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From Begunje village, the cradle of traditional Slovenian folk music, leads a scenic route underneath the slopes of Mt Dobrča, Mt Kriška Gora and high Mt Storžič, full of sights and beautiful views. On the other side of the valley, we can cycle to Kropa village, famous for its long history of iron forging, or we head in the direction of the famous pilgrimage centre in Brezje and its basilica.

Sights

Source: Archive of Turizem Radovljica

Avsenik Museum in Begunje

The museum, which is part of the Avsenik restaurant in the village of Begunje, has an exhibition on the history and development of the Avsenik Brothers Ensemble. The two brothers were founders of this music genre, which today is imitated all over the world.

Photo: Miran Kambič, Source: JZTK Radovljica

Bazilika of Mary Help of Christians

The Basilica in the village of Brezje is the work of the famous architect Vurnik and the square in front was arranged by Slovenia’s most famous architect Plečnik.

Originally known as the church of St Vid, the most popular pilgrimage site in the country was elevated to the status of basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1988.

Photo: Jošt Gantar

Kropa – the cradle of Slovenian iron forging

The history of iron forging shaped the appearance of the heritage-protected market centre of Kropa village. To this day, numerous well-preserved ironworkers’ houses, water barriers and other equipment can be found, among which is the most exceptional the unique Vigenjc Vice – a foundry for the hand forging of nails, the only one of its type in Slovenia.

Photo: Jošt Gantar

Tržič Old Town

Throughout history and today still, Tržič is known for its shoemaking craftsmanship. Besides shoemaking, Tržič was also known for weaving and smithing.

Today, the Old Town is protected as a cultural and historical monument, as it is home to buildings with medieval floor plan, portals decorated with rosettes, a drying holes in the roofs, iron doors and much more.

Photo: Jošt Gantar

Linden tree in Žiganja vas

In the centre of a small village there is a mighty linden tree whose estimated age is 500 years and its circumference was measured to be 730 centimetres. The tree is a natural value of national significance. Although its trunk began to decay several years ago, it is still leafy and vigorous.