Diversity
- The intermittent Lake Cerknica that can cover up to 26m2 of the Cerknica Polje at times of high water. Photo: UKOM archive
In Slovenia the natural world is dominated by green, while the country features diversity and contours in all regions. Slovenians are extremely proud of the achievements of their compatriots, and the historical, cultural and natural heritage is a true fount of inspiration. Where else could you admire hay racks, Lipizzaners, potica cake, beehive panels and the Carniolan bee, wrestle with the dual in Slovenian or learn so many dialects in such a small geographical area? Or admire unspoilt natural beauty.
Over the centuries this historical record has influenced the national culture and character of the young country.
Regions
- Sečovlje saltpans at sunsets. In the area of the Sečovlje saltpans landscape park (864 ha), 45 endangered plant species can be found. Photo: J. Skok /STB
Because Slovenia lies at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain, and the Dinaric Mountain Range, through the centuries, the individual Slovenian regions have developed various forms of economic activity, ways of life and cultural creativity. Among the greatest treasures of these regions are the diversity of dialects of the Slovenian language, different lifestyles, gastronomic traditions, popular entertainment and other aspects of the everyday life of the local people.
This diversity is best presented through the traditional regions of the country: Gorenjska (Upper Carniola), Dolenjska (Lower Carniola), Notranjska (Inner Carniola), Primorska (Littoral Region), Štajerska (Styria), Koroška (Carinthia) and Prekmurje (Over-Mura Region).
Nature parks of Slovenia
For a relatively small area, Slovenia offers a unique mosaic of biological, geographical and cultural diversity, with dozens of major natural assets and items of significant European cultural heritage. Around 12,6% of Slovenia’s territory is cover by protected natural areas, 36% of the territory is protected under Natura 2000, and almost 15,000 aspects of the country’s nature have been awarded the status “valuable natural feature”.
Nature parks of Slovenia -published by Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, 2011 (in several languages)
Links
Natural heritage
Ljubljansko Barje - The largest Slovene and southernmost European wetland.
Postojna cave - One of the most attractive Karst caves
Sečovlje Salina Nature Park - National park, traditional manual gathering of salt in salt fields, plants and animals gallery
Slovene Julian Alps - Destinations, Activities, Programs, Accomodation
The Škocjan Caves Regional Park - UNESCO's world heritage site, underworld the virtual guide.
Triglavski narodni park - The Triglav National Park, the only Slovenian national park
Triglav National Park - Part of the website "Slovenia Landmarks" provides interactive map of the park
Volčji Potok Arboretum - The most visited horticultural amenity in Slovenia.
Cultural heritage
Castles in Slovenia - An overview of Slovene castles, mansions and palaces (mostly in Slovene)
Lipica - The cradle of the Lipizzaner horse
Slovenia-Europe`s sleeping beauty - Heritage Trails from Idrijca to the Kolpa
In your pocket
In Your Pocket website brings several city guides of Slovenian towns, regions, etc. The website offers its print publications for free download, in full, in PDF format.