The “European Destinations of ExcelleNce” project or, in short, EDEN was designed by the European Commission in accordance with the guidelines of the European tourism policy. The overall objective of the project is to draw attention to the value, diversity, and shared characteristics of European tourist destinations, and to promote destinations, where the economic growth objective is pursued in such a way as to ensure the social, cultural, and environmental sustainability.
In Slovenia we decided to participate in the EDEN project in order to identify and award the most sustainable or green destinations, which act in accordance with the principles of environmental, socially responsible, and cultural sustainability, and thus facilitate their further development.
Visit EDEN destinations and discover the hidden pearls of Slovenia!
This time we present you the Kolpa river, European Destination of Excellence in 2010
Rivers, lakes, waterfalls, the sea, springs of thermal and mineral water -- when it comes to water, Slovenia is the treasure house of Europe. Slovenian tourism develops in coexistence with water. Sustainable principles of development are inseparably connected with the conservation of natural features and the purity of water. Tourist destinations which have found their own special advantages in water competed to become Slovenia’s European Destination of Excellence in 2010. The title was won by THE KOLPA RIVER: TOUCH THE STORY.
At the southern edge of Slovenia the unique river Kolpa links a picturesque destination to neighbouring Croatia. Here, the river Kolpa is full of surprises with its natural channel, rapids, gorges, and gravel beds, while the countryside along its banks is remarkable for its biodiversity and a wealth of natural and cultural features such as steljniki – stands of birch trees with bracken undergrowth. One of Slovenia's warmest rivers offers a variety of experiences 'DOWNSTREAM ALONG THE KOLPA, UPSTREAM ALONG THE BANK'. The numerous walking trails running along the river are also great for cycling. Rafts and canoes are available for trips down the river. The river is suitable for swimming and, with many different species of fish, is popular with anglers. Experience the EXUBERANCE OF NATURE – in an area of extraordinary biological diversity you can encounter as many as 30 species of fish (nine of them on the list of endangered species) and around 100 species of birds. Karst waters are home to the endemic black proteus or 'human fish'. Other species found in the area include the European pond turtle, otters and beavers. The wider area of the Kolpa is an area of unspoilt nature which is still home to bears, lynx and wolves. Over the course of history, the Kolpa area has been a point of contact for three religions and five different peoples. As a result, some truly special KOLPA STORIES are preserved here. Allow your imagination to be stirred by figures of myth and legend such as Green George and Peter Klepec and creatures such as the Bilpa Devil and the Kolpa Fairies. Feast your eyes on brightly painted Bela Krajina Easter eggs, embroidery, pottery, ceramics, wicker baskets and other local crafts products. Delight your taste buds with genuine local specialities such as Bela Krajina flatbread, Kostel-style stuffed pig's stomach and rusk-filled sausages. Make sure you sample the excellent local wines, Kostel brandy, fruit juices and natural mineral water. Fill yourself with energy with a visit to the vital energy centres and natural temples that form part of the 'World of the Kolpa – A Gift for the Soul' programme.
Don’t miss: Peter Klepec, Downstream along the Kolpa, Krajinjski park Kolpa.
More information on the web page www.kolpariver.eu.
