Kočevska region is known for its natural resources, especially its vast, intact forests. In the (not so) distant past, the area was rich in another natural resource that had a significant impact on the lives of the inhabitants – lignite. Kočevje is one of the Slovenian towns that can boast a rich mining tradition. Although the Kočevje Coal Mine closed its doors in 1978, the memory of mining history has…
Franc Volf, a miner from Kočevje: memories of a miner’s life in Kočevje
Unfortunately, there are less and less former miners from Kočevje still alive today. One of the few retired mine workers who still remembers his mining years with great joy and pride is Franc Volf from Šalka vas. He came to work at the Kočevje Mine directly after completing his compulsory military service in 1968. He also worked as a mine rescue worker at the coal mine, where he remained until…
A “Gottscheer” Star among the Heroes of the World Cup
The most high-profile sporting event of 2022 was undoubtedly the recently concluded FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The most important sideshow in the world has been the central theme for more than a month, not only in sporting circles but also in general. The soccer World Cup rarely leaves anyone indifferent, and the last tournament of the world’s national team elite was particularly interesting for fans of the game from…
Soccer in Kočevska Region from the Beginnings to the World War II
Soccer is by far the most popular and widespread sport worldwide. In fact, one might even say it is the only sport that is played professionally or on amateur level on a massive scale on every continent on our planet. There is practically no city that does not have at least one soccer club, and Kočevje is of course no exception. The history and tradition of playing soccer in Kočevska…