Day Trip from Ljubljana to Tržič

more than a year ago

Not only is Ljubljana a magnificent city and hugely popular with foreign tourists for short breaks, but its central location makes it super-easy for those wishing to explore other parts of the country, even if time is limited. In just a few short hours and by any method of transport visitors can enjoy a day trip further afield to discover some fascinating places of interest that would otherwise remain unseen.

Surrounded by hills and Slovenia’s longest mountain range Tržič is the perfect place to discover the 'paths of the dragon' and experience the legends of Alpine Slovenia. The natural setting offers countless opportunities for mountain biking, sport climbing, parachuting or setting off to the hills on foot. Discover the dragon kingdom of nature and a plethora of trails and behold the town’s legend hiding in the green pocket of northwest Slovenia.

Must See:

Tržič Old Town Centre

Tržič gained market rights in 1492 and was a booming trade and crafts town, favourably located near the Ljubelj pass which was an important trade route connecting Central Europe with the Mediterranean. Originally the old town centre consisted mostly of wooden buildings, which turned out to be an important catalyst for an enormous tragedy in 1811, when a gigantic fire broke out devastating the town, resulting in the destruction of more than 200 buildings and the deaths of 75 people. To avoid a repetition of this tragedy all new buildings had to be built according to strict regulations in the year following the fire. The local tourist office offers excellent guided tours.

Museum of Tržič

Located in a well-preserved 150 year-old manor once owned by the influential Pollak family, the museum presents a clear insight into the cultural and ethnographic heritage of the Tržič area through a variety of exhibits. Crafts like shoemaking, charcoal burning, leather tanning, wheel-making, weaving and dyeing have a long tradition and were important means of income in the region. The different guilds responsible for these professions were very influential in Tržič and their legacy can still be seen today. The exhibitions in the museum paints a vivid picture of how these traditional occupations were performed, as well as the living and working conditions of the workers. Very interesting and entertaining at the same time.

Dovžanova Soteska Gorge

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, which have been officially protected since 1988. 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.

Mauthausen Memorial Park

The park is situated at the location where the Ljubelj concentration camp (part of Mauthausen) once stood. The camp was built to house the prisoners who were charged with carving out a 1.5km long tunnel through the Karavanke mountain range, where prisoners were forced to work in deplorable and inhumane conditions. Nowadays the site of the concentration camp, the only one on Slovene territory, is marked by an impressive sculpture. The monument is in the shape of a skeleton with a heart, raising its arms to the sky accompanied by the inscription on the pedestal: j'accuse (I accuse). The whole site is a monumental place and a visit is highly recommended.

Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus

While the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus concept is a familiar sight in most of the world's major cities, it's not often that you see such a thing in rural areas and small towns. However, the forward thinking local tourist offices from the Gorenjska region have realised that this is the perfect way for visitors to discover some of the area's hidden corners and off the beaten path venues. Running every Friday in July and August, the bus makes several circular journeys along a route covering Bled, Šobec Camp, Radovljica, Begunje, Tržič and Kovor before returning to Bled via Radovljica, taking in all the sights along the way. Special guided tours and other activities can also be arranged in advance. For more info and full programme see the website of Visit Tržič.