Slovenia is considered one of the water-rich countries of Europe. Abundant rainfall, a dense network of rivers and significant groundwater reserves form the country’s rich water resources. At the same time, water is unevenly distributed across the country, and its availability varies from year to year.
The main source of drinking water in Slovenia is groundwater. It is replenished by precipitation that seeps into the soil and rock. Depending on the geology, water accumulates in intergranular, fractured and karst aquifers.
Water quality in Slovenia is generally high and is continuously monitored. Groundwater provides drinking water to most of the country’s population.
In northern Slovenia, in the Koroška region, water is closely connected with the mountains, forests and the Drava river basin. For old mountain farms, having their own water source was one of the basic conditions for life: settlements developed where people could secure their own water supply.
A good example can be found near Akinitis, on Mount St Jernej.
Near Akinitis, beside the old Church of St Bartholomew, stands a historic stone parish well known as the forški štapuh.
The Church of St Bartholomew was first mentioned in written sources in 1382, while the present building was constructed in 1625. It is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles, and gave its name to the surrounding area. A former parish building and a cemetery are located nearby.
The well is located almost at the top of the mountain, at an elevation of around 1,030 metres. It is 13.5 metres deep, approximately 1.3 metres in diameter, and has a potential capacity of up to 18 m³ of water. It is already visible in a panoramic photograph from 1913. According to local historical sources, the well was always full of water and made it possible for the mountain farms located here to exist.
The well was restored in 2011. The first water sample showed that the water was suitable for drinking, although further pumping and additional testing were required. Today, the well is no longer used and does not function as a water supply source. It might fill with water again after cleaning and pumping, but there is no practical need for this water today, as the area is supplied by a modern water system.
Akinitis is located on Mount St Jernej, in the Koroška region, close to the Austrian border. The old church and historic well nearby preserve a special atmosphere – here, the past does not feel like a museum display, but remains part of the surrounding landscape.
The old houses, church, well, ancient linden trees and mountain nature create a special sense of the past – a feeling that history continues to live alongside modern life.
Akinitis is a private mountain venue in northern Slovenia for corporate offsites, retreats, weddings, celebrations, workshops, training programmes and sports camps. With accommodation for up to 40 guests, flexible event spaces, dining, wellness facilities and outdoor areas, Akinitis provides everything needed for successful group events in one private location.
Sv. Jernej nad Muto 36, 2366, Muta, Slovenia
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