Velenje - Topolšica

Experience Velenje's spirit of socialism

A nostalgic and fun lesson will tickle your funny bone and make for a colourful trip to Slovenia’s (Yugoslavia's) recent history. You can learn how children (cicibani), younger pioneers (pionirji), and older pioneers (mladinci) grew up and discovered street games and socially beneficial work campaigns. Continue this unusual and interesting experience by taking a retro walk through the town.

Woschnagg’s trail through the history of Šoštanj

Throughout history, the town of Šoštanj has been strongly marked by the leather-making industry and the Woschnagg family connected to this industry. In the past, the leather factory was the largest and most modern leather-making factory in the Balkans and in Austria-Hungary. Discover the traces of history left by the family, in architecture, art, and horticulture. A visit to the Museum of Leather-Making is also interesting.

Pozoj’s Castle Trail

Take a walk on a circular trail, on which you will be able to see many interesting things. Visit the castles in the Velenje area, and Kunigunda, a cursed lady of the castle and walled-in nun, will keep you company. In addition to castles, visit Villa Herberstein, interesting churches, and a site where mastodon remains have been found. You can walk the entire length of the trail, and a part of it can also be covered by bicycle. The start and the finish of the trail is at Villa Bianca.

Gonžarjeva Peč climbing route

Test the first learning field of the Alpine Association of Slovenia – a via ferrata route. The rock face named after the nearby Gonžar Homestead has a geomorphological natural value due to its exceptional dimensions and shape. Here mountaineers and mountain climbers test their skills and gain knowledge for safe walking and climbing in high mountains.  You can also acquire or upgrade this knowledge.

The Pippi Festival – the largest children's festival in Slovenia

Who doesn’t know the mischievous girl named Pippi Longstocking, who won the hearts of children and adults alike all around the world? Did you know that she has her own festival in Velenje? During the festival, which is held every September, there are more than 100 Pippi’s creative workshops, a large and small theatre stage, a fairy-tale and concert stage, and in town you can visit exhibitions or Pippi’s Cinema. The Pippi Festival ends with Pippi's Day.

The countryside of the Šalek Valley

Spend your holiday at a tourist farm, where your hosts always make sure that there are plenty of local and home-made specialities on the table. Go with the flow of nature, which might encourage you to take up some farming chores. Feed deer at the Lamperček tourist farm, help Apat’s mum Nada as she bakes bread or help the Karničnik family as they take care of their horses.

A treat for your senses at Villa Herberstein

At Villa Herberstein, you can quench your thirst and satisfy the hunger of all your senses. The plates served here are alluring images consisting of fresh, locally produced ingredients that do not shy away from the company of excellent culinary masterpieces from all over the world. While you make your toasts, the kitchen staff will be pouring their passion, knowledge, and love into preparing new gastronomic adventures.

The Bahor pottery workshop

Feel the clay slide between your fingers as you make your own pottery product. Learn about the steps that are necessary for you to be able to drink your morning coffee from a unique cup. All this awaits you at the workshops of the Bahor Pottery Centre in Topolšica, where you can watch how Slovenian majolica pottery or the “Kofetar’ca” coffee cup is made. You can also buy beautiful pottery products at the shop and take a nice memory of the Šalek Valley home with you.