Description
Kozjansko Regional Park is one of the oldest and largest protected areas in Slovenia. Most of the park is included in the Natura 2000 network. Since 2010, Kozjansko with Obsotelje has held the status of a biosphere reserve under UNESCO protection within the MAB – Man and Biosphere program.
Biodiversity
The diverse natural environment creates conditions for exceptional biodiversity. The park is home to 44 species of orchids, more than 1,200 species of butterflies, 62 species of grasshoppers, and 20 species of fungi. It also preserves 102 varieties of apples, 60 varieties of pears, and 78 natural landmarks.
Traditional Orchards
Among the park’s most recognized practices are traditional high‑stem meadow orchards. These orchards provide vital habitats for birds such as the wryneck, green woodpecker, scops owl, hoopoe, little owl, honey buzzard, and red‑backed shrike. Apples from these orchards symbolize nature conservation, tradition, healthy food, and the identity of local people.
Kozjansko Apple Festival
Since 2000, the park has organized the Kozjansko Apple Festival, its central ecological and ethnological event, held annually in the second week of October in the town of Podsreda.
Park Attractions
Visitors to the park can discover many attractions, including:
- Medieval Podsreda Castle
- Medieval Podsreda square with pillory
- Gruska Cave – karst spring valley
- Collection high‑stem meadow orchard at Čerčkova Homestead in Podsreda
- Dry meadows on Vetrnik and Oslica
- Levstik’s Mill in Podsreda
- Gorge of the Bistrica River
- Gorge of the Sotla River – Zelenjak
- Bee‑eater nesting site, Župjek
- Karst spring Davjek, Dekmanca
- Ajdovska Woman rock at Pilštanj
- Lourdes Cave in Zagorje near Lesično
- Trebče – Kolar Homestead with pond and Javeršek Homestead
- Numerous hiking trails: Forest trail Podsreda Square – Podsreda Castle, Travnik nature trail, Podsreda trail, Geological trail, Pilštanj trail, Lesično water trail, Bizeljsko trails, Kunšperk–Klestje trail
- Pilgrimage routes: Emina Pilgrimage Route and Mary’s Pilgrimage Route
Visits and Guided Tours
Guided tours of Kozjansko Park are available from €25 per person. For more information, visit the official Kozjansko Park website.
