Highlights of this trip
Step into the untold heart of Slovenia’s Kočevsko region, where time moves to the rhythm of nature and the whispers of the wild still echo through the trees. This is a land shrouded in mystery – once closed off, now revealing its secrets to those who venture here. Bears, wolves, and lynx roam these vast forests, leaving traces of their hidden lives for the curious to discover.
Over five unforgettable days, you’ll explore virgin forests, track wildlife with expert guides, and witness the delicate balance of coexistence between humans and nature. From the legendary 500-year-old “Queen of Rog” silver fir to the breathtaking cliffs of the UNESCO-listed Krokar Primeval Forest, every step immerses you in a world untouched by time. You’ll search for bear tracks, visit a local artisan carving wooden bears, and spend an evening in a wildlife hide, waiting in silent anticipation for a glimpse of a bear in its natural habitat.
But this journey isn’t just about wildlife – it’s about connecting with the soul of the forest. You’ll picnic under ancient trees, share stories by a crackling fire, and savor homemade delights from local suppliers. The Kolpa River’s sparkling streams, dramatic cliffs, and the rare sight of a white-tailed eagle soaring above a secluded lake add to the magic.
This is your chance to feel the wild. To walk where few have tread, to listen to the stories of the land, and to leave with a deeper understanding of nature’s quiet majesty. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of Kočevje?
Photogallery
what does this journey look like?
Day 1 – Arrival
Arrival at Kočevje. Check in to the Bearlog Hostel, free afternoon and get ready for the meeting next day with your guide Petra.
Day 2 – Virgin forest and wildlife tracks.
Starting at 9 am from Kočevje we continue towards Kočevski Rog. This is an amazing opportunity to explore our dinaric forests, meet the Queen of Rog, the 500 year old silver fir and peek into the virgin forest. There is a chance to learn about wild nature, to understand its beat and rhythm, as well to look for signs of animals in the forest, including bear and with some luck also wolf. Along the way, there are also great examples of good co-existence practice.
The hike is about 10 kms, with stops to enjoy the nature and hear stories from the guide. We have a picnic on the way and dinner around 6 pm before coming back to Kočevje, still in the heart of Kočevski Rog. Along the way is great opportunity to see coexistence with large carnivores and try some homemade delights (this will be included from different local suppliers throughout the tour).
Day 3 – A day with a bear.
Starting at 9 am from Kočevje we visit a local carver famous for bears. He is the friendliest “bear in the Kočevje” region and you will be able to explore how small wooden bears are carved with his hands. After a while we continue to the forest to search for more tracks of wildlife activity – footprints of bear, deer, wolf, maybe even lynx. There is a plenty of opportunity to track and learn, as well enjoying in the amazing forest of Kočevsko.
After an early dinner we go to a wildlife hide and stay there for the evening to have a chance to see bears. We stay in silence there for couple of hours and return late in the evening back to our accommodation.
Day 4 – Unesco Heritage Site.
After a local breakfast at your accommodation we start to catch the beautiful morning at the ridge beyond Kolpa river. The views are stunning here and this will be a great getaway to Unesco Heritage site – Krokar. The trail is not long, but is a bit steeper to access and offer some fantastic opportunities to understand pristine nature and forest. Beech threes have survived ice-age here and spread later on through the whole of Europe.
And later we continue to Kočevska Reka to the lake, which is also a forest reserve and a home to a white-tailed eagle. It is only 1 pair nesting here, so chances to see one are not too hight, but whenever there is, we are so grateful!
Evening night by the fire with preparing dinner together. Late return to the accommodation and saying farewell.
Day 5 – Departure.
After breakfast, it is time to depart home or venture onwards.
Practical information
Dates & Availability
This is a private trip for 2 or 4 people
This itinerary can also be booked for a larger group upon request
Costs (Included & Excluded)
€990 per person for a group of 4
€1690 per person for a group of 2
Included:
- Accommodation with breakfast – 4 nights
- Guide throughout the programme (3 full days) including the bear-watching
- Lunch and dinner included on day 1,2,& 3
Excluded:
- Flights/ Transport to Kočevje
- Travel Insurance.
- Transfers outside of collective transfer options
Logistics / Transport
You make your own way to the Bearlog Hostel in Kočevje, which is 1,5 hours from Ljubljana.
Accommodation
Nights are spent in a private ensuite room at the Bearlog Hostel in Kočevje.
Food
Meals are communal and local. Expect bread still warm from the oven, soups that change with the season, and at least one dish you cannot pronounce but will miss deeply afterward. Special diets are respected, though curiosity is encouraged.
Health & Safety
You will be accompanied by a certified wildlife guide throughout your journey, who is equipped with bear spray in case of wildlife encounters in the wild. However, such encounters are very rare, as truly wild animals are shy creatures who creep away from human presence.
This tour requires a low to medium fitness level, as there are some hiking distances with max. 500m altitude difference. Not suitable for guests with low or very limited mobility.
Testimonials
Local guide
Petra Draskovic Pelc
Petra is a curious researcher by heart, also holding a PhD in Biomedical science but always very close to the heart of Nature. Curiosity and spending time in the Nature have shaped her way and helped her to explore the world around.
However, she decided to turn her hobby (photography and travels) into profession in 2015. Since then she works as a professional photographer, responsible nature guide, certified tourist and interpretive guide, certified guide of forest therapy, writer for different magazines, and researcher through different projects. Her passion is also pottery and exploring the potential of clay and own hands.
She loves wild nordic lights, solitude in the forest, as well the spirit of the wilderness of her home - Kočevsko, the secret forest of Slovenia.