Best Things To Do in Bela Krajina, Slovenia

Bela Krajina, Slovenia is an often overlooked – and completely underrated – destination. The remote and rural region hosts a treasure trove of culinary gems, gorgeous nature and intriguing historic sites. 

We long ago fell for Slovenia. It’s a country rich in nature – from soaring mountains to lush forests to craggy coastline to the gently rolling hills of the countryside. In our travels, we have explored the varied landscapes of charming Slovenia, but the southeastern region of Bela Krajina had eluded us…that is, until we visited the Big Berry Glamping Resort.

During our stay at Big Berry, we were introduced to an incredible array of local experiences. From feasting on regional specialties to discovering natural wonders, we experienced some of the Best Things To Do in Bela Krajina, Slovenia!

 

10 Things To Do in Bela Krajina, Slovenia

Bela Krajina – or White Carniola – embodies a unique culture, one that is evident from the various products, fascinating customs and gastronomic offerings. We are highlighting the best Bela Krajina things to do to help other visitors get acquainted with the region. 

 

#1 Taste Local Liqueur at Berryshka

The region of Bela Krajina is rife with local producers that specialize in superior goods – and Berryshka is one of them. With origins in natural oils, in 20 years Berryshka has evolved into a top distiller, featuring a range of spirits and liqueurs as well as wonderful chocolates!

Intent on making only high-quality goods, they carefully select berries and use pure spring water from the forest. Guests are able to tour the distillery and chocolatier, which includes sampling the products. We sipped their unique juniper brandy and fruit liqueurs, which paired fantastically with an array of chocolate truffles with blueberry liqueur!

 

#2 Bite into Belokranjska Pogaca Bread

Bela Krajina visitors will not want to miss the region’s famously delicious Belokranjska Pogaca bread! The traditional round bread, which is etched like a checkerboard for easy-to-tear bite-size pieces, is topped with caraway and salt – and has been made using recipes passed down for generations.

We got a bite of the homemade bread at Domacija Sraif – and it was divine. The baker, Sonja Skof, not only bakes, but she cooks! She treated us to an incredible home cooked meal that rivals any meal we’ve ever eaten.

The menu featured fresh salad from the garden, warm Belokranjska Pogaca bread, a heavenly pasta side dish, sautéed mushrooms fresh-picked from the forest, and fall-off-the-bone pork ribs and chicken. It was complimented, of course, by homemade wine and finished with just-out-of-the-oven cookies. Need we say more?!

 

#3 Visit the Hospital Museum

The Hospital Museum of Topolovec is a former working military hospital that treated allied soldiers during World War II. Far from an official medical facility, the hospital was organized by locals and equipped with the help of residents. 

Today, the museum chronicles the medical instruments available for use in the mid-1940s – and also showcases what a typical house would have looked like at the time. The museum is located across from Domacija Sraif. A visit to the museum can be arranged with Sonja.

 

#4 Tour a Local Slovenian Farm 

Farming is big business in rural Bela Krajina – and some farms, like Ekoloska Kmetija Totter, welcome visitors to tour their facilities. Recognized for their dedication to making bio-certified products, Ekoloska Kmetija Totter is known for producing fresh yogurt, creamy cheese, salami and eggs.

When we arrived at Ekoloska Kmetija Totter, the family was sitting at a picnic table below the hay loft entertaining friends who had stopped by while in town. We were invited to join them for a glass of wine and nibbles. Despite the language barriers, the people of Bela Krajina are incredibly hospitable.

After some laughs, we set off to explore the farm. We disrupted the pigs from their nap, played with the goats and even got to pet a cow. Then, we toured the small, but efficient dairy-making and meat-drying facilities where their Bio-certified products are created.

 

#5 Dine at an Amazing Bela Krajina Restaurant

For a fantastic meal in Bela Krajina, there is no better place than Gostisce Veselic. Located at the main intersection in the small village of Podzemelj, Gostisce Veselic has a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a touch of ambiance.

We were welcomed to the restaurant by the witty and charming owner, who had prepared a delectable dinner paired with wine from the region. As the wine flowed, she presented a four-course meal including fresh garden salad, creamy mushroom soup, savory slow-cooked pork and traditional Slovenian gibanica cake.

Our meal stretched long into the night and when we left, we were satiated, a little tipsy and very happy!

 

#6 Sample Cold-Pressed Oils

Eco products abound in the Bela Krajina region of Slovenia – even at establishments that have a long history and tradition. Oljarna Pecaric Oil Mill is the perfect example. 

The Pecaric family has a long history of producing oil, dating to pre-WWI when they manufactured walnut oil to light lamps. In 1990, they planted their own walnut orchard and upgraded the oil mill to create high quality, ecological oil. Today, at Oljarna Pecaric they make more than 22 oils – all cold pressed for the ultimate health benefits – and have won awards for their products.

We were welcomed into their tasting room, the top floor of an A-frame structure warmly decorated in natural wood. On the table was their entire range of oils and next to the table were posters explaining the various health advantages of cold-pressed oil consumption and other uses.

Using cubed bread, the owner led us through a tasting. We dipped and sampled our way through their line of oils, quickly noting differences and flavors. Our taste buds kept us returning to their signature walnut oil – we couldn’t resist buying a bottle to take home for salads and pasta!

 

#7 Sip Slovenia Craft Beer

We have long loved – and applauded – the Slovenia craft beer revolution (something we were introduced to at the Pivo and Burger festival in Ljubljana way back in 2015). Therefore, when we learned that there was a craft brewer in Bela Krajina, we were certain we weren’t leaving without a visit!

As it turns out, Bela Krajina brewer Pivovarna Vizir takes claim as the very first craft brewery in Slovenia. The brewery produces a creative range of craft beers using innovative processes.

Although we weren’t able to take a proper tour during our visit, we did enjoy their beer while staying at Big Berry and also stopped by the brewery in Crnomelj to pick up a few bottles for take-away. We are especially fond of their IPAs, of which our favorites are Gringo IPA and Calvados Session IPA. Cheers…or na zdravje, as they say in Slovenia!

 

#8 Explore nearby Novo Mesto

Novo Meso – the capaital of the Lower Carniola region – is a fantastic place for exploration and a good meal. Founded in the year 1365, Novo Mesto – which directly translates to New Town – is located along the Krka riverbank. The historic town is the artistic center of the region, well-known for literature and music. The picturesque bell tower of the Novo Mesto Cathedral stands above the river on a hill. 

During our visit, we dined on the spacious patio of the smart Bistro Marof for lunch. Although the cuisine on the menu matches the classy ambiance, we couldn’t resist trying their gourmet burgers! We were also delighted to find that the menu included craft beer from Komunajzer, which is also owned by Vizir. Uniquely, their brews are all named after Yugoslavia’s revered leader, Josip Broz Tito.  

 

#9 See the Douglas Dakota DC-3 Plane

We had expectations of the Bela Krajina region – small towns, amazing nature and rural farms, among them. We did not, however, anticipate seeing a relic Douglas DC-3 plane parked in an open field.

The plane was flown during WWII by Allied Forces to transport injured soldiers to hospitals in Italy. While there is only limited information about the monument, it is certainly an interesting sight to see! You can find the location with this Google Maps link. 

 

#10 Go to the Source of Krupa River

One of the best natural sights in Bela Krajina, Slovenia is the source of the Krupa River. The crystal clear water flows from a karst spring below a 30-foot-high rock wall – and the surrounding landscape is majestic. 

Visitors can embark on a hike, kayak in the water or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the tables-with-a-view. Find the location using this Google Map. 

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Top Tips for Visiting Bela Krajina, Slovenia

We have outlined the best things to see and do in Bela Krajina, but we have a few tips for visiting the region. 

 

Best Way to Tour Bela Krajina

The best way to see Bela Krajina sights is with a car. The region is about 60 miles (100km) south of the Slovenia capital, Ljubljana. Bela Krajina can be visited on a day trip from Ljubljana – or more thoroughly on a weekend trip. Use our Tips for Renting a Car for ways to save money on a vehicle.

 

Where to Stay in Bela Krajina, Slovenia

We think the best place to stay in Bela Krajina is at Big Berry. In addition to the posh glamping pods (which are more like apartments), they also organize regional sightseeing. 

 

What To Pack for Slovenia

Two things travelers will absolutely need for their trip to Bela Krajina are a comfortable pair of travel shoes and a great travel camera. 

We share more advice on our Travel Packing page. Need a Packing Checklist? Grab a FREE checklist now! 

 

Organize Your Bela Krajina, Slovenia Trip

Organization is key when preparing for a vacation. Stay on top of all the details with our Travel Planning Printables that are perfect for tracking trip specifics! 

 

Start planning your trip to Slovenia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

Discover More of Slovenia

Slovenia is an absolute sublime destination! We have traveled the country from top to bottom and from east to west. Fellow explorers can use our free travel guides to plan their best Slovenia vacation!

• Best Things To see in Ljubljana (and Top Ljubljana Day Trips)
• How to Visit Ljubljana in One Day
• Spend a Day at Lake Bled (plus, go for a hike and don’t miss Vintgar Gorge!)
• What To Do at Lake Bohinj (including the best hikes)
• Visit the Towns of Kranj, Maribor and Celje
• Go to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle – or visit Skocjan Caves

 

 

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