Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TheJulianAlpsaroundLakeBledareSlovenia'smostaccessibleandmostfamouspincush-
ion of peaks. But the high-mountain thrills don't end there. Stretching to the east, along the
border with Austria, is the Kamniško-Savinjske range—home to several very remote val-
leys. One particularly inviting nook between the cut-glass peaks is the time-passed valley
called Logarska Dolina. To get way, way, way off the beaten track—with gravel roads, un-
pasteurized milk, and the few Slovenes who still don't speak English—head to Logarska
Dolina, its surrounding valleys, and the breathtaking Panoramic Road above them all.
Logarska Dolina—very loosely translated as “Woodsman's Valley”—thrills adventurous
drivers, true back-to-nature nuts, and those intrigued by old-fashioned farming life-
styles...or, better yet, travelers who are all of the above. Most of all, Logarska Dolina is the
ideal excuse for a long drive on high-mountain roads to one of Slovenia's most traditional
corners.
Travelinghere,youcometoappreciatethevibrantcultureandhistorythatpervadeseven
this remote and rugged corner of a tiny country. Some 25,000 years ago, hardy Ice Age
people already lived in Logarska Dolina. Archaeologists have uncovered some remarkable
remains from these prehistoric times—mostly tools made from bone, among them a flute
and the oldest needle ever discovered. Today's residents focus on sheep, and locally made
products—from cheese to thick felt hats, vests, and slippers—are a proud Logarska Dolina
symbol. Other treasured aspects of the local culture include woodcarving, marble carving,
rollicking zither sing-alongs, and huge ceramic stoves that work hard to keep mountain folk
warm through the frigid winter.
