ABOUT SLOVENIA

"The Green Piece of Europe"

50% of the country is forested

"The Sunny Side of the Alps"

Mediterranean, Alpine & Sub-Continental Climates

"Europe in Miniature"

Eight different geographical regions

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Slovenia is one of Europe's most delightful surprises. Fairytale Bled, breathtaking Lake Bohinj, the majestic and rugged Julian Alps, the lush Soca valley and thriving Ljubljana - wonderful sights and at much less the cost than Western Europe. The amazing variety packed into such a small area makes Slovenia truly a "Europe in miniature".

(quote from Trail Magazine)

Covering a total land mass area of only 20,256 km2, holding a mere two million residents, surrounded by 10,124 km2 of forest and 216 km2 of vineyards, containing three majestic mountain ranges, Triglav being the ruler of all beneath him, carved by crystal clear rivers and lapped by 47km of sparkling coast. All this adds up to one word SLOVENIA.

Geography

Slovenia is wedged between East and West - Croatia and Austria, sharing also borders with Italy and Hungry. Measuring just 20,256 km2, Slovenia is the smallest Eastern European country, about the size of Wales or Israel. Much of Slovenia is mountainous, culminating in the North-West with the Julian Alps. From this jagged knot, the main Alpine chain continues east along the Austria boarder whilst also running south-east along the coast into Croatia. The coastal range forms a barrier isolating the Istrian Peninsula from Slovenia's corner of the Danube Basin.

Climate

Slovenia is temperate with four distinct seasons, but the topography creates three individual climates. The north-west has an alpine climate with strong influences from the Atlantic. Temperatures in the Alpine valleys are warm and dry in the summer and cold (below freezing) in the winter. The coast and western Slovenia has a Mediterranean climate with Mild and sunny weather much of the year. Most of eastern Slovenia has a continental climate with very hot summers and cold winters.

Ecology & Environment

Being a very green country - more than half of Slovenia is covered in forest - and is home to 2900 plant species: Triglav National Park is especially rich in indigenous flowering plants. Common European animals (deer, chamois, boar) live in abundance and rare species include the unique 'human fish' that inhabits the caves in the Karst region.

The Slovenian Mountains

Slovenian Alps

Three mighty mountain ranges, The Julian Alps, Karavanke Mountains and the Kamnik Alps, are a haven for trekking, hiking and outdoor activities, adorn Slovenia. Slovenia is without any over saturation by this kind of tourism, nor will it be in the foreseeable future, like many of its Western neighbours. Protected not only by the Slovene Mountaineering Association, but also by The Triglav National Park.

This makes the Slovene mountains a true pleasure to spend countless hours walking in. From climbing the dizzy heights of Triglav 2864m, indulging in countless moments of scenic beauty and breathtaking horizons to discovering many historical areas, especially Ljubelj and Visic, two of the oldest mountain areas in Europe. You can also admire the stunning colours of the endless stretching valleys, Vrata, Tamar, Kot, Krma and the amazing Lorgaska Dolina.

Karavanke Mountain Range

Slovenia holds three of the most diverse and magnificent mountain ranges in Europe, firstly the formidable Karavanke mountain chain. These stretch from East to West, forming the official and natural border between Slovenia and Western Europe, the first country being Austria. This range gives way to 120kms of accessible mountains, containing many impressive peaks including the mighty Stol (2236m).

Kamnik - Savinja Alps

Contained in its length and almost connected with the Karavanke mountains is the second range, The Kamnik Alps, more condensed and sheer than its neighbours, but however offering some great walking opportunities with contrasting views. The Kamnik Alps also house numerous spectacular natural features, including the most renowned waterfall in Slovenia, Slap Rinka, contained in Logarska Dolina, a spectacular alpine valley.

Julian Alps

The mighty and ragged Julian Alps is the third mountain range in Slovenia. This is one of the most beautiful and historical mountain ranges in Europe. A playground for not only numerous walking opportunities, these mountains are rich in historical events and inspired Ernest Hemingway during the writing of "Farewell to Arm's". Various peaks within the Julian Alps especially Spik, Prisank and Mangart, all offer their own unique differences, with sweeping and breathtaking views, none so much as the towering Mount Triglav. He stands proud at 2864m and on a clear day offers a view from his summit of a complete panorama of Slovenia.

Other Facts

Slovenia is Europe's green treasure - situated in the very centre of Europe at the junction of the three geographical regions. the Alps, the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain.
Slovenia is one of the most heavily forested countries in Europe, with a great diversity in animal and plant life. Numerous endemic species live here.
Decorated beehive covers, with 50,000 varieties featuring 600 different motifs, are a special form of folk art, and demonstrate the importance of bee-keeping in Slovenia.
Kozolci are unique wooden hayracks used for storing hay and corn; they can only be found in Slovenia.

Area:	20,256 km2
Population:	1,978,334 (1998)
Capitol:	Ljubljana (270,441)
Religion:	Roman Catholic (82%)
Climate:	Alpine, Mediterranean, Sub Continental
Average Temperatures:	July 25 Celsius January 0 Celsius
Time Zone:	Central European Time GMT+1
Currency:	Slovene Tolar - SIT

Language: Slovene

Hello	Dober dan
Good morning	Dobro jutro
Good evening	Dober vecer
Goodbye	Nasvidenje
Please	Prosim
What's the time?	Koliko je ura?
The bill please	Racun, prosim
Where is the toilet?	Kje je stranisce?
Bus station	Avtobusna Postaja
Bank	Banka
Post office	Posta
Left, right	Levo, desno
Open, closed	Odprto, zaprto

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