AMA’s Top 5 Tips for the Bohinj International Wild Flower Festival

As one of Europe’s greenest countries, Slovenia will explode with colour once again this summer as the Bohinj International Wild Flower Festival celebrates its 10^th anniversary with the theme ‘Wild Orchids in Bohinj’. Taking place in the lush Julian Alps and Lake Bohinj region between 21 May – 5 June, it’s the perfect getaway for May half-term and the Spring Bank holiday.

The festival celebrates the internationally recognised alpine flora of the area along with the culture, nature and landscapes of Bohinj.

The focus this for year’s two-week environmental festival is ‘Wild Orchids in Bohinj’, celebrating the impressive collection of orchids in the region. Bohinj is home to half of the orchid species found in Slovenia. Of these 40 species and subspecies, some were discovered as recently as last year.

We’ve picked out our top 5 things to do at the Bohinj International Wild Flower Festival this year:

1: Photographic Exhibition – “Orchids in Bohinj”, Photographer: Peter Strgar

All 40 species and subspecies of wild orchids that have been found in Bohinj and the surrounding mountains are displayed in this wonderful exhibition

2: Guided botanical excursion – The Harmony of Water, Forests and Screes 

Take a walk along Lake Bohinj’s shores and head into the Julian Alps on this guided tour – see how many wild flowers you can find!

3: Lecture – Slovenian wild orchids with Branko Dolinar

This year the festival’s focus turns to wild orchids, with many lectures around the topic. This particular event will teach keen gardeners and novice scientists about the environmental conditions in which these beautiful flowers grow. Many of the orchids are endangered, so how can we make sure that we preserve these for generations to come?

4: Workshop – Edible wild flowers with Slovene celebrity chef & author Dario Cortese

Discover the world of edible plants! You’ll collect and prepare delicious dishes with traditional dairy products.

5: Guided cycling tour across the Dobrava meadows

Admire magnificent views of the Julian Alps as you peddle your way from the Bohinjska Bistrica area to Stara Fužina on this hour-long guided cycling tour.

The festival is a credit to Slovenia’s green credentials, with capital city Ljubljana awarded EU Green Capital 2016 for its sustainable approach to everything including reducing traffic, increased pedestrianisation and the preservation of important green landmarks such as one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens. The country is also home to Alpine Town of The Year 2016, Tomlin, on the edge of the Triglav National Park.

The 10th anniversary coincides with Slovenia’s 25^th anniversary of independence, making Bohinj International Wild Flower Festival the perfect introduction to Slovenian culture for first-time visitors and a wonderful celebration for returning tourists.

http://www.bohinj.si/alpskocvetje/eng/index.php