We begin by crossing the mighty Sava River on canoes and climb from the valley floor to command breathtaking views in all directions. Then it’s all lush valleys, ancient villages and farms accompanied by Slovenian hospitality with sumptuous meals and local wines. The views of rolling vineyard dotted landscapes are captivating, mysterious sinkholes are skirted, and river valleys crossed amidst the cavernous karst country.
Stage 9: Geoss – Štangarske Poljane to Stage 15: Semič – Otok
Crossing the Sava river is one of the highlights of our walk today, along with touching the geometrical centre of Slovenia in Geoss, beautiful meadows and gorgeous forests. At some points today, the path virtually disappears and we rely completely on our guides to take us through the forest. It’s a magical experience, making you feel as if you are the first to come through this enchanted forest.
Tonight’s accommodation is famous for weddings in Slovenia. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a peek into the rich Slovenian culture through the food, dancing and wedding celebrations. For wine, try cviček which is produced by a local vineyard in Debeli Hrib. One of the rare wine varieties made from both red and white grapes, cviček has a unique flavour loved by many and with relatively low alcohol content, it’s a great option for the end of the day.
An easier walk today, through forests and farms, the opportunity to drink from one of Slovenia’s fresh mountain springs and visit Bogenšperk castle, a 16th-century castle, considered by many to be one of Slovenia’s most beautiful castles.
As we cross through farms, you’ll see many of the barns and haystacks throughout Slovenia are decorated, carved and over a century old. With the mountains, meadows and valleys as gorgeous backdrops, they look like they’re out of an old European movie.
Tonight’s accommodation is one of the most popular with guests. A gorgeous family-run hotel with multiple generations all putting their heart and soul into every inch of it. They take great pride in both their beautifully designed hotel and their meals. With incredible knowledge and a wonderful wine selection, they pair wines with our meals and can answer any question about wine or you can choose from the extensive list yourself.
Enjoy lunch at the base of a castle, explore forests, enjoy easier walking and a gentler pace today. On our way to Mirna castle, we pass through beautiful forests, cross small streams and pass an old wine press, giving us a great insight into farm life here years ago.
Despite covering 19kms today, the walking is easier so we get back to the hotel with time to enjoy a wine tasting at the bar, relax in your room or explore the area a little.
We return to our accommodation from yesterday but that doesn’t mean the meal will be the same. Each night is different, with a set menu for our party of authentic Slovenian meals. The crème brûlée is particularly popular for dessert, perfectly made every time from a family recipe.
We continue walking today through quiet, picturesque roads, forests with sinkholes and end the day at Domacija novak, a gourmet treat as well as exploring a stunning castle above a river and picturesque waterfall right at sunset. Passing gorgeous rivers, we go through meadows, farms and even a few small hobby wineries. Most Slovenians grow grapes in these areas and depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to taste a variety, fresh from the vine.
Our meals and accommodation tonight are at a delightful old farmhouse where the focus is on slow, local food. Producing everything they serve or sourcing it locally, the family takes great pride in ensuring the freshness of everything. Another location with an extensive wine list and knowledge of wines, your meal is lovingly prepared and perfectly paired with a wine for your enjoyment, whether you enjoy crisp whites or deep reds.
Cute churches, a unique river which flows through rock, not under or over it, stunningly blue and turquoise water along with castles being reclaimed by the forest are the highlights for today. Following the river Krka, we see watermills, bridges, historical buildings and mini waterfalls as the river weaves its way along.
Soteski grad is the best-known castle we will see today. Once large and colourful, it is now being taken over by the forest, making the experience of exploring it ethereal.
Tonight we stay at a popular spa and wellness location where you have time to explore and book in treatments if you wish at one of the major wellness centres. For dinner, the restaurant is a delight where they utilise delicious herbs and spices in their cooking, along with being able to recommend excellent wines to pair with your meal.
Today, before we reach Semič, you’ll be able to look across the valley right through to mountains in Croatia. It is a stunning view we reach after coming through forests. From here, we weave our way down past numerous small farms with vineyards sprawling in front of them.
Often, as we pass through, farmers come out to greet us and share their produce. Proud of what they grow and create, they love greeting travellers and hearing of your experiences in their country.
Tonight we stay at tourist farm Kalska domačija. Situated in the middle of a village called Štrekljevec, in the south-eastern part of the municipality of Semič, it has beautiful views you can enjoy from the balcony. As with the other tourist farms, everything is cooked fresh here and most items sourced locally, along with an ample cellar on the lower floor.
Our final day of walking is predominantly along a main road lined with unique Slovenian houses and gorgeous forests. As we finish this stage, you may share drinks with locals then head up the final section. Turning from the road to the Dakota plane at Otok, a sense of achievement washes over you, having completed the full 280km walk through Europe’s hidden gem, Slovenia.
Tonight we spend our last night together at tourist farm Kalska domačija. It’s a special feeling to reminisce with those who have done the journey with you, discuss your favourite parts, the funny moments, stories from your life and where you’ll go from here. Our meal is lovingly prepared with fresh ingredients, leaving you feeling full, refreshed and ready to continue your travels the following day.
