Explore the world of Slovenian myths and legends

Learn about the wealth of Slovenia’s imaginary world. Follow the trails of the most popular Slovenian myths and legends.

On the wings of folk imagination

Do you like to listen closely when someone is narrating a myth or a legend? In almost every town in Slovenia, you’ll learn or hear an interesting story that will stir up your imagination. Let us take you into the world of the most famous Slovenian myths and legends. It is up to you to find their trails and explore the beauty of Slovenia on the wings of your imagination.

The Kurenti

Kurent in singular and Kurenti in plural are some of the most signature mythological creatures, a type of Slovenian Dionysus, that chase away evil spirits and bring joy, fertility and spring. In certain stories, they are featured as musicians playing magic fiddles, spreading happiness and inviting people to dance. Today, they are particularly known as Shrovetide characters from Ptuj and its surrounding area. The door-to-door rounds of Kurenti were inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Dance with the Kurenti

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Kurentovanje

This is the largest Shrovetide carnival in Slovenia and is considered one of the world’s top carnivals. Kurenti rule the Ptuj carnival.

Kurent House

The interactive exhibition in the centre of Ptuj gives you an insight into the lives of Kurenti and enables you to experience the magic of Kurentovanje even when the Shrovetide season is over.

Awaken the Kurenti in you

Set out on an unforgettable walk through Ptuj and discover interesting facts about the most famous Ptuj Shrovetide characters, the Kurenti.

The Ljubljana Dragon

You have probably heard the legend about the Greek mythological hero Jason and the Argonauts, who stole the Golden Fleece and fled across the Black Sea, the Danube and Sava rivers to the Adriatic Sea and onwards to Greece. But you perhaps didn’t know that they also stopped in the Ljubljana Marshes. A fearless dragon was said to have lived there, but Jason defeated him. But nevertheless, the dragon left his marks all around Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Can you find them? Here are some tips.

Follow the dragon in Ljubljana

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The Castle Escape at Ljubljana Castle

Head off on an exciting adventure at Ljubljana Castle, where you can attempt to solve five intriguing tests and mysteries to learn about the history of the city and try to save the dragon.

Walk across the Dragon Bridge

Have no fear, the dragons on the bridge in the centre of the city will not attack you. But you can take a photo at the famous statues of dragons that protect the bridge and then turn to the Central Market...

Dragon among the carnival masks

If you want to meet the green giant, you’ll have the opportunity to do so at the carnival in the old town centre of Ljubljana.

Dragon Temple

The Dragon Temple is an interactive adventure game in which your knowledge of history and mythology will come handy when uncovering clues and decoding messages to escape the room.

The Counts of Celje

There are many legends and stories known about the Counts of Celje. The most popular one is about the unfortunate love between Count Frederick II and Veronika of Desenice. Frederick’s father Hermann II forbade their love, locked Frederick in the castle tower and ordered the drowning of Veronika. As the legend says, Frederick was rescued by his loyal squire, who brought him food through the hidden passage.

Learn about the dynasty of the Counts of Celje

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Change the course of history

Would you prefer a happy ending to the love story between Frederick and Veronika? Then turn back the wheels of time and change the course of history. Set out on a virtual adventure at Thermana Laško and...

Find Ulrich’s treasure

The last count of Celje, Ulrich II, took to his grave the secret of an object that had magical powers. Many have tried to find this object in Ulrich’s chambers, but they have all mysteriously disappeared....

Return to the era of the Counts of Celje

In warmer months, you can relive the era of the Counts of Celje. Try archery, sword fighting with knights, get creative in medieval workshops, take a peek in the castle kitchen and visit the knights’...

King Matjaž

The legend of King Matjaž tells a story about the good king who ruled at the time of Carantania. During his rule, what is today known as Carinthia enjoyed a golden age, but other sovereigns resented this. So, they sent an army to fight the good king. King Matjaž and a hundred of his soldiers retreated to the hidden cave under Mt Peca and sat behind the stone table. The legend says that Matjaž will return and eliminate injustice from the world when his beard wraps around the table nine times and when a linden tree grows in front of the entrance to the cave in the middle of a winter. Until then, you can explore his kingdom in many interesting ways.

Visiting King Matjaž

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Explore the subterranean world beneath Mt Peca

Take off on an unforgettable adventure along the abandoned mine tunnels by bike or kayak. Ride a mine train to the heart of the former Mežica lead and zinc mine.

The snow castles of King Matjaž

You won’t find the castle where King Matjaž supposedly lived, but you’ll find castles in Črna na Koroškem that are made from snow and ice and an abundance of imagination every winter. Which one would...

Experience Mt Peca above ground

If you like mountain biking challenges, then visit the MTB Zone Bike Park Petzen. Ride the Jamnica single trail and get an adrenaline boost on the longest flow trail in Europe.

Logo Unique Experiences of Slovenia.

Visit the Kingdom of King Matjaž in the subterranean world beneath Mt Peca

Experience the world below Mt Peca in a different way. Paddle kayaks 700 metres below the surface through flooded and abandoned mine tunnels and on underground lakes, or venture on an adrenaline-packed bike tour into the bowels of the majestic mountain where lead and zinc ores were once extracted. Learn first-hand about the life and work in the mine from a former miner.

Become a part of an underground adventure in which you will row through the flooded tunnels of the largest lead and zinc mine in this part of Europe.

Kayaking adventure through the underground of Mount Peca

From 55,00 €

Feel the adrenaline rush of a mountain bike ride through the abandoned tunnels of the Mežica Mine under Mount Peca.

Adrenaline-pumping mountain bike descent on the Black Hole Trail

From 75,00 €

Erazem of Predjama

Erazem of Predjama was a brave knight who fought the emperor and turned into a kind of Slovenian version of Robin Hood. He fled from the emperor’s army to Predjama Castle where he resisted their attacks for over a year. He received food and other necessities through the hidden passages of the Karst underground, but was later betrayed by one of his servants. The latter gave a signal to the emperor’s soldiers, who surprised Erazem with cannonballs and killed him. But Erazem’s spirit lives on.

Enter the home of Erazem of Predjama

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Predjama Castle

Visit the largest cave castle in the world, which protected Erazem from the emperor’s soldiers for a long time. Today, it serves as an inspiration for many filmmakers.

Postojna Cave

Discover the magnificent subterranean paradise that was created through the millennia by tiny drops of water. Ride to the cave on an underground train and admire exceptional limestone structures ruled...

The legend of the dragon offspring

The subterranean world of Postojna Cave is home to many endemic species, foremost of which is the olm or proteus. Local people used to believe that these special creatures were actually dragon offspring.

🎧 Listen to Slovenian legends and tales 🎧

Four Slovenian legends and tales were brought to life in the form of audio fairytales recorded as part of the Slovenian Stories project on Google Arts & Culture. Given them a listen!

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The Goldenhorn

The Kingdom of the Goldenhorn stretches throughout the Julian Alps. According to legend, a golden-horned Alpine ibex used to rule this world, and his horns were the key to an immense treasure. Once upon a time, a young hunter from the Trenta Valley, who was unfortunate in love, shot at the Goldenhorn. Triglav flowers grew from the drops of the animal’s blood and when the Goldenhorn ate the flowers, he regained his life force. The Goldenhorn pushed the hunter over the precipice and in its anger destroyed the kingdom with its horns. But the treasure remains hidden in the Triglav mountain range. Find it in many beautiful natural sights and wonders.

Feel the magnificence of the Goldenhorn

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Majestic peaks of the Julian Alps

The Julian Alps are the highest Slovenian mountain range and a magnet for numerous mountaineers. Many mountain and hiking trails run here, as well as some international long-distance trails. The panoramic...

The only national park in Slovenia

If you’re searching for the treasures of the Goldenhorn, you’ll certainly find them in Triglav National Park, which stretches across almost the entire area of the Julian Alps. Rich mountain flora and...

The Pagan Girl

The story of the Goldenhorn also includes the Pagan Girl (Ajdovska deklica), a mythical girl who predicted the fate of the Trenta hunter and was consequently cursed by other girls and turned into a rock....

The legend of Goldhorn

The legend of Goldhorn is a story about the relationship between nature and humans, about what can happen when humans encroach too much on the natural balance and how nature can turn against them. It is also a story about love and the miraculous power of the Alpine flowers. Read on Google Arts & Culture.

The legend of Goldhorn

Green George

According to folk beliefs, the mythological hero, Green George (Zeleni Jurij) marks the advent of spring. Although the subsequent mythological character of St George is also celebrated in other countries, especially in the Balkans, Green George became one of the main symbols of the Bela krajina region. Covered entirely in birch branches, Green George brings new hope and the promise of a good harvest.

Learn about Green George

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St George’s Day celebrations (Jurjevanje)

A the start of summer, attend the oldest folk dance festival in Slovenia. While celebrating the folk tradition of Bela krajina, the festival also hosts folk dance groups from other parts of Slovenia and...

Mystical landscape

Bela krajina will enchant you with its appearance. It is a land of white birches and gentle vine-growing hills, embraced by the picturesque Kolpa River, alongside the charms of the Lahinja and Krupa rivers.

Decorated Easter eggs from Bela krajina

Just like Green George, Easter is also related to joy, hope and the victory of life over death. It is most typically characterised by the famous decorated Easter eggs from Bela krajina (belokranjske pisanice)...

Peter Klepec

Learn the tale of the weak shepherd Peter Klepec, who was not in the good graces of his peers. When he protected the mountain fairy from the scorching sun, she thanked him by giving him supernatural powers. The boy thus managed to tame the wicked shepherds and also the Turks who later invaded across the Kolpa River. According to folk tradition, Peter Klepec came from Osilnica, a place surrounded by the vast Kočevje forests along the upper reaches of the Kolpa River. Step into his land and experience it in your own way.

Discover the land of Peter Klepec

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Mysterious forests

Discover the pristine environment of the Kočevje forests. You can find the remains of the ancient beech forests, including the Krokar Primeval Forest that is inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage...

Water experiences in the upper reaches of the Kolpa River

Experience the charm of the youthfully playful Kolpa River. Ride the river rapids on rafts, kayaks or hydrospeed boards, or swim in its calmer reaches. The river is also attractive to fishing enthusiasts.

The kingdom of the brown bear

The green Kočevje forests provide shelter to many animals, including the brown bear. As well as this brown hairy beast, you can also follow lynxes and wolves in the Kočevje forests or catch other interesting...

Pegasus, the winged horse in Rogaška Slatina

Rogaška Slatina is famous for its unique magnesium-rich mineral water. Did you know that, according to legend, the discovery of this exceptional spring has a connection with Greek mythology? The Greek God Apollo supposedly told the winged horse Pegasus where to strike with its hoof to open a medicinal spring. Due to this discovery, Pegasus became an important part of Rogaška Slatina, as testified by its statue in the town.

Pegasus: From legend to symbol

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Magnesium-rich mineral water

Mineral water from Rogaška is famous for its high magnesium content, one of the highest in the world. It has beneficial effects on different ailments and is used in various treatments. What’s more, you...

Walk through the Spa Park

When you come to Rogaška Slatina, wander the 10,000 m² of the Spa Park. The paths among blossoming flower beds will take you to the former Zdraviliški Dom Hotel and its famous Crystal Hall.

Kristal Observation Tower

Rogaška is known for its crystal, and now you can get a crystal clear view of the town and its surrounding area from the 106-metre high Kristal tower. With the aid of a VR headset, it’s possible to experience...

Martin Krpan

Although the story of Martin Krpan was created by the writer Fran Levstik, Slovenians adopted this powerful giant from Vrh pri Sveti Trojici as their hero of mythological proportions. The story is about a salt “smuggler” whose strength was once utilised by the emperor himself. When the horrific giant Brdavs came rumbling to Vienna, the emperor remembered Krpan immediately. To fight Brdavs, Krpan used only a butcher’s axe, a bat made from the empress’ linden tree and his mare, and he successfully defeated the giant. As his reward, Krpan was permitted to transport English salt.

Learn about the exceptional tough guy, Martin Krpan

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The Krpan Trail

According to various sources, Krpan lived on the Bloke Plateau. Explore it on the 19-kilometre long Krpan circular route. Stop by Lake Bloke and rest at the idyllic glamping site.

Skiers on the Bloke Plateau

The Bloke Plateau was once known for its harsh winters, so people had to use all their skills to learn how to survive in the snow. This is the home of the famous Bloke skiers, pioneers of skiing in Central...

The wonders of nature

And it is not only people who are exceptional in Bloke. Nature also boasts its own magnificent features. Visit the Notranjska Regional Park and Lake Cerknica, the largest intermittent lake in Europe....

Legend of the sunken bell

The legend of the sunken bell tells a story about the noble lady Poliksena, who, while grieving for her husband, collected all her gold and silver and used it to cast a bell for the chapel on Bled Island. But, while the bell was being transported to the island, a storm came over the lake and sunk the boat carrying the bell. The sad widow left Bled and went to a convent in Rome. When the Pope heard her story, he ordered that a new bell be made and placed in the steeple of the church on Bled Island. And this bell is said to have special powers.

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When a legend comes to life

Every Christmas, divers symbolically raise the sunken bell from the depths of Lake Bled and bring the Bled legend to life in a spectacular way.

Ring the wishing bell

Ride the traditional pletna boat or any other boat on Lake Bled to Bled Island, where you can ring the legendary wishing bell in the church. If you have a sweet tooth, visit the Potičnica shop to taste...

Visit Poliksena

Well, perhaps she won't be at home, but you’ll still be cordially welcomed at Bled Castle. Enjoy the magical view of the lake and its surroundings at a lunch in the castle restaurant, and view the museum...

Two stories about lakes intertwined with legends

Legend has it that the area where Lake Bled now lies was once a grassy valley with a rocky hill, by which the fairies danced. Because the shepherds did not fence off their dance floor, the fairies flooded the valley with water. Bled is also associated with the legend of the sunken bell. The intermittent Lake Cerknica also stirs people's imagination. What legends are associated with this lake? Read on Google Arts & Culture.

Two stories about lakes intertwined with legends

Legends of historical towns

Where’s the best place for myths and legends if not in towns with a rich history? They live among medieval fortresses, between the walls of old town buildings, on paved streets and squares, and in mysterious cellars. The myths and legends come to life through diverse experiences and are interpreted in a completely new light.

Listen to the myths and legends of historical towns

Experiences inspired by myths and legends

Myths and legends have been stirring people’s imagination for centuries, but nowadays they also inspire diverse experiences. Dive into the world of legendary characters and stories and learn about the history and tradition of towns and cities.

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Experience a fairytale at every step

As you wander around Slovenia and discover natural and cultural peculiarities, wonderful hidden corners and hospitable locals, you may get the feeling you are in a fairytale.

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UNESCO World Heritage

Slovenian treasure troves of world heritage

Castles and manors

Majestic castles and elegant manors open the door to a world of extraordinary historical experiences.

Discover locations for relaxing getaways in the great outdoors

Choose your very own oasis of peace and relaxation.

Nature parks

Discover a wealth of various plant and tree species.

Experience Slovenia’s sacral heritage

Discover some gems of Slovenia’s sacral heritage in the most exciting way.

Find your way out of Slovenia’s escape rooms

Enter a world of exciting adventures and find your way out of escape rooms.

Unusual museums in Slovenia

Enter the world of Slovenia's unusual museum collections.

Stories from Slovenia

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Explore the world of Slovenian myths and legends