May in Bela Krajina: 5 events to get your heart pumping
Is May your favourite spring month? In Bela Krajina, May is not only the month of blossoms and allergies, but also the time when the true energy of Bela Krajina awakens in us. When nature along the Kolpa River finally sheds the last traces of its winter sleep, and the numerous hills turn the most vivid green colour that you can't possibly mix on a painting panel, we are awakened to an irresistible desire to move, socialise, and explore. Do you want to unplug and finally hear your own heartbeat? Then you've come to the right place. From easy strolls to daring night runs, to authentic socialising over fine wine, we've put together a selection of events that won't leave you indifferent. Come, get your heart pumping and experience Bela Krajina just the way you want it: relaxed, adventurous, and with full lungs.
A celebration of (non)work in the true sense of the word
We celebrate Labour Day where the views and the company are the best. Forget the classic picnics in the backyard and join us on the traditional climb to Krašnji Vrh. We start at half past seven from the Pungart parking area in Metlika. Don't panic, adjust your pace - all that matters is that you enjoy good company and views to recharge your batteries. We walk through karst terrain - through forests, meadows, hills, and vineyards. If you missed the start of the walk, you can join us along the way. We'll meet you at Radovica - the finish is within reach. At the top, enjoy an isotonic drink, which is plentiful in our parts. We won't go hungry either; the members of the Mountaineering Club Metlika will take care of that. If you're not tired, you'll be able to dance to the sounds of live music and climb up to the lookout tower, where you'll have Bela Krajina literally in the palm of your hand.
Slovenian ''entertainers'' also visit us from time to time
Are you ready for an evening full of emotion and rhythm? Nina Pušlar is coming to Bela Krajina for the first time. Enjoy an evening where you will quickly transform from a tourist to a local singing at the top of his lungs in the middle of Bela Krajina. See you on 8 May at 8 pm in the sports hall of the Secondary School Črnomelj. P.S. Make sure you get your ticket in time.
Take a walk along the longest Bela Krajina Riviera
This year, the Southernmost Slovenian Trail celebrates its anniversary. The 12-kilometre route leads you from Damlje to Radenci. Meet in Radenci and take an organised shuttle to the starting point. The route is easy and suitable for everyone - from keen walkers to couples, families, and nature lovers. This is a trail where nature truly knows no boundaries. This year's anniversary hike takes you along one of the most beautiful routes along the emerald Kolpa River. The route takes you through the heart of the Kolpa Landscape Park, where the river meanders in a thousand shades of green. You will walk past karst caves, gravel banks, and through unspoilt forests where peace is the only sound you will hear. Along the way, you'll discover a rich biodiversity and maybe spot a rare bird or plant. This is the luxury everyone talks about - silence, pure nature, and you. Don't look for the beaten track, just follow the river and your heart.
The largest festival of top-quality wines from Bela Krajina
Get ready for one of the biggest wine events in Slovenia, which turns Metlika into the centre of the wine world for three days every third weekend in May. Vinska Vigred, it's not just an event on the calendar - it's an explosion of the Bela Krajina pride, where tradition is intertwined with an irresistible desire to socialise. There's no room for restraint here, only for cordiality and relaxation without rules, so just toast with our winemakers.
It all starts on Friday with the awarding of the champion wines and the crowning of the Queen of Metliška Črnina Wine, as well as the awarding of the best producer of Belokranjska Pogača. You will feel the respect for the land and the efforts of our winemakers, which will then spill over into the first real festival night. Check the full programme to help you decide if you're coming on the following days.
Saturday is for exploring. Stalls in the Old Town offer the best of Bela Krajina, from handicrafts, produce, and food to gastronomy. Don't look for the beaten track - let the smell of roast lamb and suckling pig and freshly baked Belokranjska Pogača (the one with protected origin!) guide you from one winemaker to the next. Enjoy the stories of the Bela Krajina winemakers and take part in numerous guided tastings. And try your hand at baking your own Belkranjska Pogača at Bela Krajina House of Local Delights. Will you get it "right the first time"?
Sunday is a day for families, performances by local musicians, and that real homely feel that reminds you why it's so hard to say goodbye in Bela Krajina.
Run under the stars
End May with a sporting event that will literally get your blood pumping and your heart racing. A night run through the Old Town and the illuminated streets of Metlika is more than just sport - it's a street spectacle not to be missed. Forget the quiet routes. Metlika has a real fan atmosphere along the route that rivals the biggest football derbies! The local streets have already developed a little competition to see who can come up with the most original and loudest animation. Often, the action along the course is even more exciting for passers-by than the run itself - the music, the banners, and the incredible energy will literally carry you towards the finish line. The course is the same for both the shorter and longer distances.
If you're a runner at heart, you know this is the real deal. The Metlika Night Run is one of the three races, along with the Gas na Gača and the Lahinja Trail, that count towards the Bela Krajina Cup. This is the ideal opportunity to fight for the title of the best runner in Bela Krajina. If a local wins, the crowd roars!
