On the Planinsko polje, which covers more than 10 km² on the southern edge of the Municipality of Logatec, recurring floods shape the landscape. Several times a year, usually in spring and autumn, the water overflows; floods can last up to two months. The Unica meanders across the karst field and disappears into swallow holes at Grčarevec. The southwestern part is protected as a landscape park. The watercourse, karst landform and protected area are all integral parts of the landscape here.
Karst Valleys and Their Habitats
About 11 km northwest of Logatec, the wooded Zelena-Dolina lies between Hotedršica and Medvedje Brdo. The area is shaped by forests and clearings, but above all by wet meadows. Water collects in the dolomite in a system of springs and streams in the bed of the Hotenjka. It flows south through the main valley towards Hotedršica. The Zelena-Dolina thus offers a chance to observe landforms, watercourses and habitats together.
A circular hike through the Žejna and Zelena-Dolina valleys follows an easy-to-walk, partly gravel route and takes about two hours. The trail is accessible year-round, although surface conditions may change in winter. The hike passes through a valley with diverse plant and animal life, including rare species. Dragonflies, stone crayfish and yellow-bellied toads are part of the fauna in the Zelena-Dolina; together with nearby Žejna-Dolina, the area is also known for several species of carnivorous plants. Because of its diverse plant and animal life, Žejna-Dolina is included in the Natura 2000 network as a special conservation area.
Building History and Historic Routes
In Medvedje Brdo, St Catherine’s Church and its cemetery are an important part of the development of Baroque religious architecture in the Logatec area. Its building history stretches from a late-medieval church conceived for the site of the Chapel of St Gabriel, through alterations in the 17th and 18th centuries, to additions in the 19th century, when the western bell tower and sacristy were added. The different construction phases reveal how the church developed over a long period.
Lanišče Fortress is the only reconstructed part of the Claustra Alpium Iuliarum system in Slovenia. It stands on the western edge of the Hrušica Plateau, above the still-visible route of a former Roman road that connected Aquileia with Emona, present-day Ljubljana. The Logatec War Museum offers another perspective on military history: its objects cover every period of Slovenian war and military history. Logatec Castle adds to the town’s historic character.
Napoleon’s Avenue is another historic place in the area. It is designated as a historically landscaped site, with 290 lime trees lining a 1,900-metre road. Dolenji Logatec lies in the central part of the Logatec Basin, in the valley of Inner Carniola, along a former freight route between central Slovenia and Primorska. These places highlight different aspects of the region: religious architecture, Roman transport routes and the history of connections through the area.
Hiking, Cycling and Special Experiences
For a longer cycling route, the challenging Veliki krog offers an almost 60-kilometre ride, with a designated start and finish in Zapolje. It passes through the Rovtarsko Hribovje, by numerous viewpoints, and mostly along quiet local roads with little traffic. There are several developed drinking-water springs and a few inns along the way where you can stop for a break. Its length and challenging nature offer a different way to explore the area than the roughly two-hour circular hike through the two valleys.
One section of the circular walk through Hotedršica includes a climbing wall on a brick-built Notranjska hayrack. You can climb there under the guidance of a mentor. If you plan to try this activity, check availability in advance. You can also fly in the AERODIUM Logatec wind tunnel: no prior experience is required, and an instructor accompanies participants throughout the flight. Check the booking conditions in advance.
Another local speciality is Pekarna kot nekoÄŤ. Bread and other baked goods are made there using a traditional method with natural sourdough starter. The bakery uses locally produced flour ground on a traditional millstone. If you plan to visit, check the sales arrangements beforehand.
The Ljubljana–Logatec cycling route provides access to the heart of the Notranjska region, and Logatec can also serve as a starting point for further excursions. You can return to Ljubljana by bike or train. If you plan to take the train, check the latest services.
Discover more destinations: Logatec, Laze, DomĹľale, Radlje Ob Dravi, Koper, Zagorje Ob Savi, Lenart, Slovenska Bistrica.
For the overview of destinations: Slovenia.
