Just a short drive from Tržič in the heart of the Karavanke mountain range lies the Dovžanova Soteska Gorge, a site of immense natural beauty. Throughout time the wild Tržiška Bistrica river has cut itself deep into the limestone here, creating this unique spot and uncovering rich geological treasures. Since 1988, it has officially been a protected natural monument. A wide range of fossils and stones dating back to the Paleozoic era have been uncovered here and can still be found in and around the gorge. Most notable are fossils of the Schwagerina carniolica, a micro-organism which used to thrive in a shallow sea that covered this area and can only be found here.

It's advisable to take the educational path, which leads past all the geological highlights and ends at the Exhibition and Educational Centre in the Dolina Valley, where the staff can tell you everything about the origins of the fossils and creation of this breathtaking landscape. Nearby is the impressive sight of the Tržiška Bistrica river cascading down huge flint rocks and some enormous limestone pyramids.