Wildlife
With almost 60% of the surface covered in forests, Slovenia is a green oasis offering a perfect shelter for many kinds of wildlife. It is one of the few European countries where three large carnivores can be spotted, i.e. the brown bear, the grey wolf, and lynx. Slovenia boasts 400–500 brown bears, which ranks it among countries with the highest bear population in the world. Most of these bears are found in the Kočevsko forests. There, one can find many remains of virgin forests, where nothing but nature has ruled for millennia without any human interventions.
The following programs have been designed to offer various adventurous wildlife and outdoor experiences. The UNESCO-listed natural heritage sites, wildlife observation, and educational activities can be enjoyed here combined with light sporting activities, lively hospitality, excellent local food, and professional guidance.
We have developed most of our unique wildlife watching and educational programs in collaboration with the LIFE DINALP BEAR project and the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana. All programs are designed according to sustainable tourism standards with the smallest possible impact on the environment, especially the wildlife.
Hiking
Follow the Bear Footprints
This 3-day hiking route lets you explore the incredible nature of the Kočevje virgin forests, observe its wildlife and learn about it – especially about the brown bears that densely populate the area. Sleeping in the forest huts far from civilization and enjoying the traditional meals prepared on the charcoal will complete this unforgettable adventure in the wilderness that is accompanied with rich knowledge of experienced local guides.
DURATION
3 Days
CATEGORY
Hiking, Wildlife Watching
FITNESS LEVEL
Medium
SEASON
April to October
LENGTH & ELEVATION
64km; 2.145m
Wild life watching
Bear Watching in Slovenia (Day tour)
A day filled with educational forests walks, wildlife tracking and great photo opportunities is completed by bear watching from a special observatory, located deep in the unspoiled Slovenian forests. Although short, the tour provides for a full immersion in nature.
Duration
1 Day
Suitable for
Families with older children, Couples, Individuals, Small groups
Season
April to October
Physical difficulty
Medium
The possibility of meeting
Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Deer, Badger, Forest birds, Owl, Water birds
Wild life watching
Winter Wolf Tracking
The programme is intended for all enthusiastic observers of wildlife and is very suitable for photographers. The two days full of adventures are suitable for those who want to discover the magic of unspoiled nature, enjoy the magnificence and appeal of the Kočevje forests, and meet their inhabitants in the winter. The snow in Kočevsko is more frequent and abundant than elsewhere. The unspoilt wild landscape through which the group will snowshoe while looking for traces of wolves and other wildlife thus represents an ideal environment for active winter holidays.
Duration
3 Days
Suitable for
Small Groups, Families, Couples
Season
November to March
Physical difficulty
Medium
The possibility of meeting
Wolf, Lynx, Forest Birds, Owls, Deer