One of southern Slovenia’s most atmospheric medieval castles has officially reopened to visitors following an extensive renovation project. Perched high above the Kolpa River near the Croatian border, Kostel Castle is considered one of the oldest and largest castle complexes in Slovenia and a key cultural landmark of the Kočevsko region.
The renewed castle reopened on April 24 with a ceremonial programme, highlighting the strong connection between the site and the local community.
The renovation included the restoration of the roof structure, glazing of interior spaces, upgrades to water, electricity and utility infrastructure, as well as improved visitor access and safety measures. New facilities now include a tourist information point and an audiovisual room, while approximately 450 square metres of the castle complex have been revitalized for cultural and tourism activities.
Looking ahead, the castle plans to introduce engaging and sustainable visitor experiences, including virtual reality educational content, intergenerational workshops, rainwater collection systems, a solar-powered smart bench, and charging stations for electric bicycles.
With its dramatic location above the emerald-green Kolpa River and close to one of Slovenia’s most pristine forested landscapes, the reopening of Kostel Castle adds another compelling reason to explore a lesser-known corner of Slovenia that combines heritage, nature and slow tourism experiences.
Local authorities expect the renovated castle to play an important role in strengthening tourism development and revitalizing the wider destination.
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