Kanuing Kupa

The Kolpa river is the border between Slovenia and Croatia for much of its length, and in Bela Krajina, the White Carniola, it is known on the Croatian side as the Kupa, which explains the name of this operator. The name Kanuing Kupa is a play on the English word canoeing with the river's other name, and the business offers canoe trips on the stretch near Adlešiči. The river here flows slowly through a broad valley of meadows, riverside woodland and small villages, in water that is clear, warm in summer and shallow enough in many places to see the stones on the bottom. It is among the best rivers in Slovenia for a gentle paddle, and the canoe is the ideal way to see it.

A trip is simple to arrange. Canoes can be hired in the village, with paddles and life jackets, and you can set off on a self-guided paddle or join an organised group with a guide. The usual format is to be taken upriver by vehicle and to paddle back downstream with the current, so you do not have to fight against the flow, and the route is planned to match the time you have, from a short afternoon outing to a longer day on the water. Along the way, you pass pebble beaches ideal for a picnic and a swim, riverside cottages and fishing spots, with willows and poplars leaning over the water. Wildlife is part of the pleasure. Herons stand in the shallows, kingfishers flash blue along the bank, and with quiet paddling and some luck you may see an otter or signs of one. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife and for light.

The river is mostly calm, with a few gentle riffles and shallow stretches, so beginners and families with children can manage, though everyone must wear a life jacket and children need supervision. Conditions change with the season and recent rain. In late summer, the river can be low, and in spring or after storms it can run faster and higher, so listen to the guidance from the outfitters, who know the river. The season runs from late spring through early autumn, with July and August the busiest months. Because the river is a border, stay on the Slovenian side unless you are certain of the rules, and carry an identity document.

Adlešiči is a good place to extend your stay. Canoeing and Rafting at Jankovič (Stari pod), Jankovič (Stari pod) Camping, the Wooden glamping houses and the Natural swimming pool at Tržkov slap are close together, Pivovarne Vizir offers a beer afterwards, and the village has crafts such as the Production of home linen, embroidery, and Easter eggs, Galerija Kambič, the Cultural-Artistic Community 'Božo Račič' and the Spomenik na Gricku.

It suits families, couples and groups of friends. Starting early gives the best light and the calmest water on the Kupa River. Whether you paddle for an hour or a day, Slovenia’s warmest river is a joy.