Energijski Park

Energijski Park, the Energy Park, is a walking area in the forest beside Bukovniško jezero, a small lake in the far north-east of Slovenia, close to the Hungarian border and the village of Kobilje. It was laid out as a wellness-themed attraction on the shore of the lake, with marked spots in the woods where visitors are invited to stop, breathe and pay attention to how they feel. The idea draws on a mixture of traditions: the Chinese notion of energy flows in the landscape, European ideas of earth rays that dowsers claim to detect, and a more general modern interest in the calming effects of forests. Whether or not one believes in the existence of special energies, the park is a pleasant place for a slow walk.

The marked points are placed along gentle forest paths, and information signs at each stop explain what is claimed for the spot and suggest simple exercises, such as standing still, closing the eyes, breathing deeply or leaning against a tree. The claims are matters of belief and personal experience and have not been established by scientific measurement, so the best attitude is one of curiosity. Many visitors find that the practice of stopping at each point and focusing on the surroundings is relaxing in itself, and children usually enjoy the game of finding the markers.

The woodland around the lake is attractive in its own right. It is a mixture of beech, chestnut, oak and other trees, with a rich spring flora, and the paths are mostly level and easy, so the park is suitable for families, older visitors and people looking for a quiet outing. Benches along the way invite a rest, and the lake itself provides a pleasant backdrop, with reeds, ducks and herons. The park is free to enter and open at all times, though daylight is best for finding the markers, and shoes should be suitable for damp paths after rain.

The park is one of several attractions in the same area. The Pustolovski Park, an adventure park with rope courses, offers a more active option, the Scenic walking trails, including the route from Kobilje to the lake, make a longer walk, and the Chapel of St. Vid stands in the woods. Vid's kut, the Dragon lines, the Energy Points, the Chestnut-beech forests and the Stork Flight are covered in separate entries. Combine the energy park with a walk round the whole lake for a relaxed half day. The best seasons are late spring and early autumn.