Zelenci Nature Reserve

Situated at the northern edge of the Triglav National Park, the stunning Zelenci Springs are a nature reserve located near the Alpine resort of Kranjska Gora. They are the source of the Sava Dolinka River, a tributary of the Danube. It’s an incredibly picturesque area that offers some of the best panoramic views of the mountains and is a very popular hiking and mountain biking destination.

Zelenci translates to “greenies”. Numerous brooks emerge from the layers of marlstone, which gives the water its blue-green colour. The emerald lake bubbling up from the ground is amazing, as are the moorlands that surround it. The waters have a constant year-round temperature of around 6 °C, preventing them from ever freezing over.

The Zelenci Springs were declared a nature reserve in 1992, both due to their unique geological character and as the home to numerous endangered animal and plant species. An educational trail with viewing bridges and an observation tower offers visitors an up-close experience of this intriguing place.

Sir Humphry Davy, the world-famous 19th century naturalist, once declared: “There is nothing more beautiful in Europe.” He wasn’t wrong.