Novo mesto

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.