Ilirska Bistrica - Ilirska Bistrica visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Ilirska Bistrica' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Primorska.

Ilirska Bistrica is both a town and municipality in the southwest of Slovenia. The city lies close to the border with Croatia and not too far from Trieste in Italy. The Reka River runs south through the region to the Adriatic Sea.

Ilirska Bistrica town has been under the control of various empires within the last 200 years, each of which have left their mark on the architecture, especially form the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Tourist attractions within the town include Gradina Castle, the Monastery of the sisters of Notre Dame, Vencin's house, the Town Hall, waterfall at Sušec brook and the Military Museum (Vojaški muzej) with exhibits from the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy until the last war in Slovenia.

Ilirska Bistrica is used as a base from which to explore the surrounding mountains, forests and valleys. One of the most popular tourist destinations within Ilirska Bistrica is Snežnik mountain, a botanic and nature reserve full of endangered plants and animals. It is possible to visit Snežnik as a day trip from Ilirska Bistrica. Sviščaki Centre is the place to start to explore the mountain.

The Reka river Valley ( Dolina reke Reke) is another popular tourist destination within Slovenia. The river provides various water sports and activities along with fishing, numerous caves and the remnants of sawmills. Within the valley are also Lazzarini's Manor Jablanica and the Zabiče Manor.

Postojna Cave (Postojnska jama) is a short distance north of Ilirska Bistrica. This is the largest known cave system in Slovenia and one of the country's prime tourist attractions. Formed by the Pivka River, Postojna Cave was first written about in the 17C and opened to the public in 1819. A 5.3km track takes tourist deep within the system and the Concert Hall chamber is large enough to hold 10,000 people.

Road: From Ljubljana take the A1 south to Postojna and then the 6 and 404 south to Ilirska Bistrica.
Flight: Jože Pučnik Ljubljana