Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Coming from such a small country, locals are proud of the few things that are distinctly
Slovenian, such as the roofed hayrack. Foreigners think that Slovenes' fascination with
these hayracks is strange...until they visit and see them absolutely everywhere (especially
in the northwest). Because of the frequent rainfall, the hayracks are covered by a roof that
allows the hay to dry thoroughly. The most traditional kind is the
toplar,
consisting of two
hayracks connected by one big roof. It looks like a skinny barn with open, fenced sides.
Hay hangs on the sides to dry; firewood, carts, tractors, and other farm implements sit on
the ground inside; and dried hay is stored in the loft above. But these wooden
toplarji
are
firetraps,andastrayboltoflightningcanburnonedowninaflash.Soinrecentyears,more
farmers are moving to single hayracks
(enojni);
these are still roofed, but have posts made
of concrete, rather than wood. You'll find postcards and miniature wooden models of both
kinds of hayracks (a fun souvenir).
