This little village is a hidden gem tucked away in the narrow Lipnica valley below the Jelovica plateau, a 20-minute drive south of Radovljica. Kropa’s rich technical heritage and unique preserved architecture led it to be the first settlement in Slovenia to be named as a protected cultural monument. Known as the cradle of Slovene iron-forging, the area was a busy industrial hub with numerous small scale foundries and ironworks operating between the 14th and 19th centuries. These days things are somewhat quieter, though the stream continues to roar and the occasional sound of a hammer on anvil attests that the tradition of working iron continues.

On our first visit we were admittedly a bit sceptical about how interesting iron-forging could be but we were pleasantly surprised. The Iron Forging Museum makes it all very interesting with informative displays covering the whole process of working iron as well as the social, economic and historical development of Kropa. You can also find interesting examples of local contemporary wrought iron and perhaps even a nice souvenir, maybe an iron dragon, at the UKO Kropa wrought-iron shop.

The village itself is also very interesting and picturesque, the old town is nestled along the banks of the gushing Kroparica stream and is full of well-preserved architecture, including the grand old houses of wealthy foundry owners. It’s worth having a stroll around to absorb the quaint atmosphere and check out the decorative wrought iron features adorning the buildings as well as the recently commissioned street furniture - all of which is made of iron and locally designed and wrought of course.