Zelenci Nature Reserve
Zelenci Nature Reserve
4.5
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Top ways to experience Zelenci Nature Reserve
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
43 within 3 miles
Attractions
34 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
127 reviews
Excellent
74
Very good
42
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Brun066
Florence, Italy13,943 contributions
Mar 2023
We visited a small part of the reserve on a clear mid-March afternoon.
The local climate makes the presence of snow on the ground natural in this period, despite the fact that we aren't at a great altitude. This meant that, following the marked paths, we enjoyed a uniform white expanse of snow, still quite wintery, pleasant to cross in the middle of the woods.
Then we haven't overlooked the "strong point" of the reserve, the tiny lake which, with its green ("zelen") waters, gives its name to the reserve. The idea that one of the branches of the Drava arises from it is already sufficiently evocative for me; but to this is added the vision of the springs which, gushing from the bottom of the lake, create what can be defined as "small volcanoes" of bubbling water (it reminded me of a similar phenomenon visible at the "Fonti del Clitunno", Umbria, Italy; sadly much more urbanised). This gives a disturbing sensation of the underground, "chthonic" forces animating our planet.
In conclusion, for anyone passing along the 202 Hwy, this sight isn't to be missed.
The local climate makes the presence of snow on the ground natural in this period, despite the fact that we aren't at a great altitude. This meant that, following the marked paths, we enjoyed a uniform white expanse of snow, still quite wintery, pleasant to cross in the middle of the woods.
Then we haven't overlooked the "strong point" of the reserve, the tiny lake which, with its green ("zelen") waters, gives its name to the reserve. The idea that one of the branches of the Drava arises from it is already sufficiently evocative for me; but to this is added the vision of the springs which, gushing from the bottom of the lake, create what can be defined as "small volcanoes" of bubbling water (it reminded me of a similar phenomenon visible at the "Fonti del Clitunno", Umbria, Italy; sadly much more urbanised). This gives a disturbing sensation of the underground, "chthonic" forces animating our planet.
In conclusion, for anyone passing along the 202 Hwy, this sight isn't to be missed.
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dori_lukey
Singapore, Singapore668 contributions
Dec 2019
A very beautiful natural park with its mesmerizing emerald coloured lake. The entire place is very tranquil and serene, and quieter than the popular Lake Bled. The place is very picturesque, even though the lake is small. We really loved our time here and it's one of our favourite place in Slovenia.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vic R
Berlin, Germany45 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
This is a must if you are around the area. I personally think that sunset time is perfect, but it does not matter the time of the day, this place is magical. The walk is very short (under 10 minutes) on a very accessible path even for a baby stroller. There is free parking and a public toilet at the entrance that is next to the main road. Make sure to bring your camera or phone to capture some beautiful shots. The area is small, so it is more of a stop in your journey than a destination. This is my opinion. You might want to stay longer to breath in the beauty and peace of the place. Suitable for older people since there are no hills or difficult climbs.
Written August 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave M
oxford166 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Yes, the reserve is or could be a wonderful experience. However we arrived , late morning, just as 2 coaches of tourists arrived. They plus the 20+ cars already parked there (we walked from Kranjska Gora), made the place into a tourist hot spot.
Crocodile lines of people winding their way down narrow paths, dodging the cyclists who thought it a good idea to cycle along these paths instead of considering pushing their bikes. When we got to the lake, people were paddling and sitting with feet in the lake. We left.
We spoke with other people who visited at quieter times and enjoyed the tranquility.
The authorities need to arrange better crowd control otherwise it will become completely trashed.
Crocodile lines of people winding their way down narrow paths, dodging the cyclists who thought it a good idea to cycle along these paths instead of considering pushing their bikes. When we got to the lake, people were paddling and sitting with feet in the lake. We left.
We spoke with other people who visited at quieter times and enjoyed the tranquility.
The authorities need to arrange better crowd control otherwise it will become completely trashed.
Written July 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martina
Ljubljana, Slovenia423 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
This is a natural water spring of river Sava. There is a nice path to the place, which is also accassable with small cildren with a baby straller. It is around 5-10 minute walk from the car park. There is also a wooden tower, from where you have a really nice view to the whole natural park with springs.
The car park is located on the main road from Podkoren to Rateče (you can't miss it). There is also a restaurant, where you can have a good lunch or dinner, or just drink a coffee.
The car park is located on the main road from Podkoren to Rateče (you can't miss it). There is also a restaurant, where you can have a good lunch or dinner, or just drink a coffee.
Written July 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Filipe Schulz
Sao Caetano do Sul, SP95 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
When I made the decision to visit Central Europe, I did all required changes on my scheduling to make sure I would be able to visit all nature spots on Slovenia.
I remember one of the first breathtaking pictures I saw on my research was the colour of Zelenci waters... I made sure to insert Kranjska Gora on my itinerary, mainly to visit this place and Lake Jasna.
Zelenci has not disappointed me on nothing! The water was just like pictures I have seen before, I just stopped and could not even breathe... Such an outstanding sight...
I remember one of the first breathtaking pictures I saw on my research was the colour of Zelenci waters... I made sure to insert Kranjska Gora on my itinerary, mainly to visit this place and Lake Jasna.
Zelenci has not disappointed me on nothing! The water was just like pictures I have seen before, I just stopped and could not even breathe... Such an outstanding sight...
Written January 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jannekebfl
Florida298 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
This is a pleasant walk from the road leading to Podkoren and Kransjka Gora. It's easy to miss though so look carefully. There is a trail which is a bit confusing since it goes in a loop and it's not immediately clear where the source of the Sava River is. We took a wrong turn but were then guided by two older Slovenian ladies who told us to follow them to the place where the Sava is born. They were obviously quite proud to show us this spot and it is indeed lovely. The water is clear and beautiful and if you climb up the viewing tower you get great views of cows in the field, mountains, grebes in the spring and an overview of the spring that is, indeed, the source of the Sava River. Very impressive!
Written October 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JU
Ljubljana, Slovenia183 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
It is just incredible how many special animals and plants you can see on a small place. Walking down a well signed path brings you to the center of the Zelenci. Don't talk to much, rather listen and you will hear a lot of birds. It is best to come Mon-Thurs early morning or at the sunset (less visitors) - some beautiful scenes are waiting for you
Written August 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Qingfa
Singapore, Singapore138 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
Short walk from village centre – approx. 20 mins.
Remember to walk past Podkoren (past Ramada hotels) and you see some plaques describing the pond. Skip this entrance, as the route leads to a path parallel to the motorway. And you will be walking along this path with cars wheezing past for the next ten mins or so.
Walk another perhaps 300m further down the road and you will see a small signage indicating 'Zelenci'. Walk in and take two right turns and you will reach the little pond in no time. Perhaps you will feel let down by the scale of the place. Some literature indicated a lake but in my opinion, it is really a pond size body of water. I guess Lake Bohinj will be better any time.
If you can, walk up the one level to the lookout and read about the background of the place. Of how during the Ice Age, Zelenci was 600m ice thick!
Another tip:
If you are looking for a good spot to take your pictures, try exploring along the left side of the pond after the lookout.
Remember to walk past Podkoren (past Ramada hotels) and you see some plaques describing the pond. Skip this entrance, as the route leads to a path parallel to the motorway. And you will be walking along this path with cars wheezing past for the next ten mins or so.
Walk another perhaps 300m further down the road and you will see a small signage indicating 'Zelenci'. Walk in and take two right turns and you will reach the little pond in no time. Perhaps you will feel let down by the scale of the place. Some literature indicated a lake but in my opinion, it is really a pond size body of water. I guess Lake Bohinj will be better any time.
If you can, walk up the one level to the lookout and read about the background of the place. Of how during the Ice Age, Zelenci was 600m ice thick!
Another tip:
If you are looking for a good spot to take your pictures, try exploring along the left side of the pond after the lookout.
Written April 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert G
Milton Keynes, UK119 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
A short walk along the forest path brings you to a spring which is the source of the river Sava, Slovenia's longest river. A raised wooden viewing platform gives you a stunning view of the surrounding Julian Alps, as well as information about the wildlife in the area. It's pretty cool knowing that from here the river flows through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Serbia, eventually joining the Danube in Belgrade
Written June 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buongiorno, chiedevo se accessibile a portatori di handicap su sedia a rotelle
Grazie
Good morning, I was wondering if it is wheelchair accessible Thank you
Written August 4, 2023
What can I see at this location?
How much time do I need?
What are the most beautiful walks in the region of Kranjska Gora?
Thank you!
Written August 8, 2017
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