Koroška

The secluded forest land between the hills of Peca and Uršlja Gora and the Alpine valleys that extend far into the mighty mountain range of the East Karavanke Mountains are a true paradise for those that appreciate nature, peace and quiet. There are countless trails leading from one peak to another, and history books confirm that this is indeed an historic land, being the very cradle of the Slovenian nation. Dont miss the Drava River, which both divides and connects this region.

The landscape around Črne na Koroškem in the Upper Mežiška Valley is easy to navigate. The trails to Smrekovško Pogorje (1684 m) with it's Črno jezerce ( Black Lake) and the solitary Olševa (1930 m) with it's ancient cave habitations, Potočko zijalka, are perfect for hiking, whereas the rocky Raduha (2062 m) is a paradise for climbers and Uršlja Gora (1699 m) is great for family trips. The highest peak of the Slovenian Koroška is Peca (2126 m). Inside this huge rock is the mystic home of legendary King Matjaž. The Park of King Matjaž and its surroundingsare great for various sports activities and recreation.

In Winter the park gets a lot of interest in its snowy ice sculptures. Whereas deep underground a completely different story is told – the lead and zinc mining industries with their centuries of digging. Years of mining and the development of the Mežica mine have shaped the lives of the local people as well as the landscape. Visitors can explore the mining tracks in the tourist mine. This picturesque mineral world has a special charm, whilst the technical heritage of the iron industry has its own special home in Ravne na Koroškem.

The Koroška Museum also boasts the Prežihov house of the famous Slovenian writer Lovro Kuhar, better known as Prežihov Voranc (1893–1950) and is where he spent his youth. Amongst other artistic historical monuments are St Uršula, the highest positioned church in Slovenia on the mountain Uršlja gora, the Roman rotunda St Janez Krstnik in Muta and the ecological chapel of St Francis Assisi, which is unique within Slovenia. Close by there is a 23-metre long waterfall called Sedelnikov Slap.

But this is not the end of the Koroška story. The people and places of Koroška have always had a strong connection to the Drava River, Dravograd, as well as Vuzenica and Radlje ob Dravi. Times are gone when raftsmen rowed the Drava River, but at least some of this rafting spirit can be experienced nowadays in a raft ride along the Drava River. On the western side of Pohorje the Mountaineers' tourist centre of Kope is fast becoming a holiday and recreational resort, attracting numerous skiing fans, especially in Winter of course.

The town Slovenj Gradec is the administrative, economic and cultural centre of Koroška and a living account of everything that took place in this part of Slovenia during the last two thousand years. The Koroška Regionač Museum has a large collection that leads you through the regions long history. You should not leave the "land of King Matjaž" without having tasted the beer of King Matjaž. For beer lovers this should be a real treat because of it's unique production process.

Koroška tourism: