The Source of the Ribnica River

The Ribnica River originates from two karst springs between the foothills of Velika Gora and the northern part of Bukovica. It is a typical karst stream. During our walk, we will notice the remains of a former fish farm. Beyond the dam at the upper spring, the river flows through dense, impassable marsh vegetation. On sunny days, the clear water takes on shades of turquoise, despite the abundance of algae. When the river emerges into the open, it winds in wide meanders across a damp grassy plain. Later, it sinks into the karst soil. Part of it flows underground into the Rinža, and part into the Krka. Near the spring, there are also tables with benches suitable for a short break or a picnic. The walk is nicely complemented by a trip to the source of the Rakitnica, which is not far away. The source of the Ribnica is located in the Dolenjska region, the Ribniško-Kočevska subregion, and more specifically in the Velika gora, Stojna, and Goteniška gora subregion.

Family outing: The trip is a short walk suitable even for children aged 2 years or younger and can be completed entirely with a stroller. When crossing the footbridge, we must be careful not to let them fall into the water. Children will be thrilled by the wild marshland nature, which is hard to find in such an unspoiled form today. The large weir and the pond behind it, remnants of a former fish farm, are also attractive. Near the spring, there are also tables with benches for a short break or a Sunday picnic.

Starting point: Take the regional road from Ljubljana to Kočevje to Ribnica, where you turn right toward the town center. At the first traffic light, turn right, and at the intersection where the road curves to the left (with the left turn having the right of way), continue straight toward Sodražica. Drive past the castle and cross the bridge. After about 100 meters, turn right toward Zadolje and the Ugar estate. The road leads through meadows and then into the forest. After driving a few hundred meters through the forest, we cross the Ribnica River. About 200 meters past the river, look for a narrow forest gravel road on the right side of our road. Turn onto it and park. It is located just before the intersection of our road and a larger gravel road.