Introducing The Skocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve
Koper was once an island, but through the centuries, the area around it was filled in as the town expanded. The wetlands of Skocjanski Zatok or Skocjan Inlet as it is called in English, are the last remaining part of the sea that once surrounded Koper.
Skocjanski Zatok is where the Rizana River flows into the sea. Because of its unique geography, a part of the inlet consists of pure freshwater, while the rest is brackish – a mix of sea – and freshwater. The unique environment that measures 122 hectares (300 acres) creates ideal conditions for a variety of animal and plant species to thrive. The brackish water allows the growth of rare halophytes, plants that can naturally tolerate or even thrive in high concentrations of salt in the soil.
The Skocjanski Zatok is also home of more than half of all bird species in Slovenia. Lots of migrating birds take advantage of the unspoiled nature of the area to stop on their migratory journeys and spend a few days in the inlet. Other species stay there throughout the year. In all, more than 240 bird species, including some rarely spotted elsewhere, can be seen at Skocjanski Zatok. They include endangered species such as the little bittern, the black-crowned night heron, the squacco heron, and the spotted crake.
Amazingly, this natural wonder was almost destroyed in the 1980s. A plan was made to fill in the inlet in order to expand an industrial zone adjacent to Koper, completing the process that began decades ago. At the time, however, attitudes towards nature were changing in Slovenia and the plans were eventually dropped. In 1998, the area was protected and declared a nature reserve. The management of the reserve was handed over to DOPPS BirdLife Slovenia, a non-profit, non-government organisation that consists primarily of birdwatchers and scientists. They focus especially on work to help the fragile area to remain an oasis of unspoiled nature surrounded by the industrial and residential sprawl of a growing coastal city.
The conditions within the inlet have much improved since the nature reserve is under protection. At first the inflow of sufficient fresh water was secured, and faecal wastewater discharge regulated. Thus stagnation of water in the lagoon is prevented, and threat of bird poisoning eliminated.
Today the Skocjan Inlet is one of the most beautiful protected areas in Slovenia. It is permanent or temporary home to several hundred animal species. The reserve is functionally divided into two areas with total of 14 built structures. The larger area along the urbanized hinterland of Koper is a brackish wetland. Visitors access to this part is limited to a short path along the road. Observation of the nesting islets, briny puddles and mudflats is possible from newly built bird hides and a small observation tower. Bonifika of Bertoki, the second landscape area is a freshwater swamp with meadows, open water surfaces and reeds. This is the main part of the reserve where entrance, the visitors centre, the stables, the birdhides and observatories are located along the circular educational trail.
Skocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve Review
Just a short walk from the Old Town streets and alleyways of the Slovenian port town of Koper, visitors can find a nature reserve famous for its abundant flora and fauna called Skocjanski Zatok. The reserve has an outstanding eco-system with many bird and animal species. There’s a new visitors center with a snack bar, rest rooms, air conditioning and souvenirs. The real treat is to walk the trails and utilize the blinds and observation tower to get a close look at local birds. The observation tower is accessible even to wheelchairs. In the reserve, there are 300 species of butterflies, 300 species of beetles – five species noticed here for the first time ever in Slovenia – 38 species of dragonflies, amphibians, reptiles, and 247 species of birds. Considering the fact that in Slovenia approximately 370 species of birds have been observed, more than 60% have been seen here, which is a great number.
The staff is very friendly and speaks English and Italian. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars along. But even without binoculars, your eyes would be spoiled with the view what nature has to offer.
The nature reserve is open to public daily from 6:00 to 21:00 in the summer months and from 8:00 to 17:00 in the winter time. Admission is free, but guided tours are at a fee. Dogs are allowed on a leash and you are expected to pick up their poop.
Visit to the Skocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve is possible 365 days per year. The opening times are as follows:
– January, February, November, December: daily from 8:00 to 17:00
– March, October: daily from 7:00 to 19:00
– April, May, September: daily from 7:00 to 20:00
– June, July, August: daily from 6:00 to 21:00
Opening hours of the visitors centre:
– January, February, November and December: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 15:00; closed on Mondays
– March, April, September and October: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00; closed on Mondays
– May and June: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 19:00; closed on Mondays
– July and August: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 13:00; closed on Mondays
Skocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve Pictures
View our image gallery with high-resolution photos that prove you have to visit the Skocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve in Koper!
10 photos below courtesy of I Feel Slovenia)
Situated between the harbour and the centre of Koper, Slovenia’s largest coastal town, the Skocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve is the largest brackish wetland in the country. (Image by Jost Gantar)
The brackish lagoon, with its shallow water areas and mudflats, its reed beds and meadows, provides food and shelter for 41% of all amphibian and reptile species and almost 60% of all bird species in Slovenia. (Image by Jost Gantar)
Since declared as a nature reserve 20 years ago, it has being managed by BirdLife Slovenia (DOPPS – Drustvo za Opazovanje in Preucevanje Ptic Slovenije). (Image by Jost Gantar)
The reserve is functionally divided into two areas with a total of 14 built structures. (Image by Jost Gantar)
The reserve is an environmental education resource of benefit to local schools, education establishments, and scientific and research centres. (Image by Jost Gantar)
The reserve has added to the value of Koper as a tourist destination. (Image by Jost Gantar)
An oasis of nature can be found just outside Koper. (Image by Jost Gantar)
The nature reserve was reopened for visitors in 2016. (Image by Jost Gantar)
Though the Skocjanski Zatok nature reserve is located in a densely urbanised area, residents of the city of Koper need green areas for recreation and many of them recognise the value of and contribute to the conservation of the area. (Image by Jaka Ivancic)
Some of the inhabitants of the reserve are much more noticeable – the hoofed animals. The herd consists of four heads of Podolian cattle, and four Camargue horses. These animals can be also considered workers of the nature reserve, as they help us manage the vegetation – there is no need for constant grass mowing. (Image by Jost Gantar)
30 photos below courtesy of Naravni Rezervat Skocjanski Zatok
Exterior of the visitors centre. (Image by Bia Rakar)
Elevated view of the main observation tower. (Image by Bia Rakar)
A group of kids observing birds from the observation tower. (Image by Tadeja Oven)
Interior of the observation tower. (Image by Bojana Lipej)
Another photo of the observation tower’s interior. (Image by Borut Mozetic)
A group of kids observing birds and other wildlife in the reserve. (Image by Bojana Lipej)
The European hare (Lepus europaeus), also known as the brown hare. (Image by Borut Mozetic)
A couple of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). (Image by Igor Brajnik)
A flock of little egrets (Egretta garzetta). (Image by Mirko Kastelic)
The Eurasian spoonbill or common spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia). (Image by Mirko Kastelic)
The glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus). (Image by Dusa Vadnjal)
The grey heron (Ardea cinerea). (Image by Kajetan Kravos)
The greylag goose (Anser anser). (Image by Kajetan Kravos)
The black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa). (Image by Bojan Skerjanc)
The Eurasian wigeon, also known as widgeon (Mareca penelope). (Image by Kajetan Kravos)
The mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). (Image by Natasa Salaja)
The Eurasian curlew or common curlew (Numenius arquata). (Image by Bojan Skerjanc)
The common kingfisher, also known as the Eurasian kingfisher (Alcedo atthis). (Image by Mirko Kastelic)
The Eurasian penduline tit, also known as the European penduline tit (Remiz pendulinus). (Image by Vinka Kastelic)
The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), also called the European pond terrapin and European pond tortois. (Image by Tomaz Mihelic)
The marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus). (Image by Mirko Kastelic)
The coypu, also known as the nutria (Myocastor coypus). (Image by Mirko Kastelic)
The lacertids (Lacertidae). (Image by Mirko Kastelic)
Harmonia axyridis, most commonly known as the harlequin. (Image by Slavko Polak)
The rare scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea). (Image by Matjaz Bedjanic)
The golden grey mullet (Chelon aurata). (Image by Mirko Kastelic)
Salicornia europaea, known as common glasswort or just glasswort. (Image by Borut Mozetic)
Sarcocornia fruticosa, known as Shrubby swampfire. (Image by Josip Otopal)
The brackish water allows the growth of rare halophytes. (Image by Borut Mozetic)
Another photo of halophytes, plants which naturally survive in saline environment. (Image by Borut Mozetic)
Another photo of salt tolerant halophytes that thrive in the reserve. (Image by Borut Mozetic)
In the wet meadows, the vegetation is balanced by four heads of Podolian cattle, and four Camargue horses. (Image by Mirko Kastelic)
Because of its unique geography, a part of the inlet consists of pure freshwater, while the rest is brackish (a mix of sea and freshwater). Image by TICKoper / CC BY-SA 4.0
Skocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve on the map
Address: Sermin 50, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 45.547430, 13.763510
GPS coordinates: 45° 32′ 50.748” N 13° 45′ 48.636” E
Region: Littoral
Koper or Capodistria as it is called in Italian shows two faces to the world: one is a modern, loud and busy industrial part of the city with the only commercial port in Slovenia. The other is the charming small Old Town with the lovely square of Titov Trg and late medieval and early Renaissance buildings, such as the Praetorian Palace, the Loggia Palace and the Cathedral of the Assumption built in Venetian styles. |
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Overall Rating: The main attraction in the seaside town of Koper is its well-preserved medieval city center called the Old Town. Five centuries of Venetian rule are almost impossible to ignore here, especially while strolling along the narrow streets past impressive old buildings and former palaces. |
Overall Rating: This quite sizeable town square is the first place you should head when exploring Koper. It dates back to the Venetian era and is home to several of the town's main attractions. |
Overall Rating: For any visitor to Koper, the Praetorian Palace is a must see. It is located in the centre of the town on the main Tito Square and absolutely dominates the place. |
Overall Rating: Koper's cathedral is located right in the historic city centre on the main Tito square and dates back to the second half of the 12th century when Koper acquired its own diocese. |
Overall Rating: Set on the eastern side of the Tito square in the centre of old Koper is the 54-metre-high Bell Tower. If the weather is good, amazing panoramic views of the entire Koper area and beyond can be had by climbing 204 steps to reach the viewing platform at 43 meters. |
Overall Rating: With its impressive Gothic-style lancet arches, the 15th-century Loggia building stands on the northern side of the historic Tito Square in the heart of old Koper. Its ground-floor arcade is now a café. A side door leads to the first-floor Loza gallery. |
Overall Rating: The rustic village of Hrastovlje, located in the hills above the coast, only a short 20-minute drive from Slovenia's largest coastal town Koper, is home to one of the country's most outstanding medieval treasures, the Church of the Holy Trinity. The church building itself is quite impressive, looking like a small, ancient fort, but what attracts most visitors to this little church is the famous Dance of Death fresco on the south wall. |
| The accommodation options in Koper can be divided into six main categories: hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, apartments, farm stays and hostels. |
Koper is the largest town on the Slovenian coast and the sixth-largest city in Slovenia. There are currently 5 hotels in the city, but the overall quality of the hotels is not that great, and at the moment there's only one hotel in Koper that we can really recommend. Find out which one and why! |
Guest houses are a traditional form of accommodation in Slovenia for holiday makers and other travellers. They are a great choice for a place to stay as they are comfortable and wallet-friendly with owners who take an interest in their guests. There are more than 10 guest houses available in the Koper area, find out which are the ones that we recommend the most. |
Opting for a bed and breakfast over other types of lodging is a great way to personalize your stay and get to know the locals. Bed and breakfasts feel like you are literally staying in someone’s house, because often you are. The advantage of a B&B is that the breakfasts are often home cooked meals that are prepared with love and attention. These meals are included in your room rate and are a great way to start your day. Find out which B&Bs in Koper we recommend the most, and why! |
With all the comforts of home, apartments are a great choice for lodging during your trip to Koper. They are often more affordable and can be very comfortable places to stay. But be careful, the rates and quality vary seriously, so always do a good research before you book an apartment! |
Hostels in Koper are the go-to option for travellers and backpackers who plan to spend very little of their time in their room and most of their time exploring Koper and the Slovenian coast. They’re also a great way to meet other travellers. Unlike a hotel, hostels are more communal in nature and that includes sharing a room with strangers, although often you can get a private room if you want to pay a little more. Find out which hostels in Koper we recommend the most, and why! |
In recent years, farm stays are growing among a number of travelers looking to reconnect with fresh air, local and organic foods, and a more simple and authentic lifestyle on vacation. Farm stays are a form of accommodation on a working farm. Actual accommodations can vary from a room in a farm house, to a cabin or a guest cottage. Typical rates are similar to a bed and breakfast, and like a bed and breakfast, some offer delicious home cooked meals. Some farm stays also allow guests to participate in the daily activities on the farm if they choose. |