Kočevsko – guided tours
There is always a mystery about it; partly because of its history and partly due to restricted and closed area during the 2nd World War and later, but also due to the majesty of the vast forest and their wildlife.
Bear, wolf, lynx – large carnivores, that stir our imaginations live here. But the live a hidden life, and rarely cross the paths with a human.
Although this region is often associated with bears, you will find plenty of beauty there, like bubbling streams that feed the outstanding river Kolpa, beautiful points of breath-taking cliffs and area rich of magnificent wild forests.
Do not be afraid, but allow your self to see wild. WITH US!
Although this region is often associated with bears, you will find plenty of beauty there, like bubbling streams that feed the outstanding river Kolpa, beautiful points of breath-taking cliffs and area rich of magnificent wild forests.
Do not be afraid, but allow your self to see wild. WITH US!
LICENCE 2304 FOR TOUR AGENT
LICENCE TV1232 FOR TOURIST GUIDE
LICENCE 2303 FOR TOUR ORGANISER
OUR TOUR AGENCY "ARS NATURAE PETRA DRAŠKOVIČ PELC S.P. " IS REGISTRED AT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OF SLOVENIA
Kočevsko - the secret forest of Slovenia
Choose your guided tour
At the moment, we do not have any shedulded tours on specific dates. Each tour is individualy arrenged for you. And can be custumized to your wishes. We care about your experience, your shedule and your wishes. Let us know!
All year along! It can be very special and unique in any season!
UNESCO HERITAGE OF BEECH FOREST IN KOČEVSKO
UNESCO heritage of old-gorwth forest is something we are very deeply proud of. Beech forest of Kočevsko offers incredible opportunity to feel the primeveal nature. Join us in this adventure to explore the wild beech heritage.
Magical world of Birds
Magical world of birds is a short, up to 3 hour long experience where you through interepreation learn about the birds and in the special hide see them up-close. Perfect for families and also young and elder enthisuasts of nature.
Following the wolf tracks
Wolfs are very mystical animals (Canis lupus) , also very charismatic. While walking through the deep forest and trying to find their signs of presence, you will learn all about them and respect them even more.
THE STORY OF capercaillie
The capercailllie is like a fores ghost. Once rooming in the deep forest of Kočevkso, today very much endangered and only found in a few places in Slovenia. Join our tour and learn more of it and get a chance to see and photogpraph this fascinationg bird.
EXPERIENCE LYNX CONSERVATION
The Lynx has been one of the most endangered species in Slovenia. With your trip, you can make a huge difference, lear about them more, and help the scientist to discove more about this elusive animal.
Customers reviews
What our guests and custumers say?
The day with you at the outskirts of the Krokar was absolutely fantastic. We enjoyed having a guide with such a profound knowledge about nature, about the history of the forest and the people who once lived there. Also we have to stress the way you are able to impart your knowledge to people: with bright eyes and so much dedication that it is impossible not to feel the deep affection you have for doing this job.
The pictures are great but they can never show the feelings we had, the amazement and awe for the wonders of nature. We would like to thank you again for making this day so special, to take care for all our needs and to always make sure that we feel good.
Our friends and families will hear how warmly we can recommend to chose such a tour. And we would love to come again - maybe next time in autumn."
The pictures are great but they can never show the feelings we had, the amazement and awe for the wonders of nature. We would like to thank you again for making this day so special, to take care for all our needs and to always make sure that we feel good.
Our friends and families will hear how warmly we can recommend to chose such a tour. And we would love to come again - maybe next time in autumn."
Daniel and Adina
Germany
"We had a fantastic journey to the primeaval forest with Petra. We have a love of nature and forests so it was really special to spend the day with Petra – her passion for the wildilfe and forests of Slovenia is inspiring. The tour was constructed with great attention to detail and provided insight into the world of Kočevsko's primeaval forest, as well as the rich diversity of life in this amazing landscape. The tour allowed us to experience the sights, sounds and sensations of the forest and left us feeling refreshed. Thank you Petra for a truly memorable experience, it was one of the highlights of our trip to Slovenia."
Kieran
Ireland
Petra guided us for three days in the Kocevje region, in August 2022, during which time she showed us lots of different places in the area, including virgin forest, rivers, lakes, tiny villages and farmhouses. At each place Petra would tell us about the area, with a focus on the large carnivores, as well as the local history, during WWII and the Yugoslavia era and how that has shaped the forests. Her knowledge was incredible, full of interesting facts and insights – she was able to answer all our questions across a huge range of topics. Best of all was Petra’s personal experiences of the large carnivores in the area, which she shared with a detail and passion. Although we weren’t lucky enough to see bears, wolves or lynx ourselves, we were shown their lives through footprints, scratching posts and other signs of their presence, along with descriptions of Petra’s encounters in each location. Her approach to guiding is sensitive, ensuring we did not disturb animals and respected the forests as wild untouched places. Petra also gave us a lunchtime picnic, prepared by herself, and eaten in a beautiful spot. Each day there was different food, some of it from her own garden or made by herself, enabling us to experience delicious typical Slavonian food. Each evening, Petra arranged for us to eat a Slavenian dinner often in a remote farmhouse, prepared by the family living there. Petra ate with us, explaining what we were eating and sharing Slavenian life in the region with us, including how farmers live alongside bears and wolves. It was evident that Petra had put a huge amount of work into preparing for our three days with her before we arrived and continued to do so during our visit. We were extremely well looked after and, through Petra, were given a unique insight into the beautiful forests and animals living in them that brought the forests alive for us. Thank you Petra for a wonderful experience!
Sue
Scotland
16th July 2020, rain is forecasted, but for the moment the weather looks fine. Petra leads us to the entrance of the Kocevski Rog 'Virgin forest'. It doesn't take long before we find bear prints in the mud. The kids are eager to look for more prints and soon they find the perfect footprint for making a plaster copy. We then follow the 'bear trail' path along the virgin forest. A memorable walk where Petra now and then points out in a comprehensible way how different nature can be if left untouched by humans and how animals live and survive around here. Petra clearly knows what she is talking about and has the rare ability to transfer her enthusiasm and dedication to the audience. A clear expert in the field, top guide and a top location to be engulfed by nature and (despite the rain), highly recommended ...
This trip is the first thing the kids talk about to their friends back home.
Pieter, Hilde, Thor, Lore and Lien
Belgium
Summer 2019 Petra guided us alongside a virgin forrest over a bear trail. This was really exciting. Her stories about forests and animals (brown bears, wolves) opened our eyes in many ways. Her personal experience in Alaska, when she was stuck all by herself hanging over a canyon holding on to bushes with just her hands for 17 hours moved us deeply. Her inner strength, energy and wisdom radiates. Thank you, Petra!
Marnix van de Poll
The Netherlands
Petra Draškovič Pelc shaped a magical day in the forest for my team. With her, we listened to each other and to ourselves and remembered how important it is to work together and look after each other and to care for the world surrounding us. Petra is a superb guide, a great expert on nature and animals in the area, and she follows her dreams with her way of life thus leading with an example and an inspiration to us all.
Katja
Slovenia
We really enjoyed our guided tour with Petra. We corresponded about our whishes for the tour in advance, and Petra planned the tour accordingly. She showed us how to look for and interpret signs of animal activity, we hiked to the virgin forest, had a delicious lunch at a farmstead and found bear footprints. Petra’s obviously very knowledgable about the region, flora and fauna. She’s a very kind person with a passion for nature and photography. Thanks Petra for the incredible experience!
Nynke & Mark
Nizozemska
Ever since I discovered Petra's page online, I knew she was the person I had been searching for to have the most profound forest experience. And she didn't disappoint me at all. Petra is a passionate professional who dedicates her life to helping people rediscover their primeval connection with nature, which many have lost. She employs various channels to guide you through this fascinating and healing process, drawing from her extensive knowledge as a researcher of flora and fauna, her experiences in different habitats around the world, and sharing curious anecdotes from her personal journey. Additionally, her stunning nature photography adds to the allure. However, I believe the most powerful way she awakens your innermost craving for nature connection is through her contagious enthusiasm and her ability to gaze at the spectacle of nature with unwavering awe, as if it were her first time.
The hike into the Rajhenavski Rog with Petra was undoubtedly the highlight of my trip to Slovenia, and I wholeheartedly recommend everyone to experience something like this at least once in their life. Thank you, Petra! I'm eagerly looking forward to the next adventure.
Sandro
Italy
Eric and I like to travel outside of Europe but Corona has kept us closer to home: Slovenia! During our preparation for the trip we read nice comments about Petra and her knowledge and love for nature. After a few emails back and forth we had set a date. Eric and I were looking forward to this day during our 4 week vacation. We wanted to see nature through Petra's eyes... and we did! Petra understood 100% what we were looking for this day. She has not only taught us knowledge but also really view, feel and experience nature with all your senses. After a great meal we pulled up to the hut to watch bears. We had to wait a while, but the spectacle we then saw was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We saw 3 different bears and how they behave towards each other. We wanted to see nature through her eyes, we saw nature through her eyes.
Thanks Petra!!
Els & Eric
Belgium
Petra, thanks to you and Stane we had the perfect tour of the forest. You thought of everything to make it fascinating and enjoyable for all of us throughout, thinking of our needs, interests and comforts, and becoming a real friend to us. How many tour guides do that? Happy memories - it would be great to get back together one day.
Antonia
united kingdom
I'd like to thank you for wonderful 3 days where you gave me the unique opportunity to explore Kocevsko, learn about all local wildlife and a way of life in this peaceful southern region of Slovenia.
I very much enjoyed all beautiful views from mountain peaks, as well as hiking and forest bathing. I learned many new and surprising facts about bears, lynxes, eagles, wolves and all other beings who coexist with people in those breathtaking forests. Your experiential approach to sharing knowledge is truly refreshing and nicely interwoven into your offerings.
I thought I knew something about forest bathing but having it done with you brought completely new perspective and understanding what it means and how it is experienced. Sealing it all off with reflective tea ceremony was such a gentle and heart warming closure to amazing 3 days.
I also very much appreciated your responsiveness to my questions and timing everything with such a grace, as well as allowing me the possibility to visit local artisans and peaking into their works of arts and cuisine.
And finally, I also thank you for all memorabilia and presents, all gifts are gratefully accepted and recipients honestly appreciated them all.
If anyone plans to visit Kocevsko, whether solo, in couples, family or group of friends, I definitely encourage them to check out your portfolio of services. Everyone is in knowledgeable and safe "hands" and can rest assured they get premium services if they choose to book with you.
I do hope we meet again.
Sarka
England
The post-conference travel you guided for us "Following the footprints of the bear" in 2018 remains a highlight for both me and Scott. We have wonderful memories that are lovely to revisit, plus a whole set of rather fabulous photos. I loved our company, I loved our destination and we especially loved being guided by you, with Stane in support. Everything was marvelous. I count myself a lucky person to have seen a European virgin forest and been with people that I hold in such great esteem and who inspire me.
Julia & Scott
Alaska
This was a brilliant trip and truly unique experience. It was easy to organise with the help of nature trips. All acomadation was perfect with the right balance of remoteness and comfort. But the best thing that took the trip to another level was our guide Petra. Her knowledge and understanding of the area and wildlife in it was truly exceptional. It was a pleasure to be in her company for three days and she honestly taught me so much. I recommend the trip to everyone!
Samuel
united kingdom
We booked a tour with Petra to discover the beautiful and relatively unknown forest. Petra took us by car to the most incredible spots en told us things about the forest we never knew before, thereby we spotted some footprints from bears and foxes! I think I’ll never look at a forest as I used to look at it. If you have the opportunity to book a tour with Petra, do it!
Danique
The netherlands
We spent two days with Petra visiting the virgin forest and search for wolf and bear tracks. We found plenty! Petra is super knowledgeable about the forest, the history and wildlife. She is very easy-going, caring and flexible to make your plans work. We spent the night at a lovely farm where we made an early morning “safari” walk - with amazing foggy landscape. We learned more than we could imagine and loved every moment of our trip. Thank you Petra for spending time with us and keep up the good work in forest conservation! You are an inspiration to many!
Martijn & Marente
The Netherlands
I just completed a three day tour with master-guide, Petra Draskovic Pelc. She is the most knowledgable, switched-on and fun guide that I can imagine, and I have been a tour operator myself. The countryside was beautiful and full of animal sign - we did see wolf and bear prints in the mud - and we heard all sorts of owls and roe and red dear engaged in rutting behavior. The European virgin forest was fabulous. Petra went all out to make sure I and our party of four others had a top notch experience. This trip (more like a wilderness adventure) has my wholehearted recommendation.
Julia
Usa
"First of all, the time we spend in the forest with you is my best moment of our week of vacation in Slovenia.
I really like the way you bring things up, get our interests, share your scientific knowledge in a simple way. I like the way you put it for the kids also."
Joan Claire
France
“The hiking tour with Petra on the edge of the virgin forest in Kočevski Rog was an unforgettable and unique experience for us. Her stories about the animals and the trees made time fly by in such a joyful and enjoyable way! I felt so close to nature and the beauty of the wilderness touched me deeply. The forest is pure magic and being able to spend time there with your loved ones and an experienced guide like Petra by your side is truly a gift.”
Sabine
Germany
Our family joined Petra to track the bear. In fact, this was a birthday present to my son. I believe this is an exellent present, means much much more to a kid than any material stuff or toy, that would make him boring after some time. When a child can feel the wilderness of untouched forests, the excitement while fallowing the bear tracks or maybe even a chance to see a bear... This is a way how a child can feel respect towards nature, its forest and inhabitants. Well, a good ponit, next to that was also we spent time together as a family and this unforgettable day will stay with us forever. All in the company of Petra, who knows this wild and secret places.
Petra Roglič
Slovenia
We want to thank you for your profesional work.
Places you have showed us enabled us to discover wild and amazing scenary of your beautiful country.
It was our privilage to have you, who share so much of your passion and love for nature. You have opened our eyes for managing and co-existing of people with large carnivores - like bears and wolfs.
For us, coming from region of France, where we have bears and so many doubts about co-exisiting, you have showed us, that this is possible.
Thank you so much and looking forward to visit you again!
Joel
France
We arrived home again after a wonderful trip through some of beautiful Slovenia. The highlight of our trip was our day with you; there hasn’t been a day gone by without us talking about different aspects of the day!
Anna
switzerland
Thanks you very much for who you are, for the day and for gifts. It really touch me.
Pauline
France
The bird watching tour was an incredibly beautiful experience. Besides a wonderful hike, where we were lucky enough to even spot some bear tracks, the sighting of a white-tailed eagle was an absolute highlight of this tour. To be able to experience the nature and the biodiversity of this region within the framework of such a well-organized tour was simply amazing. In the end, we were able to observe at least 15 different bird species - some of them quite comfortably from a professional hide. This was definitely not our last tour with Petra and we are already looking forward to the next adventures together."
Kati
Germany
We were so impressed with the region you showed us Petra; such an abundant oasis of natural beauty. Of course the highlight of the day was seeing our beautiful bear and we really cannot stop replaying the moment in our minds when he appeared almost ghost-like through the undergrowth and ambled into the clearing. It was such a privilege to be part of his world for all that observation time and learn so much from you during the day. We loved hearing of all your experiences with the bears over the years. Your knowledge, gentle approach, attitude and values are only to be highly commended and recommended! You certainly went above and beyond to give us the best experience possible. We have many precious memories to store away thanks to you dear Petra. Our hearts are singing!
Anna & Matthew
switzerland
This is 1000 times much better than any televison!
Ela, 7 years old
Slovenia
The tour with you was one of the highlights! 
Thank you so much again. You did a great job! I hope that we see each other for another tour next year! .
Thank you so much again. You did a great job! I hope that we see each other for another tour next year! .Ivo Haase
Germany
I am very proud to have completed the Rewilding Europe‘s Rewilding Training Tourism programme, which is focusedon developing and upskilling the guiding and hospitality segment of Europe’s nature tourism sector. Set up by Rewilding Europe, it aims to professionalise and scale up nature-based tourism in Europe. It is designed for guides, hospitality and tourism entrepreneurs, and other local partners in rewilding areas and enables them to act as ambassadors for rewilding. Providing comprehensive rewilding and tourism training, it incorporates Rewilding Europe’s best practices.
I am very proud to be a member of NATURE FIRST PHOTOGRAPHY ALLIANCE and also a SILVER PARTNER and actively promote NATURE FIRST principles and our commitment to responsible nature photography. It is very important to recognize our responsibility.
Protecting wild places and animals begins with prioritizing the well-being of nature above my photography.
We should reflect on the possible impact of our actions, not only when taking photos but also what we do with them!and
Interpreting our heritage is crucial for all of us. To understand the world around us, to appreciate it and to safe it.
I feel very grateful to be part of this community.
Even more, my work on large carnivore interpretation has been recognised by Interpret Europe as one of the best leading examples in Europe!
We are proud BEAR FRIENDLY AMBASSADORS and actively promote bear conservation in the local area as well as good co-existing practice with large carnivore. In our tours we strive for being responsible and also educate about this our guests. We were awarded with BEAR FRIENDLY certificate in the framework of LIFE DINALP BEAR project. Our work (products and tours) were recognized as an example of good conservation and tourism practice. It is not only confirmation of our efforts but a huge responsibility for the future.
Check our code of conduct and our eco-tourism vision
Our mission is to inspire people and our guests to connect with what really matters: the moment, nature, the wilderness, also culture herituge and traditions and yourself. Enjoying together and being outside, while we also care for the area where we walk and explore, make it an unforgettable experience.
We are very passionate when it comes Slovenia and especially to Kočevsko. By traveling in small butique groups, we encourage more interaction, which results in creating incredible friendships, feeling safe, and each can enjoy its own silence, too.
We stands for a fair distribution and we prefer to organize our trips in a way that makes them sustainable for future generations. We are committed to sustainability, community, to local experiences and justice and it gives us as guides and as travel developers the inspiration and motivation to design the most beautiful and unique trips and tours.
We enjoy a lot, when our travellers, our guests are our ambassadors and we appreciate it a lot when you share this. Thank you!
We are very passionate when it comes Slovenia and especially to Kočevsko. By traveling in small butique groups, we encourage more interaction, which results in creating incredible friendships, feeling safe, and each can enjoy its own silence, too.
We stands for a fair distribution and we prefer to organize our trips in a way that makes them sustainable for future generations. We are committed to sustainability, community, to local experiences and justice and it gives us as guides and as travel developers the inspiration and motivation to design the most beautiful and unique trips and tours.
We enjoy a lot, when our travellers, our guests are our ambassadors and we appreciate it a lot when you share this. Thank you!
