FREE Best of Bela Krajina, Slovenia Guide

HOW TO GET THERE?

THE CLOSEST AIRPORT

Since Bela Krajina is too small to have its own airport, visitors should use one of the nearest airports. You will find the best airport to Bela Krajina connections with public transport, if you use Ljubljana Airport. But if you rent a car, the airports in Zagreb or Rijeka can also be used.

BY CAR

From Ljubljana take the Slovenian A2 highway in direction of Novo mesto and leave it on exit Novo mesto - vzhod then continue on regional road 105 which will take you to Bela Krajina (1 hour drive, aproximately 90 kilometres).

From Zagreb you should take the Croatian A1 highway on exit Bosiljevo or Novigrad na Dobri and cross the border at border crossings Pribanjci/Vinica or Jurovski Brod/Metlika (1h 15min drive, aproximately 70 kilometres)

BY BUS

Direct buses from Ljubljana to Črnomelj operated by company MPOV. 

-Ticket price: 8.90€

-Time of a ride: 2 hours

-Timetable: https://www.ap-ljubljana.si/en

BY TRAIN

Direct train from Ljubljana to Semič, Črnomelj, Metlika operated by Slovenian Railways.

-Ticket price: 8.50 - 10.40€

-Time of a ride: 2 - 2,5 hours

-Timetable: https://potniski.sz.si/

Land of Birch Trees & Baby Dragons

Congrats, you have arrived to Bela Krajina. You will spend your next days exploring this unique Slovenian region. It is home to specific traditions, cuisine, and sights that you won't find anywhere else. Tranquility and nature; that is what is waiting for you. Relax in peace while wandering through this special part of the country.

ACTIVITIES AND PLACES TO SEE

RIVER KRUPA SPRING

@BalkanJourneys

River Krupa emerges from the earth from a karst spring located beneath a picturesque 30-meter rock cliff. Explore the surroundings, there is a well-maintained pathway right next to the river. Bring your camera since there will be many photo opportunities in this fairytale place.

Add to

Details

THE BLACK OLM EXHIBITION

@BalkanJourneys

The olm (also known as the proteus or the cave salamander) is a symbol of Slovenia and it is a very rare animal. Well in Bela Krajina lives its cousin - black olm. It lives only in the shallow Karst region of Bela Krajina, in an area covering about 10 km2. Take this opportunity to meet this rare inhabitant of this region.

Add to

Details

LAHINJA LANDSCAPE PARK

@BalkanJourneys

The predominant natural element in the park located in the southeast Slovenia region of Bela Krajina is water in its many forms.  The park is covered with many springs. Flora and fauna in the park are very diverse. You can observe it from specially built observing towers and wooden pathways.

Add to

Details

OLD MILL AT KUZMA HOMESTEAD

@BalkanJourneys

Kolpa is a 120 km long border river between Slovenia and Croatia. It is slow, warm, and very popular in the summer months. Try some water activities such as kayaking, rafting, or swimming. Explore an old mill or rent a canoe. Maybe just take time for a picnic next to a scenic river.

Add to

Details

SODEVCI WALL

@BalkanJourneys

Sodevci Wall is one of the most distinctive features of the Kolpa Landscape Park. It offers spectacular views over Kolpa Valley. The access point to the Sodevci Wall is at the Sodevci Pond (Sodevski Kal), a 10-minute walk along the well-maintained forest path. The Sodevci Pond is located next to the main road 919 (Vinica - Stari trg ob Kolpi).

Add to

Details

MALIKOVEC CAVE

@BalkanJourneys

Malikovec is a small karst cave with a maximum depth of 28 meters. It is one of the best-kept secrets of Bela Krajina. The cave is accessible by stairs. The central area of the cave is where the cave hall with a ceiling pit is located (great light for cave photos). Don't forget to bring proper equipment (shoes, light, warm clothes) if you wish to explore this cave.

Add to

Details

MOUNT MIRNA

@BalkanJourneys

If you feel an urge for a steeper hike you should try Mirna Gora. You will need 45 min if you start from the village of Planina or 2 hours if you start from the village of Vrcice. It is one of the highest peaks in Bela Krajina and serves as the starting point or final destination for numerous hiking and cycling trails. On the top, you can find the observation tower, remnants of St. Xavier's church, and a mountain hut. From the top of the tower, you can observe an unforgettable panoramic view of the wider Bela Krajina region and neighboring Croatia.

Add to

Details

CULINARY DELIGHTS

Due to its warm weather, Bela Krajina is known for its wine production. Well-known wines are Modra frankinja and Metliška črnina. Treat yourself with a glass of wine 🍷.

THE SUKLJE WINE CELLAR

@BalkanJourneys

The Šuklje Wine Cellar from Bela krajina boasts a long tradition (as early as 1895) . They cultivate 5 hectares of vineyards and produce high quality wines, as well as open programme wines. They also offer professional guided tastings and visits to the wine cellar. You can also purchase wine.

Add to

Details

MALNARIČ - NAMPEL WINERY

@BalkanJourneys

Malnarič - Nampel Winery is family owned business. Their wine-tasting tour, which needs to be prearranged, will allow you to try local wines and typical cuisine from the Bela Krajina region.

Add to

Details

- Traditional dishes of this region are belokranjska pogača (flatbread) and belokranjski žlikrofi (dumplings). But those are just two examples. Ask kind waiters to suggest other traditional dishes that are served in their restaurants.

PEZDIRC INN

@BalkanJourneys

Pezdirc Inn is a place where tradition meets modern. Dishes that were prepared by their grandparents are combined with modern spices and techniques. All these culinary arts are crowned with a wider choice of local wines and drinks.

Add to

Details

MÜLLER INN

@BalkanJourneys

Another place where local ingredients and tradition meet a modern touch. The kind staff of this great local inn will gladly suggest to you which traditional dishes to try and how to combine them for a perfect culinary experience.

Add to

Details

PICERIJA STRGAR

@BalkanJourneys

Let me tell you about this local's favorite place. They offer a wide range of pizzas. So if you are the type of person, who wants to be sure about the food they are eating; this is the place for you. Try their local pizza specialty called pičiči. It is a simple pizza with dough and cheese only with 4 different types of sauces.

Add to

Details

WHERE TO SLEEP?

CAMPING BELA KRAJINA - PODZEMELJ

@BalkanJourneys

Camping Bela Krajina is located next to the village Podzemelj on the border with Croatia. It is located in a pleasant natural environment next to the Kolpa River, one of the most beautiful and warmest rivers in Europe. It offers pitches for tents and campers. For all other travelers, there are mobile houses and glamping available as well.

Check Prices

Add to

Details

BIG BERRY RESORT

@BalkanJourneys

Big Berry in Primostek is a great choice for your stay in Bela Krajina. There is an array of fun activities to do in Big Berry Slovenia. They offer accommodation in mobile homes in close proximity to Kolpa River.

Check Prices

Add to

Details

VINEYARD COTTAGE JAKŠE

@BalkanJourneys

I loved staying at this place. It is small, local, and very cute. And I mean very cute. It has probably the best view in Bela Krajina. Just imagine eating your breakfast and drinking coffee from the balcony of this small apartment house. This small cottage in the middle of the vineyards, high above Bela Krajina is for you only.

Check Prices

Add to

Details

TOURIST FARM KALSKA

@BalkanJourneys

For the lovers of traditional homestays, this is the place to be. You can either sleep in well-decorated rooms in the main house or decide to a stay in the traditional wooden barn. It is a unique experience to sleep with the smell of wood all around you.

Check Prices

Add to

Details