Kamanje is a place that is most beautiful to reach by train. Halfway between Ozalj and Metlika in Slovenia, just before Kamanje, the train will quietly glide along the tracks right by the Kupa River, winding through a rocky and forested canyon. Hidden within these very same rocks, out of sight from casual passersby, lies the legendary Vrlovka Cave.

Vrlovka is a touristically developed cave, protected as a geomorphological natural monument, rich in stalactites and small lakes. It is an inspiration for geologists, speleologists, biospeleologists, paleontologists, and archaeologists. Having been studied for years, it still hides new discoveries that are yet to emerge from the eternal darkness. The cave is home to several species of bats, which take delight in the benefits of the Kamanje region, performing aerial acrobatics above the surface of the Kupa River near the cave's entrance. Legend has it that the small lakes inside Vrlovka are filled with water from a vast underground lake deep within the Vodenica Hill, but that's just a legend. Who knows, maybe one day it will be confirmed through research.

Legends often lead us on adventures, so let your visit to Kamanje become an adventure. The well-maintained hiking trail to Vodenica, managed by the "Vrlovka" Mountaineering Society, starts from Kamanje and rewards those who reach the top with a beautiful view. Sometimes it's good to see the world from the top of a hill—different perspectives open up, and just as the houses in the valley seem unusually small from those heights, so too do all our problems seem smaller in that moment.

However, if you're looking for a more grounded approach to life, visit the old churches of Kamanje, which preserve the history and culture of this region, and don't forget to stop by for the local feast, a lively celebration with an age-old spiritual component. It’s part of a tradition worth supporting and maintaining. And don't forget the Kupa River and its swimming spots. The joy of swimming on summer days is quite a common thing here, bringing together families and friends. And anyone who comes is considered a friend.

This small place has very successfully realized its vision for the future. Take a walk through Kamanje, peek into the courtyards, and talk to the locals—you’ll understand how some things in life are quite simple.