The sunny Alps

The Sunny Alps area actually includes three major mountain groups. As well as the Julian Alps and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps there is the Karavanke range. These mountains form a natural border with Austria, Slovenia's northern neighbour, since many of the south-facing slopes lie in Slovenia, while the north-facing slopes are in Austria. The region boasts many picturesque narrow valleys, and Slovenia's largest river, the Sava, has carved out a terraced plain that gradually widens until it reaches Ljubljana, the capital.

Natural sights

The heart of the Sunny Alps is the Julian Alps, whose breathtaking peaks are dominated by Slovenia's highest mountain, Mount Triglav (2,864 metres). The greater part of the area of the Julian Alps falls within the Triglav National Park, which covers 4% of the territory of Slovenia and is thus one of Europe's largest natural parks. Amid the park's unique flora, live chamois and mountain goats, capercaillie, grouse, eagles and marmots.

The Julian Alps are adorned by two beautiful glacial lakes: Lake Bled, in the middle of which is an island with a church, while a medieval castle stands on the cliff overlooking the lake, and Lake Bohinj, set in the middle of unspoilt mountain scenery. The river Sava Bohinjka, whose source is the noisy Savica waterfall, flows through the lake.

Not far from Lake Bled is Blejski Vintgar, the remarkable natural gorge of the river Radovna. The only way through the gorge is via balconies attached to the cliff. The enormous pine forests of the Pokljuka Plateau, which is a venue for important biathlon competitions, draw you into their peace in silence.

Lovers of water and green countryside will be enchanted by the emerald river Soča. The upper course of this river winds through one of the most beautiful valleys in Slovenia, the Trenta Valley, which is also the location of the Alpinum Juliana Botanical Garden, the most important in the country. The Soča Valley was Slovenia's first European Destination of Excellence (EDEN). Other Alpine valleys are also worth a visit, for example Tamar, with Planica and the world's largest ski jump. New world records are constantly being set here.

The northern part of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps offers yet another outstandingly beautiful valley. Logarska Dolina is part of Solčavsko, which is also one of Slovenia's Destinations of Excellence (EDEN).

Tourist resorts

The resort town of Bled, with a tradition of tourism dating back several centuries, stands on the shores of Lake Bled. Bathing establishments, hotels with swimming pools and conference halls, footpaths, a golf course and a casino are just a small fraction of what this picturesque resort has to offer. Bled is also famous for a distinctive dessert: the Bled cream slice or Cremeschnitte.

In the vicinity of Lake Bohinj, Slovenia's largest glacial lake, which lies in the heart of the Triglav National Park, there are several towns catering for tourists. The largest of them is Bohinjska Bistrica. It is situated close to the ski centres of Kobla and Vogel. The Bohinj Valley is the starting point for many climbing expeditions, while the lake and the Sava Bohinjka are ideal for water sports and fishing enthusiasts. As well as unspoilt nature, the Bohinj Valley has a rich local heritage and many interesting cultural and religious sights.

Kranjska Gora, famous for decades as a World Cup skiing venue, offers a wide range of tourist accommodation. This picturesque little town is an excellent base for outdoor activities. In summer these include hiking, cycling and horse riding. In winter, Kranjska Gora is a ski resort. Night tobogganing from Vršič can be an unforgettable experience. Other facilities include wellness centres and a casino.

Bovec, on the emerald river Soča, has developed into a centre of extreme water sports. The white waters of the river offer excellent conditions for rafting, kayaking and river bob, while the nearby gorges are ideal for an unforgettable day's canyoning. From Bovec there is access to Slovenia's highest ski area Kanin, which is connected with the Italian ski area of Sella Nevea. Thanks to the plentiful snow, skiing is possible here until May.

The Soča Basin saw some of the worst fighting of the First World War. The excellent First World War Museum in Kobarid conserves memories of that tragic period. Above Kobarid is a large ossuary containing the remains of Italian soldiers. Among the places worth visiting along the river Soča are Most na Soči and Kanal, the latter with a famous stone bridge, the scene of a bridge-jumping event that is not for the faint-hearted.

Major towns

Kranj is Slovenia's fourth-largest city and the most important city in north-western Slovenia. It has a well-preserved medieval town centre lying on a high terrace above the valley of the Sava and the gorge of the Kokra. The city has excellent sports facilities, including an Olympic swimming pool and ski jumps.

Škofja Loka boasts the best-preserved medieval town centre in Slovenia. Loka Castle today houses a museum. Another town with a well-preserved town centre that is well worth a visit is Radovljica.

Kamnik is a picturesque little town at the foot of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The Little Castle stands on a hill in the centre of the town. Its chapel is one of the most important Romanesque monuments in Slovenia. Not far from the town is the wonderful Volčji Potok Arboretum.

Idrija is famous as the centre of lacemaking in Slovenia. The abandoned mercury mine is today an underground museum. The town is also famous for a traditional Slovene dish, idrijski žlikrofi, a kind of ravioli.

Near the town of Tržič, known for its shoemaking tradition, the Dovžan Gorge is a protected natural monument.

Activities

Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and Bovec offer the widest range of outdoor activities. Besides water sports, hiking and skiing, there is also mountain biking, paragliding, climbing and horse riding.

One of Slovenia's most popular ski areas is Krvavec in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. It is also increasingly popular in summer, for example with hikers and paragliders.

Velika Planina is a ski centre in winter and in summer a herdsmen's settlement with characteristic little wooden houses.

The pleasures of thermal water and wellness services are available at the Terme Snovik spa.