By: Lea Kalc Furlanič
Loška dolina with Babno polje is located in the heart of Inner Carniola, right on the southern edge of Slovenia. In this secluded corner, untouched nature reveals beautiful scenes in every season. It intertwines with the tradition-infused lives of the locals, where an authentic rural pulse can still be felt.
“The mysterious Karst world and rich history of Loška dolina often offer surprising experiences, as well as deep peace and tranquillity in its seclusion. We enjoy it here, and we will do everything to ensure that you also have a beautiful experience,” said the Public Institute for Tourism and Culture Snežnik.
Exciting experiences
Indeed, in Loška dolina, one’s eyes can rest, the mind can calm down, and the body can relax. Its surface area of 167 square kilometres is covered with forests, Karst fields, and hills. Approximately 4,000 inhabitants live in 21 charming and well-kept settlements, where the wood and metal processing industries provide their livelihoods. However, an increasing number of people, together with the municipal public institute, are engaged in tourism. How could they not be, as Loška dolina is a true paradise for hikers, cyclists, nature, and cultural heritage enthusiasts, as well as those interested in old customs and local cuisine. Exciting experiences such as observing bears, squirrels, and other forest animals in their natural environment, descending into underground caves, climbing nearby peaks, walking in the footsteps of history, trying out traditional farming activities, experiencing the secrets of Snežnik Castle and its estate, and much more, are magnetic attractions for even the most demanding visitors. “In the municipality of Loška dolina, we cannot overlook a series of highly successful tourism stories that not only serve as good examples of rural development potential but also inspire us with their originality and perseverance,” emphasised Zdenko Truden, the director of the Public Institute Snežnik.
The land of idyllic haystacks
In early summer, when the air is filled with the scent of freshly mown grass, the visitor’s attention is undoubtedly drawn to the so-called haystacks scattered across the mowed meadows. Technically, they are just tools for drying hay, but symbolically, they are part of the identity and pride of Loška dolina, also known as the land of haystacks. Visitors can witness the art of creating haystacks (trimmed tops of spruce trees planted in the ground, surrounded by partially dried clover and hay) at the traditional ethnological event called “Ob košnji”. This year, it will take place on Saturday, June 17th.
Paradise for Cyclists and Hikers
In addition to its rich cultural heritage, which includes the nationally significant Snežnik Castle, as well as ethnological attractions such as farms, mills, and haystacks, Loška dolina is a paradise for cyclists and hikers. Numerous easy and challenging hiking trails (to Loški grad, Križna gora, Račna gora, Gornje Poljane, Snežnik, along the Heritage Trail of Loška dolina – this hike will take place on October 15th this year) invite hikers from near and far. Moreover, the European long-distance hiking trail E6 and the international hiking trail Via Dinarica pass through this area. Cycling through the diverse landscapes of Inner Carniola is a true delight for all types of cyclists, including more demanding touring or mountain bikers.
Sacral Heritage
As emphasised by the Public Institute Snežnik, the Parish of Stari trg pri Ložu is one of the richest in Slovenia in terms of churches. It is adorned with 22 churches. As a central parish, this parish already existed in the 12th century. Priceless sacral monuments include the central parish church in Stari trg, the church of St. Jedrt in Nadlesk, the pilgrimage church of the Holy Cross on Križna gora, and others.
In addition to these monuments, the locals also invite visitors to explore traces of history, such as ancient trade routes, border lines, remnants of the Rupnik Line, memorial plaques commemorating the former partisan hospital Snežnik, the memorial at the site of the former Nadlesk Allied airfield, the monument to the fallen in the National Liberation War on Ulaka Hill, and more.
