Southern valleys and castles in Slovenia

This region boasts mighty forests and beautiful rivers, one of the most pristine areas is the primeval forests at Koccvski Rog a protected nature area of six virgin forests. The Krka River is one of the most beautiful Slovene rivers, flowing 111 km across the Dolenjska region. It has a strong cultural and natural heritage and teems with a rich diversity of fish and birdlife as it meanders past castles and under wooden bridges. Castles are dotted along Krka's riverbanks, Otocec Castle Hotel is built on an island in the middle of Krka River – once a castle fortress dating back to the 13th century- now a unique place to stay. Perched on a rocky promontory above the Krka the pretty town of Novo Mesto offers cobbled streets, gothic churches and grand mansions to explore. Kolpa River boasts several gorges which are more than 200 metres deep in its upper course, and the demanding rapids near the village of Osilnica attract experienced canoeists from all corners of the world. Boating, fishing, swimming and camping are also very popular in this spectacular valley.