Patricia Van Trigt: Otočec

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Otočec Slovenia

The region of Lower Carniola is home to Otočec Castle, built on an island and surrounded by Krka River. Romance and fairy-tales are words that come to mind when you see a wooden bridge, the broad expanse of the blue Krka River bustling with swans and ducks, mighty trees, and an island surmounted by a Gothic and Renaissance building. Otočec Castle is the only island castle in Slovenia, and is surrounded by a 200-year old park filled with indigenous and exotic tree species. It dates to the 13th century when it was occupied by the Knights of Otočec, vassals of the Bishops of Freising. After that it had several owners from the Tirolean Villanders family at the beginning of the 16th century, to the Margheri de Commadona family, who owned Otočec up to the end of the Second World War. The natural conditions, which are created at Otočec by the Krka River with its numerous islets, tufa shelves, river channels and exuberant vegetation, represent one of the most picturesque and attractive stretches of river. It has a great variety of aquatic habitats, which are characterized by 32 species of fish, including many rare and endangered species. For bird watchers, Mute Swans, Mallard Ducks, Grey Herons, Great Mitterns, Moorhens, and Kingfishers, with a greater variety of bird species in the winter, favour the Castle environs. Otočec castle was burnt during WWII and the castle furniture was destroyed or dispersed. Both wooden bridges were also damaged. Luckily, the castle was renovated under the supervision of the heritage protection service in the 1950’s, the only castle in the Lower Carniola region to be renovated of the many that were burnt during the WWII. The Castle Park was laid out during the period at the turn of the 18th century. The oldest trees in the park are around 100 years, but the majority were planted after the renovation of the castle the 1950’s. Native tree species are black alder, white willow, black poplar and oak. Today the Castle houses a world-class restaurant and a luxurious hotel, a member of the Relais & Châteaux chain. Weddings and other important events are staged here. A golf course and a health resort are close by.

Wikipedia

Recommended airport

Maribor (MBX)

Nearby destinations

Otočec, Slovenia

Cheap accommodations in Otočec

Tickets to enjoy in Otočec

Otočec Slovenia