Thermal and Pannonian Slovenia

Dolenjska

Bled – Otočec = 125 km

otocec Autumn in Slovenia© Iztok Medja, arhiv EKVisuals d.o.o., www.slovenia.info

A land bathed by the Krka green river, renowned for its peculiar wine variety, the “cviček”. Its home are wine-growing hills adorned by houses with a wine cellars called “zidanica”. Cviček is also produced by monks from the Pleterje Carthusian Monastery, the only charterhouses still intact in the Slavic world. Healthy water runs over the Dolenjska region, caught by the Dolenjske and Šmarješke Toplice spas. Fairy-tale adventures await you on the “Otočec”, the only Slovenian castle on a river island. In Šentrupert you will enter the Land of hayracks.

 

Velenje – Topolšica

Bled – Velenje = 129 km

Thermal and Pannonian Slovenia velenje castle© Andrej Tarfila, www.slovenia.info

Velenje is the youngest Slovenian town with a green heart and a network of mines. The deepest dining room in Slovenia is located in the unique Coal Mining Museum. The formation of the Velenje Lake, which today is a lively centre for activities on and by the water, was also the result of mining activities. Numerous paths will take you from Velenje along the Šalek Valley. They will also bring you to the Topolšica Spa, located in the middle of green forests.

 

Celje

Bled – Celje = 132 km

the market in Celje Slovenia© Jošt Gantar, www.slovenia.info

The Town of Princes is renowned for the Counts of Celje, one of the strongest European noble families of which there are numerous legends. These legends are still alive in the Old Castle, overlooking the town. A walk through the town will reveal traces of the ancient Celeia, the story of a world traveller and the connection of the town with nature. The Recreation Centre with its unique tree house is an excellent way of escaping to the green nature. Lake Šmartno and the Celjska koča Hotel are two of the more popular vacations spots. In the near Žalec you may pour yourself a glass of beer directly from the Beer Fountain.

 

Dobrna

Bled – Dobrna = 134 km

dobrna thermal spas and health resorts© Dean Dubokovič, www.slovenia.info

Dobrna is home to the oldest operating spa in Slovenia with a tradition that is over 610 years old. The power of thermal water in Dobrna was already known to Celts and Romans. The Dobrna hot springs is caught in the old Spa House. From here, another peculiarity of this place is spreading out – the Spa Park with a 200-years-old chestnut tree avenue. One of the thickest poplars in Slovenia grows in the park.

 

Laško

Bled – Laško = 144 km

lasko Slovenia© Tomo Jeseničnik, www.slovenia.info

Laško is the confluence of all the good stuff – beer-brewing, beekeeping and healthy water! The beer-brewing tradition has deep roots here and you can feel this on every step – from the largest Slovenian brewery and the largest Slovenian beer festival to beer wellness treatments in spas. Honey trails will lead you to the countryside and to the spas. Together with springs of healthy water, caught at the Thermana Laško and Roman Spa, they will reinforce your health and improve your well-being.

 

Čatež and Posavje

Bled – Čatež ob Savi = 159 km

sremic krsko© Jošt Gantar, www.slovenia.info

Posavje is Slovenia’s land of castles. Six may be found in the area between the Sava and Krka rivers. Kostanjevica na Krki, the only Slovenian town on a river island, will enchant you with its artistic soul. The round hills of the Posavje region are scattered with vineyards which are complemented by truly special “wine cellars” – the “zidanica” vineyard cottages and the “repnica” caves. You may find well-being and water fun at the Terme Čatež Spa with the largest thermal water park in Slovenia.

 

Rogaška Slatina

Bled – Rogaška Slatina = 166 km

Thermal and Pannonian Slovenia rogaska slatina© Andrej Tarfila, www.slovenia.info

Rogaška Slatina is one of the oldest Slovenian spa locations. Its peculiarity is the Donat Mg mineral water with the highest content of magnesium in the world. The celebrated spa and the excellent medical centre, linked by the picturesque Spa Park, are making good use of the water’s positive effects. However, Rogaška Slatina is not known only for its spa tradition, but also for its exceptional, hand-made crystal adorning homes all around the world.

 

Podčetrtek

Bled – Podčetrtek = 170 km

monastery olimje© Amadeja Knez, www.slovenia.info

With the Olimia Spa Podčetrtek is the definition of pampering, since it is home to the most modern wellness centre in Slovenia. The green nature around the Sotla river is also a great place to indulge yourselves. A picturesque minorite monastery stands in the village of Olimje with one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. Chocoholics will be glad to visit Olimje's chocolaterie, and lovers of nature will be amazed by the colourful flora and fauna in the middle of tall-stemmed meadow orchards in the Kozjansko nature park.

 

Ptuj

Bled – Ptuj = 183 km

Ptuj Castle© Mankica Kranjec, arhiv Zavod za turizem Ptuj, www.slovenia.info

The oldest Slovenian town is home to the kurent, a carnival character which is listed on Unesco’s World Heritage List. Romans settled this area a long time ago and left their mark all over town, even in the near spa you may sense their spirit. The imposing Ptuj Castle watches over the town, and the medieval architectural heritage is complemented by the Dominican and Minorite monastery. Ptuj is surrounded by the wine-growing Slovenske gorice and Haloze hilly regions, and it is not a coincidence that this is the home of the oldest wine cellar in Slovenia.

 

Pomurje

Bled – Murska Sobota = 232 km

lendava vinarium sunset© Jošt Gantar, www.slovenia.info

Pomurje is a region of a variegated gastronomy and healthy waters, the power of which may be felt in six spas. Discover the life of the most north-eastern part of Slovenia since the prehistoric Panonnian Sea to nowadays in theExpano pavilion, whereas you may catch the most breathtaking view on the Vinarium tower. In the Goričko area, where there once was an active volcano, stands the largest Baroque castle in Slovenia. Romantic souls will find their haven on the Island of Love on the Mura River. The region of Prlekija will excite you with its wine-growing soul.