To understand Ilirska Bistrica, one must take into consideration the turbulent nature of even its most recent history. Over the last 100 years the area has been under the control of Austria-Hungary, Italy, Yugoslavia and Slovenia, and this diversity is apparent throughout the land in the shape of monuments, barracks and more. It still sits on the crossroads of Trieste, Rijeka and Ljubljana, all three of whom play an important role in its modern existence. The eponymous town is the centre of the municipality, bringing with it a quaint 14th century old town and a number of hidden gems.

In the municipality we find Mount Snežnik, the highest non-Alpine peak in all of Slovenia, within which exceptional mountain settlements such as Mašun can be found, a nature-lovers paradise if ever there was one. The river Reka runs through the area, its historical importance seen in the abundance of water mills and sawmills throughout Ilirska Bistrica.
We are unbiased of course, but the dramatic image of Prem Castle towering over the area is certainly one of our favourite sights in the Green Karst. Equally dramatic are the Škoromati, the sinister characters who come out to play for the carnival every year.