BELA KRAJINA REGION:
WINE & WILDERNESS
ALONG THE RIVER KOLPA
TOUR DESCRIPTION
BELA KRAJINA
BICYCLE ROUTES
The routes are not signposted, although there are signs (in Slovenian) leading to major sights that can help you find your way.
Most of the information boards found at the natural and cultural attractions are in Slovenian, with a few of them also in English.
The routes follow paved local and regional roads, while some shorter parts run on gravel country roads.
The way to the source of River Lahinja
PLANNING YOUR TOUR
The tour takes 2-4 days to finish.
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1 arrival day + time for other activities
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2 cycling days
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1 day for other activities + departure
You have plenty of time for frequent stops at sights and attractions. You can try out other activities as well, for example taking a boat down the River Kolpa, going for a hike, going bear-watching, or just having a swim in the crystal-clear water of the Kolpa.
In the evenings, the towns of Metlika, Semič, and Črnomelj await with their events and festivals.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
START THE TOUR IN PODZEMELJ
The tour starts in Podzemelj, where you can stay at the Podzemelj Campsite. It offers mobile homes, glamping houses, and camp spots for those with a tent or a caravan.
THE BLUE ROUTE
Cycle the route from Podzemelj to Metlika and Semič. On the way back, stop at the beautiful source of the River Krupa which flows from under a great rock. Return to Podzemelj via Gradac.
THE GREEN ROUTE
Cycle the route from Podzemelj to Vinica and Črnomelj. On the way towards Vinica, cycle through the Kolpa Nature Park and through birch forests, a characteristic of Bela krajina. On the way towards Črnomelj, stop at the Lahinja River Source, which can be found in the Lahinja Nature Park.
THE END OF THE TOUR
Completing the two routes, you will have cycled around 100 km (62 miles) altogether, with the elevation gain of 660 m (2,165 ft).
Metlika Castle
WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE
DURING THE TOUR
You will cycle through two nature parks, see two karst river springs, and learn about the cultural traditions and history of the region at museums in Metlika and Črnomelj.
The tour leads you through dense virgin forests, the natural habitat of bears, wolves, and lynx. You also cycle through birch forests, a characteristic of the region. Along the way, you can see how the landscape is shaped by karst (limestone) features, as well as by the River Kolpa. You can freshen up in the crystal clear and warm Kolpa, with Slovenia on one side and Croatia on the other.
Apart from cycling, there are plenty of natural and cultural attractions as well as other activities awaiting you along the way: museums, craft shops, old architecturally well-preserved buildings, and even an airplane, which was used during World War II.