The Green Sea of Europe & Kingdom of the Brown Bear

Enter Slovenia’s wildest secret. The Kočevje Forest (Kočevsko) is often called the ‘Green Sea of Europe’ a vast, unbroken expanse of ancient woodland that covers over 90% of the region. This is nature in its most primal form, home to the UNESCO-listed Krokar Primeval Forest, where axes have never touched the trees.

But Kočevsko is most famous for its inhabitants. It offers one of the highest densities of brown bears in the world. This is the premier destination for responsible Bear Watching tours, where you can safely observe these majestic giants in their natural habitat from specialized hides. Beyond the wildlife, the region offers deep silence, crystal-clear lakes like Lake Kočevje, and a network of lonely hiking trails perfect for those seeking total escape from the modern world. Explore our guide to Slovenia’s mysterious south.