Say Hi to ... ‘Ociski raj’, Ocizla’s new youth hostel

Next stop in our series presenting the numerous youth hostels of Hostelling International, a charity that manages a federation of nonprofit youth hostel associations, is Ocizla located in Slovenia.

Why you should go

The magnitude of the forests and meadows that spread in every direction as well as the richness of its many grottos and caves are only a few blessings that Ocizla offers to its visitors. This sunlit village that houses a little over a hundred inhabitants is very unique due to its geographic position – it lies directly on the juncture of the Karst, Istria and Cicarija regions of southwestern Slovenia. Though the infamous bora wind doesn’t spare the Slovenes there in the wintertime, it won’t reach the tourists once they step into the woods in order to peacefully enjoy the natural jewels year round.

For those who are keen on exploring the region by bicycle, the youth hostel rents out bikes. Hikers on the other hand can either explore the astounding Glinšcica river Valley or the nearby mount Slavnik, recommended to the more experienced daredevils. A hike not to miss is the three-hour memorial circular TIGR path, starting at the youth hostel. Rock climbers will especially enjoy the Karst Rim, where they can find two world-renowned climbing faces: Mišja pec (or ‘little mouse’, as it is affectionately known among climbers) and Osp. The beginners will appreciate the Crni kal route, which is located only a few kilometres from the two aforementioned faces, as well as Risnik, a significantly shorter route. Crnotice is a famous cave for bouldering. Ocizla is well-known for the Škocjan Caves Park, added to the UNESCO natural and cultural world heritage list in 1986. The Škocjan Caves system is made up of numerous caves, passages, natural bridges and sinkholes created by the Reka River. The canyon with its stalactites, stalagmites and limestone pools is one of the biggest underground canyons in the world and definitely worth a visit.

The hostel in a nutshell

Ocizla’s youth hostel is called Ociski raj, which translates to “Ocizla’s Paradise” in English. It offers charming accommodation with a rich breakfast and a vegan option on demand. The youth hostel in Ocizla is open during the whole year and can be described as a paradise for hikers, bikers and climbers. This hostel is suitable for individuals, couples (double room), families (4 and 6 - bed rooms) as well as groups (up to 26 people), all of which can prepare meals for themselves in the common kitchen. Guests find some more information about sightseeing, hiking and biking tours at the front desk of the hostel. Private parking and WI-FI are at the guest’s disposal.

Any questions?

More information about Ocizla’s new youth hostel and registration: www.youth-hostels.si

Further articles of this series:

• Say HI to … Königsland-Jugendherberge Wolfstein in der Westpfalz

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The village of Ocizla is located in Slovenia.

This hostel is suitable for individuals, couples, families as well as groups. (Copyright: Sandro Sedran S-Team)

Ocizla is well-known for the Škocjan Caves Park. (Copyright: Sandro Sedran S-Team)

Ocizla’s youth hostel is called Ociski raj, which translates to “Ocizla’s Paradise” in English.