At the heart of Velika Polana is Dežela štorkelj Park. The area combines a marsh and wetland landscape with routes exploring regional themes: white storks, Danijel Halas and the history of individual places offer a range of ways to visit. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between routes and visits that require prior arrangements.

Wetland Landscape and Stork Village

The park is home to native plant and tree species typical of the local marsh and wetland landscape. The composition of species may change seasonally. The Štrkova educational trail provides information about white storks and other local sights. The park therefore focuses both on the landscape and on exploring local themes.

Velika Polana and Mala Polana hold the title of “European Stork Village,” awarded to them by the Euronatur Foundation in 1999. The title applies to both villages; the park itself is located in the centre of Velika Polana. This distinction helps clarify the geographical relationship between the two visitor destinations without conflating them.

Pilgrimage Route, Educational Trail and Cycling Route

The Halasova pilgrimage route connects places where Danijel Halas lived and worked. You can complete the whole route or travel it in stages, on foot, by bicycle or by car. The parish church in Velika Polana is stop 8 on the route. The pilgrimage route thus offers a choice of transport and the option of visiting the whole route or just sections of it.

The Dolinska pot cycle route passes through Velika Polana and Mala Polana. It is also described as suitable for families, partly because of the flat landscape, safety, low traffic, opportunities to take breaks and additional activities. As the route may change, check its current course before setting off. This lets you include the cycle route in your plans without relying on an unchanging route.

Miško Kranjec Homestead and Remembrance

The Miškova pot walking trail starts at the Miško Kranjec Homestead in Velika Polana. Visits to the homestead are possible by prior appointment; arrange your visit before you arrive. This keeps the visit planning distinct from the walking trail’s starting point: the trail begins at the homestead, which can only be visited by appointment.

The Danijel Halas Memorial Room displays objects he used, photographs of his work and funeral, and a portrait. The exhibition combines personal belongings with images documenting various aspects of his work and remembrance. For travellers interested in the history of Danijel Halas, it complements the pilgrimage route’s historical connection with tangible exhibition objects.

Copekov Mill and Crafts

Near Velika Polana, Copekov Mill is protected as a historic monument and is considered an example of ethnological heritage. It is the only surviving mill on the Črnec stream. The restored waterwheel is still in operation. Visits require prior arrangements; check access before you arrive.

Nearby, Pomelaj offers visitors a visit to a traditional homestead and organises craft workshops. Traditional skills, including weaving with willow and twigs, are taught there. Visit arrangements and workshop availability may change; check the arrangements and available dates with the venue in advance. These additional activities differ from the routes: the focus here is on an arranged visit and learning about crafts.

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