Are you familiar with the Zelenci Nature Reserve? When Slovenia is mentioned, most of you automatically think of popular places like Lake Bled, the Soča River, or the most beautiful town on the Slovenian coast, Piran. Today, I’ll take you on a short and easy trip to pure nature, which, if you’re lucky with the weather and few visitors, will literally take your breath away.
Zelenci – a nature reserve with an emerald lake
I fell in love with Slovenia for its beautiful nature more than ten years ago. One of the places I recommend not to miss in your itinerary is the Zelenci Nature Reserve with its emerald-colored lake. You have certainly seen a photo of this place before, and now it is time for you to go on a trip here during your own vacation in Slovenia. Once you arrive in Zelenci, I believe you will soon understand why it is such a popular destination for nature lovers.
Zelenci Nature Reserve
How to get to Zelenci and where to park?
The Zelenci Nature Reserve is located just a few minutes’ drive from Kranjska Gora and is part of the Triglav National Park. It can be easily reached by car or bicycle. We last parked here with Kája and Nikol, with our rented “Campervan from Podkletí”, on the way to the campsite in Bled. A short, easy wooden path leads from the main road, which is approximately 500 meters long. Follow it to the observation deck, from where you will have the most beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Kranjska Gora – on the way from Zelenci Nature Reserve
Zelenci Nature Reserve – Campervan from Podkletí
What captivates me most about this place are the incredible shades of turquoise and emerald water in the lake, which is due to mineral deposits and the specific composition of the bottom. No wonder the place got its name from this color. The depth of the lake is only two meters, but thanks to the clarity of the water, you can see all the way to the bottom, where underwater springs bubble.
Zelenci Nature Reserve
Zelenci has been a nature reserve since 1992 and is the source of the Sava Dolinka River. The water here springs from a depth of approximately twelve meters. The whole area looks like a fairytale scenery, where the surrounding mountain peaks are reflected and the tall grasses rustle.
Accommodation in Kranjska Gora
From Kransjka Gora, you will be within a stone’s throw of the Zelenci Nature Reserve. I recommend staying here and enjoying trips to the surrounding area. You can choose from luxury hotels, apartments, or simple guesthouses. I believe that the prices for accommodation in Slovenia will pleasantly surprise many. Let yourself be inspired by our verified hotel, which we like to choose during winter and summer:
RAMADA RESORT KRANJSKA GORA 4*
What is the length of the trail?
The Zelenci Trail is easy, measures approximately 1.5 kilometers in total, and as I mentioned, it leads mainly along wooden walkways. This makes it an ideal destination for all age groups, including families with children. If you are lucky, like we were last time, you will enjoy this place alone. During the walk, there is also an opportunity to observe the rich fauna and flora. The Zelenci Nature Reserve is home to rare species of plants and birds, so if you like nature watching, be sure to bring binoculars.
A great bonus is the wooden observation tower, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of this magical landscape with an emerald lake. Standing there and perceiving the sounds of nature is certainly one of the most beautiful experiences of this trip.
Zelenci Nature Reserve
If you are looking for a place to relax from the hustle and bustle and recharge your batteries, the Zelenci Reserve is the right place. The Zelenci Nature Reserve is easily accessible, and parking is right at the entrance to the trail. When visiting Slovenia, you should definitely not miss this natural gem.
You might also be interested in:
- Lake Jasna: tip for a trip and accommodation in Slovenia
- Piran: the most picturesque town on the Slovenian coast
- 15 tips for trips in the Dolomites
- 5 tips for lakes in Upper Austria (not only) for summer holidays
When to go to Zelenci Nature Reserve?
The place has its unique charm in every season. In spring and summer, rare species of plants bloom here, in autumn the surrounding nature plays with vibrant colors, and in winter the snowy mountain peaks create a picturesque backdrop. But the most beautiful thing is the peaceful atmosphere. There is no hustle and bustle of large tourist attractions, only the sound of water, the singing of birds, and the rustling of wind in the reeds.
Zelenci Nature Reserve
Practical tips for the trip:
- Admission to the reserve is free and the place is accessible all year round
- The trail is short and easy
- From Kranjska Gora it is a trip for a maximum of a few hours – ideal to combine with another trip
- If you want to have the place just for yourself, head here early in the morning or on a weekday – we shared the trail in the middle of the week with only one couple, who came here just to take pictures and were gone after a few minutes
- In summer, pack insect repellent, as there are many insects in the wetlands
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