Chestnut-beech forests

The forests around Bukovniško jezero, in the far north-east of Slovenia near the Hungarian border, are made up of beech and sweet chestnut, with other broad-leaved trees such as oak and hornbeam. This combination is typical of the low hills of Prekmurje and the Pannonian edge of the country, where the climate is warmer and drier than in the Alps and where acid, sandy soils favour the chestnut. The woods are not dramatic, but they are old, varied and quiet, and they provide the setting for the lake, giving it a sheltered and natural feel.

The seasons shape the experience of walking here. In early spring, before the canopy closes, the forest floor is covered with flowers, among them wood anemone, violets and wild garlic, and the air is full of birdsong. By summer, the leaves form a thick green roof that filters the light and keeps the paths cool, and the lake glints between the trunks. In autumn, the leaves of the beeches turn copper and gold, and chestnuts fall to the ground in their spiny husks, a sight that is a reminder of the old tradition of gathering and roasting the nuts, which is still alive in this part of Europe. Winter brings a stillness to the woods and a clear view of the structure of the trees.

The forest is also an important habitat for wildlife, and especially for amphibians. The mixture of damp woodland and still water offers good conditions for frogs, newts and salamanders, which breed in the shallows of the lake and the small pools nearby and spend the rest of the year in the leaf litter and under logs. The edge of the lake supports aquatic plants, among them rare species such as frogbit, which floats on the surface with small white flowers, and water chestnut, a plant of warm, shallow Pannonian waters that has become scarce across Europe. Visitors are asked to stay on the paths, to avoid disturbing the water's edge and to keep dogs under control, especially in spring when amphibians are breeding.

The woods are free to enter and the paths are mostly easy, so they suit families and casual walkers. They are linked to the Energijski Park, the Energy Points and the Dragon lines, which add an element of wellness to the walk, and the Scenic walking trails, including the route from Kobilje to the lake, make a longer circuit. The Chapel of St. Vid, Vid's kut, the Pustolovski Park and the Stork Flight are nearby, and Bukovniško jezero Lake itself is the centre of the area. Bring insect repellent in summer, as the damp woods can be buggy, and wear sturdy shoes.