Slovenia
Only a two hour flight from the UK, nestled in a corner between Italy, Austria and Croatia, this little country, only 20,000 square km in size (roughly the same as Wales), with a population of only 2 million people, boasts almost 10,000 km of marked paths. It is often called “Europe in miniature” for the glorious variety of its scenery, including fairytale castles, alpine flower meadows, gorges and ravines, high limestone peaks and extensive karst caves. It offers some of the best walking in Europe, with 4 long distance trails, including the beautiful E7 trans-European Trail (covering 4330km from Hungary to Portugal), which passes our village.
You’ll find a peaceful, friendly, prosperous country, completely unspoilt by tourism, with stunning scenery. Slovenia joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the Euro in 2007.
We are situated in the Škofja Loka hills, part of the foothills of the Julian Alps. Approximately midway between the capital Ljubljana and Lake Bled, these hills form a marvellous arena for anyone who loves spectacular scenery and unspoilt nature.
The hotel is on the edge of a small village, Podvrh, 900 metres above sea level and at the centre of the walking area. We feel the Slovenian Tourist Board publication "Hiking in Slovenia" on the Škofja Loka Hills sums this area up:
"The ridges and peaks expand in all directions, compelling one to yield to their open beauty and go on and on... With the many hiking variables, this is a world of its own, beckoning the visitor in every season and offering challenges of all levels.... If there was ever a place in Slovenia that could be referred to as a hikers' paradise, a panoply of magnificent landscapes, well-marked paths and comfortable accommodation, this is surely here, where the hills roll to invite genuinely friendly meetings with their hospitable inhabitants - regardless of where one has come from or where one is heading."
