If you are interested in the primal experience of a daily and especially nocturnal visit and stay in the forest nature, then the Brigands' camp in Udin boršt is the right place for you.
The camp in the heart of the forests in Udin boršt consists of four wooden houses covered with bark – kožarice with an open fireplace and benches. They are located near the Curved Fir Tree hiking trail, where numerous hiking trails of Udin boršt are joined together. Kožarice are a traditional form of temporary housing, built mainly by foresters and charcoal burners, and in the 19th century, they were home to the brigands, as well. As mentioned in the historical sources, they were hiding in Udin boršt particularly often in the years from 1825 to 1853, when they came here after their activities in the surrounding villages and roads.
In addition to the live presentation of the brigands' life as an extremely interesting phenomenon from the historical, social and cultural point of view, the purpose of the Brigands' camp is to bring the people closer to the experience of the forest in the most pristine and direct way; especially to the youngest who can transform themselves into the brigands, spend the night in kožarice and experience the nature, skills of living in nature and the harmony with it.
Visits and shorter or longer stays in the camp are particularly interesting for science camps, especially for primary and secondary schools, learning about wild nature (all day or several days), the experience of the forest at night with all the senses (one night or more) and cultural evenings at camp fire.
For all interested in the above-stated activities, various wooden boards are also available that teach about the rules in the brigands' camp and define the "residents" of individual kožarica: two cast iron kettles (10 and 15 litres) for the preparation of stews, etc., the brigands' hiking poles (10 pieces) and brigands' costumes (one for an adult and ten children or youth costumes).
Not far from the camp, there is also a marked bicycle route Naklo–Cegelnica–Strahinj–Duplje–Udin boršt–Race Ponds–Naklo, and only about 200 metres away there is also the beginning of a thematic natural science journey Through the Conglomerate Karst Land. It connects and offers interpretation of the Karst natural phenomena, such as caves, sinkholes, Karst springs and blind valleys.
The Brigands' camp with kožarice was arranged as part of the Experience Nature Borderless (Nature Experience) in the framework of the programme of cross-border cooperation Slovenia–Austria 2007–2013.
Possibility of an organised tour and implementation of experiential programmes
By prior arrangement, there is the possibility for smaller or larger groups and also school groups to organise a visit and a variety of nature scientific adventures and cultural programmes in the Brigands' camp. This can also include extra offers (snack on the go, lunch in local restaurants, guidance at the nearby thematic trails and school of fisheries).
For the implementation of programmes and extra offers, please contact:
CTRP Kranj
Strahinj 99A
4202 Naklo, Slovenia
Tel.: +386 4 257 88 28, Mobile: +386 40 733 344, E-mail: info@ctrp-kranj.si
The nearest info point
For the information on the visit of the Brigands' camp, offer of organised visits and programmes, as well as for the Udin boršt–Naklo Experience of Nature and the Countryside that had fascinated the brigands pamphlet, you may contact the following informal info point for Udin boršt:
CTRP Kranj
Strahinj 99A
4202 Naklo, Slovenia
Tel.: +386 4 257 88 28, Mobile: +386 40 733 344, E-mail: info@ctrp-kranj.si
