Waters from Alpine Peaks
The Savinja River flows through the valley of the same name and is responsible for many of the region’s best attractions and most popular activities. The banks are also an excellent location for observing the mountains rising on both sides of the river, continuing to the north into snow-capped Alpine peaks.
In the Lower Savinja Valley, award-winning hops are cultivated (hence it is also called the land of green gold), while the Upper Savinja Valley encompasses truly spectacular views offered by Solčava, making the rest of the valley, from the village of Luče to the highway, often unjustly overlooked. This part is nestled among picturesque hills surrounding the valley from all sides and boasts its own interesting history, so you’ll have more than enough reasons to linger here and discover what lies beneath the surface.
MOZIRJE
Mozirje is named after the Slovenian word for marshland, reflecting the geographical characteristics of the landscape. Despite the settlement’s existence since Roman times, Mozirje is known among locals as a place of peace and flowers. It is renowned for the Mozirski gaj flower park, filled with thousands of different flowers and plants from late spring to autumn. Visitors can also enjoy the local fauna and various exhibits showcasing the ethnological history of the area, including a hayrack, mill, and granary.
Above the town are the plateaus of Dobrovlje, Menina planina, and Golte, where ski resorts operate in winter and hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities are available in other seasons. Mozirje is a great place for fishing in the Savinja River, as it’s teeming with trout, salmon, and grayling. If you forget your fishing gear, the water is also suitable for swimming and kayaking, and you can enjoy a picnic on the banks.
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NAZARJE
The settlement of Nazarje lies at the confluence of the Savinja and Dreta rivers, which helped the town become a prominent center of the timber and textile industries. Over the centuries, most visits to the settlement likely included a trip to Vrbovec Castle, which has stood for over 750 years, although most of its current structure was built in the late 15th century. Centuries later, the central part of the castle was removed, and today, a tree-covered courtyard stands in its place.
The castle is relatively flat but still an impressive structure with three round towers. It houses official offices, a wedding hall, a restaurant, and a forestry and woodworking museum. Visitors can also explore the Franciscan Monastery on Gradišče Hill above the town, offering guided tours. The monastery library is open to the public and contains a collection of rare medieval manuscripts.
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GORNJI GRAD
Gornji Grad is a settlement long associated with religion, housing a monastery from the 12th century that served as the summer residence of the bishops of Ljubljana for many years. From that time, one of the main attractions in the area has also been preserved: the Church of St. Mohor and Fortunatus, boasting a beautiful 19th-century altar and paintings in the chapel.
For those who wish to use Gornji Grad as a starting point for exploring the surrounding area, there are various accommodation options available, including hotels, hostels, tourist farms, as well as many restaurants and cafes offering regional specialties. From here, visitors can explore numerous themed trails suitable for activities such as hiking, mountain or trekking biking, skiing (on snow or grass, weather permitting), or horseback riding.
