Introducing Udin boršt

Due to the natural conditions of a glacier terrace made of limestone conglomerate, Udin boršt is one of the last continuous areas of lowland forests in central Slovenia. Perforated by numerous sinkholes, karst caves, and water springs, it is the best example of the so called conglomerate karst in Slovenia. For centuries farmers have been managing the forest and countryside surroundings with utmost care and their way of life can be seen in many cultural heritage buildings, local craftsmanship, traditions and holidays. Even brigands, a gang of bandits, who lived in this area mostly in the first half of the 19th century, found secret shelters in the heart of Udin boršt. Udin boršt, at the doorstep of Naklo and Kranj, offers, both locals and visitors relaxation, diverse experience of forest and agricultural landscape and a chance to discover varied country heritage.
Udin boršt, a commemorative and landscape park, is one of the last continuous areas of lowland forests in central Slovenia due to the natural conditions of a glacier terrace made of limestone conglomerate. Its area of 1725 ha spreads north of Kranj, between Kokrica river in the south, Tenetiše, Goriče and Letenice in the east, Križe and Sebenje in the north and Žiganja vas village, Zadraga, Duplje, Strahinj and Naklo in the west.
The rock composition of Udin boršt consists mainly of limestone conglomerate which is only seen in special areas where numerous superficial karst forms and karst caves can be found. Among 14 known caves the most well-known caves are Arneševa luknja (hole) in Spodnje Duplje (815m long) which was mentioned as early as 1689 in Slava Vojvodine Kranjske (The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola) by Janez Vajkard Valvasor (hereafter Valvasor) and Dopulnek cave in Zadraga (306m long).

In the area of Udin boršt karst surface, precipitation disappears underground through porous conglomerate. The underground water comes back to the surface either in form of karst springs or it is accumulated in streams as is the case in the eastern part. These springs were an important source of water for local people and preserved rural basins still remind us of this. Karst caves also played an important role in the lives of locals because they were used as a shelter and hideout. Valvasor (1689) mentioned in his book that the locals were hiding from Turks in Arneš hole.

Želinj stream was formed on different ground composition and smaller area of impermeable surface in the central part of Udin boršt. Its central part was dammed and thus formed into two small lakes called Račnjak or Pri racah (by the ducks). The local name Mlaka (pond) indicates that the ground is marshy in this part.
Udin boršt is still almost fully covered with forest as it was in the past. In the 17th century the forest had mainly oak and hornbeam but today pine and spruce are predominate with an occasional fir. Underneath pine forest there is blueberry bush and in some areas fern as well. The marshy area is overgrown with alder trees, wood horsetail and carex surrounded by marshy meadows and springs.
In the Middle Ages, only the aristocracy could enter the forest where they would hunt. Local people who were transporting wood could only enter if allowed by the landowners. It was also forbidden to cut wood, collect duff and forest berries. The control over the area lessened and local farmers claimed it in the beginning of the 19th century. Since then, it has been an important source of various forest products.

For centuries farmers have been managing the forest and countryside surroundings with utmost care, however, the Udin boršt area was never populated except for the rare forts from the Iron Age and defence posts from the ancient times. The first villages started to appear only in the 12th and 13th centuries in the area where Udin boršt and fertile plain meet and their location has not changed much since the 18th century. Most names of these villages reflect the connection between local people and Udin boršt. Apart from the cultivated agricultural landscape, their way of life can also be seen in many cultural heritage buildings, local craftsmanship such as shoemaking, traditions and holidays.

Brigands found their hiding place in the unpopulated and wooded heart of Udin boršt 200 years ago. They lived and wandered there from the end of the 18th to the middle of 19th century, especially in years 1825 and 1853. The place called Kriva jelka (bent fir) was a well-known gathering place for brigands.

Udin boršt had a great significance during World War II and that is the reason it was protected as a commemorative park. Throughout the years this significance died down and social and recreational function of the forest gained more importance. Nowadays Udin boršt is managed as a landscape park because it represents an interesting intertwinement of natural wonders and people's activities in this area.

The local people of Municipalities of Tržič, Naklo and Kranj who share Udin boršt, perceive it as vast green lungs. They go for a walk or enjoy some other form of outdoor recreation and breathe the cool air in the hot summer months. It is also a popular area for picking mushrooms and from time to time chestnuts as well. Kriva jelka and Pot treh zvonov (the path of three bells), connecting its west and east part, are two popular hiking destinations in the heart of Udin boršt and also a popular meeting place for friends.
How did this area get its name? Udin boršt (duke’s boršt meaning duke’s forest) got its name after the duke Karl V. (1546-1590), who managed and supervised the forest. Boršt was the forest that was neither intended nor allowed for common use.
Even though Udin boršt has been open for visitors for centuries, it is visited predominately by locals. Even the most experienced hikers can get lost on the diverse terrain. Each and every one who spends time in Udin boršt respects the nature, its peace and wishes to get to know it better and experience it better.