Today we say goodbye to the the Island of Krk and goodbye to Croatia, our host country for the past 23 days. We’d heard lots of differing opinions about camping in Croatia before we left but we were pleasantly surprised by our experience of the country. The main roads are excellent, the campsites are extremely clean and well maintained, everything is very reasonably priced i.e. much cheaper than in England and the service is excellent and courteous. We didn’t find it a scenically beautiful country to travel in but, once settled, the turquoise sea and red sunsets were undeniably beautiful. Goodbye Croatia and thank you for your hospitality.
We only travelled 110 miles today but there was quite a dramatic difference in the emerging landscape as we travelled. Slovenia is very beautiful, lush and green and reminded us, in turns, of Wales and the Highlands of Scotland as the landscape changed around us.
The campsite (Camping Ljubljana) is only 3 miles from the city centre but has the feel of a New Forest campsite. It’s been a while since we’ve parked on grass, Croatian camping pitches being on gravel, and sitting amongst the trees with conkers and acorns dropping from above made us feel right at home. We made such good time on our journey that we got the bikes down (off the roof rack) and set off for Ljubljana city right away. There is a cycle path running all the way into the city and it was a particularly fast route because bicycles have priority at every intersection. At one of the intersections we noticed some standing stones and stopped to take a look. It is a small park with standing stones, one for each of the nations of the European Union member States, creating a ‘Hologram of Europe’. A plaque explained that the idea was to create a blue print of Europe and to show the role each country plays in the EU. The stone for Great Britain stated its role as “Linking the cultural superstructure of Europe to the spiritual powers of the earth” – all of which seems the sadder for the recent decision to exit the EU.
The standing stones forming the “Hologram of Europe”
Our first impression of Ljubljana was, quite simply, we love it! Whether it’s because it’s a University town, or because of the green spaces, or because it’s so bicycle friendly, we’re not sure – maybe it was all of these factors or none of them but it has a really warm and friendly vibe about it that just made it feel like a very good place to be.
It was a gloriously hot, sunny day so we headed for a walk uphill, as you do, to the Castle. The views were just stunning. There is an impressive amount of green space around and you could easily forget you’re in a city.
Ljubljana Castle The steep climb to the Castle
Nearly there… Phew! We made it – and the view
The University The river and the Triple Bridge
The view from the bridge Typical city street
Relaxing and enjoying the local brew at bar TOZD on the river side
What with all that travelling (and local brew) it had been a long day!
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