If you’re considering a nature trip to Europe, don’t miss out on the hidden beauty of the Slovenian Alps. The small nation of Slovenia is densely packed with thousands of species of wildlife and boasts a uniquely biodiverse landscape.
Located between Croatia and Austria, with a tiny coastline bordering the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia was once part of Yugoslavia until the breakup of the former Soviet Union. About 60 percent of this country is forest, boasting the largest indigenous population of brown bears in Europe, and it’s still expanding. Reforestation efforts throughout the nation add more than one million newly planted trees each year.
In addition to these vast ranges of forest, there roughly 10,000 caves to explore in Slovenia. The longest, Postojna, runs for more than 12 miles underground. Then there are the stunning Slovenian Alps. Found in the northeast, near the border of Italy, these mountains feature water-carved gorges as well as soaring snowcapped peaks.
There are numerous waterfalls for hikers to enjoy in the Slovenian Alps, the tallest of which is the Sum waterfall, plunging 65 feet down into a wooded, moss-covered crevasse. Many of the gorges and waterfalls feature wooden walkways for easy travel, and these trails welcome bikers, hunters, birdwatchers, and nature photographers from all over the world.
In addition to the some 24,000 different species of wildlife that call Slovenia home, including roe deer, wolves, and lynxes, the Slovenian Alps are also a botanist’s dream. With many endemic plants found nowhere else, the area hosts the annual Bohinj Wildflower Festival each spring.
Take a look at this beautiful video shot in the Slovenian Alps, and see for yourself the stunning beauty of this unique landscape.
Featured Image from World of Magic/Unsplash
