
Bela Krajina through the seasons: What to do in Bela Krajina through the year
Why should you visit Bela Krajina? Because you are searching for a destination where your soul can connect to serene nature, and at the same time fill you with new energy. Bela Krajina, the hidden jewel in the southeast of Slovenia, offers you an unforgettable experience through the seasons.
SPRING IS THE BEGINNING
Although the New Year is traditionally celebrated on January 1st, ancient Slavic beliefs placed importance on the beginning of everything in the springtime. In Bela Krajina, everything begins on Saint George’s Day, a celebration of nature’s awakening. In the past shepherds used to let their sheep graze on this day because the daylight noticeably lengthened, and nature became more vibrant. Do not miss the holiday! On April 20th Green Georg brings spring to Črnomelj!
Come in March!
You can start your vacation in Bela Krajina earlier, specifically for Easter, or, in the local dialect, “vuzem” which falls on March 31st this year. During Easter try your skills in making the traditional Easter Eggs called “Pisanica” and “Drsanka”. On Easter Monday (April 1st) watch the “Zaviranje Kola “ Wheel Dance in Metlika. It is certainly the oldest combination of dances, songs, and plays in Slovenia, which was entered into the register of intangible cultural heritage, and declared an intangible heritage of national importance. The event Metliško obredje is danced without music. If you miss making the Easter Egg on Easter, don’t worry. You can make one with the experience Bela Krajina Master.
Spring is the perfect time to explore the 18 hiking paths of Bela Krajina and 13 cycling routes that wind through the newly awoken nature. Smuk, a popular paragliding center, begins welcoming its first adventurous paragliders with the onset of the first warm weather. Motocross riders race on the tracks near the Krupa Spring, which is beautiful in every season.
As the pinnacle of spring, don't miss the final collective event “Tastes of Bela Krajina“, where all four top caterers will join forces at Veselič Guesthouse. You can indulge in gourmet delicacies throughout the year as Veselič Guesthouse, Guesthouse Kapušin, Müller Inn, and Hotel Bela Krajina offer special Bela Krajina menus. They proudly hold the certificate Bela Krajina Finest, ensuring the highest quality. Besides serving great food, they also offer excellent wine selections! Are you a wine lover? Then come to the biggest wine festival in Slovenia - Vinska Vigred, which will take place this year between May 17th and 19th.
The tourist season in Bela Krajina kicks off in full swing during springtime. Camps are opening, and new offers are being prepared. If you're here, check out “Open Doors of Bela Krajina“ as it presents everything you need for a perfect getaway: tours, tastings, activities, and workshops, all in one place.
Summer on the longest Slovenian coastline - the Kolpa River.
Summer brings its charm to Bela Krajina, as the Kolpa River transforms into a true oasis of fun. Canoeing down the clean and warm waters of the Kolpa River is an unforgettable experience that delights everyone. Summer in Bela Krajina is not just about the Kolpa River; it also offers beautiful morning bike rides, relaxing walks along the educational trails of landscape parks and the Krupa River, and diverse tastings of local delicacies. Summer in Bela Krajina is marked by the oldest folk festival!
Do you know about Jurjevanje?
This year, on its 60th anniversary, we can expect a true spectacle with folk groups from around the world.
In addition to the folk festival, you can spend summer evenings in the city centers, where the sounds of music and performances echo among medieval walls. Do you like the modern scene? Then you're invited to Črnfest. Wrap up your summer at Sem'ški plac between August 23rd and 25th, where we bid farewell to summer together and welcome the colorful autumn.
A colorful celebration of autumn
Autumn in Bela Krajina brings color and warmth. The landscape is covered with leaves in shades of yellow, red, and orange, falling to the ground as you tackle your cycling challenges along the long-distance route Via Bela Krajina. In autumn, Bela Krajina is a paradise for photographers. The vineyards around St. Anne are a true Instagram spot, where all your followers will envy you. Climb the hills of Bela Krajina and observe how the morning mist embraces the landscape of Bela Krajina.
Autumn is the time of St. Martin's celebrations, a feast of abundance, and enjoying exceptional wines.
In Bela Krajina, we love good wine, so even before St. Martin's, a special variety of red grapes transforms into wine! The young wine with its fresh berry aroma is called Mlada Portugalka. In the middle of October, you can come with friends to the dedicated festival for Mlada Portugalka. Finally, in November, the grapes harvested during the autumn are served in liquid form. St. Martin’s celebrations and autumn festivities in Bela Krajina are not to be missed, as only the finest wines are produced and enjoyed on the southern side of Gorjanci. Autumn is also an excellent opportunity for Bela Krajina's chefs to transform the gifts of autumn into divine Tastes of Bela Krajina.
Bela Krajina in winter splendor
Winter in Bela Krajina is no less magical. Gače Ski Resort the southernmost ski resort in Slovenia, offers an excellent experience for both beginners and professionals. This smaller ski resort is a hidden gem at 965 meters above sea level, waiting to charm you with its beautiful scenery and diverse offerings. With 8000 meters of slopes, the ski resort has become a dream destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Various terrains are accessible with the help of a three-seat lift and five different ski lifts, providing diversity and challenges for every taste.
Why not spend New Year's with a view over Bela Krajina, watching the fireworks, and enjoying the magic of the winter atmosphere? Many accommodations offer hot tubs and jacuzzis where you can relax to your heart's content. Imagine this: on New Year’s Eve, you sit in a wooden tub with bubbling hot water, holding a glass of picket Bela Krajina sparkling wine. At midnight, you watch the fireworks across the entire Bela Krajina with your loved one. Enticing, isn't it?
Regardless of the season, Bela Krajina always has something special to offer. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse activities, this Slovenian gem is a destination that will enchant you throughout all seasons. The future brings even more adventures and experiences, so don't miss out on this wonderful piece of Slovenia.