Just when I thought I had discovered most of the best that Slovenia has to offer, a short break spent in the Pivka area, part of Slovenia’s Green Karst region, has opened my eyes to a whole new world, ripe for exploring and perfect for lovers of the great outdoors.
So why the title ‘Pause, Ponder & Play’?
PAUSE – I, as I’m guessing countless others, am guilty of passing through Pivka en-route to Croatia. But, I urge you, don’t! There really is so much to see and do in this area, it deserves at least a few hours of your day, if not a few days, so, pause in Pivka!
PONDER – A visit to the Park of Military History is a must, where you can ponder and reflect on the action seen by all the tanks, aircraft, artillery and ammunition.
PLAY – There’s plenty to see and do for all the family. Visit or stay at a tourist farm, get outdoors – hiking, cycling, visit one of the numerous bunkers or caves, such as the Pivka cave, seen below, or, in the spring, one of the 17 intermittent lakes.
Photo: Iztok Medja – http://www.slovenia.info/
I began my 2 day visit at the Ecomuseum of the Pivka Seasonal Lakes. This brand new museum acquaints visitors with the phenomena of the 17 Karst lakes which, after heavy rainfall, fill with water.
There are a number of interactive exhibits, including an encounter with a bear! Speaking of which, bear watching is something that can also be arranged in the Pivka area.
I visited the 2nd biggest of the lakes, Petelinsko jezero, and it was hard to imagine that within a month or so of my visit the water will have entirely disappeared, leaving just a flower-covered meadow.
It was rather convenient that at the time of my visit, there just happened to be a private party, or rather the remains of one, taking place by the lake, and I was treated to champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries!
My next stop was to visit the Park of Military History. I’ll hold my hands up and admit that, not being a particular fan of either museums or military history, I wasn’t expecting to be won over by it, however, how wrong I was, and it has now earnt its place as by far my favourite museum in Slovenia!
Immediately on approach the imposing renovated barracks impress. The barracks were built by the Kingdom of Italy around 1930 in order to defend the Rapallo border and were later home to the Yugoslav People’s Army. Since 2004 the museum has been developing and has now become the largest museum complex in Slovenia, as well as one of the largest military historical complexes in this part of Europe.
One of the highlights of my visit was undoubtedly the chance to go inside a submarine – a first for me! During the winter the submarine is housed indoors, then in late spring it is moved outdoors – at 19 metres in length and weighing 76 tonnes thats no small feat. The P-913 Zeta submarine was gifted to the Park of Military History in 2011 from the Republic of Montenegro.
Photo: Simon Avsec – http://www.slovenia.info/
If you opt for a guided tour of the park, which I recommend (for groups upon prior booking), you also have a chance to go inside the submarine.
There is a huge collection of tanks and other military vehicles, aircraft and ammunition. Exhibitions include ‘The Armour of Freedom’ and ‘Partisan Tanks’, which includes Soviet tanks, such as the T-34/85 Soviet tank, one of the best known tanks of the Eastern front. The M47 Patton, the heaviest tank in the collection, consumes an incredible 700 litres of high-octane fuel per 100km. Environmentally-friendly it’s not!
Housed in an entirely new building, there is an exhibition entitled ‘The Road to Independence’, which documents Slovenia’s road to independence. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and all exhibits are described in both Slovene and English.
The museum shop stocks a wide range of military souvenirs, clothing, equipment and other memorabilia.
You can find more information about the Park of Military History here http://parkvojaskezgodovine.si/en/ and watch this short video to see more.
You can also find more information about Pivka and the Green Karst area here http://zelenikras.si/en/ and watch this video.
Whilst exploring the area I stayed at the wonderful Pri Andrejevih Tourist Farm in Narin, more about which I will write in a future blog – watch this space!
© AdeleinSlovenia 2016
Adele in Slovenia 
I want to be by that lake having a lunch. Looks so peaceful.
Hope you have a great day dad! My boy Java has had two good night’s sleep! YEAH!!!
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Thank you for this, Adele; I’ve gone past the museum so many times on my way to and from Rijeka, and have often wondered what it’s like. It looks really interesting!
I had no idea about the lakes and the caves, or the eco museum… guess I’m just going to have to make a special visit before too long!
Yes, I’d been past on my way to Opatija and was curious but had never actually stopped but I was seriously impressed so do go!
I will! I’m especially interested in the road to independence part. 🙂
Hi Adele, as you might have guessed, you have seen only some of the fantastic places the Green Karst area of Slovenia. I am glad you like it! I am a Dutch biologist and licenced (nature) guide, and I offer custom tours in the Green Karst. Hidden in the low mountains there are mountain meadows full of flowers – with a fantastic view, magical waterfalls and a lot more. Some 12 years ago my wife and I bought a house at the end of a tiny village, bears and wolves are now our neighbors. If you are curious I invite you to check out my facebook page, where I regularly post pictures of plants and animals in the Green Karst. Best regards, Paul
Hi Paul, yes, I’m sure there are hundreds of other fascinating places left for me to discover in the Green Karst! There’s still plenty of time! Of course I know my home area, around the Gorenjska region, a lot better. Thanks for your feedback and information about your Facebook page. Maybe I’ll be in touch sometime when I’m out discovering your area for a future blog. Regards, Adele