Kobala

It is a popular paragliding and hang gliding take off. Kobala is well known for its competition site and also for a great starting point for the long flights over the country around southern crest of the Julian Alps. The best conditions for long flights are with generally weak winds blowing from the north or east. However, the west wind, suitable especially for local flying, is more common.

Take off is a nicely maintained meadow on the pointed top of the forested Kobala hill at an altitude of 1080 metres above sea level. Two take off directions are possible depending on the direction of the wind. Suitable wind directions are: east, south-east, west and south-west.
GPS coordinates: N 46 10.86, E 13 46.76

Lijak

Lijak is one of the most popular flying sites in Slovenia. From Autumn to Spring it provides enough thermal activity for good flying. Unlike other take offs it is exposed to less sunlight related to the most favourable flying conditions with a weak general south-west wind.

This take off is a well maintained clearing in a forest located on the sharp edge of the Trnovo plateau at an altitude of 585 metres above sea level. The suitable wind directions are: south, south-east, south-west.
GPS coordinates: N 45 57.81, E 13 43.41

Stol

Being set in the high Julian Alps peaks, Stol is a paradise for a paragliding pilot. Its over 20km long panoramic ridge tops provide extraordinary opportunities for long cross country flights and large scale competitions.

Ideal flying conditions are with a very weak general north or north-east wind for cross-country flying and a weak south-west wind for local moderate flying. Stol is the highest take off in Soca Valley. It is often found as the only take off above the inversion layer ideal for thermal flying.

This take off is a meadow in the middle of a vast, grassy mountain slope at he AMSL altitude of 1405m.
GPS coordinates: N 46 16.36, E 13 28.39

All these three sites are hugely popular among the pilots from all over the Europe. Slovenia offers you unlimited paragliding possibilities for whatever you may be looking for from perfect holiday to the long cross country flights. Lots of paragliding schools head to Slovenia to enjoy their paragliding courses. In addition, top Czech manufacturer tests their famous glides there Axis paragliders.

Are you considering becoming a pilot yourself? Slovenia could be the right place for you. Check this offer! You will start your paragliding course by learning all necessary skills on the small hill. After 5 days of training you will move to Lijak, where you finish your course off by passing the final exam and flying in the Alps. In just eight days of intensive course, you may receive your pilot license that allows you to fly in most countries around the world.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Richard Dedeyan

The full name of this mountain is Kamnik–Savinja Alps. Their northern part – Kamnik Alps – is derived from the name of the town Kamnik. While the southern part is situated in the basin of the river Savinja and therefore is called Savinja Alps.

Mountains can be divided into several areas. The highest and largest of these is the central ridge. Here you will find the most popular tourist mountain peaks such as Jezerska Kočna (2540 m), Grintavec (2558 m) and Skuta (2532 m). The best starting points are the village Jezersko and Logar Valley (Logarska dolina). On the west lies a part called Storžič. Other groups are: Mrzla gora, Krvavec-Kalški greben, Velika planina. The minor parts then include Raduha, Rogatec and Menina planina.

Kamnik–Savinja Alps offer a dense network of marked trails. You can also use secured routes, some of which are among the toughest in the country. Accommodation possibilities are also on a very high level – especially chalets are available at all important places and major resting points.

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The history of the city and its monuments
The first mention of the town Bovec dates back to the 11th century. Perhaps the most valuable historical monument in the town of Bovec is the Church of St. Leonard from 15th century, which has recently been renovated. Other sights of the city were extensively damaged during the World War I. As the memory of this period there is a museum dedicated to objects of the World War I, situated right in the city centre.

Sports activities and excursions into the beautiful natural attractions
Bovec is mainly a winter resort but also an important starting point for many hiking trails leading trough the Julian Alps. A ski resort is situated on the slopes of Kanin mountain (2587). Even in summer the local lift is in operation. You shouldn’t miss a tour to the nearby waterfall Boka, which is – with its height of 1000 meters – one of the highest waterfalls in Slovenia. It is located 5.5 km from the town of Bovec. In summer you can additionally try here such as canoeing, rafting on the emerald-green Soča River, skydiving, horseback riding, playing tennis and fishing, or even hang-gliding from the Bovec airport.

Tourist information
There are many accommodation facilities in the town of Bovec. In addition to guest houses and hotels there is also a campsite available. You can use the post office, pharmacy, wellness center and ski services as well.

To Bovec you can get using air transport. The nearest international airport is located in Ljubljana. Another option is by bus or car. Train connections are not possible here.

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Healing water – Black thermal water
The total water surface covers an area of 5000 m2. Thermal pools are filled with the black thermal water, which is great for treating rheumatism, skin diseases, respiratory problems and post-operative conditions. Do not forget to take off the silver jewellery before entering the pool, otherwise it turns black within a few minutes.

Multiple water attractions
Thermal Spa Terme 3000 have also plenty of water features such as slides with audio and visual effects, geysers, water slides, waterfalls, massage jets, sauna world and a special children’s Riviera. You can also try massages and wraps with a medicinal mud. Thermal Spa Terme 3000 offers you a shop with cosmetics, which main ingredient is already mentioned black thermal water.

Unique Accomodation
Once you decide to visit Terme 3000, you could also think about staying here in a unique five-star Hotel Livada Prestige, which is probably the only hotel in the world where you can find thermal water in almost every room. There are also a tourist village with chalets, camping, or several other hotels.

The water park is open every day from 09:00 – 21:00 (during the summer season from 08:00) and the basic admission is €13,50.

For further details visit the official site of Terme 3000.

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Basic information
Maribor is an important transport hub, especially for those travelling from Central Europe to Croatia or from Eastern Europe to Italy. But this city deserve more, not just passing through. There are galleries, museums and also the university, which was founded in 1961. But the main attraction is the four hundred years old, still nascent, grape-vine in Lent – the oldest part of the city. Through the city flows the river Drava, where you can try a traditional raft ride.

History of Maribor
Maribor originated from the village below the Markburg castle. It was first mentioned in 1208, the name Maribor is used only since the late 19th century. There is also a large railway junction (the oldest railway crossing Slovenia) and the highway to Zagreb, Ljubljana and Graz. Until the World War I, there was a large minority of Germans living in Maribor. But they had to leave after the first, and then also after the Second World War, so now the city is purely Slovenian.

Old Vine (Stara trta)
The old grape-vine on the banks of Lent was discovered during the renovation of the port. It was found that this forgotten grape is perhaps the oldest in Europe (three hundred to four hundred years old). Ceremonial harvest of these precious berries of wine is at the end of October. However the wine of this origin can hardly be bought. You could get it only as a present and only if you are really very important visitor to the city of Maribor.

Maribor’s Squares
Core central area of ​​Maribor includes the Main Square (Glavni Trg) and Slomškov Square (Slomškov Trg). On the Main Square you can see the Plague Column made by the sculptor Joseph Straub, which commemorate the tragedy of 17th century, when a third of Maribor’s residents died of black death. On the same square you can admire the old Renaissance Town Hall (Rotovž), through you can walk to Town Hall Square (Rotovški Trg). On the Slomškov Square you can see the monumental church and great facade of the classicist theater.

Lent International Summer Festival
Bank of river Drava, formerly a major port or residence of rafters and small craftsmen, is now a promenade with many cafes and restaurants. It is suitable for pleasant walks. Lent is also a place of the annual international music, theater and entertainment festival. It is held for approximately two weeks at the end of June.

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Falls from the Ice Age
Pericnik Waterfall consists of two parts. Higher one is 16 meters high and the lower one 52 meters. A beautiful waterfall is a relic of the Ice Age, when the local largest glacier in the valley of Vrata, located on the northern side of the Julian Alps, created the beautiful valley stretched from the village Mojstrana to the northern foothills of Triglav.

Peričnik Waterfall is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Slovenia.

Above the waterfall there is Vrtaška plateau, which is known for its rich fauna and flora. Waterfall flows into the stream of Bistrica. The waterfall is beautiful also in winter, when there are countless icicles that have subtle shades of blue and green colors.

Peričnik Waterfall is protected as a natural phenomenon and is included in Triglav National Park.

Access to the lower waterfall is easy, since it is possible to get almost here by car from Mojstrana. In Mojstrana be aware of the exit road to the valley of Vrata. After about three kilometers of driving, you come to the Cottage under Peričnik. Here there is a sign of the administration of Triglav National Park with information on the waterfalls. Then walk just a few steps through the trail and you’re already under a magnificent 52-meter-high lower Peričnik Waterfall. You can also walk around, but it is recommended to take a waterproof jacket (and helmet) with you.

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One national park and many other regional parks are located in the Dolomites. In August 2009, the Dolomites were declared a natural heritage site by UNESCO.

The Dolomites are located at the north of Italy and forms the border with Slovenia, Austria and Switzerland. To the east they are surrounded by Julian Alps and to the west by Swiss Alps.

The main centres of Dolomites are Cortina d’Ampezzo, Brunico, San Martino and Canazei.

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Two others just after Vrtoglavica cave are the cave Patkov gust in Croatia with 553 meters pitch and Da Keng in China with 519 meters.

Vrtoglavica Cave is located in Slovenia, very close to the borders with Italy, in the Kanin mountain, which is the part of the Julian Alps. The nearest town is Bovec.

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The entrance to the gorge is paid and a basic adult ticket costs 4 Eur.

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The history of the castle dates back to the 13th century, when there is a first mention. At that time, a castle was built in Gothic style and was called Luegg. Today’s version of the Renaissance castle dates from the 16th century. In 1810 was Predjamski Grad owned by Count Michael Coronini von Cronberg. In 1846 the castle was sold to Windischgrätz family. They owned it until the end of the second World War II, when it was nationalized by the Yugoslav Communist authorities and turned into a museum, which is still located here.

Predjamski Grad has 5 floors. Today the castle is one of the biggest attractions in this area. Tours take place only in the summer and lead through the 15 rooms and a gallery. There are lots of various events in the castle such as the medieval tournament Erazem. Also you can make a wedding ceremony here.

Predjamski Grad was used as the castle featured in the 1986 movie Armour of God (film) by Golden Harvest starring Jackie Chan, Alan Tam, Rosamund Kwan and Lola Forner.

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