The term ‘strategically important’ tends to get thrown around quite a lot when discussing the military history of Slovenia, but nowhere is this more pertinent than in the small municipality of Pivka (pronounced piw-kah). The construction of the Vienna-Trieste railway ran straight through here, cementing Pivka’s place in history. This vital position and history is most famously displayed at the Park of Military History, an immense collection of both genuine artefacts and fascinating information, from the battles of ancient times all the way through to Slovenia’s brief scuffle for independence. Excellent walking trails follow this theme passing by the Alpine Wall fortifications that were so vital in years gone by.
Military history aside, Pivka’s collection of disappearing lakes add a natural charm to proceedings, the science of which are expertly detailed at the modern eco-museum in the town of Pivka, which also acts as the municipality’s administrative centre. The river Pivka rises here as well, as one would expect from the name. We also find other natural wonders such as the Košana Valley and the Javorniki plateau in Pivka. It may have a population of less than six thousand, but it certainly packs a punch.