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Dolenjska

The land of the special Cviček wine and the therapeutic energy of thermal water springs.

In Dolenjska, a region of thermal springs along the Krka River, you can get from Šmarješke Toplice and Dolenjske Toplice to Novo mesto with its globally important archaeological heritage. The quirky Slovenian wine called Cviček is produced around the town of situlae.

Somewhere in Dolenjska, there are places, a house, a vineyard, and a piece of a field, there, it’s always the month of May, there, I once called home.

Tone Pavček, one of the most popular Slovenian poets, who was born in Dolenjska

TOP 5 sights

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 Dolenjska?

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TOP experiences

Experience unforgettable moments amongst the gentle wine-growing hills of Dolenjska. The idyllic landscape might encourage you to explore its treasures or pleasantly relax you with its authenticity. The spas of Dolenjska also ensure that you gain fresh energy.

Experiences on the meander of Novo Mesto’s town centre

In addition to providing shelter for many animals and plants, the dreamy River Krka also provides numerous activities for actively experiencing Dolenjska. A river adventure with a stand-up paddle board, boat, raft, or canoe allows you to enjoy a view of the picturesque Bank (Breg) area of Novo Mesto, one of the most beautiful parts of town. From here, head onto land to discover the sights of Novo Mesto town centre.

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Experiences on the meander of Novo Mesto’s town centre

Experiences on the meander of Novo Mesto’s town centre

In addition to providing shelter for many animals and plants, the dreamy River Krka also provides numerous activities for actively experiencing Dolenjska. A river adventure with a stand-up paddle board, boat, raft, or canoe allows you to enjoy a view of the picturesque Bank (Breg) area of Novo Mesto, one of the most beautiful parts of town. From here, head onto land to discover the sights of Novo Mesto town centre.

More on: Experiences on the meander of Novo Mesto’s town centre

Biking around Dolenjska

Biking around Dolenjska

Experience a unique feeling of freedom on a cycling adventure called Sava Krka Bike. Enjoy the light breeze from the gentle wine-growing hills between Šmarješke Toplice and Dolenjske Toplice. Ride your bike on trails in the shade of indigenous tree species in the surrounding area of Otočec Castle, which will take you all the way to Struga Castle.

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Hike up to Trdinov Vrh Hill with youthful enthusiasm

Hike up to Trdinov Vrh Hill with youthful enthusiasm

Find the elixir of youth and head to Trdinov Vrh Hill from Gaberje. On your hike, get some refreshment at the Gospodična (Young Lady) Spring that, according to folk tales, gives eternal youth. Regain your strength to continue your hike towards the peak by tasting local specialities at a nearby cabin. At the top, you will be rewarded with a view extending past the vineyards, all the way to the Alps.

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To heaven on foot

To heaven on foot

Go on a night hike at full moon to Nebesa (Heaven) above the village of Šentrupert. At the top, you will be served local food and drinks and you will be able to enjoy some entertainment with an accordion. If the night sky charms you so much that you wish to sleep under the stars, you can also stay in a tent. When you wake up in the morning, your breath will be taken by the view of Mirna Valley, and you can begin your day with a true Dolenjska breakfast.

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Water adventures on the River Krka

Water adventures on the River Krka

Experience the River Krka in a slightly different way. Sit in a raft or kayak and go down its wild waters. In the summer, you can find excellent refreshment in this green beauty of Dolenjska. Popular bathing areas can be found in Žužemberk, Straža, and Kostanjevica na Krki. For those who prefer more peaceful experiences of nature next to water, the River Krka offers an abundance of fishing opportunities.

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A rustic experience in the Dolenjska countryside

Visit an authentic Dolenjska farm, the Šeruga Farm, which has a wood-burning oven and a water mill. You will also be taken to nearby zidanice vineyard cottages. Go on a short trip to Otočec, where you can enjoy some fun at an adventure park or relax in the saunas and pools of Šport Hotel. If you’d like to have a traditional lunch or dinner, go to the Vovko Restaurant, which is included in the Gostilna Slovenija brand.

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A rustic experience in the Dolenjska countryside

A rustic experience in the Dolenjska countryside

Visit an authentic Dolenjska farm, the Šeruga Farm, which has a wood-burning oven and a water mill. You will also be taken to nearby zidanice vineyard cottages. Go on a short trip to Otočec, where you can enjoy some fun at an adventure park or relax in the saunas and pools of Šport Hotel. If you’d like to have a traditional lunch or dinner, go to the Vovko Restaurant, which is included in the Gostilna Slovenija brand.

More on: A rustic experience in the Dolenjska countryside

Become a local

Become a local

Every true Dolenjska local is proud of their own zidanica, a vineyard cottage. Get a sense of this pride as you spend your getaway in one. The grape harvest in autumn is quite an experience. After a rich breakfast, grape-pickers head to the vineyard to pick grapes, and the sounds of an accordion accompany their work. After a full day of work, the celebration surrounding the new grape harvest moves to the zidanice cottages, where an evening feast is prepared.

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Dolenjska Delights

Dolenjska Delights

Taste the best that Dolenjska has to offer. Follow the Dolenjska Delights brand and choose from a wide array of different home-made products, which reflect the culinary and handicraft tradition of Dolenjska. Treat yourselves to authentic local flavours and take an original souvenir from Dolenjska home with you.

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A relaxing exploration of the Terme Šmarješke Toplice Spa

Take care of your health at the Terme Šmarješke Toplice Spa, where your vitality and wellness will be seen to. Inhale the freshness of the green surroundings, as you take a stroll on walking trails, on which you can also take a tourist train ride. Complement these relaxing moments by visiting Novo Mesto, where you can admire situlae, learn about the history of amber, or take a walking tour of the town's sights.

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A relaxing exploration of the Terme Šmarješke Toplice Spa

A relaxing exploration of the Terme Šmarješke Toplice Spa

Take care of your health at the Terme Šmarješke Toplice Spa, where your vitality and wellness will be seen to. Inhale the freshness of the green surroundings, as you take a stroll on walking trails, on which you can also take a tourist train ride. Complement these relaxing moments by visiting Novo Mesto, where you can admire situlae, learn about the history of amber, or take a walking tour of the town's sights.

More on: A relaxing exploration of the Terme Šmarješke Toplice Spa

Casual pleasures in the Dolenjske Toplice Spa

Casual pleasures in the Dolenjske Toplice Spa

Make a stop at the Dolenjske Toplice Spa, where you can first enjoy relaxing wellness moments at the modern Balnea Hotel health resort and then explore the interesting surrounding area. Experience sweet moments by visiting the Berryshka distillery and chocolatier, taste honey specialities made by a local bee-keeper, or visit one of the many wine cellars, in which you can taste local wines.

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In the company of bees

In the company of bees

Sleeping in an apiary has a number of positive effects on your well-being. A night spent on a soft bed in candle light and with the scent of tree mushroom incense will be a true getaway from the quick pace of life. The aroma of honey has a positive effect on your respiratory system, and the buzzing of bees creates inner harmony. After a honey-based breakfast, go on a relaxing walk on the trails of a nearby forest or meadow, and focus on yourself.

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Green Facts

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

In the Revoz factory in Novo mesto, the Renault Clio I feel Slovenia is produced.

Trdinov Vrh Hill with a large proportion of giant trees with a diameter in excess of 1 m and with a height of up to 40 m is a valuable protected nature reserve.

The Gospodična (Young Lady) Source is the first protected natural asset in Dolenjska.

For the past 20 years, the banks of the River Krka have been home to about 30 beaver families.

Matevž

Matevž is a delicious dish made of cooked potatoes and beans. In Dolenjska, Matevž is also known as Potato Man. It was once eaten in late autumn and winter, together with sauerkrat, pickled turnip, and on holidays, also with pork meat and sausages. Its popularity is still very strong, both due to its taste and its simple preparation.

Try our recipe

Different experiences in Dolenjska

Learn about the 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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Domačija Novak

78 Reviews (open in a new window)
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Kamp Polje

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Oštarija Herbelier

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Hotel Balnea Superior

362 Reviews (open in a new window)
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Hotel Grad Otočec

214 Reviews (open in a new window)
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Hotel Three Lights

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Apartment Stella

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Apartments & Rooms Ravbar

43 Reviews (open in a new window)
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Hotel pri Belokranjcu

24 Reviews (open in a new window)
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Farmstay Šeruga

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Gostilna in prenočišča Štravs

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Gostišče Kolesar

23 Reviews (open in a new window)
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Vineyard Cottage Žolnir

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Hotel Kristal

86 Reviews (open in a new window)
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Hotel Šport

169 Reviews (open in a new window)
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Nearby destinations

After exploring the beauties of Dolenjska, discover some surrounding destinations too. Head to Bela Krajina, a region 27 km away, a destination of excellence by the River Kolpa, which will surprise you with its tradition and mystical character. Kočevsko is just 47 km away; there, the brown bear dwells in vast forests. Thermal water fun for the whole family with numerous water attractions and the largest pool complex in Slovenia await you in the Terme Čatež Spa, 38 km away, and complement these refreshing moments by also visiting some castles of the Posavje region. Visit Ljubljana, 70 km away, and enjoy its cultural happenings and green character.

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More details about Dolenjska

For more information visit the Dolenjska website.

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