Right above the town, north of the river Drava towards the top of Košenjak (1522 metres), is the start of the most beautiful and interesting part of the Dravograd landscape from a natural science perspective. Due to the closeness of the central Alps and the neighbouring Golica (2144 metres) it has high mountain world characteristics. The domed mountain top with preserved mountain grass areas is surrounded by three peaks overgrown with thick forests: Goriški vrh, Ojstrica and Kozji vrh. Here, the stream Velka cuts its path south down the mountain between the mighty oak forest and contributes to the diversity of the area. The stream of Ojstrica has its spring beneath Košenjak and creates a waterfall on its colourful path down towards the valley. Velka represents and ecologically important area where we can find several botanical and zoological particularities.
In the valley of Velka the water carved its way through the marble during the centuries and created a cave which offers shelter to different creatures, mostly bats. The Kerbel cave is 62 metres deep and is the only one of its kind in Slovenia. Towards the top of Košenjak we can find forest grouses (the wild rooster, black grouse, and partridges) as well as the mountain hare and marmot. The mountain Alpine growth is rich with cranberries and blueberries. We can also find many endangered alpine plants that are protected.
