A Slovenian Sanctuary

As a tour leader and avid traveller, sitting at home for more than a year has been quite a strange sensation. I have explored my local patch, travelled to new areas and old favourites in the UK, but it lacks that special something of an overseas adventure.

I found myself flying from London Heathrow on a British Airways flight to Ljubljana, excited to touch down in the stunning landscapes of Slovenia – one of my favourite parts of Europe. Here rugged alpine peaks dominate the north of the country, with stunning lakes, rivers and forests making the area among the country’s most popular. After spending a few days in these magnificent surrounds, enjoying waterfalls, golden eagles, alpine meadows and fabulous food, it was time to get down to business. I headed south, to the Dinaric Alps.

Slovenia is a country that is often overlooked. Those visiting the Alps head to nearby neighbours such as Austria and Italy, and those looking for wildlife often head further east. Yet, Slovenia is home to a staggering diversity of species and it is undoubtedly its growing population of bears that makes the country a draw for a wildlife holiday. The Dinaric Alps are forest-clad karst landscape, providing a refuge to brown bear, grey wolf, lynx, red deer, wild boar and the spectacular Ural owl (as well as many more).

I spent a week using a range of purpose-built hides (that we use for our dedicated photography tour) and I was blown away by the incredible sightings I was privileged to witness. Throughout my time in Slovenia I was blessed with beautiful weather and this always improves the light within the surrounds of the forest.

Sitting in a hide, for me at least, is a form of meditation. Watching the jays, chaffinches and black squirrels (a colour variant of the red squirrel) feed in the rich beech forests, while waiting for a bear – what can be better? Well the moment a bear silently walks into view, tentatively making sure that it has the forest to itself, that is always the absolute highlight. Seeing large predators up close in Europe is particularly special, and for me, nowhere has the same feel to it as Slovenia.

You can join me in the Dinaric Alps to enjoy the wild delights for yourself.

Join Bret Charman in Slovenia during spring or autumn on our bear photography trips. To find out more information, contact us.