Zelenci
The second spring of the Sava Dolinka River
The first spring of the Sava Dolinka River is Nadiža in Tamar, but the river soon disappears underground. In Zelenci, at the contact with an impermeable moraine embankment, it reappears. Like small underwater volcanoes, it bursts to the surface in numerous springs.
The Sava Dolinka River collects here in a small emerald-colored lake and smaller water windows called "kotli" or "tumfi", surrounded by diverse vegetation. The lake is 2 meters deep and has a green color. Because the lake has such a distinct hue, Zelenci were named after this striking color, as the Slovenian word zelen, which means "green."
Zelenci are home to many endangered animal species and plants and are a natural reserve.
DO YOU KNOW?
- Due to the porous bottom that allows groundwater to flow through and creates underground springs, Zelenci never freezes, even during the coldest winters.