Janja Garnbret and Tjaša Slemenšek, amazing climbers and best friends since childhood, enjoy a getaway in Koroška, where they grew up. Find out about their exciting adventures and peek into their long-standing friendship.
Janja Garnbret has been pushing the boundaries of sport climbing for several years, which is why she is often nicknamed the G.O.A.T. And this is her story.
Janja Garnbret and Tjaša Slemenšek have been friends since childhood. Their friendship began at the climbing wall in Velenje, where Janja started training in the third grade. Their mothers agreed that Tjaša would help Janja to socialize in the new environment. Back then, nobody knew that this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
As both girls are extremely busy, every moment they can spend together is a gift. They were overwhelmed with joy when given the opportunity to spend a weekend in Koroška together. Their adventure started in Črna na Koroškem, known as the town of the Olympians.
An over 1,200 metres long zipline (the longest in Slovenia) is named Olimpline, which reminds Janja of her gold Olympic medal. Not only that she won gold, but she was also the first Olympic winner in the history of climbing – what an incredible achievement for a girl of such a young age. But there's more to this place than the Olympic gold, for Janja the Navrški vrh Peak is special also because she planted 200 larch and wild cherry trees here to offset the carbon footprint of her travels during the Olympic season. And since Tjaša has never been here before, Janja is excited to show her around. Both girls are filled with excitement. Tjaša is the first to go down. Is it because she is braver? "No, we are both equally brave, I would even say that Janja is even braver," Tjaša replies. "Even during the training, Janja often left us open-mouthed." They both slide down the zipline and one can clearly see the sparkles in their eyes when they touch the ground. “This is so much fun, I don’t know why I haven’t done this yet,” says Janja.
As the day turns into evening, the girls head to Dravograd and on to Radlje ob Dravi, to the Green Resort known for its glamping cabins by the water. The resort also holds the Slovenia Green label, which unites all efforts for sustainable tourism development in Slovenia. Nearby, the Drava Bike Trail, a 710-kilometre cycle path connecting 4 countries, is located. Janja and Tjaša sit by the fire and enjoy a cup of hot tea. They both agree that it has been far too long since they last took a break. Late into the night, they laugh and reminisce about their childhood. "A truly unique experience with my best friend. I'm really grateful to have her in my life," says Janja.
The girls wake up full of impressions, grateful for a relaxed morning ahead, which is really something rare for them. A basket full of breakfast goodies is waiting for them outside the glamping house and it all seems that another unforgettable day is on the horizon. Soon Janja's phone rings, bringing smiles to the girls' faces, as they know exactly who is calling. It is Janja's mother, asking them what they would like to eat. "Our mothers know that we always come in a package," explains Janja, laughing. "I have even been to Tjaša's parents' house for lunch alone. They are all very happy that our friendship developed because of their interaction." Nowadays, Tjaša trains children in Velenje and her sincere wish is that also among them such beautiful stories of friendship would be formed.
Janja's and Tjaša's visit to Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia's historic city, is not complete without a stroll through the Old Town. The inscription "Centre of the World" on the facade of the Carinthian Regional Museum catches their eye. It is dedicated to the "Messenger of Peace" title, awarded to Slovenj Gradec by the United Nations (UN) more than 30 years ago. The town square is also home to the famous Venetian horse by Slovenian sculptor Oskar Kogoj - among other famous locations is the United Nations Palace in Geneva.
One of the most famous cultural institutions in Slovenj Gradec is the birthplace of composer Hugo Wolf, a respected musical virtuoso from the late 19th century. Slovenj Gradec traditionally hosts numerous classical music concerts in his memory, but he is also remembered for the way he drank his coffee, always adding great amounts of sweet cream. Before saying goodbye, Janja and Tjaša enjoy Wolf's famous coffee at the Ančka House. Grateful to have spent some priceless moments together, they both agree that this was an unforgettable weekend which must be repeated as soon as possible.
On their way to Slovenj Gradec, the two are already thinking about the training sessions that await them in the coming week. The competition season starts in spring, which will be here in no time. They are both looking forward to the World Cup in Koper, which was held there for the first time this year. "I've never had so many fans coming to watch the competition live, it was really crazy," says Tjaša. "We really needed a venue like this for sport climbing in Slovenia," adds Janja.
Rich in mountains and forests, Koroška is perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities. A vibrant geological past has shaped intriguing phenomena and treasures of the UNESCO Karavanke Geopark. The underground of Peca has transformed from a former mine to a place of adventure that can be experienced by bike and kayak. History and cultural heritage lovers will love the historic towns of Slovenj Gradec and Ravne na Koroškem.
MoreRich in mountains and forests, Koroška is perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities. A vibrant geological past has shaped intriguing phenomena and treasures of the UNESCO Karavanke Geopark. The underground of Peca has transformed from a former mine to a place of adventure that can be experienced by bike and kayak. History and cultural heritage lovers will love the historic towns of Slovenj Gradec and Ravne na Koroškem.
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