Dolenjska

Novo mesto

Get an eyeful of the charming centre of Dolenjska from different vantage points, stretch your legs on pilgrim routes or explore the old town centre and its rich cultural heritage. Take a walk past the famous fountain on the Main Square, visit the Dolenjska Museum and Jakčev dom (Jakac House), enjoy the veduta of Breg and the dreamy Krka River underneath.

The Kolpa River

Almost 300-kilometre long river Kolpa, the border river between Slovenia and Croatia, is one of our cleanest and most attractive rivers. Get to know it by canoe or by kayak, enjoy fishing or swimming in summer. While exploring the beauties of Bela krajina do not forget to pay a visit to Lahinja Nature Park – it will reward you with its stunning unspoilt nature.

Kočevje

Kočevje is attractive not only for fans of sports but also for culture fans. Deepen your contact with nature in the vast forests of Kočevje and in primeval forest reserves, explore karst phenomena, meet rare animals, and have a chat with the friendly locals.

Kočevje primeval forest

Nature fans will be fascinated by the four primeval forests as their tree volume exceeds 1000 cubic metres per hectare. Come and meet the ancient trees and their queen – a more than 500-year-old fir tree, 160 cm in diameter, reaching the height of 51 m and the girth of 580 cm.

Kočevski rog

If you are a fan of unspoilt nature as well as history, then you should not miss out on one of the largest forested areas, spreading from the region of Bela Krajina to Kočevje, where the headquarters of the Partisan leadership (Slovenian national liberation movement) were hidden at the famous settlement of barracks called Baza 20 (Base 20) during World War II. You can visit permanent exhibitions in the preserved huts.

Ribnica

Venture into the cradle of woodenware and pottery with the famous annual Ribnica fair. This area is the highest part of the region with peaks reaching more than 1200m in height and with high-altitude settlements. The forests of this region are home to the brown bear, wolf and lynx.

Bela krajina

Explore Bela krajina – the land of white birches and “Zeleni Jurij” (a deity which brings renewal and fertility in spring), the land of Easter eggs and numerous other old customs. This green landscape is characterised by vineyards and deciduous woods, there are also a lot of hidden caves and sinkholes. It is full of little churches, stone houses and hayracks.

The Gorjanci

The Gorjanci mountain chain, an endless collection of natural beauties, also offers numerous activities for the hikers. Find out for yourself if there is any truth in the ancient fairy tale about the Gospodična spring, the water of which is supposed to rejuvenate and give strength. Get to know the spring Minutnik where the water flows in rhythmical intervals. Indulge in the primal nature of two primeval forest reserves, Ravna gora and Trdinov vrh, the latter being the highest peak of the Gorjanci, too.

Every excursion in the region of Dolenjska is an adventure. Discover a new dimension of active time off and venture into the places of exciting natural and cultural gems.

Trška gora hill

The spectacular view of Trška gora hill, full of vineyard cottages and vineyards, is postcard-like. Four linden trees grow at the top of Trška gora next to the Church of Mary’s Birth, one of them is the thickest linden tree in Dolenjska. At the Krkin hram tourist farm, according to previous engagement, you can make a group toast with the pride of Dolenjska’s vineyards – light, very drinkable Cviček wine, while enjoying the view stretching out from Novo mesto to the Gorjanci.

Pleterje

Pleterje Carthusian Monastery is the only operating Carthusian Monastery in Slovenia today. You can explore its history which left a strong cultural mark on these places with the help of multivision. The monks in Pleterje make highly valued produce by cultivating orchards, vineyards and farming. The produce can be bought in their monastery shop.

Kostanjevica na Krki

Kostanjevica na Krki is a very special town – both nature and cultural heritage have left their most beautiful mark here. Due to the idyllic position on the islet it is also called the Venice of Dolenjska. Its surroundings offer numerous possibilities for outdoor activities. This cultural and historical monument will also impress culture fans with the exhibitions and different cultural events at the Božidar Jakac Art Museum.

The Krka River

Without the Krka there would be no Dolenjska as it is today, since the river provides refuge for numerous animal and plant species. The Krka River valley is a unique symbol of Dolenjska with its inseparable intertwining of natural and cultural heritage. It is emphasized by the disappearing legacy of bygone water-mills, preserved wooden bridges, numerous castles and settlements on its banks; Novo mesto was formed around one of the most distinctive of its bends. If you would like to get to know the fun side of Dolenjska then go for a ride on the river with Rudolf’s raft and have a sip of the local wine speciality, Cviček.

Žužemberk

Žužemberk spreads over both banks of the Krka River in whose valley you can admire both genuine nature and numerous cultural and historical monuments. In the valley of castles the most recognizable one is Žužemberk Castle – it will embrace you in an unforgettable way especially in the summer during the Market Town Days when it will carry you back in time to the exciting Middle Ages with medieval tournaments.

Stična Abbey

Stična has been an important cultural and historical centre for a long time with its Cistercian monastery which is the only one still operating in Slovenia. Stična Abbey is an important cultural monument since one of the first texts in Slovene was written here in 1428 – the Stična manuscript. What is more, you will be overwhelmed by the extraordinary architectural monument and peaceful natural environment.