Trail running, hiking, and outdoor experiences in one of Slovenia’s best-preserved natural environments
The Zavarovalnica Sava Kočevsko Outdoor Festival hosted by I Feel Slovenia once again attracted more than 3,500 participants and visitors from 37 countries to Kočevje. The multi-day outdoor festival, combining trail running, hiking, and cycling, brought the area around Lake Kočevje and the surrounding forests to life between May 29 and 31, offering participants an authentic outdoor experience in one of Slovenia’s most pristine natural environments.
Three days of festival activities featured trail races of various distances, one- and two-day hikes, a children’s program, lakeside gatherings, and a diverse accompanying program. Visitors could also explore the festival expo, where sports and technical equipment providers were joined by numerous local vendors showcasing products, cuisine, and experiences from the Kočevsko region. The event once again drew its unique character from the mighty Kočevje forests, dedicated volunteers, and the strong support of the local community.
Kočevsko Outdoor was once again more than just a sporting event – it was an experience of nature, community, and an active lifestyle. Amid morning mist above the forests, long climbs, the silence of Kočevsko’s trails, and the energy of the lakeside finish area, participants once again experienced what keeps bringing them back: a true sense of wilderness and freedom.
Festival Highlights
- More than 1,500 runners and hikers
- More than 2,000 visitors
- Participants from 37 countries
- 170 children at the Bunny Trail kids race
- 30 members of the organizing team and more than 60 volunteers
- Sport Vision Lynx Trail 15 km as the most popular race distance
- Nearly 100 hikers on the inaugural Crocs 2-Day Hike
Among the sporting highlights of this year’s festival was a new course record on the flagship race, the I Feel Slovenia Bear Trail 60 km. Slovenian runner Erik Mavser completed the demanding course with 1,835 meters of elevation gain in 5:35:02, setting a new trail record and achieving one of the most remarkable performances in the festival’s history.
Strong Response to the Inaugural Crocs 2-Day Hike
This year also saw an excellent response to the inaugural Crocs 2-Day Hike, which guided nearly 100 hikers through the vast forests of Kočevsko and the picturesque Kolpa Canyon. The two-day experience highlighted another side of the festival—a slower, more immersive way to explore nature without competitive pressure.
Over the course of two days, participants covered nearly 46 kilometers and approximately 2,000 meters of elevation gain while discovering many lesser-known corners of one of Slovenia’s best-preserved natural landscapes.
“An unforgettable experience, great company, pristine nature, and beautiful views” were among the most common reactions from participants upon reaching the finish.
A Festival for All Generations
The children’s program once again received an enthusiastic response. A total of 170 children participated in the Bunny Trail kids race, while organized childcare allowed parents to take part in festival activities without concern. This further reinforces the festival’s commitment to creating a family-friendly outdoor experience that actively includes all generations.
The festival once again brought together experienced trail runners, recreational athletes, hikers, families, and nature lovers united by a passion for active outdoor living in an environment where nature still takes center stage.
Respect for Nature Remains a Priority
Sustainability remains a core value of the Zavarovalnica Sava Kočevsko Outdoor Festival hosted by I Feel Slovenia. This year, the organizing team once again focused on minimizing environmental impact through reusable course-marking materials, encouraging participants to use their own equipment at aid stations, and actively promoting responsible behavior in nature.
Special attention is given to protecting Kočevsko’s sensitive natural environment. All routes follow existing trails and are designed to avoid old-growth forest areas and other specially protected natural habitats.
A responsible approach to the environment remains one of the festival’s key foundations and an important part of Kočevsko’s identity as one of Slovenia’s most preserved outdoor destinations.
Statement from the Race Director
“We are extremely proud that this year’s Zavarovalnica Sava Kočevsko Outdoor Festival hosted by I Feel Slovenia became the largest edition of the festival to date. Compared to last year, we recorded a 30–35% increase in participants, confirming that Kočevsko is becoming one of the most recognizable outdoor destinations in this part of Europe.
We are especially pleased that the festival is not only for runners but brings together entire generations—from children and families to hikers, recreational participants, elite athletes, and the entire local community of Kočevje. It is this inclusiveness that creates the unique festival atmosphere we are particularly proud of.
When we see visitors traveling to Kočevsko from all over the world, including countries as distant as Australia and New Zealand, we know we are creating a story that goes beyond local and national borders,” said Uroš Kožar, Event Director of the Zavarovalnica Sava Kočevsko Outdoor Festival hosted by I Feel Slovenia.
Statement from the Co-Organizer
“From a tourism perspective, Kočevsko represents something new. After a decade of systematic destination-brand development, both domestic and international visitors are only now truly discovering us. That is why outdoor events in Kočevsko play such an important role—they offer a new way to experience our destination through pristine nature, fresh air, welcoming people, and places that many have yet to explore.
Kočevsko is an exceptionally vast destination. It stretches from forests to the Kolpa River, from the Ribnica Valley to countless hidden corners, each telling its own story. Exploring the entire destination takes time, and we want every moment visitors spend here to be filled with authentic experiences and high-quality adventures.
We want participants of the Kočevsko Outdoor Festival to leave with unforgettable memories, positive impressions, and experiences they will never forget. Even more importantly, we hope those feelings inspire them to return next year.
When people ask me to describe Kočevsko in three words, it may seem like a difficult question, but the answer is actually very simple: wild, but nice.”
– Vesna Malnar Memedović, Director of the Public Institute for Tourism and Culture Kočevje
Participant Testimonial
“I came to the Kočevsko Outdoor Festival because of its excellent location, high-quality organization, and personal challenge. This year I didn’t complete as much elevation training as usual, which made the challenge even more interesting. For me, running is always about the experience. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how fit you are—you can always start. The most important thing is to move, explore, and enjoy the journey. Kočevsko truly impressed me. The nature is stunning, the atmosphere fantastic, and the overall experience is something really special. An absolutely incredible experience!”
Jernej Ferk, tekač na letos najbolj množično obiskani trasi 15 km Sport Vision Lynx Trail, Slovenija
Outdoor activities Kočevsko took place over two consecutive weekends this year
As part of the festival activities, Epic Rides Kočevje took place on 6 June 2026 – a recreational MTB cycling event designed for everyone who wants to experience the Kočevsko region on two wheels. More than 180 cyclists set off along carefully selected gravel roads and forest trails through one of Slovenia’s best-preserved forest regions, where the focus was on enjoying nature, socializing, and exploring the wilderness at their own pace. The project is organized by Adria Bike, which brings more than 15 years of experience in organizing cycling events. Today, the Epic Rides series connects more than 4,000 participants, 35 events, and 24 destinations.
As the festival concludes, the organizers would like to thank all participants, partners, volunteers, members of the local community, and visitors who helped create one of the most successful editions of the Kočevsko Outdoor Festival to date.
See you next year!
