Ravne na Koroškem gets Slovenias first low-energy hostel

Ravne na Koroškem, a land under Peca, a mighty two thousand-meter high mountain on the eastern part of the Karavanke Mountains, is richer for an important addition to the tourist offer. In October, the first low-energy youth hostel in Slovenia made from wood was opened, named Punkel (in the local dialect, it means a bundle), and architecturally designed as a low-energy building that integrates beautifully into the natural environment and bioclimatic conditions of the surroundings.

Punkel is constructed almost entirely of wood, with as many natural materials as possible used for the rest - it is one of many wooden public buildings in Carinthia (Strojna, Radlje, Muta, Vuzenica). Both, during the construction and during use, the guiding principle of the project is (was) to minimise the environmental burden. A number of measures were implemented decreasing the consumption of energy and preventing negative environmental impacts.

A maximum of 48 guests can stay at Punkel, which also enables the organisation of activities for guests and outside visitors in its common areas. The beds are located in eight rooms with bathrooms. The rooms have been designed in a flexible manner that enables accommodation in two-, four- and eight-bed dorms. The interior room is lit with natural light from all four directions, the immediate vicinity of the hostel is surrounded with green plot, trees and other plants, while the wood with which it is constructed and its numerous positive characteristics give it a special warmth and character.

Ravne na Koroškem is a developing tourist destination already well known on the tourist map of mountain bikers. Here, one can undertake unique cycling experiences – one can even cycle through the mountain, as the passage through the abandoned and mysterious mine shafts under the Peca Mountain has been converted into a five-kilometre cycling route, on which you are accompanied by a guide and equipped with lights. In addition, one can enjoy attractive hiking and raft rides, many kinds of Carinthian natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage created by the centuries-old iron and steel production tradition (the beginnings of mining here go back to the Roman era).

An especially mystic characteristic of this region is the fairytale of King Matjaž, who hid in a cave under the Peca Mountain a long time ago. There he sat at a stone table and fell asleep; his loyal soldiers gathered around him and also fell asleep. It was said that when his beard had grown around the table nine times, he would wake up, emerge from the cave with his army, defeat his enemies and banish any injustice.

Back to news