Juliana Alpine Botanical Garden
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM IN TRENTA
The Juliana Alpine Botanical Garden is the oldest Alpine botanical garden in a natural environment on Slovenian territory. It was founded by the Trieste landowner Albert Bois de Chesne in 1926, with the advice of his friend, the mountaineer Julius Kugy.
The garden is located in Trenta, at an altitude of 800 meters, and covers an area of 2,572 square meters. Due to its location, it offers ideal conditions for the growth of alpine, karst and sub-Mediterranean plants.
In 1926, Albert Bois de Chesne chose the land above the church of St. Mary in Trenta, due to the favorable conditions for plant growth. After clearing the terrain and arranging the water system, he began to bring plants from the Julian Alps and other mountain areas to the garden in 1927.
He designed the garden as a botanical journey from the valley to the peaks, where the plants follow natural vegetation zones. He faced numerous challenges in maintaining the garden, especially with plants on acidic soils.
The majority of the plants were brought from the Alps, but some also from other European mountain ranges. After the founder, the garden was taken care of by the gardener Anton Tožbar and his assistant Ančka Kavs.
Juliana is the first and only alpine garden in Slovenia, where the most beautiful representatives of the alpine, pre-alpine and karst flora thrive. It is not intended only for botanists, but for all nature lovers.
It is most beautiful in spring, when primroses, primroses and cloves bloom, but it also offers a wonderful insight into the diversity of mountain vegetation throughout the year.
Albert Bois de Chesne designed the garden ecologically, imitating the natural plant communities of the Alps. Despite many challenges, he tried to create a mosaic of Alpine flora.
Due to the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea and the milder climate, sub-Mediterranean plants extend deep into Trenta, which affects the growing conditions in the garden.
Juliana is located on the southern slope of Kukla, which is more suitable for karst plants than high-altitude species. Transplanting the plants from the rock crevices to the milder climate of Trenta required an enormous effort, as they had to artificially create conditions similar to their natural habitats.
Despite careful care, many plants do not survive due to summer drought, mild winters without snow, or unsuitable soil. Some species eventually die out, while others adapt – for example, the planika loses its white color over time, and the Triglav rose rarely blooms in the garden.
The garden is open every day, including Sundays and holidays, from 1 May to 30 September between 8.30 am and 6.30 pm.
Address:
Alpine Botanical Garden Juliana
Natural Monument Trenta- Alpinum Juliana
5232 Soča
Slovenia
T: + 386 1 241 09 40
E: uprava@pms-lj.si
Tickets:
primary school children, pupils, students, pensioners, school groups: 3.00 EUR
Adults: 5.00 EUR
Family ticket: 10.00 EUR
Tickets can also be purchased in the online store.
Approximately 600 different plant species grow in Juliana. Most of them are alpine, but due to the lower altitude, numerous karst and sub-Mediterranean species can also be found.
A more detailed description of these plants can be found in the guidebook Juliana Alpine Botanical Garden in Trenta (2011) or in the database of the Juliana Alpine Botanical Garden, which contains information and photographs of plants that grow in the garden. The collection is constantly being updated with new species and images.
“The shimmering high ridges of Prisank, the mighty gables of Velika Dnina, and the towering walls of Lepa Špica look out at it in colors. The view from it reaches far up and down the valley. It is surrounded by protruding walls of golden yellow shining mountain grass, tall forests, laid like giant pillows on steep slopes, hanging deep into blue gorges. It is as if all the breathtaking beauty of Trenta has gathered here to provide a suitable setting for the mountain garden. May the good stars always watch over him.”
Julius Kugy: Work, Music, Mountains
WHY VISIT THE JULIANA ALPINE BOTANICAL GARDEN?
- The only Alpine botanical garden in Slovenia – offers a unique insight into Alpine flora.
- A rich collection of plants – more than 600 species from the Julian Alps, Karavanke, Kamnik Alps and other mountain areas.
- Natural and cultural heritage – the garden was founded in 1926 and has significant historical value.
- The beauty of Alpine flora through the seasons – it is at its most beautiful in spring and summer, but each season brings its own charm.
- Legendary plants – the opportunity to see the Triglav rose, Zois’ bellflower and other symbols of the Slovenian mountain world.
- Relaxing environment – a peaceful natural environment with a view of the Julian Alps. Easy accessibility – located in Trenta, on the way to Vršič, and is easily accessible for visitors.
- Suitable for all nature lovers – interesting for botanists, hikers and everyone who appreciates mountain flora.
Juliana Alpine Botanical Garden, Foto: Iztok Bončina
Above in the photos:
Planika (Leontopodium alpinum). Foto Klemen Završnik
Zoisova zvončica (Campanula zoysii). Foto Špela Pungaršek
Blagajev volčin (Daphne blagayana). Foto Klemen Završnik
Drawing of the plant that Hacquet named trentarski grintavec (Scabiosa trenta)
Triglav flower – symbol of nature and legend
On the rock of Belvedere grows the brilliant foxglove or Triglav flower (Potentilla nitida), a low, silvery-haired plant.
It rarely blooms in Juliana, and its pale flowers are only a faint reflection of the bright pink drops of Zlatorog’s blood, which, according to legend, adorn the gravel beneath the highest peaks. It grows naturally in the subnival zone, just below the eternal snow line.
It is quite common in the Julian Alps, and can also be found on Vrtača and Kepa in the Karavanke Mountains and on Grintovec in the Kamnik Alps.
In Slovenian mythology, the Triglav flower is associated with the story of Zlatorog – a white chamois with golden horns. When a greedy hunter shot it, miraculous flowers grew from the drops of its blood that healed it. In a rage, the hunter staggered into the abyss, and Zlatorog disappeared, destroying his magical garden. This legend symbolizes the balance between man and nature – if we respect it, it is kind to us, if we exploit it, it punishes us.
Juliana Alpine Botanical Garden, Foto David Kunc
Juliana Alpine Botanical Gardena, vir: https://www.juliana.pms-lj.si/
AFTER AN ACTIVE DAY
Our modern apartment complex comprises 4 buildings and offers 19 above-standard apartments in which tradition and comfort join hands. Our accommodation offers excellent opportunities to relax after an active day:
- whirlpool and sauna,
- massages in the apartment,
- rental of sports equipment (including hiking poles and electric bicycles),
- help in organizing additional activities
The apartments are designed with respect for the pristine nature of the Triglav National Park and the cultural heritage of the local environment. They are characterized by spaciousness, brightness, carefully selected natural materials and top-quality equipment in a modern Alpine style.
