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Novo mesto

An archaeological gem in the heart of Europe, embraced by the River Krka and the Dolenjska landscape with its gentle hills.

Novo mesto is the centre of Dolenjska, and it has an archaeological heritage of world importance. The town of situlae is surrounded by gentle wine-growing hills, where the typical Cviček wine is produced, and the mysterious Gorjanci Hills. Otočec Castle, the only “water castle” in Slovenia, is located on a small island in the River Krka.

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Every step you take, you will be surprised by Slovenia’s natural and cultural gems. Are you interested in what you need to see in Novo mesto?

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Novo mesto offers a mix of experiences of history and idyllic moments amongst vineyards. Explore its streets, learn about the River Krka in an exciting way, take on the role of a local wine-maker, and enjoy some luxury on a unique river island.

Exploring the town centre on a rocky meander

Go on a stroll through the old town centre and find traces of Novo Mesto's history. Visit the Museum of Dolenjska and listen to the stories of the first settlers, evidenced by a rich archaeological collection, with situlae at the forefront. Take a walk on the Main Square under the recognisable arcades and see the famous landmarks of the old town – the bell towers of the Cathedral of St Nicholas and the Franciscan Church of St Leonard.

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Exploring the town centre on a rocky meander

Exploring the town centre on a rocky meander

Go on a stroll through the old town centre and find traces of Novo Mesto's history. Visit the Museum of Dolenjska and listen to the stories of the first settlers, evidenced by a rich archaeological collection, with situlae at the forefront. Take a walk on the Main Square under the recognisable arcades and see the famous landmarks of the old town – the bell towers of the Cathedral of St Nicholas and the Franciscan Church of St Leonard.

More on: Exploring the town centre on a rocky meander

Otočec – a mosaic of sports adventures

Otočec – a mosaic of sports adventures

In the island forest, near the unique Otočec Castle and a popular golf course, an adventure park is available for sports and adrenaline enthusiasts. Climb up to the tree tops and enjoy an exciting climbing adventure across bridges, on ladders, nets, and other elements. Test your courage and see the world from a different perspective.

More on: Otočec – a mosaic of sports adventures

Rowing on the River Krka

Rowing on the River Krka

Go on a ride on Rudolf’s raft or the Nika raft down the River Krka and experience Novo Mesto from the viewpoint of the river. Among other things, you will pass the Bank (Breg), one of the most picturesque parts of the town, and past the rock with the Franciscan Monastery. Adventure lovers can also go kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddle boarding on the River Krka. If you’re looking for a special experience, go on a river safari on the River Temenica.

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Discovering heritage on hiking trails

Discovering heritage on hiking trails

The gentle landscape with diverse settings offers numerous marked hiking trails. Some of the trails are connected with local history and important local historical personalities. The longest among them is the 150-km-long Trdina Trail. Rudolf’s Trail is also connected with the history of Novo Mesto. One of the most popular trails is the hiking trail to Trdinov Vrh Hill. Slak’s Trail and the Cvičkova Gaz Trail take you around the wine-growing Trška Gora area.

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Kayaking on the River Temenica

Kayaking on the River Temenica

Get ready for an unforgettable nature survival adventure. Go kayaking on the River Temenica with experienced guides. On your journey, discover beaver dwellings and the river's biodiversity. Make sure to make a stop and enjoy some local culinary specialities, which you can partly prepare yourselves with the help of a herb picker. Have some rest in a hammock and then continue your journey towards the destination – where the River Temenica flows into the River Krka.

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A romantic weekend at Otočec Castle

The charming Otočec Castle is the ideal place to make unforgettable romantic memories. Couples can stay in castle rooms, enjoy world-class cuisine, walk on nicely maintained trails by the dreamy River Krka, or enjoy some wellness treatments in a nearby relaxation centre. It is difficult to resist the magic of this island castle, where the walls whisper about its exciting history.

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A romantic weekend at Otočec Castle

A romantic weekend at Otočec Castle

The charming Otočec Castle is the ideal place to make unforgettable romantic memories. Couples can stay in castle rooms, enjoy world-class cuisine, walk on nicely maintained trails by the dreamy River Krka, or enjoy some wellness treatments in a nearby relaxation centre. It is difficult to resist the magic of this island castle, where the walls whisper about its exciting history.

More on: A romantic weekend at Otočec Castle

A hike on wine-growing hills and wine tasting

A hike on wine-growing hills and wine tasting

Visit the 150-year-old Matjaž's Homestead, where you can learn about life in the countryside of Dolenjska as it once was and as it is today. After touring the homestead and the old cellar, enjoy a snack of buckwheat bread and cheese and learn about the mysteries of a special wine variety – Cviček wine. Take a walk on wine-growing hills to the Church of St George. You can visit an old zidanica vineyard cottage and taste local wine – the ecological Regent wine, among others.

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A special tour of the Struga Castle

A special tour of the Struga Castle

Experience the history of Novo Mesto in a unique way. Struga Castle is not your typical museum. It is presented through the eyes of the characters who lived in the land of Carniola in the past five hundred years. You can participate in adventures and experiences relating to life among castle walls. History is shared by showing the love for taking care of the castle and introducing a lovely cast of characters.

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Island wellness for the body and soul

Hotel Šport in Otočec offers its guests many sports and wellness experiences. Even the hotel rooms are sports themed – they are renovated and newly furnished in a modern style, with sports equipment and in invigorating colours that encourage physical activity. It is best to relax in beautiful green surroundings, on forest trails, and it is also possible due to a pool with therapeutic thermal water and an intimate world of saunas with a lounging terrace.

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Island wellness for the body and soul

Island wellness for the body and soul

Hotel Šport in Otočec offers its guests many sports and wellness experiences. Even the hotel rooms are sports themed – they are renovated and newly furnished in a modern style, with sports equipment and in invigorating colours that encourage physical activity. It is best to relax in beautiful green surroundings, on forest trails, and it is also possible due to a pool with therapeutic thermal water and an intimate world of saunas with a lounging terrace.

More on: Island wellness for the body and soul

Api therapy – wellness in the world of bees

Api therapy – wellness in the world of bees

By a stream on the edge of Krakovo Forest is one of Slovenia's most beautiful apiaries. There, you can relax on a bed on beehives and observe a bee colony through glass. Breathe in the beneficial air from the beehive and enjoy the relaxing buzzing of the bees. Enjoy a classic or honey massage at the apiary, and then have a honey picnic.

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Romance in vineyard cottages

Romance in vineyard cottages

In the midst of gentle wine-growing hills, amongst vineyards with a wonderful view, you can find charming cottages with a wine cellar and a living area – they are known as zidanice. Experience their cosy atmosphere and warmth. Your hosts will also give you the keys to the cellar, where you can pour yourselves some of your favourite wine. Complement your stay in a zidanica cottage by learning about the Dolenjska countryside and tasting culinary specialities at tourist farms and local restaurants.

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Green Facts

Slovenia writes a green story. Feel it at every step.

The River Krka is known for well-conserved nature that provides shelter for many plant and animal species.

With a length of 1200 m, the Kette Avenue that winds across Marof Hill is one of the longest and most beautiful avenues of trees in Slovenia.

The park surrounding Otočec Castle and its wonderful surrounding area with numerous exotic tree varieties and the tufa barrages on the River Krka are considered to be a first-class natural landmark.

The kozolci hay racks are a piece of Slovenian heritage that is unlike anything else in the world. In the Novo Mesto area, kozolci hay racks are still used for agricultural purposes today.

Millet groats with dried prunes

Common millet is one of the first cereals to have been grown in Europe for human consumption. Archaeological finds attest that it was already grown by the Celts and on various occasions dishes from millet groats were also made by the Slavs. These dishes are a symbol of abundant fertility. Nowadays, you can taste various sorts of groats in several restaurants in the Dolenjska Region and in Novo mesto, where they swear by traditional delicacies. Millet groats with dried prunes is one such delicacy.

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Dolenjska, a different experience

See the most attractive tourist sights and unique landmarks of Dolenjska, from the kozolci hay racks to castles, enjoy Cviček wine in the company of friends and go past vineyards to the most beautiful lady in the region – the River Krka.

Register of Tourist Guides

Local guides will help you discover local attractions and hidden treasures. Find a tourist guide that will present Slovenian cultural and natural heritage to you in more detail in your chosen language.

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Experience a pleasant getaway and have some rest

Would you like to stay a little longer and see and experience as much as possible? Then select suitable accommodation that is ideal for you in the nearby area.

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Domačija Novak

78 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Apartments & Rooms Ravbar

43 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Hotel pri Belokranjcu

24 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.0

Hotel Kristal

86 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.0

Hostel Situla

18 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Hotel Center ***

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.5

Hotel Dolenj'c

12 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.0

Hostel Novak

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Vineyard cottage Luštek

1 Reviews (open in a new window)
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Nearby destinations

If you’d like to upgrade your holidays in Novo mesto by adding other interesting short trips to other destinations, please follow our tips. Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, is just 70 km away. Learn about one of the greenest capital cities and its incredible architectural heritage and a modern urban vibe. If you head south, make sure to stop in Bela Krajina, just 27 km from Novo mesto – there, enjoy experiences along the River Kolpa. Find some thermal water fun at the Terme Čatež Spa, visit the picturesque town of Kostanjevica na Krki, and discover the beauty of the castles of the Posavje region – just 38 km away. You can also enter the kingdom of the brown bear, the Kočevsko region, which is 47 km from Novo mesto.

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More details about Novo mesto

For more information visit the Novo mesto website.

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