A green destination to discover.Slovenia, ten nature

With more than 11% of its territory protected under various categories within the Parks Protection Act, a total of forty and four areas covered, a national park, three regional parks and forty-scenic parks, Slovenia is a country eminently natural. Although its dimensions are very small, Slovenia offers an extraordinary mosaic of biotic diversity, and cultural landscape, 35% of the protected areas are within the Natura 2000 framework of the European Union, 14,901 status given to valuable natural areas.The living waters that run the country are a never ending flow of water and are considered one of the cleanest waters in Europe. This continuous flow of water, is an unparalleled source of life that gives Slovenia green of its mountains, valleys, parks and forests, which cover more than 60% of its territory, the third European country with more woodland after Sweden and Finland. A nature that offers many opportunities for entertainment and outdoor fun, always safeguarding the environment and being environmentally conscious.

Triglav National Park, located in the Julian Alps, northwest of the country, on the border with Austria and Italy, Slovenia is an icon while an important natural resource of the national environment. The combination of Alpine and Mediterranean climate make the park's biodiversity is very rich, glacial valleys, gorges and waterfalls, alpine, high moors, marshes and wildlife is abundant. During the summer, the highest areas are in full bloom and hiking in the season it is sometimes impossible.Located in the heart of the Karst, in southwestern Slovenia, Skocjan is a UNESCO World Heritage, which this year celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary if on this list, the only one in Slovenia. The park's microclimate produces a bizarre combination of Alpine and Mediterranean plants. We see numerous archaeological monuments among which are places of worship and sacrifice that go back to the Bronze Age.Further evidence of the importance that nature has to Slovenia, is that in recent years, several Slovenian tourist destinations have been rated EDEN "European Destinations of Excellence". This is a project of the European Commission, in close collaboration with national tourism, which chooses a theme that highlights the different aspects and values ​​of European regions, and are always related in one way or another, sustainable development, either from the standpoint of cultural, economic, local or environmental. Participants must demonstrate destinations that have developed tourism economically viable, based on the theme EDEN force each year.

In 2011 the theme was "Tourism and Sightseeing Regeneration" and Idrija in Slovenia was the winner. Idrija's life is closely related to nature and especially with the water. The Landscape Park Zgornja Idrijca has several monuments of the past between specific botanical and all linked to the flow of rivers and streams.If visiting Idrija, tourists will be fascinated by the high barriers used to conduct river water downstream klavze called and known as the "pyramids of Idrija." Feel the mystery of wild nature in the call by the same name, Lake Wild (Divje jezero), the largest karst source in Slovenia whose depths have not yet been fully investigated, it hides the olm (Proteus anguinus). Following the path of naturalists will come to the Memorial Garden Scopoli with natural treasures discovered numerous naturalists and botanists of great prestige in Europe. Idrija is also a good place for the investigation of rocks and other geological peculiarities.In addition Idrija is an ideal location to tour throughout the year numerous hiking trails and cycle routes. During the winter, the possibilities for skiing, sledding or skiing, and you can fish, hunt or ride horses. A visit to the natural resort of Bela is really essential. In the city you can enjoy a different experience all year round: the internationally famous festival of lace, evening events at the castle and various ethnological events, sports, as well as other events.