ŽIROVNICA: TOUCH OF CULTURE

Žirovnica, a clustered settlement, is located in the foothills of Stolp: the highest peak of the Karavanke. Its surrounding, rich with cultural heritage, was home to a number of important men: the linguist Matija Čop, the Slovenian writer, translator and Roman Catholic priest Fran Saleški Finžgar and the greatest Slovenian poet France Prešeren. You can visit their houses and chat with local inhabitants.  The surroundings have a number of excellent hiking and riding routes, and because of the close proximity to Bled, many visitors come to Žirovnica to enjoy the serenity of the surroundings, rich with cultural and natural heritage. The summits above the village provide a spectacular view whilst the foothills of the western Karavanke are an excellent starting points for hikers.

The valley is a flat plain to the south, whilst its northern limits reach to the Karavanke mountain range. The Završnica stream was dammed for the construction of the first Slovenian public hydropower plant in 1914, which created the Završnica lake. The location of the now closed power plant is now a popular destination for curious tourists.

At Breznica you may visit the reconstruction of Anton Janša's beehive. He was the founder of modern apiculture and was born in this region. His modern approach to beekeeping has become established throughout the world.

Vrba is the birthplace of the greatest Slovenian poet - France Prešeren, and his house there displays artefacts from his life. The village is also appealing because the centre has a linden tree protecting 16 parish stones, where the elders would meet to discuss village business.