River Kolpa destination chosen as EDEN 2010

The winner of the EDEN 2010 selection process is the River Kolpa destination with the product `The Kolpa. Touch the Story`. The theme of this year`s competition was Tourism and Water. The Kolpa follows the Soča Valley and Solčavsko to become Slovenia`s third European Destination of Excellence.


The River Kolpa area, with its waters, its distinctive natural and cultural features, and, above all, tourism development based on sustainable principles, is the winner of this year`s competition for the selection of a European Destination of Excellence in Slovenia. The EDEN title is awarded by the European Commission in conjunction with individual Member States. Slovenia is taking part in the project for the third year in a row. Under the strict criteria of the European competition, the River Kolpa destination is this year`s discovery in the field of sustainable water-related tourism in Slovenia. The conferral of the title of European Destination of Excellence at the national level will take place in June in the River Kolpa area. The destination will be presented at the European level for the first time during the Open Days 2010 event in Brussels, where the EDEN title will be officially conferred by the European Commission.

The Kolpa is Slovenia`s warmest river. It is suitable for swimming. The numerous walking trails running along the river are also suitable for cycling. Rowing boats, rafts and canoes are available for trips down the river. With as many as 30 species of fish (nine of them on the list of endangered species), the river is popular with anglers. It is an area of outstanding biodiversity, with over 100 species of birds. Karst waters are home to the endemic Proteus anguinus (`human fish`). Other species found in the area include the European pond turtle, otters and beavers. The wider area of the Kolpa is an area of unspoilt nature which is still home to bears, lynx and wolves. Local stories are full of heroes such as Green George and Peter Klepec and other creatures such as the Bilpa Devil and the Kolpa Fairies. Traditional local crafts, a distinctive local cuisine and excellent wines guarantee unique experiences.

The destination is also presented as a European Destination of Excellence 2010 on the European Commission website and Slovenia`s official tourist information portal.

Back to news