The 74.49-hectare Krokar primeval forest reserve lies on Mount Borovška gora and is the largest remnant of primeval forest in Slovenia. The Pragozdna pot Krokar circular trail runs to the edge of the primeval forest, but not into it: it is about two kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 150 metres. When planning, you can therefore choose between a walk around the reserve and an experience that offers insights into the forest.
The experience uses a VR headset. It shows 15 different locations in the Krokar primeval forest, a 360-degree view and two videos about the life and function of trees. Check availability before booking. If you prefer to focus on a single landmark when exploring nature, Kraljica Roga offers a different point of interest: the fir tree is 55 metres tall, has a circumference of over 500 centimetres and stands not far from the Rajhenav primeval forest.
Caves, trails and castle ruins
You can visit the Željne Caves independently or as part of a booked guided tour. Access is via a forest path that starts at the car park in the village of Željne. Suitable sportswear, sturdy footwear and a lamp are required. The Škrilj bunker has a different access requirement: it may not be visited without an escort.
The history of Fridrihštajn Castle can also be explored by choosing a specific route. Count Friderik Celjski had the castle built for Veronika Deseniška between 1423 and 1425. The ruins can be reached from Kočevje via a short climbing route or a hiking trail. As trail conditions can affect access, it is advisable to check them before your visit.
Kočevje’s urban history and lake
At the Kočevje Regional Museum, two dates come together in one location: the museum was founded in 1952 and has been housed in Šešek House since 1963. The themed walking tour of Kočevje also offers an insight into the town’s history. It includes 23 buildings and two bridges and presents important milestones in the town’s history. On the tour, you can also view a 3D reconstruction of the former Kočevje Castle using a dedicated app. The museum and the town tour explore history in different ways: one at a fixed location, the other along several stops throughout the town.
Lake Kočevje provides a contrasting landscape. The artificial lake covers about 39 hectares and is almost 40 metres deep. It was created between 1973 and 1978 in the basin of a brown coal mine. During the summer months, swimming, surfing, sailing, diving and fishing are possible there.
Getting around and regional cuisine
A culinary cycling tour through Kočevsko combines the ride with the guidance of a local guide as part of the “Okusi skrivnostnega gozda Slovenije” programme. The programme includes a forest picnic at Rudniško jezero with Beljanov’s wild boar goulash and MATT beer. As the programme and food offering may change, check availability before booking. The programme at the Borovec nature trail offers a different nature experience: it includes a walk from the village of Borovec, with views of the Kolpa Valley and the Krokar primeval forest, and ends with a forest picnic featuring local specialities. Here, too, it is advisable to check availability before booking.
For local information, the TIC Jezero information centre provides cultural, tourist, sports and other information about Kočevsko; check the current visitor services before travelling. Regular passenger services run from Kočevje railway station to Ljubljana. Check the timetable and train services before your journey. This lets you choose between nature, urban history, caves and culinary experiences according to your interests, while keeping in mind the relevant conditions for trails, visits or programmes.
Discover more destinations: Osilnica, Kočevje, Banja Loka, Vrh pri Fari, Cerknica, Ravne Na Koroškem, Radlje Ob Dravi, Črnomelj.
Go to the main travel overview: Slovenia.
