Spring of the Krupa River

The spring of the Krupa river lies near the small town of Semič, in Bela Krajina, the south-eastern corner of Slovenia, a region of low karst hills, beech woods and gentle valleys. Here, a large volume of water emerges from beneath a steep rock wall, forming a deep green pool that is the beginning of the river. The wall is a limestone cliff that rises tens of metres above the spring, and the water that flows out of it has travelled underground through the karst, so it is cold, clear and constant in temperature through the year. From the pool, the Krupa flows away through meadows and woods, quickly growing into a stream with enough power to once drive mills along its banks.

The spring is not only beautiful but also scientifically important. The underground waters of the Dinaric karst hold a specialised community of animals that have adapted to life in darkness, and Krupa is one of the best-known places where some of them can be found. The most famous is the cave mussel, Congeria kusceri, a small bivalve that lives in underground waters and is found only in a few locations in the Dinaric region, making it a rare and fragile species. The spring also supports endemic snails and other tiny animals of the underground, and the human fish, the olm, is known from the region's caves. In the surrounding wetlands live the European pond turtle, and the area attracts a good number of bird species. Because of this, the spring and river are protected, and visitors are asked to stay on the paths and not to disturb the water.

The setting is quiet and best enjoyed slowly. A short path leads from the access point to the water, where benches invite you to sit and look. Early in the morning, mist often rises from the pool, and the light through the trees gives the spring an almost magical look. In summer the shaded pool is cool, and in winter the water is warmer than the air, so steam sometimes rises from the surface. A picnic by the water is a pleasant way to spend an hour.

Visitors who want to learn more about the area can visit the museum house in Semič, which presents the local history and nature. The village is also known for its wine, and the surrounding hills of Bela Krajina offer walking and cycling routes. The spring is open all year and easy to include in a day exploring the region, together with the Kolpa valley.