Wooden bridges give the Dolenjska region a special charm

Visit the wooden bridges on the Krka River

Wooden bridges give the Dolenjska region a special charm

Bridges are masterpieces

Each in their own right, and this region is characterised by its wooden bridges. Stone bridges, more common in the Primorska and Notranjska regions, have survived for centuries because stone is more durable than wood. Wooden bridges also require craftsmanship to maintain their authentic form for a century or more. And that is what makes the tradition of preserving wooden bridges all the more worthy of respect.

The vertical support structure of wooden bridges in this region is formed by several wooden pillars, which are slightly tapered from the river bed towards the main structure of the bridge. However, in the spots where the supporting piers are placed, all of them – like most wooden bridges in general – are laterally reinforced with a horizontal connection extending in the form of a triangle across the walking surface.

In the Dolenjska region, most of its wooden bridges and footbridges are crossing the Krka River.

The typical regional form of a wooden bridge can be seen in the three bridges at Otočec. Two stand one after the other, connecting the two river banks and the islet on which stands Otočec Castle, the third one is not far away, just after the islet, in the village of Otočec. All three are also part of short but scenic hiking and cycling trails, very suitable for families and ramblers.

Photogenic bridges on Otočec

Grad Otočec

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The Otočec Castle hotel and restaurant are connected to the banks of the Krka River by two wooden bridges.

Restaurant Hotel Grad Otočec

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You are invited to a castle dinner or lunch at the Hotel Grad Otočec restaurant, which is even recommended by the Michelin Guide 2022.

Defying time and floods for more than 150 years

The bridge in the vicinity of Dolenjske Toplice in Dolenje Polje, is also picturesque. You can visit it by bicycle when you take a trip to the famous Devil's Tower in Soteska during your stay at Terme Dolenjske Toplice.

Bridge over the Krka near Dolenjske Toplice

Wooden bridge in Dolenje Polje

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The bridge is located just a few kilometers from the Hotel Balnea**** Superior. You can visit it on foot or by bicycle - you can choose between a well-maintained forest path or a road path.

Hudičev turn, Soteska

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The surroundings of Dolenjski Toplice hide many interesting excursion spots, one of them is definitely the Devil's turn in Soteska, which you can reach if you cross the wooden bridge in Dolenjje Polje.

Kostanjevica na Krki

In the past, people, livestock and carts carrying crops were transported across the Krka River by ferry. However, by the second half of the 19th century, wooden bridges were already in use, for example, in Kostanjevica na Krki, at Brod in Podbočje and in the village of Krška Vas. The Kostanjevica and Brod bridges have stood the test of time and annual floods, while the bridge in Krška Vas was replaced by a reinforced concrete bridge in 1978.

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Wooden bridges are unfortunately often the victims of modernisation. They are preserved only thanks to the efforts of heritage conservationists and tourist boards, who raise awareness of their value and historical importance.

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In addition to their economic importance, bridges are also of great importance to social life, including tourism, art and culture – they connect people, they are depicted by painters and photographers, they are sung about and written about by poets and writers, and many are works of art in their own right.

Development requires more and more connections

In Novo mesto, you can walk across a wooden bridge to the city park in Ragov log, and the Loka Bridge is also clad in wood. But citizens need even more connections, which is why two pedestrian and cycling bridges are being built in the middle of the city right now, with two more in the surrounding area and two more for vehicles to be built in the coming years. While the new bridges will not be wooden, it is interesting to note that thedesign of all of them is being carried out by an internationally renowned bridge designer from Slovenia, Marjan Pipenbaher, who also designed the famous bridge to the island of Pelješac, the Črni kal viaduct, and the longest railway bridge in Israel.

Hills, vineyards, river rapids and wooden bridges – a paradise for tourists

With its softly rounded hills, the dreamy Krka River, numerous castles and picturesque villages, Dolenjska is a region that has become increasingly popular with tourists in recent years. They are also drawn in by the great cuisine and thermal springs found here.

Cycling and hiking trails

When you visit this region, another great way to explore it is by bicycle, as there are many cycle paths along the Krka River. From its bridges, you can take in the rapids, dams and waterfalls created by the tufa rock formations. Swans and herons can often be found perched on these formations, so you'll be sure to catch the perfect snapshot.