As one of Europe?s greenest countries, Slovenia will explode with colour once again this spring as the Bohinj International Wild Flower Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with the theme ?Wild Orchids in Bohinj?.
Springtime in Slovenia is a cause for celebration throughout the country, starting with the outlandish traditional costumes that are brought out for the ?chasing the winter away? festival and culminating in spectacular floral displays at the two-week Bohinj International Wild Flower Festival.
Considered by UK tour operator Inghams as one of the must-see festivals this year, the Bohinj International Wild Flower Festival takes place 21st May and 5th June.
As the temperature rises, the Julian Alps turn from green to every colour of the rainbow, with the sparkling emerald green glacial Lake Bohinj as the centerpiece to this dazzling display of botanical riches.
Visitors will be treated to a ?bouquet? of wild flower themed events including guided botanical tours on horseback, lectures on natural and cultural history, artistic exhibitions including traditional embroidery workshops, special events for children and families, plus wild flower cookery demonstrations.
The focus this year is ?Wild Orchids in Bohinj?, celebrating the impressive collection of orchids in the region, including the ?Late Spider Orchid?, which was only recently found near the Bohinjska Bistrica. Bohinj is home to half of the orchid species found in Slovenia. Of these 40 species and subspecies, some were discovered as recently as last year.
Already well known to adventure seekers and outdoor explorers thanks to the opportunities for outdoor holiday activities and its landscape of immense beauty, the Bohinj region offers peaceful lakes, booming waterfalls, deep gorges and cultural attractions such as traditional architecture and folk art.
Bohinj is also famous in the horticultural world for its incredibly diverse ecosystem. It is one of the best regions in which to see wild flowers in Europe and this annual celebration of local and international alpine flora celebrates the culture, nature and landscapes of the region under three dedicated themes: Flowers in Art, Flowers in Everyday Life and Flowers in Science.
The festival is a credit to Slovenia?s green credentials, with capital city Ljubljana awarded EU Green Capital 2016 for its sustainable approach to everything including reducing traffic, increased pedestrianisation and the preservation of important green landmarks such as one of Europe?s oldest botanical gardens. The country is also home to Alpine Town of The Year 2016, Tomlin, on the edge of the Triglav National Park.
The 10th anniversary coincides with Slovenia?s 25th anniversary of independence, making Bohinj International Wild Flower Festival the perfect introduction to Slovenian culture for first-time visitors and a wonderful celebration for returning tourists.
