Guidebook for Vrhnika and surroundings

Meti
Guidebook for Vrhnika and surroundings

Parks & Nature

Go to the forest! It's spring there. There are trees waiting for you. Magnificent trees that grow silently in peace and whose sap flows to the last tops of the branches. There are birds chirping for you. There is peace, immeasurable serenity. (Phil Bosmans)
THE LJUBLJANA MARSHES, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is an unique landscape at the doorstep of Ljubljana. It is known for rare animal and plant species. Due to peculiar features of marshy ground and the river bed of Ljubljanica River the Ljubljana Marshes have preserved many artefacts from all historical periods and cultures (included the oldest wheel in the world-5200year old). THE BIRDS of the Ljubljana Marches One of the most endangered species is CORN CRAKE(CREX CREX): It’s sound »crack- crack« is similar to grinding a scythe: it got it’s name because of that. Its population is dimishing, as their nests are threatended by early hay harvesting and the use of heavy agricultural machinery. Feathers, powerful wings, hollow bones, warm blood, a remarkable respiratory system, a large, strong heart,... migration of the birds, birds in the winter. WILD EDIBLE PLANTS: In Slovenia there are almost 3500 wild plant, two thirds of them are edible. Wild plants have a much higher nutritive value than grown vegetables and can be called SUPERFOOD: common nettle(Urtica dioica), dandalions(Taraxacum oficinale), ramsons(Allium ursinum), garlic mustard(alliaria petiolata), chickweed(Stellaria media), the shoots of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), Aposeris foetida, ground elder(Aegopodium podagraria), japanese knotweed(Fallopia japonica), and many more. You can explore the area by yourself or with the ornithologists guide, lecturers and performers of workshops on the topic of birds in nature and around us, Zlata Vahčič and Valerija Ferk, lovers of nature, birds and edible plants. They are members of DOPPS, the Society for the Observation and Study of birds of Slovenia. It is a national association that also deals with the protection of birds and their habitats - fields, forests, rivers, lakes, meadows, parks ... They are herbalists, Valerija also a basic phytotherapist - herbalist. Available in Slovene language, English or Italian language on demand. All informations on pticebarjedivje@gmail.com
Bistra
THE LJUBLJANA MARSHES, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is an unique landscape at the doorstep of Ljubljana. It is known for rare animal and plant species. Due to peculiar features of marshy ground and the river bed of Ljubljanica River the Ljubljana Marshes have preserved many artefacts from all historical periods and cultures (included the oldest wheel in the world-5200year old). THE BIRDS of the Ljubljana Marches One of the most endangered species is CORN CRAKE(CREX CREX): It’s sound »crack- crack« is similar to grinding a scythe: it got it’s name because of that. Its population is dimishing, as their nests are threatended by early hay harvesting and the use of heavy agricultural machinery. Feathers, powerful wings, hollow bones, warm blood, a remarkable respiratory system, a large, strong heart,... migration of the birds, birds in the winter. WILD EDIBLE PLANTS: In Slovenia there are almost 3500 wild plant, two thirds of them are edible. Wild plants have a much higher nutritive value than grown vegetables and can be called SUPERFOOD: common nettle(Urtica dioica), dandalions(Taraxacum oficinale), ramsons(Allium ursinum), garlic mustard(alliaria petiolata), chickweed(Stellaria media), the shoots of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), Aposeris foetida, ground elder(Aegopodium podagraria), japanese knotweed(Fallopia japonica), and many more. You can explore the area by yourself or with the ornithologists guide, lecturers and performers of workshops on the topic of birds in nature and around us, Zlata Vahčič and Valerija Ferk, lovers of nature, birds and edible plants. They are members of DOPPS, the Society for the Observation and Study of birds of Slovenia. It is a national association that also deals with the protection of birds and their habitats - fields, forests, rivers, lakes, meadows, parks ... They are herbalists, Valerija also a basic phytotherapist - herbalist. Available in Slovene language, English or Italian language on demand. All informations on pticebarjedivje@gmail.com
Iška Draga and its 7 ponds is a beautiful place near Ig. This is a place where natural secrets rule. Here is water, here are birds and wild edible plants that live in coexistence. This is the place where the magic of the evening reigns. There is a lot to tell and show you: - about the Ljubljana Marshes - formation of ponds in Draga - birds and current events about birds at thecurrent season - flora and fauna in Iška Draga - with a little luck you will be able to listen to the wedding singing of the piece, woodpecker. It is very possible that you 'll see a flock of herons getting ready for bed, maybe a fox will come somewhere nearby. You can experience many things. - Along the way, you will also recognize wild edible plants and gather sagebrush. You can explore by yourself or with the ornithologist, guide, lecturer and performer of workshops on the topic of birds in nature and around us, Zlata Vahčič and Valerija Ferk, lovers of nature, birds and edible plants. They are members of DOPPS, the Society for the Observation and Study of birds of Slovenia. It is a national association that also deals with the protection of birds and their habitats - fields, forests, rivers, lakes, meadows, parks ... They are herbalists, Valerija also a basic phytotherapist - herbalist. Available in Slovene language, English or Italian language on demand. All informations on pticebarjedivje@gmail.com
Iška
Iška Draga and its 7 ponds is a beautiful place near Ig. This is a place where natural secrets rule. Here is water, here are birds and wild edible plants that live in coexistence. This is the place where the magic of the evening reigns. There is a lot to tell and show you: - about the Ljubljana Marshes - formation of ponds in Draga - birds and current events about birds at thecurrent season - flora and fauna in Iška Draga - with a little luck you will be able to listen to the wedding singing of the piece, woodpecker. It is very possible that you 'll see a flock of herons getting ready for bed, maybe a fox will come somewhere nearby. You can experience many things. - Along the way, you will also recognize wild edible plants and gather sagebrush. You can explore by yourself or with the ornithologist, guide, lecturer and performer of workshops on the topic of birds in nature and around us, Zlata Vahčič and Valerija Ferk, lovers of nature, birds and edible plants. They are members of DOPPS, the Society for the Observation and Study of birds of Slovenia. It is a national association that also deals with the protection of birds and their habitats - fields, forests, rivers, lakes, meadows, parks ... They are herbalists, Valerija also a basic phytotherapist - herbalist. Available in Slovene language, English or Italian language on demand. All informations on pticebarjedivje@gmail.com
AT THE TOP NEXT TO A MOUNTAIN HUT ON HILL PLANINA ABOVE VRHNIKA THERE IS A WOODEN TOWER. if you have two hours of time, I invite you to a brief, but very interesting trip. You can reach the tower and the hut from different directions or by foot or by car. In the summer you walk in a pleasant shade, and in the winter the ways are well shoated. Because of its proximity, it is a popular excursion point that attracts many nature lovers and others who are gathering the condition for more demanding tours. The fastest hikers come up to the hill in half an hour, but families with small kids need two to three hours walk. You can go by car via Zaplana (Jerinov gric). This is about 11 km of driving.
Planina nad Vrhniko
AT THE TOP NEXT TO A MOUNTAIN HUT ON HILL PLANINA ABOVE VRHNIKA THERE IS A WOODEN TOWER. if you have two hours of time, I invite you to a brief, but very interesting trip. You can reach the tower and the hut from different directions or by foot or by car. In the summer you walk in a pleasant shade, and in the winter the ways are well shoated. Because of its proximity, it is a popular excursion point that attracts many nature lovers and others who are gathering the condition for more demanding tours. The fastest hikers come up to the hill in half an hour, but families with small kids need two to three hours walk. You can go by car via Zaplana (Jerinov gric). This is about 11 km of driving.
3,5 km from our apartment there is a gorge called "Star Maln" (Old Mill Lodge) - there is a spring of a stram. There is also a nice tavern that offers food and drinks to the trekkers and joggers. There it is really very good and not expensive to eat. However, it is opened only on Saturdays and Sundays. The actual address is Betajnova 80, but you have to park around 50m before arriving at the destination. It is 10 minutes of drive away. I strongly recommend you to visit this lovely place.
Star maln
80 Betajnova
3,5 km from our apartment there is a gorge called "Star Maln" (Old Mill Lodge) - there is a spring of a stram. There is also a nice tavern that offers food and drinks to the trekkers and joggers. There it is really very good and not expensive to eat. However, it is opened only on Saturdays and Sundays. The actual address is Betajnova 80, but you have to park around 50m before arriving at the destination. It is 10 minutes of drive away. I strongly recommend you to visit this lovely place.

Arts & Culture

LJUBLJANICA RIVER EXHIBITION: Stroll through different periods of Vrhnika's history, from prehistoric times to the present day ...Vrhnika has a long and important history and a large part of it is attached to the River of Seven Names, Ljubljanica. Learn the story of the town where the oldest known wooden wheel in the world was found, old as 5,200 years. The town where, in Ljubljanica, one of the longest logboats in Europe was discovered, dating back to Roman times. The exhibition will impress you and you'll be wowed by the mosaic wall.
my Ljubljanica
32 Tržaška cesta
LJUBLJANICA RIVER EXHIBITION: Stroll through different periods of Vrhnika's history, from prehistoric times to the present day ...Vrhnika has a long and important history and a large part of it is attached to the River of Seven Names, Ljubljanica. Learn the story of the town where the oldest known wooden wheel in the world was found, old as 5,200 years. The town where, in Ljubljanica, one of the longest logboats in Europe was discovered, dating back to Roman times. The exhibition will impress you and you'll be wowed by the mosaic wall.

Entertainment & Activities

The Technical Museum of Slovenia is located at Bistra near Vrhnika, It is housed in what was originally a monastery but later became a grand mansion. Both settlement and manor take their name from the clear karstic springs, which issue forth from under the adjacent wooded hillside. Rebuilt and refashioned on several occasions, Bistra has enjoyed a variety of cultural, political, economic and social roles over the centuries. From 1260 to the dissolution of 1782, it was a Carthusian monastery; following renovation in 1826 Bistra served as manor house, and since 1951 it has been the home to the nation’s Technical Museum. http://www.tms.si
9 persone del luogo consigliano
Museo della tecnica della Slovenia
6 Bistra
9 persone del luogo consigliano
The Technical Museum of Slovenia is located at Bistra near Vrhnika, It is housed in what was originally a monastery but later became a grand mansion. Both settlement and manor take their name from the clear karstic springs, which issue forth from under the adjacent wooded hillside. Rebuilt and refashioned on several occasions, Bistra has enjoyed a variety of cultural, political, economic and social roles over the centuries. From 1260 to the dissolution of 1782, it was a Carthusian monastery; following renovation in 1826 Bistra served as manor house, and since 1951 it has been the home to the nation’s Technical Museum. http://www.tms.si
LJUBLJANICA AND THE VRHNIKA PONDS offer plenty of possibilities for FISHING.We invite nature and fishing enthusiasts to purchase a fishing licence for the ponds, managed by the Fishing Family Vrhnika which has existed since 1955. They are managing the districts: the Ljubljanica from its springs in Močilnik and Retovje to the bridge in Podpeč with all the tributaries, a little pond at Ribiški dom Sulec in Sinja Gorica, the ponds Opekarna in Verd, the pond Ribčev ribnik in Bistra and the pond Lokev in Logatec. You can test your skills and enjoy flyfishing, float fishing, fishing from the boat and spin fishing.
Pot na Tojnice
Pot na Tojnice
LJUBLJANICA AND THE VRHNIKA PONDS offer plenty of possibilities for FISHING.We invite nature and fishing enthusiasts to purchase a fishing licence for the ponds, managed by the Fishing Family Vrhnika which has existed since 1955. They are managing the districts: the Ljubljanica from its springs in Močilnik and Retovje to the bridge in Podpeč with all the tributaries, a little pond at Ribiški dom Sulec in Sinja Gorica, the ponds Opekarna in Verd, the pond Ribčev ribnik in Bistra and the pond Lokev in Logatec. You can test your skills and enjoy flyfishing, float fishing, fishing from the boat and spin fishing.

Drinks & Nightlife

They make a range of true-to-style, session and specialty beers, primarily for the Slovenian market but increasingly for export within the EU and beyond. Their TapRoom. is the best place to drink HumanFish in. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 3pm to 10pm. Their beers are known for their drinkability; a fact they like to personally confirm regularly. They are available in 0,5L bottles for session beers, 0,33L bottles for specialty beers and 30L one-way kegs for export markets.
Tržaška cesta 27
27 Tržaška cesta
They make a range of true-to-style, session and specialty beers, primarily for the Slovenian market but increasingly for export within the EU and beyond. Their TapRoom. is the best place to drink HumanFish in. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 3pm to 10pm. Their beers are known for their drinkability; a fact they like to personally confirm regularly. They are available in 0,5L bottles for session beers, 0,33L bottles for specialty beers and 30L one-way kegs for export markets.
They make a range of true-to-style, session and specialty beers, primarily for the Slovenian market but increasingly for export within the EU and beyond. Their TapRoom. is the best place to drink HumanFish in. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 3pm to 10pm. Their beers are known for their drinkability; a fact they like to personally confirm regularly. They are available in 0,5L bottles for session beers, 0,33L bottles for specialty beers and 30L one-way kegs for export markets.
HumanFish Brewery
27 Tržaška cesta
They make a range of true-to-style, session and specialty beers, primarily for the Slovenian market but increasingly for export within the EU and beyond. Their TapRoom. is the best place to drink HumanFish in. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 3pm to 10pm. Their beers are known for their drinkability; a fact they like to personally confirm regularly. They are available in 0,5L bottles for session beers, 0,33L bottles for specialty beers and 30L one-way kegs for export markets.

Food Scene

We recommend: •Vrhniški štruklji rolled dumplings with dried plums at Restaurants Planina Lodge, Bajc Inn, Bistra Inn, Cankar Restaurant, Kranjc Inn or Stara Kašča •venison in hunter's sauce at the Bistra Inn, •fresh trout at the Fishing Lodge and the Bistra Inn, •roast meats at the Kranjc Inn, •pasta with lobster at the Boter Inn and Pizzeria, •homemade desserts and ice creams at the Hotel Mantova, cafes and cake shops Park and Berzo, •rustic meals at the Jurca Inn, •stews at the lodge on the Planina Hill and the Cankar Restaurant, •homemade chicken and fresh pork sausage at the Mesec Inn in Zaplana, •frog legs at the Fishing Lodge, •Cankar's meal at the Cankar Restaurant
Hrib 11
11 Hrib
We recommend: •Vrhniški štruklji rolled dumplings with dried plums at Restaurants Planina Lodge, Bajc Inn, Bistra Inn, Cankar Restaurant, Kranjc Inn or Stara Kašča •venison in hunter's sauce at the Bistra Inn, •fresh trout at the Fishing Lodge and the Bistra Inn, •roast meats at the Kranjc Inn, •pasta with lobster at the Boter Inn and Pizzeria, •homemade desserts and ice creams at the Hotel Mantova, cafes and cake shops Park and Berzo, •rustic meals at the Jurca Inn, •stews at the lodge on the Planina Hill and the Cankar Restaurant, •homemade chicken and fresh pork sausage at the Mesec Inn in Zaplana, •frog legs at the Fishing Lodge, •Cankar's meal at the Cankar Restaurant

Essentials

You have Mercator, which is a regional brand that offers all the normal European products very near this apartment. One very small one is just 100m away at the end of this street (address: Voljčeva cesta 18, 1360 Vrhnika). And a bigger one is 400m away (address: Cesta 6. maja 10). On the opposite side of the road you can find a pharmacy. Also another one is on Robova cesta 6 . There are also Lidl/Hofer 5 minutes of driving away (Sinja Gorica 106c) and Spar supermarket (Ljubljanska cesta 29). At Ljubljanska cesta 29 (inside the building) is also a pharmacy. Drugstore next to Mantova Hotel is named Drogerija Tuš. There is also a parking place. In the same building is also a bakery.
Cesta 6. maja 10
10 Cesta 6. maja
You have Mercator, which is a regional brand that offers all the normal European products very near this apartment. One very small one is just 100m away at the end of this street (address: Voljčeva cesta 18, 1360 Vrhnika). And a bigger one is 400m away (address: Cesta 6. maja 10). On the opposite side of the road you can find a pharmacy. Also another one is on Robova cesta 6 . There are also Lidl/Hofer 5 minutes of driving away (Sinja Gorica 106c) and Spar supermarket (Ljubljanska cesta 29). At Ljubljanska cesta 29 (inside the building) is also a pharmacy. Drugstore next to Mantova Hotel is named Drogerija Tuš. There is also a parking place. In the same building is also a bakery.

Sightseeing

While in Slovenia, you for sure have to visit Lake Bled (http://www.bled.si/en/) , one of our most famous sights, where you can also swim or rent a sup/a boat to row to the island in the middle of the lake. From Vrhnika, there is only an hour drive via highway. There you can swim in the Zaka camp or at the Castle Baths. In Bled you can park under the Straža ski slope. There you can also go for summer tobogganing. https://www.straza-bled.si/en/Poletje. In Bled the water is not so cold, it usually has about 21 degrees in the summer. Bled Castle has a really nice view! I recommend you to go also to Blejski Vintgar few miles away.
Grajska cesta 61
61 Grajska cesta
While in Slovenia, you for sure have to visit Lake Bled (http://www.bled.si/en/) , one of our most famous sights, where you can also swim or rent a sup/a boat to row to the island in the middle of the lake. From Vrhnika, there is only an hour drive via highway. There you can swim in the Zaka camp or at the Castle Baths. In Bled you can park under the Straža ski slope. There you can also go for summer tobogganing. https://www.straza-bled.si/en/Poletje. In Bled the water is not so cold, it usually has about 21 degrees in the summer. Bled Castle has a really nice view! I recommend you to go also to Blejski Vintgar few miles away.
We recommend viewing the Postojna Cave (https://www2.postojnska-jama.eu/). It is also interesting for children. Part of the way is taken by a small train, and in the cave is also a guide in four languages and audiotourguide in seventeen languages. The entrance fee is high, but I think that it is well worth it. 12 km from the cave is very interesting Predjama Castle in the other direction Lipica Stud Farm (http://www.lipica.org/en/ ) where you can see the performance of these beautiful horses or take a horse carriage. Even more interesting is the visit of the Škocjan Caves. The Caves are under the protection of UNESCO (http://www.park-skocjanske-jame.si/en/)
Jamska cesta 30
30 Jamska cesta
We recommend viewing the Postojna Cave (https://www2.postojnska-jama.eu/). It is also interesting for children. Part of the way is taken by a small train, and in the cave is also a guide in four languages and audiotourguide in seventeen languages. The entrance fee is high, but I think that it is well worth it. 12 km from the cave is very interesting Predjama Castle in the other direction Lipica Stud Farm (http://www.lipica.org/en/ ) where you can see the performance of these beautiful horses or take a horse carriage. Even more interesting is the visit of the Škocjan Caves. The Caves are under the protection of UNESCO (http://www.park-skocjanske-jame.si/en/)
We recommend you to visit the city of Piran, which is without a doubt the most beautiful sea-side city in Slovenia (https://www.slovenia.info/en/places-to-go/attractions/piran-and-salt-pans) and it is only 1 hour away from Vrhnika. Especially during the summer, this is "the" city to visit, This is for sure a trip for one whole day. Mediadom Pyrhani (Kumarjeva ulica 3) Aquarium (Kidričevo nabrežje 4), Pomorski muzej - Museo del mare Sergej Mašera Piran, St. George' Church with a Belfry, a lot of small restaurant, coffee shops...
Fornače 23
23 Fornače
We recommend you to visit the city of Piran, which is without a doubt the most beautiful sea-side city in Slovenia (https://www.slovenia.info/en/places-to-go/attractions/piran-and-salt-pans) and it is only 1 hour away from Vrhnika. Especially during the summer, this is "the" city to visit, This is for sure a trip for one whole day. Mediadom Pyrhani (Kumarjeva ulica 3) Aquarium (Kidričevo nabrežje 4), Pomorski muzej - Museo del mare Sergej Mašera Piran, St. George' Church with a Belfry, a lot of small restaurant, coffee shops...