Slovenia Unknown

## Overview Tucked away in the countryside south of Ljubljana, this lesser-known public drinking spring near the town of Ig offers a charming glimpse into Slovenia's deep connection with natural water sources. Slovenia is one of the few countries in the world to enshrine the right to clean drinking water in its constitution (amended in 2016), and springs like this one reflect a long tradition of communal water points scattered throughout the landscape. The spring sits at approximately 45.971°N, 14.544°E, in a pastoral setting surrounded by small streams, unpaved pathways, bushes, and farmland. Water flows continuously from a stainless steel faucet that protrudes from the ground — a simple but functional setup that locals have long relied on. The area is peaceful and rural, offering a quiet stop for anyone exploring the Ljubljansko Barje (Ljubljana Marshes) region south of the capital. While Slovenia's municipal tap water is widely regarded as excellent, locals still frequent natural springs like this one. The water has been reported to flow year-round, though seasonal variations are always possible. As with any natural spring, water quality can fluctuate, and visitors should use their own discretion. ## Directions The spring is located roughly 10 km (about 6 miles) south of Ljubljana, near the town of Ig. Here's how to reach it by car: 1. **Start in Ljubljana** and take **Dolenjska Cesta** heading south. This road eventually becomes **Route 106**. 2. **Continue through Škofljica**, approximately 3 km (2 miles) from Ljubljana. 3. **Pass through the village of Lavrica.** Pay close attention here — the road network has many twists and turns, and signage may be confusing, especially for non-Slovenian speakers. 4. **Find and turn onto Route 728 toward Ig.** As much as possible, keep to the right when navigating the intersections. 5. Once on **Route 728**, stay on the right side of the road and continue in the direction of Ig. 6. **Turn left onto a narrow unpaved track** (note: you'll need reasonable ground clearance — at least 5 inches / 13 cm — for this section). 7. After roughly **400 meters (about ¼ mile)**, you'll reach a small stream. 8. **Look to the left** — you'll see a **stainless steel faucet sticking up from the ground** with water flowing from it. That's the spring. *Tip: The roads in this area can be narrow and winding. Drive slowly and watch for local farm traffic. A GPS device or offline map is highly recommended, as mobile signal can be spotty in rural stretches.* ## What to Expect This is a simple, rustic spring — don't expect signage, parking lots, or facilities. The stainless steel spout delivers a steady flow of water in a quiet, green setting alongside a small stream. The surrounding area is flat marshland and farmland, characteristic of the Ljubljansko Barje region, which is also a designated nature reserve and Natura 2000 site known for its biodiversity. The unpaved approach road may be muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. The spring is best visited during drier months (late spring through early autumn) for easier access, though it has been reported to flow year-round. If you're exploring the area, the nearby town of Ig and the broader Ljubljana Marshes offer additional points of interest, including archaeological sites, cycling paths, and birdwatching opportunities. The marshes are home to the remains of prehistoric pile dwellings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.