Hiking and cycling trails in Lower Carniola

• Lenght: 8,8 km 
• Difficulty: easy, level trail

For starters, we recommend a trip to Šmarješke Toplice. For the most part, the trail is made up of a quiet dirt road and a path across the meadow that leads to the sports hall by Hotel Šport at Otočec. It continues alongside tennis courts, through to Lutrško selo onto Dobovo and through a lovely forest towards Terme Šmarješke Toplice. The way back is along the hiking or cycling trail by Kronovo.

Trail sights: a thermal bath with a wooden pool in Šmarješke Toplice, a pond with lotuses, the beaver valley, the remains of the mysterious Štrlek castle, Košak's mill, the picturesque church of St. Nicholas in Kronovo.

You can continue cycling to Šmarjeta village, stop by the Cviček fountain and go on to Klevevž, where you can take a dip in the natural hot spring, even during winter.

• Lenght: 15 km
• Difficulty: medium (elevation 500 m)

The picturesque scenic trail through the vineyards begins in Otočec ob Krki. We then head towards Hmeljnik Castle in the direction of Paha and Srednje Grčevje. From there, an easy scenic trail takes us to Hmeljnik Castle amidst vineyard cottages and orchards, and partly through the forest. Some know it as the Cviček path among the vineyards. We return via Trška gora.

Trail sights: Stari grad, Matjaž's homestead in Paha (to explore the 200-year-old homestead and try some Cviček, you need to make prior arrangements), St. George’s church, Hmeljnik castle, Church of the birth of Mary, the giant linden tree, the Instagram bench at a viewpoint just below Trška gora, wine and homemade dishes tasting at vineyard cottage Colnar (prior booking: info@colnar.si).

Don't forget to take your camera along to capture the amazing view.

• Lenght: 6 km
• Difficulty: easy family trail

Otočec is known as Lower Carniola Bled, as it comes close to its beauty with its natural wonders. But there are no crowds and traffic here. Lovers of photography and romantic spots should opt for a walk or family cycling by Krka River, from Hotel Šport and by Castle Otočec to Castle Struga, continuing on to Otočec by taking the cycling and hiking trail.

Alongside Krka River, from Otočec village, by Otočec Castle and to Kronovo village, a new cycling trail has been set up. It's closed off for traffic and as such suitable for beginners.

Trail sights: Castle Otočec with the restaurant (enter through the castle walls and – mmmm – taste the homemade ice cream and amazing seasonal desserts), Castle Struga in the company of the lord of the manor (at the weekends), the Instagram and culinary spot Devetnajstica – a country house by the golf course, calc-tufa barrages on Krka River (depending on the water level, you can count up to 30 little islands in this area), wooden bridges.

• Lenght: 6,8 km or less (marked shorter trails)
• Difficulty: easy family trail
  

The Mach trail is relatively new but is gaining traction as one of Slovenia's most interesting thematic trials. It's circular and follows an idyllic path below Gorjanci, from Mali Slatnik (the start and end point is by Gostilna Štefan) to Veliki Slatnik where the Mach family castle once stood.

Trail sights: The trail leads us alongside the stream by the springs where we can see crabs, and through the forest to the mysterious cave and the home of elves. We get to enjoy the sounds of the springs and the birds, and marvel at the witty signs and the unusual sights descriptions. We can also visit the grave of the Mach family at the Veliki Slatnik graveyard and try some homemade liquor or a pizza from the wood-burning oven at the inn.

Enjoy the wonderful nature. 

 

• Lenght: 10 km 
• Difficulty: easy family trail

The Mlinar trail is a fun and educational walk in nature, combined with discovering the heritage of flour milling. The trail starts in Bučka by Škocjan (by the church). You'll see a bell there that helps your hidden wishes come true.

Trail sights: Enjoy nature and explore the mills by the stream (Košak, Sedlar, Marjetič and Hrvat mills and a saw). After a backpack snack you can enjoy at the bend of the stream, we'll continue across the meadow towards Dolnja Radulja, home to the Vajs mill, the best-preserved mill that's served as a backdrop to many films (arrange your tour at 041 556 484, bucka@bucka.info). You will also be able to see a preserved Venetian sawmill. We return to the starting point by the last, Remič mill and through the forest.

Visit Stopna above Bučka and admire the view. You can visit the pilgrim church, the ethno-herbal park Zagraški log, Štritov lake and the Loke pri Zavratcu pond, where in summer you can enjoy baked carp or trout.

Attached is a flyer where you will find lots of other trails to admire the beautiful Lower Carniola on.