White Carniola

In the far southeast of Slovenia surrounded by the Kolpa River, the rugged Gorjanci, and Kočevski Rog Mountains, there is a little piece of heaven on Earth. Welcome to Bela Krajina! This predominantly karst landscape is intertwined with numerous karst phenomena and characterised by the colour white: not only is the word in its name (bela means white in Slovenian), but white is also the colour of the limestone that can be found wherever you look, white are the tree trunks of the birch stands with their bracken undergrowth, and white are the folk costumes typical of this region.

In a relatively small geographical area, you will be treated to undulant vineyards interspersed with picturesque wine roads, colourful forests, and vast fields, as well as two nature parks – the Kolpa Landscape Park and the Lahinja Landscape Park. Unspoilt nature with rich flora and fauna will delight anyone who seeks peace in the nature’s embrace.

Not only geographically, Bela Krajina is also ethnically, historically, and culturally unique. Centuries of various nations and cultures coexisting resulted in the region’s diversity, which is reflected in the language, food, traditional costumes, folklore, and, last but not least, in architectural heritage. Many Bela Krajina traditions, like typical embroideries, unique Easter eggs, and rich folk traditions to mention just a few, have been preserved intact, with the natural result that, over time, Bela Krajina has become a haven and a source of inspiration for many Slovenian artists.

During your visit to Bela Krajina, you should definitely stop by in the towns of Črnomelj, Metlika, and Semič, which all have remarkable museum collections testifying to the area’s rich history. The somewhat difficult historical ordeals moulded the kind, proud, resourceful, and hardworking people of Bela Krajina, whose extraordinary hospitality will guarantee an authentic experience in this region.

https://www.belakrajina.si/en/