NORTHWEST SLOVENIA (Gorenjska)

Gorenjska is the far northwest of Slovenia, an area of barren alpine peaks and sheer cliffs plunging to fertile valleys of meadows and forest. It is an area of incomparable beauty, of which the best-known parts are the lakes of Bled and Bohinj. Visitors have come to Bled for hundreds of years to marvel at the lake with its clifftop castle and unique chapel-topped island. Bohinj, at the centre of the Triglav National Park, is protected against development and is thus an unspoilt paradise for walkers and bird-watchers. Gorenjska is also the centre of skiing in Slovenia, with Kranjska Gora being the best-known resort and the ski jumping at Planica attracting thousands of visitors every year. The king of the region is undoubtedly Mt Triglav, at 2,864 metres the highest peak in Slovenia, which has looked down on all below it like an owl for all time, and has a special place in Slovenian folklore. The Gorenjska region is perfect for lovers of outdoor activities of every description, with year-round fun including skiing and snowboarding in winter, as well as hiking, trekking, climbing, mountaineering, mountain-biking, rafting, rowing and swimming in summer. The easiest way to experience the high alps is a short drive to the top of the serpentine Vršič pass, with spectacular views of the Slovenian and Italian Alps. Gorenjska is also a region of beautiful, sleepy villages and medieval towns, with abundant gostilnas (inns) for a hearty meal.