When climbing towards the top of Mount Snežnik, the forests suddenly give way to grasslands and dense patches of dwarf pine. A sign reminds visitors that the upper parts of Mount Snežnik are a strictly protected nature reserve. Safeguarding a number of rare plants, the Snežnik botanical reserve was established back in 1958. All plants here are protected, so any grazing, cutting, mowing or picking is strictly off limits. The Alpine flowers that remained here when the ice retreated thousands of years ago are a treat for the eye, while the views from the summit overlooking the forests and the sea are peerless.