Kočevsko represents one of the best-preserved and rounded forest habitats in Europe and offers the most heartfelt experience of nature and contact with many different plants and animals. Almost 90% of the region is covered by forests and among them are some of the most preserved areas of Slovenia and even Europe. In Slovenia, there are 13 preserved primeval forests, while 6 of  them are located in Kočevsko, with the best-known being Rajhenavski Rog and Krokar primeval forests.

The primeval forest is a forest in which man has not intervened. Here, development follows natural laws and everything takes place without the interference of man. Because of this, these forests are also very important classrooms where we can learn from nature. In primeval forests, we do not chop down trees, we do not remove fallen/dead trees, or gather berries, mushrooms, etc. Entry is prohibited, so we have diverted hiking tracks along the edges, from where you can peek into some of the most beautiful parts of these forests.

The value of the Krokar primeval forest was additionally confirmed in 2017, by the inclusion of this area onto the prestigious UNESCO World Natural Heritage List, because it represents one of the key remains of beech forest associations that have survived the Ice Age and began to spread to central Europe and Carpathians.

Duration: 5 hours
Season: April to October
Physical difficulty: medium
Suitable for: nature lovers, families with children, couples, individuals, small groups
Mandatory equipment: good hiking shoes

Program description:

Primeval forests are forest groups that, according to their composition, structure, and growth, have completed their stages of development and have remained absolutely untouched by humans for centuries. Primeval forests are small in size, but they preserve primal nature, which enforces its natural laws without any human intervention. Therefore, we do not cut, manage or encroach on those areas. We also do not enter them, but only observe them from the arranged paths along their edge.

The adventure starts at the Hostel Bearlog, where you will meet your local tour guide who will let you know about the program of the experience. Because entry to primeval forests is forbidden we will start with a virtual reality experience in which you will be able to »enter« the UNESCO Virgin Forest Krokar, feel the silence of this area and the mightiness of its trees. With the help of VR technology and VR glasses, you will »walk« between 15 different locations inside the primeval forest and observe the 360-degree view of those areas. You will also get to watch 2 videos. In the first, you will observe the structure of the forests and trees, the circulation of nutrients, water and energy, the process of photosynthesis, and so on. In the second video you will get to see the life cycle of trees. Everything is shown very graphically, aesthetically, but based on scientific grounds. 

We will continue our experience in Kočevska Reka, which was settled in the 14th century by farmers from Germany and Tyrol, who due to unfavorable economic conditions, started to leave the area at the end of the 19th century, and had completely left sometime before and after the World War II. In decades following the war, Kočevska Reka was part of an enclosed area, therefore the landscape in its surroundings remained well preserved and nature stayed intact. Today, it is famous for the thickest walnut tree in Slovenia and an artificial lake, which was declared a forest reserve as an important natural habitat, that is home to one of the few surviving specimens of the white-tailed eagle. Special observation points were set up around the lake to observe this rare bird. 

After a short drive, we will arrive at our starting point for hiking along the Krokar primeval forest trail. Here you will feel astonished by the inner peace and the silence of the centennial giants. Such an amazing feeling can only be awakened by observing these centuries-old trees, animals, and pristine nature, which has been creating its own laws for thousands of years. Our local tour guide will take you along the trail which leads to the peak Cerk that offers a view over the primeval forest and further on to the edge of the primeval forest. Along the hike, the guide will explain a lot of interesting facts and stories about the surrounding area, the primeval forest, and its inhabitants.

After a good hour of hiking, we will drive to a second location in the vicinity – Loška stena with a beautiful view over the Kolpa River valley and its surrounding hills and forests, where we will »recharge our batteries« with a well-deserved snack of local delicacies prepared for you in a forest picnic basket.  

We developed this program according to sustainable tourism standards and with the smallest possible impact on the environment, especially the wildlife.

Price:

140 EUR/person (2 people)
100 EUR/person (3 people)
80 EUR/person (4 - 8 people)

The price includes:
- Qualified and experienced guide for the duration of the trip
- All transfers around Kočevsko included in the program
- A picnic basket with local delicacies
- Organization

Contact and inquiries:

For reservations or if you have any questions, you can email us at: info@kocevsko.com.

We look forward to your visit of Kočevsko - The Secret Forest of Slovenia!