidays, high-quality accommodation guarantees a comfortable stay. It is perfect for a summer holiday, a winter break or a weekend away. Slovenia is famed for its excellent food, accompanied by one of its fine wines. The friendly, hospitable and attentive locals will guarantee you a pleasant stay.

Slovenes are fiercely proud of their culture. Two names you will run into over and over again are national poet France Prešeren (1800-1849), who penned (among other things) the Slovenian national anthem, and the architect Jože Plečnik (1872-1957), credited with Ljubljana's iconic Tromostovje bridges and, seemingly, half the modern buildings in the country. It was the monks of the Catholic Church that kept Slovene alive over the centuries of relentless Germanization from the north.

The Dolenjska Region

The Dolenjska region of Slovenia includes castles and natural beauty spots located along the Krka river, a culinary experience in a vineyard cottage typical of the region, and swimming in the pools of the Dolenjske Toplice thermal spa.

Hill vineyards and little hilltop churches, castles and monasteries, broad forests and groves of birch trees give the extensive region of south-east Slovenia a particular charm. Dolenjska, which joins hands with Bela Krajina across the beautiful Gorjanci Hills and, further up, with the Posavje region, is an area that offers countless opportunities to relax, explore and enjoy, to visit natural sights of interest and make interesting stops along heritage trails and wine routes.

Dolenjska and Bela krajina heritage trails connect natural and cultural heritage over two of the most southern parts of Slovenia. Here history is particularly coloured by years of resistance to foreign rule and invasion; and by strong pride in Slovenian identity. You will find a fascinating heritage of historic places, archaeology, rural tradition, religion, festivals and cultural events. Combined with stunning countryside, perfect walking, cycling, river fishing, boating or just relaxing in good local wine and food; and friendly hosts and you have the making of an excellent holiday.

One of the sights of Ribnica, the cradle of Dolenjska woodenware, is Ribnica Castle, which today houses a small museum of local culture and traditions. You can see traditional craftsmen at work in the town's workshops and at numerous events. In Kočevje, the centre of one of the most forested parts of Europe, you can see the virgin forest reserve in Kočevski Rog, visit the Ice Cave or the Željne Caves, and relax by the lake or on the river Rinži. The area has numerous footpaths, nature trails, cycling trails and horse riding trails and, nearby, the legendary Nežica waterfall. The Land of Peter Klepec (after the legendary hero) has its centre in Osilnica, a valley with seven churches and various opportunities for recreation: from water sports on the Kolpa to hiking trails and cycling routes.

Those wishing to follow the waters towards the south can set off from the centre of Slovenia along the river Krka. From its source in Krka Cave to Žužemberk, the location of one of the most picturesque castles in Slovenia, the river, which once drove the wheels of watermills, makes its way over a series of weirs that today attract canoeists and anglers. A different kind of experience is offered by the Temenica, a tributary of the Krka, which draws visitors through a picturesque valley of dry riverbeds, swallowholes and potholes to Trebnje and Mirna Peč. The Krka also gives Novo Mesto, the capital of Dolenjska, a town built on seven hills, its characteristic appearance. Not far from the town, with its many historical and religious monuments, are the spas of Dolenjske Toplice and Šmarješke Toplice and Slovenia's only island castle Otočec castle, which stands on an island in the middle of the Krka. The nearby Gorjanci Hills promise adventure to hikers, cyclists and hunters. Trška Gora, a hill above the town, shows us that we are in wine country, the home of Cviček, a famous local speciality.

Other traditional centres of winemaking linked by wine routes can be found in Bela Krajina, for example Semič, Metlika and Črnomelj . Not far from Metlika is Rosalnice with its famous “Tri fare” – three Gothic pilgrimage churches from the 14th and 15th century, huddled together inside a common surrounding wall. In the village of Rožanec a temple to the sun god Mithra has survived from Roman times. Not far from Črnomelj is the Lahinja Nature Park.

On the other side of the Gorjanci Hills, which mark the border with Bela Krajina, Dolenjska continues along the Krka all the way to the point where it joins the Sava: from Šentjernej with its equestrian tradition, it leads to Pleterje with its famous Carthusian monastery.