Church of Sveti Areh

The Church of Sveti Areh stands high on the Pohorje massif in northeastern Slovenia, on the forested plateau of Areh above the town of Ruše. The name is the local form of Henry, and the church is dedicated to St. Henry, the Holy Roman Emperor Henry II, who was canonised in the Middle Ages. Dedications to him are unusual in Slovenia, which is part of the church's charm, and it is thought to be one of very few churches in the country that honour him. Its origins go back to the late Middle Ages, and the building was extended and altered in later centuries, with a bell tower that gives it a simple but distinctive silhouette among the spruce trees.

Pohorje is a broad, rounded mountain range covered with spruce and beech forest, peat bogs and mountain meadows, and the church's setting suits it. The area around it is quiet, with the sound of wind in the trees, and on clear days there are views over the Drava valley. A natural spring near the church is a traditional stopping point for walkers, who fill their bottles there,. The interior is modest, and the church is usually open only at certain times, so check before relying on seeing inside.

Most visitors come on foot. There are waymarked paths up from the valley through forest, and a road leads to the Areh plateau for those who prefer to drive part of the way, which makes the visit manageable for families, though the paths are steep in places and can be muddy after rain. The Ruška planinska koča, the mountain hut on the plateau, is a handy place to stop for a meal, and the Areh Motion Park (Gibalni park Areh) offers activities for children. In winter the plateau is a quiet ski and snowshoe area with cross-country tracks, and in summer it draws walkers, cyclists and mushroom pickers.

The church is a good goal for a half-day walk and fits well into a day in Pohorje that might also include other huts and viewpoints. Bring layers, because the weather on the plateau is cooler than in the valley and can change quickly, and follow marked paths to avoid damaging the sensitive bog areas.

It suits walkers, history lovers and families with older children looking for a gentle mountain outing with a destination. Surrounded by forest, the church is a peaceful spot. One of the quietest Slovenian pilgrimage places, it rewards unhurried visitors.