Žirovnica

Photo: Mitja Sodja, Julian Alps

The picturesque villages beneath Stol and other alpine summits in Gorenjska have special characteristics that display peace and homeliness. The heritage of the past shapes them in the heart of culture and bee-keeping tradition. It is a place where you can explore culture and bee-keeping as the poetry of agriculture, the heritage of the past, the creativity of great Slovenians and the exceptional cultural and natural landscape.

Žirovnica – the cradle of great Slovenian literati

The villages below Stol mountain have always inspired artistic souls. This is also reflected in some archaeological findings from the late antique settlement called Ajdna. Centuries later, great Slovenian writers and poets lived in this area.

The greatest Slovenian poet France Prešeren was born in Vrba, linguist Matija Čop was born in Žirovnica, writer and playwright Fran Saleški Finžgar was born in Doslovče, and writer Janez Jalen in Rodine. The birth houses of those great men and the beehive of modern beekeeping pioneer Anton Janša are connected by the Cultural Heritage Trail which you can walk, cycle or visit on a hay cart.

Nature lovers will adore the Završnica Valley with the accumulation lake that is a lovely venue for a nice walk, recreation and enjoying excellent cuisine. Završnica is also a great starting point for hiking the Karavanke mountain range including Stol and other popular pastures. Mountain cyclists will also enjoy cycling along the well-regulated paths through the forest.