Ljubljana Marshes Nature Park

Path among the alder trees – Ljubljana Marshes Nature Park

The path among the alder trees offers a glimpse into the lives of endangered animal species (marsh shrike, stone gnome, hermit, mountain owl, black-footed anteater and reaper).

We also learn about the human impact on changing the Ljubljana Marshes and how challenging it is to maintain suitable habitats for endangered species. The path is suitable for visiting on foot or by bicycle.

Length and terrain of the trail: 3 km circular trail, a combination of macadam and field trails; trail route map. Please note that part of the trail on the southern side is in poor condition (due to potholes, there are large puddles and mud after rain, so suitable waterproof footwear is required) and along this part of the trail you may also encounter black garbage dumps (in cooperation with the Municipality of Ljubljana, we are trying to find a sustainable solution to regulate this issue).

Marking and shade:
The trail has 8 information stations, which are equipped with bike racks and benches. Most of the trail is not shaded, so protection from the sun and mosquitoes and ticks is recommended in the summer.

Access:
The path between the alders is suitable for visiting on foot or by bike. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one at P&R Barje (classic bike BicikeLj or electric bike NOMAGO Bikes).

You can get to P&R Barje:

by city bus number 9, direction Barje P+R. From the city center (Konzorcij) to the final stop (Barje P+R) it will take you about 10 minutes, and from the main bus and train station (Kolodvor station) it will take another 5 minutes
by car: in the immediate vicinity of the motorway ring road, at exit number 34 (Ljubljana Center), next to the final stop of the city bus, there is the Barje P+R parking lot.

From P&R Barje to the starting point of the Path among the Alders:

Walk across the highway bridge to the Rakova jelša City Park
past the children’s playground
across the marked pedestrian crossing and wooden footbridge
immediately after crossing the wooden footbridge, turn right at the fence of the city gardens and continue forward until you see the directional stake of the thematic path and large exhibition panels on your left.
Under the nearby trellis you will also find a map of the path with 8 marked information points.

The length of the path from P+R Barje to the starting point of the Path among the Alders is 750 m, which will take you just under 10 minutes.

Starting point of the route:
Google map Instructions

What they say about Ljubljana Marshes Nature Park at the visitljubljana.com

The Ljubljana Marshes are a picturesque and historically rich landscape stretching south-west from the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. This nature reserve, which covers approximately 160 square kilometers, is a treasure trove of biodiversity, cultural heritage and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy exploring a unique combination of wetlands, meadows, woodlands and riverbeds.

NATURE PARK ON THE EDGE OF THE CITY – PDF

A space of constant change

The traditional agriculture has preserved the great biological and landscape diversity. The mosaic of different habitats is home to many plant and animal species, which are only rare elsewhere in Slovenia and Europe. The wet meadows, flooded waterside meadows and thousands of kilometers of drainage channels attract mainly moisture loving plants and animals. Ljubljansko barje is home to several hundred species of birds, numerous colorful butterflies, dragonflies and amphibians.

The interdependent ecosystems of Ljubljansko barje clean the air, water and soil, and cool the hot summers. It also enables relaxation and new discoveries in the immediate vicinity of the capital city, as well as sustainable production of quality healthy food and the development of environmentally friendly farming and green tourism.

But not only nature, the heritage is also exceptional. In this small piece of territory, several cultures have left their mark, from the prehistoric pile dwellers and ancient Romans, to the determined drainers of the marsh, which was supposed to become the granary of the Hapsburg Monarchy. Due to their interventions into the once typical marsh, today’s Ljubljansko barje is probably the most anthropogenically modified landscape in Slovenia. Although many have tried and are still trying to limit the extent and duration of floods through drainage, Ljubljansko barje is still one of the largest flooding areas in Slovenia.

Source: naravniparkislovenije.si