Nestled in the pristine landscapes of Bela Krajina, Črnomelj offers nature enthusiasts a peaceful retreat, with its lush river valleys, mysterious karst formations and rich biodiversity.
Located between the towering Gorjanci mountains, the mysterious Kočevski Rog forest and the lively Kolpa River, Črnomelj is a great starting point for those seeking tranquility and natural wonders. The region is especially captivating due to its diverse karst phenomena.
Lahinja Landscape Park
At the heart of Bela Krajina lies the Lahinja Landscape Park, a natural gem that was established in 1988. Covering just 2.6 square kilometres, this compact yet captivating park showcases a unique blend of wetland and dry karst landscapes. The Lahinja River, after which the park is named, flows through this area, bringing life to its diverse habitats. Visitors can explore various karst features, including caves, sinkholes and wetlands, that tell the story of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times.
Natural Attractions:
Lahinja River and Wetlands: Explore the winding river and its lush, swampy meadows that form the lifeblood of the park.
Nerajski and Lahinjski Lug Marshes: Known for their diverse flora and fauna, these marshes are a botanist's dream.
Djud Cave, Glušenka Landslide, Pečina Cave, cliff near Mlin, Mlaka: Various karst formations in the park are perfect for those interested in exploring the underground wonders of the region.
The area is home to a variety of animal species, including beavers, otters, kingfishers, and the native loggerhead turtle, alongside unique wild orchid habitats.
Lahinja Natural Park
While exploring the park, a visit to the village of Veliki Nerajec is a must. Here, you can experience the 250-year-old Plavec Homestead, where guided tours offer an insight into life in the late 19th century. With the only remaining black kitchen in Bela Krajina, you can step back in time and discover how the region’s people lived in centuries past.
Another place worth visiting is Pusti Gradec, home to the 17th-century Church of All Saints and the Klepec mill, which dates back to the early 20th century.
For those seeking more active experiences, the Lahinja Trail provides an excellent opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region on foot. Whether you are looking for a challenging 10 km or 18 km run or simply a leisurely walk through green meadows and along the river, this trail offers something for everyone.
A short distance from Črnomelj lies the Kolpa Landscape Park, a region known for its stunning biodiversity and traditional landscapes. Among 42 monuments within the park are the famous steljniki meadows, once a staple of the area's agricultural landscape, now preserved as a rare and beautiful sight. These meadows are particularly striking with their large patches of bracken, white birch and juniper, creating an enchanting setting. One of the best-preserved examples of these meadows can be found near the village of Marindol in Črnomelj, making it an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the rural charm of Bela Krajina.
The famous Bela Krajina steljniki meadows. Photo: Uroš Raztresen
The Black Olm
The Black Olm, an endemic amphibian, serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within the karst ecosystem. Efforts to protect this fragile world are vital in preserving the area's natural beauty for future generations. Visitors can observe these fascinating creatures at the Jelševnik Black Olm Information Centre.
Black Olm Information Centre
Black Olm. Photo: Gregor Aljančič
This article is part of an exciting partnership with with the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia, of which Črnomelj is also a member. The partnership aims to bring you captivating stories from the historical towns nestled across Slovenia. As a regular feature of News from Slovenia, delivered to our valued subscribers, readers can expect to discover exciting stories from these timeless cities in the coming months. The contents for this article were provided by the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia and the Town of Črnomelj.
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