5th Day of the Alpine Convention

You are cordially invited to the 5th Day of the Alpine Convention on Saturday, 24 May 2014, when we organise recreational cycling from Zg. Gorje and Kranjska Gora to Mojstrana and from Mojstrana to Radovna and Krma, as well as a hike to Pocarjeva homestead with a rich accompanying programme at the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum from 10.00 to 16.00. Hikers and cyclists meet in front of the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum in Mojstrana at 10.00. Participants cycling to Mojstrana meet in Zgornje Gorje (in front of Gorjanci Dom in Zg. Gorje at 10.00) or Kranjska Gora (parking lot in front of TIC Kranjska Gora at 12.00).



As part of the event in front of the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum in Mojstrana, children will make mountaineering flowers, set up a bivouac, explore the Kingdom of Zlatorog, identify plants and try climbing on the climbing tower. Visitors will be entertained by brass bands and folklore groups, while the mountain rescuers of the Mojstrana GRS Association will stage a rescue operation. Participation in the event is free of charge.



The event is organised by the Dovje-Mojstrana Mountaineering Association, the Municipality of Kranjska Gora, LTO Kranjska Gora, Triglav National Park, Alpine Association of Slovenia, Slovenian Mountaineering Museum and Upper Sava Museum Jesenice in cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Spatial Planning and the Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention.



This year's Day of the Alpine Convention is celebrated on the European Day of Parks. On 24 May 1909, the first nine European national parks were established in Sweden, which is why the European Federation of Nature and National Parks EUROPARC has declared this day as the European Day of Parks with the aim of raising public awareness of the goals of protected areas. With the Day of the Alpine Convention in Mojstrana, we wish to highlight the importance of preserving nature and cultural heritage and encourage visitors to explore the Alpine valleys in an environmentally friendly manner.

The Alpine Convention is the world's first international treaty concerning a mountain region. It was signed by the countries of the Alpine arc: Austria, France, Italy, Principality of Monaco, Liechtenstein, Germany, Slovenia and Switzerland, as well as the European Union. It represents joint responsibility and a common strategy for harmonising nature conservation and the management of its resources. The aim of the promoters of the convention is to protect the Alps as a living and economic space, as well as their cultural, linguistic and landscape diversity. The Alps, with their biodiversity, water and forest resources, natural, cultural and economic environment, are home to almost 14 million people and an attractive tourist destination for approximately 120 million visitors annually. The Alpine Convention strives for sustainable tourism and sustainable development of the Alps with all their characteristics. It also strives to reduce traffic loads, therefore promoting more nature-friendly visits to the Alps by using public transport and special traffic arrangements in the Alpine valleys. The practical implementation of the convention's efforts is undoubtedly also the Day of the Alpine Convention.



Within the framework of the Day of the Alpine Convention, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Spatial Planning is organising a National Conference on the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region on Friday, 23 May 2014, from 11.00 to 14.00, in Celje – in the Blue Hall of the Celje Fair. You are also invited to view the exhibition of the international competition for sustainable renovation of buildings and construction Constructive Alps, which can be seen at the Triglav National Park Information Centre Dom Trenta from 13 to 31 May 2014.





ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Zdenka Mihelič, PZS representative for public relations, +386 41 222 358, zdenka.mihelic@pzs.si.

Tina Markun, TNP representative for public relations, +386 (0)4 57 80 217, tina.markun@tnp.gov.si,







PROGRAMME



Saturday, 24 May 2014, at 10.00

Recreational cycling from Zgornje Gorje and Kranjska Gora to Mojstrana, from Mojstrana to Radovna and Krma, and a hike to Pocarjeva homestead with a rich accompanying programme at the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum from 10.00 to 16.00.



10.00 Meeting of participants in front of the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum in Mojstrana



10.00 Recreational cycling from Mojstrana to Radovna (easier cycling, length 14 km, elevation gain: 350 m) and Krma (more demanding cycling, length 25 km, elevation gain 540 m)



10.15 Hike with guided tour of the peculiarities of the Radovna Valley and Pocarjeva homestead – a museum-arranged house with outbuildings and Triglav National Park information station (easy hike, free transport to the starting point of the hike at Psnakova sawmill and mill and from Pocarjeva homestead back to Mojstrana)



10.30–14.00 Workshops for children: making mountaineering flowers, preparing a bivouac, exploring the Kingdom of Zlatorog, plant identification, climbing on the climbing tower and free visit to the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum



12.00–13.00 Performance of brass bands



14.00 Official part with cultural programme, award ceremony for the literary competition "Moje največje veselje je na gorah" on the theme of mountain huts and performance of folklore groups



15.00 Presentation of the European Day of Parks and Slovenian Mountain Bike Trail



15.30 Demonstration of a rescue operation by the Mojstrana GRS Association



Cyclists can also join us in Zgornje Gorje in front of Gorjanci Dom, Zg. Gorje 46, at 10.00 (moderately demanding cycling, 36 km, elevation gain 510 m) or in Kranjska Gora at the parking lot in front of TIC Kranjska Gora at 12.00 (very easy cycling, 29 km, elevation gain 180 m).



The event is free of charge. No registration required.



More information on the organisers' websites: www.planinskimuzej.si, www.tnp.si, www.pzs.si.



In case of bad weather, instead of cycling and hiking, free visits to Pocarjeva homestead (organised free bus transport) and the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum will be organised for all participants, where the cultural programme with presentations at stands and workshops for children will take place.





Accompanying events:



Friday, 23 May 2014 National Conference on the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region, Celje, Blue Hall of Celje Fair from 11.00 to 14.00.

Exhibition of the international competition for sustainable building renovation and construction "Constructive Alps" in the House of Trenta Guides, a renovated auxiliary building of the Triglav National Park Information Centre Dom Trenta from 13 to 31 May 2014.















More data on activities on Saturday, 24 May 2014:



RECREATIONAL CYCLING FROM MOJSTRANA TO RADOVNA AND KRMA AND FROM ZG. GORJE OR FROM KRANJSKA GORA TO MOJSTRANA

Cyclists can choose:

• guided cycling from Mojstrana to:

- Krma (more demanding cycling, length 25 km, elevation gain 540 m),

- Pocarjeva homestead in Zgornja Radovna (easier cycling, length 14 km, elevation gain 350 m),

- start of cycling at 10.00 in front of the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum;



• guided cycling to Mojstrana:

- Zg. Gorje (moderately demanding cycling, 36 km, elevation gain 510 m), start of cycling at 10.00 in front of Gorjanci Dom in Zg. Gorje,

- from Kranjska Gora (very easy cycling, 29 km, elevation gain 180 m), start of cycling at 12.00 in front of TIC Kranjska Gora.

Mandatory equipment: mountain/trekking geared bike with good brakes, cycling helmet, first aid kit, possibly spare inner tube, inflator. For Kranjska Gora–Mojstrana cycling, road bikes are also suitable.



Description of Mojstrana–Krma cycling:

In terms of length and surface, the trip is easy. At the beginning and on the return, there is an ascent to Kosmačev Preval (847 m) on a wide and asphalted road. This is followed by a fast descent to Zgornja Radovna past Gogalova lipa to Pocarjeva homestead. There, it will still be possible to change your mind and join the easier group. The more enthusiastic and better physically prepared will head into the Krma Valley until willpower or suitable surface runs out; there will certainly be no lack of views in good weather.

There will be no shortage of climbs all the way to the top of Triglav, but on a bike we will overcome only about 200 to 250 metres of elevation. This will be followed by an enjoyable return to Pocarjeva homestead, then for the finale again Kosmačev Preval, but from this side the ascent is only 100 metres. Followed by a fast descent to Mojstrana.



Description of Mojstrana–Pocarjeva homestead cycling:

In terms of length and surface, a very easy trip. Just like on the longer trip, at the beginning there is an ascent to Kosmačev Preval, 200 metres of elevation, which can also be pushed on foot beside the bike. This is followed by a fast descent to Pocarjeva homestead. We will take the shorter route to catch up with the group heading to Krma. On the return, we will make a small detour to see some more sights, descend a bit further into the Radovna Valley, but not too much, and return past Gogalova lipa to Kosmačev Preval, which from this side is half as high, then just a descent to Mojstrana.

The trip is very easy according to the difficulty scale (http://ktk.pzs.si/vsebina.php?pid=121), but not suitable for children who have problems braking on long descents.



Description of Zg. Gorje–Mojstrana–Zg. Gorje cycling:

In terms of length and surface, a moderately demanding trip. From Zg. Gorje, we first gently descend to the bridge over Radovna, then gently ascend on a good gravel road leading through meadows and forests to Pocarjeva homestead in Zg. Radovna. After visiting the homestead, we tackle a very steep climb that overcomes 70 m of elevation to Kosmačev Preval. If it's too steep for someone, there's nothing wrong with pushing the bike. This is followed by a fast descent all the way to the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum in Mojstrana. On the return, of course, we face the ascent to Kosmačev Preval again, which from the Mojstrana side is gentler, but rises 200 metres. Then we descend again into the Radovna Valley, take a look at Gogalova lipa on the way, and return to the starting point. The trip is moderately demanding according to the difficulty scale (http://ktk.pzs.si/vsebina.php?pid=121), and due to the steep descent from Kosmačev Preval, it is not suitable for children who have problems braking on long descents. Return: at 15.00 from in front of the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum in Mojstrana.



Description of Kranjska Gora–Mojstrana–Kranjska Gora cycling:

In terms of length and surface, a very easy trip. From Kranjska Gora, on the asphalted cycle path mostly following the route of the former railway, we gently descend past Gozd Martuljek to the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum in Mojstrana. On the return, we overcome 170 metres of elevation, which at the "railway gradient" we hardly notice. Road bikes are also suitable for this tour. Independent return.







HIKE TO POCARJEVA HOMESTEAD, a museum-arranged homestead and TNP information station

The museum-arranged house is one of the oldest homesteads in TNP. With its appearance and rich collection of displayed items, it evokes for the visitor the picture of life in the places under Triglav from distant centuries to the present day. On 24 May 2014, visitors will also be able to see the exhibition Pojmo, pojmo na Božjo pot – paintings as pilgrimage signposts besides the homestead.

Starting point: Psnakova sawmill and mill (organised free transport from Mojstrana).

End point: Pocarjeva homestead (return to Mojstrana by bus possible) / Mojstrana.

Trail length: 3 km / 7 km.

Difficulty: easy hike, light walking with stops to view the sights of the valley from the starting point to Pocarjeva homestead.

Walking time (approx.): 2.5 hours.



Additional information on the accompanying programme on Saturday, 24 May 2014:



SLOVENIAN MOUNTAINEERING MUSEUM

In the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum, the past and present shake hands. The rich collection of items with a varied historical narrative, the diversity of photographic and archival material and the extensive specialist library offer the visitor insight into the massiveness and importance of mountaineering activities in Slovenian territory. The permanent exhibition is designed as a museum narrative experienced through one's own ascent to the mountain.



POCARJEVA HOMESTEAD IN ZGORNJA RADOVNA – TRIGLAV NATIONAL PARK INFO POINT

The museum-arranged Pocarjeva homestead is one of the oldest homesteads in Triglav National Park and is a cultural monument of national importance. With its appearance, rich collection of displayed items and stories, it evokes for the visitor the picture of life in the places under Triglav from distant centuries to the present day. In 2006, TNP received the Europa Nostra diploma as part of the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage for Pocarjeva homestead, specifically in the category of architectural heritage. The award, as stated in the explanation, was given to TNP for the "subtle use of traditional knowledge and materials in preserving a rare and authentic example of 18th-century Alpine architecture and preserving ethnographic heritage and the associated local income opportunities". In 2013, the paintings of the crucified and Višarje Mary on the facade of the homestead, dating back to the 18th century, were restored.



WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN AND CLIMBING WALL

The youngest visitors and participants of the Day of the Alpine Convention will have creative workshops dedicated to them in the morning and until 14.00 in the afternoon: flowers from mountain meadows, make your own bivouac, discover the Kingdom of Zlatorog and identification keys for flowers. Children will also be able to test their knowledge of Slovenian mountains and nature conservation in a prize quiz. In front of the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum, the youngest and other young at heart will also be able to tackle the Alpine Association of Slovenia climbing wall and try routes of varying difficulty.



AWARD CEREMONY for the literary competition "Moje največje veselje je na gorah" on the theme of the mountain hut

The Slovenian Mountaineering Museum has organised the fourth literary competition for Slovenian primary school pupils and their mentors entitled "Moje največje veselje je na gorah". The purpose of the competition is to encourage pupils to creative thinking and literary creation on the theme of mountaineering, collect the contributions in a publication for children or use them as a basis for future educational-animational supplements to the permanent exhibition on the history of mountaineering in Slovenia. This year's competition theme was related to the 120th anniversary of the construction of the first hut of the Slovenian Mountaineering Association. Young creators wrote poems and stories and prepared illustrations about mountain huts. The children's works will be exhibited in the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum.



CULTURAL PROGRAMME:

Brass bands and folklore groups from three countries will participate in the cultural programme (Folklore Group KUD Jaka Rabič, Folklore Group from the Natural Park Julijsko predgorje from Resia (I) and Folklore Group from Nockberge National Park (A) and the Triglavski zvonovi choir.



During the event, the following will present themselves to visitors at stands in front of the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum:

CIPRA Slovenia, paper flower maker Francka Murn, Logarska dolina Landscape Park, Julijsko predgorje Natural Park, Krka National Park, Nockberge National Park, Škocjan Caves Park, Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention, Židana marela shop, Kamnik Tourist Association, Mojstrana Tourist Association, Triglav National Park, Bohinj Tourism, Narava publishing house, Ad pirum institute and WWF Dinaric Arc Parcs.