Radio Prvi explored the Via Bela Krajina by bike
How can you experience the Bela Krajina region by bike?
The best way is to get on your bike and set off. That is exactly what Klara Eva Kukovič, a journalist with Radio Slovenia’s First Programme, did whilst preparing a report in Bela Krajina on the long-distance cycle route Via Bela krajina.
The event began at Špica near Ajdovo zrno in Črnomelj, where, in a relaxed and conversational atmosphere, a discussion took place about the route’s origins, its planning and, above all, what cyclists can experience along the way. The discussion was attended by Rok Simčič, owner of Špica and one of the route planners, Matej Simčič from the Nature Conservation Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, and Jože Vrban from DMO Bela krajina. Each presented the Via Bela Krajina from their own perspective, ranging from its origins and natural features to the tourist experience it offers cyclists.
One of the unique features of the Via Bela Krajina is the freedom to plan your own route. It has no fixed start or finish point, so cyclists can choose for themselves where to begin and where to end their journey. They can tailor their route to their time, preferences and interests, and explore the Bela Krajina region at their own pace.
After their chat, Klara Eva Kukovič and Jože Vrban set off on electric bikes to cover part of the route between Črnomelj and Jelševnik. A surprise awaited them shortly after they set off. Although heavy traffic was to be expected on the main road at that time, they were almost alone on their section of the route.
It is moments like these that show what it means to experience the Bela Krajina region by bike. Just a few minutes from the town centre, the landscape opens up to forests, fields and quieter roads, and the ride takes on a completely different rhythm.
On the way, they also stopped at the Zupančič Tourist Farm, which houses an information point about the black olm. This brief stop provided an opportunity to learn about one of the unique features of the Bela Krajina karst underground.
The return journey to Črnomelj was somewhat different. Instead of following the planned route, they opted for a gravel track and thus continued part of the journey off the planned route. This, too, is part of the freedom that cycling in Bela Krajina offers – exploring at your own pace and discovering spots you might not even have planned to visit at first glance.
They returned to Črnomelj through the old town centre and concluded their cycling adventure where it had begun – at Ajdovo zrno.
🎙️ The conversation and the cycling experience will be featured as part of the naPOTki programme on Radio Slovenia’s First Channel. The report will be broadcast on the radio and will also be available as a podcast after the broadcast.
The story will therefore not be confined to the Bela Krajina region, but will show listeners how they can experience the destination in a different way – by bike, at their own pace and along their own route.
Via Bela krajina – choose your own starting point, your own route and your own experience.
