The Ljubljana Marshes and the bear

Trip Summary

This program is designed for those who want to spend time actively in the heart of Slovenia and in the immediate vicinity of the European green capital – Ljubljana. The natural habitat of large carnivores and the civilization of the charming central European city are in the immediate vicinity. The Ljubljana Moor, UNESCO cultural heritage due to the settlers called Koliščarji – “lake dwellers”, located halfway between the city of Ljubljana and Rakitna, represents the ideal destination for bear and wildlife watching and outdoor activities. Our base is in Rakitna which is located at the altitude between 780 and 820 m, also known for its youth climatic resort. From here we will embark on various one-day excursions, such as hiking and photo hunting, cycling, rowing, visit of Ljubljana and the highlight of the tour – bear watching. The program is an exceptional combination of active exploring of preserved nature and living habitats of wild animals in the vicinity of the capital city. Complement your experience by visiting Ljubljana and experience a green urban environment, as well as unspoiled nature.

What do you need: camera, hiking boots, hiking backpack, waterproof sportswear.

Highlights: Rakitna Lake, The Ljubljana Marsh Nature Park, Ljubljana – European Green Capital, rowing on Iška, cycling through the UNESCO heritage, Iški Vintgar, climatic health resort, the presence of carnivores and other wildlife

Bear and/or environmentally friendly practices:

  • Nature friendly practices: hiking, cycling and kayaking as a way of mobility during the program
  • Lunch and visit of the Estate Trnulja
Inquiry

Important

  • Price: We have put together an example itinerary for you so you can get an idea of what to expect on your “Bear bicycle adventure”. But the program is not set in stone. Please contact us and we will make you a tailor-made offer.
  • Duration: 3 days
  • Physical difficulty: Medium
  • Suitable for families with older children, couples, individuals, small groups
  • The possibility of meeting: bears, stags, deer, owls, water birds, golden jackal
  • Season: April to October
  • Location: Ljubljana and the surroundings
  • Maximum number of participants: 8. There can be more groups at the same time.

Pictures

At Ljubljanica river. Photo: Bojan Erhartič
Photo: Bojan Erhartic
Ljubljana Marshland. Photo: Bojan Erhartič
Photo: Matej Kovačič
Lecture at University of Ljubljana

Program

Day 1 - Meet the UNESCO heritage, the Ljubljana Marshes and the brown bear
You will meet the guide in Rakitna where he/she will present you the whole program and guide you along the foothills of the marsh where you will the flora and fauna of this area by foot. The guide will make sure you will not miss all the most hidden and fascinating places. Among other things, the area is known for UNESCO prehistoric pile dwellings. The Ljubljana Marshes and its surroundings offer a wide range of subjects for photography lovers. After that we will return to our base in Rakitna. In the evening you will go on a guided bear watching from hunting observatory with a hunter. If weather conditions are not suitable, the observation will be postponed to one of the following days.
Day 2 - Meet the foothills of Ljubljana by bike
During the day we will get to know the surroundings of Ljubljana by bike. The cycling trail runs in large part along the forest roads through forests and clearings of the Poljane – Vrhnika hills, extremes borders of the Bloke Plateau and over The Ljubljana Marsh Nature Park. We will visit several natural and cultural attractions. The ride provides great views of the valley of Iška and Zala, as well of tops reigning over them. We will visit the open house and enjoy some local delicacies (stew, home baked bread, etc.).
Day 3 – By boat from the Ljubljana Marshes to the capital of Slovenia – Ljubljana
Boating on the magical river Iščica and river of seven names – Ljubljanica – is like a safari on which you will be able to observe wild fauna in and along the river. This is by all means a unique adventure that will take you in the centre of Ljubljana – the European Green Capital. We get off the boat and visit the city and its main attractions with a guide. After the guided tour you will have some free time for coffee or souvenir purchases.

Price

810 € per person for guided program

Price for guided LJUBLJANA MARCHES AND THE BEAR tour includes: 

  • 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, all meals with local/ typical touch
  • 2 nights accommodations in 3-4 star hotels/pensions
  • Fully qualified and experienced guide for the duration of your trip
  • Bear watching with a hunter
  • Half-day rowing adventure
  • Guided tour of Ljubljana
  • Guided hiking tour of the Ljubljana Marshes
  • Guided cycling trip
  • All transfers within the program

Rates are valid per person, based on double occupancy.

Optional

Supplement for single room 54 €
Transfer to Ljubljana 50 €

Price for THE LJUBLJANA MARSHES AND THE BEAR excludes:

Travel and activity insurance, personal safety & hiking equipment, all beverages with included meals, any other items not mentioned as included.

Logistics

The program “The Ljubljana Marshes and the bear” starts and ends in Rakitna which is located 36 km from Ljubljana. Air connection: There are 4 international airports within a maximum of 2 hours and a half drive (Ljubljana, Zagreb, Venice and Trieste) from Rakitna. We offer organized transfers from all airports. If you are interested please contact us. Road connection: Rakitna is accessible from Ljubljana ring road at the exit for Ig. Once you arrive at the village of Ig, turn towards Podpeč and continue for 13 km towards Rakitna.

Additional information:

  • Maximum number of participants: 8. There can be more groups at the same time.
  • Before the beginning of the program the guide will provide you all the necessary information. Before the beginning of each daily tour the guide will provide you with all the detailed information about the daily program;
  • Fourteen days before the arrival you will receive all the detailed information about the implementation of the program.

Additional offer:

  • Organized photo hunting and observation from the hunting observatory: 100 EUR (additional watching)
  • Additional activities before and after the program: hiking and cycling tours, rafting, guided tours through Slovenia, etc.
  • Visit of the Ljubljana Zoo
  • Lecture at the Biotecnical Faculty on the research of large carnivores in Slovenia
  • Additional reservation of accommodation
  • Additional transfers
Inquiry