New Experiences at Jurčič Homestead

How to bring a literary giant, who confidently called his work a novel for the first time in Slovenia, closer to younger generations and families? Following the Jurčič Year 2021, which celebrated the 150th anniversary of Josip Jurčič’s editorial work and his pioneering contributions to Slovenian literature, we developed new experiences at Jurčič Literary Estated. In partnership with the Tourist Association of Muljava, Petra Peunik Okorn, Public Institute for Tourism and Culture Prijetno domače Ivančna Gorica we created The Stories fro the Hive —a collection of narratives for all ages that trains visitors in attentiveness and storytelling. Stories are pieced together on the beehive boards in front of the homestead.

 

Experiences Full of Humor and Nostalgia

Storyteller's guided tour offers a new window into the world of Jurčič’s stories, filled with humorous characters, peculiarities, and unusual twists. The goal was to make the content and experiences engaging for contemporary times and younger generations. A unique encounter with Jurčič’s heroes is a journey into childhood when Jožek listened to his grandfather’s stories by the bread oven. Dried apple slices were once the best snack, and the family portrait with the Spakokvir, where visitors mimic the grimaces of Jurčič’s characters as illustrated by the famous Marjan Manček, offers something entirely new. The interactive program is also suitable for smaller groups.

 

Stories from the Hive: Walking trail - Family Detective with Jurčič’s Grandfather

Josip Jurčič observed his surroundings closely from a young age and recorded everything in detail. His charismatic grandfather was his greatest source of inspiration. Jurčič soon began creating his own stories and became Slovenia’s first professional writer and journalist. Jurčič’s spirit also guided the creation of the Family Detective with Jurčič’s Grandfather, a circular route from Jurčič Homestead to the source of the Krka River and the mysterious Krška Cave. Visitors follow the correct path using a map, "Grandfather’s clues" on panels featuring beehive board motifs, and signs of Jurčič’s route. Along the 10 km easy circular trail, short stories from Jurčič’s time and stamps with animal motifs are hidden. Hikers collect fragments of old stories and stamp them, creating their own Beekeeper’s Story Hive and a commemorative beehive board. A picnic of treats from the Bregar eco-farm and other local farms provides refreshment.

 

Stories from the Hive: Guided tour at the Literary Estate

Visitors step back in time to when young Jožek listened to his grandfather’s stories by the bread oven. The Jurčič Homestead experience opens doors to rural life from the past two centuries. Visitors meet humorous eccentrics and characters, old words, and stories. The Beekeeper’s Story Hive is an immersive guided experience where timeless heroes of Slovenia’s first novelist and journalist Josip Jurčič are discovered through play.

 

Nice and Homely Picnic

The land of clean air and pure waters is ideal for a family picnic. The picnic bag, filled with seasonal produce and products from local farms, is prepared at the Bregar eco-farm in Znojile near Krka. Nearby is an idyllic picnic spot in nature.