LEARNING IN NATURE Villa Šumica - Villa for All Seasons

Zveza prijateljev mladine Ljubljana Moste-Polje In the Mountains’ Embrace Villa Šumica is located in the National Park, only a stone’s throw away from and just below Mt. Prisojnik. Alongside flows the river Pišnica, leading lucky visitors to the nearby Lake Jasna. The world of mountains and unspoiled nature around the Villa provides the perfect opportunity to learn about natural phenomena in a relaxed and enjoyable way no matter what the season. It’s an excellent starting point to visit the magical land of Kekec (a character from Slovenian children’s book and movies) or unique source of the Dolinka in , and to make several non-intensive hikes into the mountains. The Villa offers a beautiful view of the Karavanke Mountains, as well as of the mighty . The proximity of the three borders between , , and is an extra source of delight, as it makes for quick trips to these neighboring countries.

Space to Explore and Relax Villa Šumica is perfect both for day trips and longer getaways. The encouraging environment is perfect for holding school and extracurricular activities. The outdoor and indoor multi-purpose space is a far cry from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city, which makes it ideal for strengthening social skills and daily living in nature.

Many hiking, educational, and biking trails can be found nearby. Children can enjoy outdoor activities and educational, technical, and creative projects. Adopting new skills and virtues by following the principles of a sustainable lifestyle, as well as inter- generational integration and lifelong learning, are complemented by an entertainment program.

2 Advantages of Villa Šumica • Proximity of a meadow, forest, lake, and stream, where children can learn about nature, herbs and animals • Proximity of numerous forest paths, educational, and hiking trails, which provide opportunities for trips and walks, passing by natural and cultural attractions • A playground, football field, and volleyball and ba- sketball courts right next to the Villa for enjoying free time moments • The indoor multi-purpose space for educational activities and daily and evening events • Rustic room with a wood oven for social activities • Pehta’s* room with a cozy atmosphere for professionally guided discussions • Full time presence of staff providing five meals a day (vegetarian and diet food are available upon prior request) • Free rental of skis, ski boots, helmets, and sleds. Upon prior arrangement, the possibility to hire ski instructors. • Available modern audio and video equipment and free wi-fi

* Pehta is an old lady form the story about Kekec who lives alone and knows the secrets of mountain herbs.

3 School and Kindergarten in A Day at Villa Šumica A day in Villa Šumica is organized in a way that children acquire Nature practical knowledge through various activities and gain new Villa Šumica and its surroundings provide two- to five-day programs educational content with different research techniques. Activities for educational institutions complementing and building upon their not only complement the program’s content, they also create curricula. In the untouched nature children perceive the surroundings an opportunity to tackle new challenges. This way they have the through their senses, and the concise way of teaching or exercises chance to learn through experience, making it much easier to retain increases the children’s concentration. the knowledge acquired. The Villa’s location is ideal for holding workshops in both natural and social sciences, sports, and other creative workshops in all seasons, and oriented activities are planned in a way that children can relax and enjoy themselves.

Among many natural and cultural attractions, hiking trails, educational content, and sports activities, each group can choose a mix that best matches their curriculum.

4 THE COURSE OF THE DAY ACTIVITIES Wake-up call Morning jogging and relaxation, greeting the sun, preparing for a new day Breakfast Meeting Children become familiar with the daily schedule and prepare properly for it Activities 1 EXAMPLE: Trip to Lake Jasna; introduction to the environment’s characteristics, listening and observation Lunch Lunch, followed by resting in the rooms Activity 2 EXAMPLE: science lab Leisure activities Sports/creative/social activities Dinner After dinner preparation for the evening program Evening program EXAMPLE Night hike/Cinema under the stars/watching the sunset over the lake ... the program follows the wishes of the children and is adjusted accordingly for their age group Good night kids Retreat to the bedrooms for sleeping

5 Natural and Cultural Attractions

PRISANK RUSSIAN CHAPEL Prisank or Prisojnik is a mountain 2547 m high and rising above the valley The chapel, built during World War I, reminds us of the unpleasant moments of Krnica. Prisank is known for the largest natural window in the Julian Alps in history, but it stays there, helping us retain a good memory of the fallen and mysterious face of the Heathen Maiden, formed by natural processes. Russian prisoners in the war.

PIŠNICA RIVER HEATHEN MAIDEN OR “AJDOVSKA DEKLICA” Pišnica is a river of two streams, both the Small and Large Pišnica, coming The legend says that this girl was a friend of the giants and that she always together next to Lake Jasna. The large stream flows into Lake Jasna, helped hikers lost in a snowstorm find their way home. Her sisters were forming a small natural canyon. Pišnica ends its journey in the angry with her and carved her immortal face into the rock of Prisank. river. The current of Pišnica is used as a natural source of energy. ZELENCI VRŠIČ The natural reserve Zelenci is the source of the Sava Dolinka River. Because The highest Slovenian mountain pass is at 1611 m above sea level. In of its high ecological value, the source is protected by the European addition to the road’s important role link both sides of the mountain range, ecological network Natura 2000. Its unique humidity gives home to Vršič offers us a beautiful view of Prisank and on the face of the Heathen special flora, such as peat moss - Sphagnum spp. - and even the rare and Maiden, carved into the rock. endangered plants like sedges - Carex lasiocarpa.

FUSINE LAKES One of the most beautiful cycling routes in the leads us Gozd Martuljek is a natural forest reserve. In addition to the beautiful to two glacial lakes. These lakes, absolutely resplendent in their natural surroundings, this place is also known for its waterfalls of the Martuljek beauty, are found just across the border in Italy and are part of an Italian stream coming from the group of Martuljek mountains. The Martuljek National Park. stream ends its journey in the Sava Dolinka River.

6 KRNICA TAMAR The glacial valley Krnica is the result of the area’s geological and glacial Tamar is one of the most beautiful alpine valleys, accessible by the forest transformation. An easy path along the Pišnica River leads to the Alpine path starting from the valley of . The real source of Sava Dolinka, house in Krnica, and it is not far away from the magical land of Kekec. called Nadiža, is found here and it sinks under the surface and begins its PLANICA journey again at Zelenci. “Planica, Planica, snow queen” - is the song that echoes through the glacial valley beneath the Ponce chain of mountains. The Planica glacier formed MUSEUM today’s valley, which is famous for the international competition The museum presents life in Trenta in the past and the present - a rich that takes place at Planica every year. collection of the ethnological heritage and cultural and historical traditions of the Trenta valley. The reconstructed typical house of Trenta with the so- LIZNJEK HOMESTEAD called black kitchen gives us a glimpse into an ancient way of life, taking us The old Liznjek homestead was made out of wood more than 300 years ago. back to the days of iron foundries and old crafts in Alpine mountain dairies. With its typical stone kitchen, called the “black kitchen”, a large entrance hall, and a loft, it is one of the best-preserved typical alpine houses. The LAND OF DWARVES permanent exhibition on the life and work of the author of children’s books, A mysterious path from Kranjska Gora to Gozd Martuljek (1 hour walk) leads (1884-1944), reminds us of a character from his fables set in us to the land of the dwarves. The dwarves are always one step ahead of this magical land. Do you know which one? the children and leave signs for them to follow. All the way children must observe their natural surroundings carefully, as the dwarves may surprise MOJCA HUT (VITRANC) them at any time... The Mojca Hut (1555 m above sea level) is located in the middle of the Vitranc slope. The place offers a beautiful view of the peaks of the Julian ON THE TRAIL OF TRIGLAV’S TALES Alps and it became a runway for numerous paragliders. The Alpine world is a real treasure, hiding not only enormous natural wealth but also a treasure trove of unknown and mysterious legends, along with TRENTA the well-known ones! “On the Trail of Triglav’s Fairy Tales” is the path that The glacial valley is located in the Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps. introduces us to eccentric characters from the villages and , Trenta is also the home of our clearest river, the river Soča. the friendly and generous local people, as well as several mythical creatures.

7 Kranjska Gora – Gozd Martuljek Starting from the villa we proceed towards the lower part of the village, in Hiking Trails the direction of Čičare. The path leads us first along Lake Jasna and then turns to the forest trail, where we have to walk with caution, looking out Kranjska Gora - Zelenci roots and rocks on the way. When start to get near to Gozd Martuljek we It ‘a very easy path to take a walk but many people choose it for a cycling already hear the murmur of the Martuljek waterfalls. We can take a look at track. The path leads along an asphalt road all the way to the ski course in the forest educational trail by studying the forest in Rute and maybe we stop . Here you will be treated to a beautiful view of the three peaks for a snack. On the way back we can choose the other way along the bank of Ponca, the village of Podkoren, and of the western part of the Karavanke of the river Sava Dolinka. mountains. Soon we continue along a nice trail all the way up to the Natural WHAT DO WE SEE? Reserve of Zelenci. Just a little further the road turns to the left and you can In addition to the flora and fauna, the Sava Dolinka River catches our eyes. also decide to take a nice walk towards Planica. There is a beautiful view of the Martuljek and Špik mountains, and checking WHAT DO WE SEE? them out with binoculars is a true treat. The village of Gozd Martuljek is also The natural reserve with specific flora and fauna. known for its ancient industry - coal processing. Here we can understand how Zelenci and the source of Sava Dolinka had Distance: 7 km been formed. Walking time: 2 hours Distance: 7 km Type of path: forest path, asphalt, macadam Walking time: 2 hours Type of route: asphalt road, macadam Kranjska Gora - Krnica Krnica is the glacial valley where the Hut of Krnica is located. The altitude Kranjska Gora - Podkoren difference between the location of the Villa (917 m) and Krnica (1,113 m) is The path is easy and not demanding. We choose the same path leading 200 m. The route starts along the river Velika Pišnica on a macadam road from Kranjska Gora to Zelenci. (See Zelenci*) and continues along a pleasant forest path. Just before the hut the valley begins slightly to rise. WHAT DO WE SEE? The village of Podkoren with the commemorative plaque, dedicated to the WHAT DO WE SEE? naturalist and inventor Sir Humphry Davy. Nearby is the ski slope for Alpine The trail also leads us to the magical land of the young shepherd Kekec, Ski World Cup and a very old lime tree of more than hundred years. Not far where you can see the plants and animals of the forest, as well as the away there are also a nice children’s playground and horses. waterfalls and rapids of the river Velika Pišnica Distance: 5 km Distance: 3.5 km Walking time: 1 hour Walking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes Type of route: forest path, asphalt, macadam Type of route: forest path, macadam

8 Educational Content and Activities Schools, daycares, educational institutes, and other organizations can choose from a range of diverse educational content, or even put their own program together, depending on their needs and their curriculum. Programs are adapted to various age groups and individual activities can be tweaked and tailored as needed. All programs are held in and around Kranjska Gora.

activities age ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Triglav National Park P P P P P P Humans and Nature P P P P P P P P P P Water Protection P P P P P P Pollutants P P P P P P P P P P Natural Purification Systems P P P P P P P P P P

GEOGRAPHY Cartography and Orientation P P P P P P P P P P Rocks and Soil P P P P P P Kranjska Gora and Surroundings – Geographic Characteristics P P P P P P P P P P Mountain Rescue and Response Services P P P P P P P P P P Natural Disasters P P P P P P Survival P P P P P P Planet Earth – the Flow of Energy and Elements P P P P P P The Alps ¬– Climate and Topography P P P

NATURAL SCIENCES Natural Resources P P P P P P P P P P Flora and Fauna – Living Beings P P P P P P P P P P Meadows P P P P P P P P P P Water World P P P P P P P P P P Light P P P P P P P P P P Meteorology P P P P P P P P P P Endangered Species P P P P P P P P P P Elements and Their Properties P P P P P P P P P P The Treasures of the Forest P P P P P P P P P P Detectives in Nature P P P P P P P P P P Research Methods in the Field and the Lab P P P P P P P P P P

SOCIAL SCIENCES Kranjska Gora – Ethnologic Traits P P P P P P P P P P Problems of Contemporary Society P P P P P P P P P P People and Mountains – Then and Now P P P P P P P P P P

9 Sports Activity Age Group Hiking All Ages Basketball All Ages Running All Ages Additional Activities Football All Ages Volleyball All Ages Activity Age Group Orientation Run (Treasure Hunt) All Ages Astronomy Club All Ages Night Hike All Ages Sports Games All Ages SUPing on Lake Jasna All Ages Board/Party Games All Ages Summer Sledding 5th Grade and Up Creative Workshops All Ages Winter Sledding All Ages ECO Workshops All Ages Skiing All Ages Fairytales and Storytelling Up to 3rd Grade Dance All Ages Creating Crosswords 3rd Grade and Up Agility All Ages Creative Writing All Ages Winter Wonderland All Ages Quiz – Say, Listen, Show All Ages Small Games All Ages Music Workshops All Ages Ball Games All Ages Photography All Ages

10 Accommodation In the seven rooms are available 71 beds, each room also has its own toilet. Bed linen is also available

Frist floor Number of beds Room A 10 Room B 12 Room C 6

Second floor Room D 10 Room E 12 Room F 6

Third floor Room G 15

Booking The house is open all year round as the surroundings offer a wide variety of educational, sports, and other activities in order to spend your free time enjoyably in all seasons. Our very friendly staff takes care of Villa Šumica and its surroundings and everybody will be happy to give you a hand in making your vacation plans and to fulfill all your wishes. The latest information on our prices and the services we offer is available at www.zpmmoste.net. We invite you to work with us in designing the program that is just right for your needs.

CONTACT FOR BOOKING CONTACT VILLA ŠUMICA ZPM Ljubljana Moste-Polje Počitniški dom Vila Šumica Proletarska 1 Vršiška 73 1000 Ljubljana 4280 Kranjska Gora Slovenija Slovenija Tel: +386 820 58 209 Tel: +386 4 588 16 83 E-mail: [email protected] www.zpmmoste.net

11 Zveza prijateljev mladine Ljubljana Moste-Polje Proletarska 1 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia www.zpmmoste.net [email protected] +386 820 58 209

The authors of the brochure: Pedagogues and educators of ZPM Ljubljana Moste-Polje Photos: Archives ZPM Ljubljana Moste-Polje, Simon Ogulin, Simon Pintar - Madpixel Design and printing: Madpixel s.p., Zera d.o.o.