Kolpa, the border river between Slovenia and Croatia, rises on the Croatian side in Gorski Kotar; its length is 292 km. It runs in the southeasternmost part of Slovenia and represents a 113 km long natural border between the two countries.
The Kolpa River is the warmest and cleanest Slovenian river. During summer, the temperature of Kolpa River in its lower stream rises up to 30°C, therefore it attracts many swimmers. The river is also attractive for sport fishing and boating by kayaks, rafts and canoes. The river is not difficult for rowers, it is also considered easy and suitable for beginners. Its area offers home to numerous birds, storks, grey herons, wild ducks, … In addition to over 30 species of fish, there are otters in the river, and a European pond turtle, the only indigenous Slovenian turtle, dwells on the river bank.
Along the river and in its vicinity, there are numerous hiking and biking trails.
The largest affluent on the Slovenian side is Lahinja, the longest river of Bela krajina, that flows into Kolpa near Primostek. At the dams on Kolpa that divide the river, there were many mills and sawmills operating in the past, and along the river, a few residues are seen even today. The territory between Stari trg and Fučkovci is declared the Kolpa Nature Park.
In 2010, the Kolpa River received a prestigious title EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence) in Slovenia, which is awarded by the European Commission in the context of calls for tenders aimed at development of sustainable tourism.
In the Municipality of Metlika, there are four campsites set up along the Kolpa River, in Križevska vas, Primostek, Podzemelj and Krasinec.
CAMPING
HOLIDAY RESORT & CAMPING BELA KRAJINA****
Located on the banks of the warmest river in Slovenia, holiday resort & camping Bela krajina provides perfect holidays in beautiful natural surroundings. Staying in a tent, trailer or caravan, you can choose your own perfect camping pitch by the river, or you can rent a confortable mobile homes or glamping chalets with sauna, for pure relaxation in the nature. The property has an outdoor sport area with Adrenaline climbing park and canoe, kayak, paddle board, bike and E-bike rental. There is all kind of children playgrounds and sportsgrounds, such as beach volleyball, table tennis,mini golf, basketball, and even oudoor Fitnnes. Delicious breakfast is possible at the onsite restaurant, where you can as well try local culinary specialties and selected local wines. Trips to Nature park Kolpa, to local wineries, honey tastings, bakery and handcraft workshops, hiking and cycling trips and other programs are provided at reception. There is a small souvenir shop with local producs and market at 200m in the village.
BIG BERRY – LUXURY LANDSCAPE RESORT
BIG BERRY Luxury Landscape Resort is Slovenia’s first luxury resort, located by the Kolpa River. The combination of natural beauty and luxury houses creates a completely new lifestyle concept that offers a relaxing vacation environment and unique experience. There are only 7 guest houses set on the property of 25 000 square meters, assuring complete privacy for every guest. Facilities of the resort include a private hot tub and a lounge area for each house, as well as a common barbecue house, volleyball court, outdoor fitness equipment, children playground, and free of charge canoe and bike rental.
More: www.bigberry.eu
THE LOVŠIN ESTATE
The Lovšin estate is located in Križevska vas village near Metlika. It opens towards the south where it is bordered by the Kolpa river, while an impassable elevation of stone cliffs represents its northern side’s firm edge. When visiting the estate you can choose to stay in a restored antique barn or at the campsite, where you can pitch a tent or park your camper van or caravan. If you like to treat yourself to a bit more comfort, there are two larger glamping tents awaiting you by the river. The campsite is in the immediate vicinity of the Kolpa river, at the site of an old milling homestead, which is the largest protected homestead in the entire Bela krajina. Even though the hundred-year old Lovšin mill is no longer operational, it is however well preserved. There is a well maintained 220 m long dam running from the estate across the river towards Croatia. The dam can be used for fishing, you can walk along it or sit down and let the flow of the river massage you. Swimming here is suitable even for non-swimmers and little children since the water below the dam is very shallow. Along the riverbank there are several lawns suitable for sports activities and guests can rent bicycles and electric bicycles. For those aspiring to ever new heights a natural rock-climbing wall has been arranged. If you wish to become more familiar with the river, you can rent a canoe, a kayak, or a SUP. Nature. Tradition. Kolpa.
More: www.lovsin.si
CAMP KRASINEC
A peaceful family camp, surrounded by birches and right next to the Kolpa river offers many opportunities for sports activities such as free bike rental and a well kept swimming area. There is also a restaurant where you can get food and beverages.
Contact: Krasinec 21, 8332 Gradac, mob: +386 40 555 183, e-mail: kampkrasinec@gmail.com, Facebook: Kamp Krasinec ob Kolpi
KOLPA RESORT GLAMPING
The Kolpa Resort is a perfectly located glamping destination in Slovenia, featuring wooden glamping houses and three luxury glamping tents that cater to families, couples and groups. Each wooden house features fine linen rustic, but chic furnishings. The glamping tents offer the same basic features (fine linen, rustic furnishings, air conditioning, a private heated bathroom and toilet, and a styled kitchen), but with the added charm of staying in a real tent, with only a layer of canvas between you and the great outdoor. After a day’s worth of hiking the hillocks, biking around the Kolpa valley, or simply sunbathing and swimming in a pool, you are certain to enjoy a relaxing shower in the privacy of your heated master bathroom.
More: www.kolpa-resort.si
“METLIŠKA KOUPA”
The Metlika bathing area, near the international border crossing that once connected two nations and where many a love flared up, was long considered as the most beautiful one on the Kolpa. The bathing area is gradually regaining its former appearance.
In the shaded area by the Kolpa, there is a children’s playground, a beach volley court, a bowling alley, four convenient picnic spots and a round concrete slab divided by lines into four equal sections on which two or four bathers can kill time by playing some Metlika tennis. The original entertaining game was named so after the way the points are counted, which is the same as in real tennis, but players use a football and they must control it without using their hands.
Relax in the silence and the warble of the river as you read your favourite book, have a picnic in the nature, quench your thirst or have a coffee while admiring the marvellous view, and simply recharge your batteries on the banks of the Kolpa River in the company of family and friends. During the season, the Plac Cultural And Arts Society takes care of many events, tournaments, workshops, concerts and outdoor cinemas.
Contact: http://kudplac.si/
