Slovenia, located on the shores of the Adriatic, has good neighbors (Italy, Hungary, Austria and Croatia) and is tiny in size. Its area is equivalent to that of Wales. His charm, too. Like the British country, Slovenia is a territory brimming with nature and biodiversity. In just over 20,000 square kilometers there are one of the largest forested areas in Europe and 40 protected areas.

Kayaks on the crystal clear waters of the Soča River

The Eastern Alps characterize the country's relief and provide a network of deep valleys, crystalline rivers, torrents and underground waters that have turned this country into a perfect place for water and adventure sports. In summer, Slovenia offers you a range of possibilities so that, without being overheated, you can improve your physical fitness.

Tourism in Slovenia: What is this about?

Nattule summarizes them in five options according to your adventurer profile:

1. Better in a group

Slovenians are characterized by their friendliness. They are always willing to lend you a hand. Their hospitable nature is similar to yours, who travel in a group to expand your natural friendliness. And to socialize the effort. Teamwork will be useful for you. rafting, king of Slovenia's water sports.

Every year the rivers of Slovenia attract multitudes of adventurers who come from all over Europe to practice their descent. The two most popular are the Soča and the Sava, which originate in the north of the country, inside the Julian Alps, although they later take opposite directions. Any of them are good for getting your college group back together.

If you decide to tour the Soča, also known as the emerald river, it is best to go to Bovec, a town located in the upper part of the valley. Bovec lives almost exclusively from tourism and there are many companies that carry out activities there. The descent begins at Boka waterfall and during the first part of the route it is quite calm, which will be good to check how your coordination is.

Rafting on the Soča: excitement in an unparalleled environment

Then things get complicated with rapids and waterfalls until we reach the town of Trnovo. The landscape is a plus for choosing this river, since the Soča valley runs between immense beech forests and karst structures that will not leave you indifferent. To give you an idea, this place was the setting for the movie The Chronicles of Narnia.

If you have discovered that you work better together than separately, you can repeat the experience at the top of the Sava river, which crosses Slovenia diagonally. You will find several rafting companies in Kranjska Gora, a small town located on the banks of the river that changes course during the winter and becomes a meeting point for skiers. The Sava runs through a huge gorge in this part, but the descent is quite simple. As it does not have many rapids, it is a good option for the less daring.

Teamwork to avoid the rocks

2. For romantics and nostalgics

If you have a more calm profile or, suddenly, your partner feels like going on a romantic excursion and you want to surprise him or her, Slovenia is your ideal destination. From north to south, this country is full of unique natural corners to visit on a boat.

In the northwest of the country, the Lake Bled It is one of the most emblematic nature destinations in Slovenia. Sail in a canoe this wonderful lake of glacial origin, surrounded by mountains of spectacular green, and row Even the small island where the Church of the Assumption is located will make you understand that you are in a unique enclave full of history.

It is a place straight out of a story. The panoramic views you have from the castle tower that crowns this lake are the best gift. I recommend that you visit it at sunset, the best time of day to admire this landscape.

Tradition and romance at Lake Bled

Another of the most unique places is located less than 27 kilometers southwest of Bled and just over an hour from Ljubljana. Here you will find the Lake Bohinj, a gem that, although it does not have the celebrity of Bled, does beat it in authenticity. In full Triglav National Park, has become one of the most popular Slovenian nature destinations along with visiting the Triglav peak, the highest mountain in the country.

Located at the foot of Mount Vogel, it is a place that is said to be two days behind the world. Retreat of famous novelists and philosophers, such as Jean Paul Sartre, the surroundings of Bohinj are surrounded by nature, stillness and mysticism. With an unparalleled natural wealth, it is possible to canoe or swim in its waters while observing the perpetual snow that covers the tops of the peaks that surround it.

Tandem ride on Lake Bohinj

Further south, the Kolpa River. Throughout its more than 110 kilometers, it offers you another of the most picturesque routes that you will be able to take by kayak. Although the waters are calm and not too demanding, the scenery you are going to navigate is almost unknown, with wide tree-lined banks and clear, very well-preserved waters.

From Osilnica The river begins to be navigable, but to see the true spectacle that this river offers you you must go to Kočevje and later to Dol, from where the entire Slovenian side of the river is a Regional Park.

On the other hand, if you like to investigate the past, the Drava river, a former communication route between Central Europe and the Balkan Peninsula, offers one of the most unique activities you can practice in Slovenian waters. Thanks to the Maribor Tourism Association, the traditional rafting on wooden rafts It has been recovered to, instead of carrying goods, offer tourists the possibility of exploring the waters of the east of the country, with Maribor and its natural landscapes as a backdrop, and thus getting to know the true soul of Slovenia.

The spectacular landscape of the Drava banks (adventures in Slovenia)

3. If vertigo is not a problem

The Julian Alps are Slovenia's water park. But more authentic, because a slide is not comparable to a waterfall. He canyoning It is one of the most exciting activities you can practice in this destination and the options to do it are very diverse.

From fully prepared and equipped canyons to facilitate your descent to small hidden gorges, suitable only for the most daring. Settling into Bovec, there are at least 25 descents within a 30 kilometer radius. Although it is necessary to make some notes.

The first thing you should keep in mind is that there are certain restrictions and that descending some canyons is not allowed. The second thing is that to practice this sport in Slovenia it is mandatory to be accompanied by a guide. It is best to be well informed before starting to release rope, because the fines are substantial.

Vertigo descents (adventures in Slovenia)

The most famous of the cannons in Slovenia is that of the Sušec stream. To get to it from Bovec you have to take the car towards Kobarid and leave it in Spernica. From there, a path emerges that takes you to the end of the canyon, where you will have to cross a bridge and walk a little to reach the first waterfall. The descent, short and more or less simple, is made up of successive jumps and slides. A good option for the less initiated.

If you want to get away from the traffic a little, the Kozjak ravine It is an interesting option. From Bovec you have to go to Kobarid and, once there, take the road that goes to Drežnica. After the bridge at the exit of the town, you have to take the path on the left at the end of which you can park.

The rest of the journey is done on foot, crossing the Soča River and leaving the waterfall on the right until you reach the water. The descent through this narrow ravine is gloomy but spectacular thanks to its Rocky formations of limestone.

Descending the Kozjac ravine (adventures in Slovenia)

The Bohinj Valley is another area frequented by lovers of this sport. You can visit the Jerečica canyon, which has numerous slides and descents ideal for beginners. On the other hand, if you are one of the bold and already have previous experience, dare yourself with the challenge of Grmečica cannon (thunder in Slovenian). In it you will have to descend with the help of ropes through waterfalls more than 8 meters high.

4. An adrenaline rush

Kayaking and, to a lesser extent, hydrospeed are two of the most popular water sports in Slovenia. If what you are looking for is fun, risk and strong emotions, this country offers endless stretches of fast water to satisfy you. The majority of water courses located in the northwest area, Julian Alps, are ideal for practicing these sports.

You must not forget that the sections that in many countries are classified for kayak expert level, maybe in Slovenia they may be listed as a kid's game. The mountain rivers await you, the limit is on your side.

If you are not very experienced and are still a beginner, it is best to opt for areas more suitable for your level. The Soča, from its passage through the city of Trenta to Tolmin, is a emerald water scene spectacular and has sections suitable for each category. Local companies are responsible for processing permits.

A peaceful kayak trip (adventures in Slovenia)

Other very interesting channels for beginners are those of Sava and Savinja, which are located in the central part of the country. In cities like Radovljica and Kranj, on the banks of the Sava, the characteristics of its waters make them ideal points for days of learning. In Luce and Ljubno you will find a good offer of kayaking and hydrospeed, if you decide to explore the waters of the Savinja.

The most demanding stretches of water are located in the vicinity of the country's capital. The waters of the Sava near Ljubljana present a extreme difficulty, only suitable for experts. At the same time, other sections of some difficulty that can be found in Slovenia are located in the waters of the Krka, in the south of the country, where you must follow the instructions of the experienced guides to overcome fun areas of waterfalls.  

For lovers of hydro, a kind of floating sled, and the fins the waters of the Soča are the best option. If you are one of them, these wild, crystalline waters guarantee emotions that are difficult to forget. From the spectacular Boka waterfalls near the town of Zaga, downstream to Trnovo and the vicinity of the Kobarid bridge. The companies put the routes at your disposal and you put the courage.

Kayak against hydrospeed on the Soča river

5. Not suitable for claustrophobics

The miners of Mežica, on the border with Austria, excavated over 3 centuries an area of more than 1,000 kilometers of tunnels and wells in the adjacent Peca mountain range. In 1994 the excavation was closed and water began to flood the lower tunnels, giving them the appearance of underground lakes. Now, you have the opportunity to explore this magical world in an activity that combines kayaking with caving, offered by the Mežica Mining Museum.   

First you will travel a 3.5 kilometer gallery by train and then descend the 95 meters on foot to the water level, where the kayaks are waiting. You won't have as impressive views as sailing the Soča River, but the tour through the galleries of Mežica will make you feel immersed in a Jules Verne adventure.

Kayaking in the depths of Mežica © Mežica Mining Museum

On your trip to the center of the earth you will descend through an underground river to a depth of 700 meters, where a tunnel maze and small lakes with calm waters to explore with the only light from your helmet flashlight. The route ends with small rapids that add excitement to the adventure.

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Slovenia's waters are full of character. They seem made to measure for you, that when it comes to pedaling you are more into the Tour de France than into Bicycle Day. And that when it comes to paddling you prefer rapids to oceans. Therefore, by choosing Slovenia, you choose yourself.

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