Stories of the lost villages

Green Tourism Experience

Do you have a sense of exploration in you? Join a guided lakeside walk along the renovated Velenje Beach and discover the most beautiful spots of the lakeside promenade – Vista, scenic lake views, the Kunta Kinte allotment gardens, and the mysterious stories of the Šaleška Valley.

Together, we will explore an area where coal mining permanently transformed the landscape. You will learn about the remains of lost villages that now rest beneath the surface of Lake Velenje and discover how this heritage shaped the Šaleška Valley and the emergence of the young town of Velenje.

Experience Program

Welcome at Velenje Beach
The experience begins with a group welcome at Velenje Beach, where the guide introduces the story of the Velenje Lakes and presents the program overview.

Vista – Behind-the-scenes video screening
We continue with a walk up to Vista, where participants get a behind-the-scenes look and watch a short introductory video about the formation of the lakes, the transformation of the landscape, and the submerged villages. The video serves as an inspiring introduction and preparation for exploring the area later in person.

Guided lakeside walk
After the video, we set off on a relaxed guided walk through the renovated lakeside area, stopping at selected points along the way.

Kunta Kinte
The walk continues through the unique Kunta Kinte allotment garden settlement, home to Slovenia’s only “Little Dwarf Street.” Here, we learn about the special features of the settlement and life by the lake in the past and today.

Optional: Pletna boat ride (April–October)
The experience can be enhanced with a traditional pletna boat ride on Lake Velenje (up to approximately 16 adults). During the ride, we listen to stories of the submerged villages and symbolically “search for” one of them on the lake.

Free time at Velenje Beach
The program concludes with free time to relax and enjoy Velenje Beach, which offers numerous options for both active and leisurely recreation.

Important Information

The basic program (video screening and guided walk) is available year-round.

The pletna boat ride is optional and operates from April to October, depending on weather conditions.

Pletna boat capacity: approximately 16 adults.

Project co-financing
The project is co-financed by the Recovery and Resilience Plan, development area C3: Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, component K2: Increasing productivity and a business-friendly environment for investors, and investment D: Ensuring innovative ecosystems of economic and business infrastructure.