Cycling along the bear paths
Do you like cycling and enjoy spending time in unspoiled nature? Then this program was made for you. During the cycling, which will encompass almost 100 km, you will get to observe nature and wildlife, and you will also take part in other activities where you will learn even more about the forest and its inhabitants. Have adrenaline run through your body and push your limits while getting to know the many beauties of Kočevsko.
Program duration: 3 days
Season: April - November
Cycling length: 99 km (27 km on first day, 35 km on second day and 37 km on third day)
Fitness: good (e-bike – medium)
Basic equipment: bicycle or e-bike (possible rental at extra charge); helmet
Minimum number of people: 2
Maximum number of people: 8
Package description:
- you will start your journey in Kočevje, from where you will visit the wilderness,
- on the first day you will drive 27 km through the forest and the karst landscape where you will visit the learning paths and footpaths along the way and try horseback riding and fishing,
- you will end the day in Kočevska Reka with observing animals,
- on the second day you will drive 35 km and cycle near the Krokar Primeval Forest,
- you will descend into the Kolpa River Valley,
- you will be able to go on a steep climb to Castle Kostel,
- along the path by the river Kolpa you will get to see old mills,
- you will end the day at Domačija pri Skendru,
- on the last day you will cycle for 37 km,
- you will climb to the forest of Kočevski Rog,
- the rides will mostly take place through the forest trails,
- you will also be able to arrange and go to other adventures,
- you will finish the route in Kočevje.
Program schedule:
First day (length: 27 km, ascent 450 m):
On the first day, we set off from Kočevje into the wilderness. A well-kept macadam path with not too steep ascents and beautiful sections for descents leads us mostly through the forest until we descend into the Reško-Goteniška valley. Along the asphalt road through the karst landscape, full of typical sinkholes, we reach the final stop of the day - Kočevska Reka, which represents the main village of the valley. In the 14th century, it was inhabited by German and Tyrolean farmers, who began to emigrate at the end of the 19th century due to economic conditions. By the Second World War, the village was completely evicted, but today it is best known for the thickest walnut tree in Slovenia with a circumference of 434 cm and for the artificial Lake Kočevska Reka, located below the village, which represents an important natural habitat.
During the stops along the way, it is also possible to also stop by the forest educational trail at Rožni studenec (spring). We can also stop in Koče, where a couple of restored houses with original architecture remain. Among them is also the birthplace of Peter Kozler, the author of the first Slovenian map and national awakener, and co-founder of the Kozler Brothers Brewery, the predecessor of one of the largest Slovenian breweries - today's Union Brewery from Ljubljana. In Koče we can also find the Ranch Marina, where you can switch from your bike to a horse saddle.
After arriving to Kočevska Reka, where we will spend the night, you can go on a tour of Lake Kočevska Reka and the Eagle's Trail or take a walk along the Borovška footpath. You can visit "Bear's Room" or try fishing by the lake. You can end the day by observing the animals from the observatories by the Eagle's Trail, or, by prior arrangement and extra charge, accompanied by a local hunter, go to observe bears from specially built observatories.
Second day (length: 35 km, ascent 510 m):
The second day of cycling will take us along the beautiful scenic road to the vicinity of the forest reserve Pragozd Krokar on the slope of Borovška mountain above Kolpa. It is the largest of the six primeval forest remains of the Kočevsko forests and is also included in the UNESCO list of natural heritage. It is important because of the remnants of beech forests that survived the Ice Age and from there began to spread towards Central Europe and the Carpathians.
Only a 30-minute walk from the village of Borovec, the bike path begins to descend all the way to the valley of the Kolpa River. Upon arrival to the valley, according to your wishes, we can go up to the top of the hill (a very steep part!), on which stands the once-mighty Kostel Castle. The castle offers excellent views of the valley of Kostel.
Continuation of the path to Laze leads us along the river Kolpa the entire time. This path offers countless opportunities for stopping and resting by the water, and in the summer months, Kolpa is also suitable for swimming. We can also see a couple older, more or less preserved mills, where there will be some opportunities for refreshments as well. The latter is also available at the final destination, Domačija pri Skendru/Skender Homestead, where you can end the day with fishing, canoeing or kayaking, as well as archery.
We also see some old, more or less preserved mills, where we will have time for refreshments, which will also be available at the final destination, Domačija pri Skendru, where you can also try fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and even archery.
Third day (length: 37 km, ascent 830 m):
The last day mostly consists of cycling. From the Valley of Kolpa River, the path ascends into the mighty forest of Kočevski Rog, which accompanies us all the way to the end. After the first ascent, a beautiful view of the Kolpa valley opens up. In Predgrad you can try out what it's like to be on the "pranger", an ancient pillar of shame, and in Knežja Lipa you can go see the archeological trail Po neznani spahi.
Other opportunities for sightseeing along the way are mostly jointed to extensions of daily cycling and are very inviting. Among them is Žaga Rog with the remains of what was once the largest sawmill in the Kočevsko region along with a forest railway and a beautiful clearing for picnics. On this day we also see Rajhenavski Rog, one of the most famous remnants of the primeval forest in Slovenia or even just the "Queen of Rog", a five-century-old beauty and the most powerful fir tree in the area, which reaches over 50m in height. The adventure ends in Kočevje.
The program has been developed in accordance with the standards of sustainable tourism and with the least possible impact on the environment, especially on wild animals.
Price:
650 EUR/person (2 people)
550 EUR/person (3-4 people)
450 EUR/person (5-8 people)
The price includes:
- 3 days of cycling
- company and guidance of a qualified and experienced local guide
- presentation of the life and characteristics of bears
- tracking signs of the presence of wild animals in their natural environment
- a visit to the bear room
- evening bear watching accompanied by a local hunter (surcharge 100 EUR / person)
- baggage transport according to the program
- 3 x lunch, 2 x dinner and 2 x breakfast (all meals include local ingredients)
- 2 x overnight stays
- navigation package
Contact and inquiries:
Zavod Kočevsko
T: +386 31 544 744
E: info@kocevsko.com
We look forward to your visit to Kočevsko, the Secret Forest of Slovenia.