Hiking
Follow the Bear Footprints
DURATION
3 Days
CATEGORY
Hiking, Wildlife Watching
FITNESS LEVEL
Medium
SEASON
April to October
LENGTH & ELEVATION
64km; 2.145m
Description
Following the bear footprints hiking tour is designed for all lovers of nature, hiking, photography and adventures of a lifetime. This 3-day hike gives you a chance to explore the secluded forests of the Kočevje region, observe and learn about its incredible wildlife, sleep far from civilization and try traditional meals prepared on coals.
The path runs along the quiet and remote paths of the protected pristine Kočevje forests and forest reserves that are home to bears and other wild animals. Slovenia is one of the countries with the highest brown bear population, est. 400-500 bears, most of which reside in the visited forests. We assure you that you will see painted and real bear footprints along the trail.
During this three-day guided hiking adventure, we will pay special attention to the responsible entry into the wildlife habitat and to the environmentally friendly travelling practices. Therefore, a large part of the program is dedicated to learning about the life of wild animals, understanding their natural environments and the correct and controlled visit.
Exploring the protected virgin forest Rajhenavski Rog you will learn about the nature that has been untouched for centuries and observe a 500-years old tree, called the Queen of Rog. When climbing the view tower on top of Mount Rog (1,099 m), an incredible view of the surrounding forests will open in front of you. During the tour you will also learn about the cultural importance of the former German villages and Germans who lived in the region up until World War II.
The program includes the traditional breakfasts and dinners prepared on the coals, non-alcoholic beverages and sleeping in the forest huts far away from civilization. Spending two nights without electricity and running water adds charm to the adventure.
BEAR AND/OR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRACTICES
- Sleeping and dining in the forest hut.
- Walking is the only way of moving in the program.
- Roška walkway connects some of the most attractive natural sights of Kočevska.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Hike through the pristine forests and forest reserves
- Learning about wildlife and observing its presence
- Exploring prehistoric Željnske caves
- Views from the Mount Rog (1,099 m)
- Sleeping in forest huts away from civilization
- Workshop of baking bread on the coals
- Tasty traditional grilled dishes
Gallery
Itinerary
For starters: ŽELJNSKE CAVES AND FIRST ADVENTURES
Our adventure begins at the Kočevje Lake, one of the cleanest lakes in Slovenia and a popular local place for relaxation, meeting with friends, water activities, and fishing. At the lake we gather, introduce each other, check if we have all the necessary equipment and briefly present the three-day adventure.
We start our journey by visiting our first destination, the Željnske Caves, which offered shelter to people 20,000 years ago. The prehistoric life in the caves is evident from the stone tools, animal bones and fireplace remains that were found in the place.
The path then leads to the forest reserve Pugled – Žiben where we will witness the cultural landscape of the former German villages. German people lived in the area and cultivated the landscape for around 400 years. During the turmoil of World War II they were forced to leave their houses and today their villages are abandoned and mostly covered with forest.
The first day ends in the forest hut with a snack, followed by a traditional feast (fish, potatoes, meat), prepared on the coals.
VISIT THE VIRGIN FOREST RAJHENAVSKI ROG AND THE QUEEN OF ROG
The second day includes a hike to Mount Rog (1,099 m), the highest part of our journey, and a visit to its lookout tower which offers beautiful views of the surrounding forests. We will also visit the saw Roška that, along with its forest train tracks, enabled the development of this area at the end of 19. century.
Exploring the virgin forest Rajhenavski Rog you will find contact with prehistoric times, inner peace and tranquillity. A 500 years old, 50 m high and 160 cm thick fir tree that is located in this forest will charm you. It is called the Queen of Rog.
We will conclude our adventure in the forest hut with traditional dishes on the coals.
EXPERIENCE THE FOREST RESERVE PRELESNIKOVA KOLIŠEVKA
On the third day of this tour we will visit the forest reserve Prelesnikova koliševka which is a 70 m deep hollow cave covered with primeval virgin pine forest and diverse vegetation which can otherwise be found only in a cold climate, mountains, or in the far North.
We will conclude our adventure and say goodbye at the Kočevje Lake.
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Pre-scheduled dates
- Januar - December Upon request.
*In season, tour can be organised on any date. Please contact us for individual offer.
Prices
PRICE for a guided tour FOLLOWING THE BEAR FOOTPRINTS includes:
- Services of a qualified and experienced guide during the tour
- Learning about the forests and wildlife
- Workshop of baking bread on the coals
- 2-night accommodation in the Kočevje forest huts
- 3 lunch packages, 2 traditional breakfasts and 2 traditional dinners
- Non-alcoholic beverages
For other options please contact us for the offer.
The price excludes:
- Insurance
- Hiking equipment
- Alcoholic beverages
- Transfer to Kočevje
- Other things that are not mentioned as included
Optional additional offer:
- Additional activities before and after the program: hiking and cycling tours, rafting, guided tours through Slovenia, etc.
- Additional reservation of accommodation
- Transfers
*Guided tour is possible on request.
Logistics
The program “Following bear footprints” starts and ends in the town of Kočevje which is located in the southern part of Slovenia.
GETTING THERE
There are 3 international airports within a maximum of 2 hours and a half drive (Brnik, Zagreb and Trieste) from Kočevje. We offer organized transfers from all airports. If you are interested please contact us.
If travelling from the Zagreb airport by car, take the highway from Zagreb in the direction of Ljubljana. Leave the highway in Novo Mesto and follow the signs for Kočevje which is located only 50 km away from Novo Mesto. Leave the Ljubljana ring road at the exit for Kočevje which is located 60 km away from Ljubljana.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- One guided group can include a maximum of 10 people.
- A minimum of 4 people is required to guarantee tour departure.
- Before the beginning of the program the guide will provide you with all the important information you need to know before starting the journey.
- Before the beginning of each daily tour the guide will provide you with all the detailed information about the daily program.
- Fourteen days before the arrival you will receive all the detailed information about the implementation of the program.
FAQ
You can find answers to frequently asked questions here: FAQ.
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