EDEN Kolpa

www.slovenia.info/eden

A

HR

I

How to get there: for the upper course of the river Kolpa (Osilnica, Kostel, Kočevsko): from Ljubljana in the direction of Kočevje, Petrina; for the middle and lower course of the river Kolpa (Bela krajina): from Ljubljana in the direction of Žužemberk, Črnomelj, Vinica; from Ljubljana in the direction of Novo mesto, Metlika.

RIVER KOLPA,

European Destination of Excellence 2010

KOLPA

H

FEEL THE RIVER

Slovenian Tourist Board Dimičeva 13 | SI-1000 Ljubljana tel.: +386 1 589 85 50 fax: +386 1 589 85 60 e-mail: info@slovenia.info

2010 www.slovenia.info/eden

This brochure is printed on environmentally friendly paper. Help protect the environment – Don’t throw it away, give it to a friend!

WITH A GUIDE! When you enter the valley of the river Kolpa,

a guide will be waiting for you in Kostel, to conjure up a real adventure for you with his stories: sample natural mineral water at the Stara šola tourist information and development centre, visit an old blacksmith's workshop in Bilpa, float down

the Kolpa on a raft and then treat yourself to a good Bela krajina lunch in a friendly local restaurant. All of this is part of your programme: Kolpa. Touch the story!

River Kolpa

For more information: www.kolpariver.eu

TIC Črnomelj Trg svobode 3, SI-8340 Črnomelj Tel.: +386 (7) 3056530 www.belakrajina.si E-mail: info@ric-belakrajina.si

TIC Kostel Vas 4, SI-1336 Kostel Tel.: +386 (1) 8948070 www.kostel.si E-mail: info@kostel.si

Municipality of Osilnica Osilnica 11, SI-1337 Osilnica Tel.: +386 (1) 8941505 www.osilnica.si E-mail: obcina@osilnica.si

Municipality of Kočevje Ljubljanska cesta 26, SI-1330 Kočevje Tel: +386 (1) 8938226 www.obcinakocevje.si E-mail: turizem@obc-kocevje.si

TIC Metlika Trg svobode 4, SI-8330 Metlika Tel.: +386 (7) 3635470 www.metlika-turizem.si E-mail: tdvigred.metlika@siol.net

TIC Semič Štefanov trg 7, SI-8333 Semič Tel.: +386 (7) 3565200 www.kc-semic.si E-mail: tic.semic@siol.com

Publisher: Slovenian Tourist Board / Design: Terminal Studio / Text: Ines Drame / Translation: Amidas d.o.o. / Photographs: Matevž Lenarčič, Tomaž Urh, Pavel Majerle, Robert Glazer, Bobo / Printed by: Delo-TČR d.d. / Impression: 4500; July 2010

EDEN Project Slovenia: www.slovenia.info/eden European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/ tourism/eden

The project was partly funded by the EU.

European Destination of Excellence 2010 Along its 113-kilometre length, this warm, clear river links tourist destinations of sustainable excellence in the far southeast of Slovenia. Boating and swimming, cycle paths, meditation trails and footpaths lead from story to story. Experience the hospitality of nature and people!

Discover heritage!

Kolpa Stories Osilnica. Kostel. Kočevje. Črnomelj. Metlika. Semič.

KOLPA. Choose your story!

Kolpa stories.

In your wanderings along the river Kolpa, you may cross paths with figures from myth and legend such as Peter Klepec, Zeleni Jurij or the Kolpa Fairies. You might even meet the Bilpa Devil! But there is no need to be afraid: all the stories lead to picturesque little villages and market towns, to churches, castles and watermills. Friendly locals will welcome you to their farms and vineyards and reveal to you an extraordinary cultural heritage! Together you will discover gaily painted Bela krajina Easter eggs, embroidered linen, basket weaving and other local arts and crafts skills. In an area where five ethnic groups and three religions meet, you will hear stories about the unique features of life along the river Kolpa.

Round off your exploration of the area with local customs and traditions and sample genuine local cuisine and wines. As well as spit-roasted suckling pig and lamb, excellent Kostel-style stuffed pig's stomach and, especially in the colder months, rusk-filled sausages, you must try Bela krajina pogača – granted Traditional Speciality Guaranteed status by the European Union! These local dishes can be accompanied by local apple juice, natural mineral water, Kostel brandy and, in particular, fine Bela krajina wines.

St Giles's Church in Ribjek

Zeleni Jurij

A grey heron

Bela krajina pogača

Immerse yourself in the warm river! Stir your imagination with fairies and a devil, with Zeleni Jurij and Peter Klepec! Open your eyes to the natural and cultural features of the land along the Kolpa! Explore a European Destination of Excellence in Slovenia! Enter EDEN 2010!

An otter

Enter the story. Active!

Downstream along the Kolpa, upstream along the bank.

The water of the clear, warm river Kolpa reaches a temperature of 30° in its lowland section. Ideal for canoeing and swimming! Natural dams are an ideal place for a natural massage and relaxation. The deep channel and playful rapids guarantee a thrilling experience for rafters. Footpaths, hiking trails and cycle paths run along the banks of the river. The gorge of the Kolpa and the surrounding peaks attract climbers and paragliders. The abundant life of the river is a lure for anglers. This unique green beauty on the edge of Slovenia promises unforgettable days by and in the water!

Boating on the Kolpa

Listen to the story of the environment.

Visit places along the Kolpa.

The exuberance of nature.

Experience everything!

The river Kolpa is a bubbling source of life! It is home to more than 30 species of fish (nine of them on the list of endangered species). The surrounding area is home to bears, lynx and wolves and other game.

Otters, beavers and the European pond turtle live along the river banks. The karst waters of the area are home to the endemic black proteus or 'human fish', which lives underground. The people of this area have created an idyllic cultural landscape with a keen awareness of the nature that surrounds them. The view extends from waterfalls, karst sinkholes and other characteristic features to colourful fields and stands of birch trees known as steljniki. Natural and cultural heritage is with you at every step! This heritage enjoys special protection in the Kolpa Nature Park.

Extreme sports, meditation trails, happy gatherings around a table loaded with good things to eat, watching craftsmen at work, discovering nature and culture, a healthy and beneficent climate. Walk along the southernmost footpath in Slovenia which, like many others, runs right along the river. Climb up to the peaks of the Kuželjska Stena. Listen to myths and legends. Drive along panoramic roads to vine-covered hills.

Gaze at the starry sky to the sound of the tamburica or the whisper of nature. Welcome to a little piece of paradise in Slovenia!