Slovenia is known as a land of forests. From the mountains to the sea, about 60 percent of its territory is covered in woods, more than in any other European country outside Scandinavia. Yet even by these standards, one forest – Krakovski Gozd – is unusual because of its exceptionally varied plant and animal life.

Located not far from the picturesque riverside town of Kostanjevica na Krki, Krakovski Gozd is – unusually for Slovenia - a swamp forest; it is regularly flooded by the nearby Krka River. One part of the forest was managed for centuries by monks from a nearby monastery, while large areas were inaccessible and have been left untouched by human intervention. There, many oak trees are three or more centuries old.

The regular flooding in the forest, which consists mostly of sturdy oak and hornbeam trees, has resulted in an abundance of unique vegetation and exceptionally varied birdlife. Rare flowers such as the drooping tulip are common here, and the moist soil makes an ideal breeding ground for the protected moor frog. No fewer than 14 different species of amphibians thrive here, and both beavers and otters are regularly spotted in the area.

Because of this biotic diversity, a part of Krakovski Gozd was one of the first areas in Slovenia to be declared a nature reserve back in 1952. Such natural environments are rare on a European scale, and the forest is now a part of the EU’s Natura 2000 program.

The forest was also the site of a remarkable scientific discovery. In the 19th century, a Czech-born forestry official named Josef Ressel was responsible for mapping the area of Krakovski Gozd. A passionate inventor, he took some time off to test one of his most important designs – the modern ship propeller – on the Krka River. The invention ultimately revolutionized ship design around the world, and the Ressel Trail now guides visitors through the forest in his memory.

Things were not always peaceful in Krakovski Gozd, however. In 1991, the forest was the site of a major battle between Slovenian and Yugoslav troops during Slovenia’s ten-day War of Independence. A memorial now serves as a reminder of those events.

Long neglected, Krakovski Gozd is now emerging as a destination for those wishing to experience untouched nature firsthand. Walking in the heart of the preserve is discouraged, however. To ensure that the forest remains unspoiled, some have proposed the construction of an interactive visitors’ center that would protect the fragile ecosystem while still enable visitors to experience the natural bounty of this magical part of Slovenia.