Discover Domžale through tangible traces of its straw hat history: a permanent exhibition, a tour of former workshops and factories, and individual industrial monuments offer insight into this defining chapter of the town. There are also museums, buildings, cycling and hiking trails, and activities in the market square. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing the enduring cultural attractions from visits and programs with specific dates.
Straw hat history on site
The Slamnikarski Museum Domžale presents a permanent exhibition on 300 years of straw hat making in the Domžale area. It includes a selection of more than 700 objects, photographic reproductions and documents, as well as more than 100 straw hats. The items bring the long history of this craft to life through tangible objects and images. If you would also like to follow this history through the townscape, you can explore the themed tour of the straw hat factories: it begins at the museum and passes selected memorials to former workshops and factories. These shaped the history of Domžale and can still be recognized in the townscape today.
The history of straw hats also includes individual factory sites and names. The Polževa slamnikarska tovarna was founded in 1882 on the grounds of the Povže farm by the Oberwalder brothers, who came from Tyrol. After the Second World War, the former straw hat and hat factory Jakob Oberwalder & Comp at the end of Slamnikarska ulica was nationalized and renamed Univerzale. Univerzale Park is next to the former Univerzale straw hat factory, also known as the Oberwalder factory; the park has children's play equipment. The Ladstätterjev dimnik is the last physical trace of Domžale's largest straw hat factory. You can also view the exterior of the Ravnikarjeva slamnikarska tovarna on Kolodvorska cesta.
Museums and architectural history
After it was acquired in 2003, Menačenkova domačija was restored and converted into a museum. Furniture, tools, clothing and other objects convey an authentic picture of the former house and the life of the Ahčin family, who were farmers and craftspeople. The program includes creative and handicraft workshops; the activities on offer may change. Menačenkova domačija is closed until October 2026. Visits outside opening hours are also possible by prior arrangement. Check access for your visit, especially after this period.
Other buildings offer different historical highlights: The Church of the Assumption of Mary dates from 1892 and stands on the site of a fortified church from the 16th century. Zajčevo znamenje was built in 1935 and 1936 in gratitude for the son's life; architect Jože Plečnik advised on the design of the chapel and fence. At Vrečarjev portal, three concrete columns frame the entrance to a former carpentry workshop and exhibition space. Kulturni dom Franca Bernika is the town's main cultural institution and includes a theater hall, a town cinema, a wedding hall and a music school.
Cycling, hiking and views
The different characteristics of the routes can help you choose an activity. Domžalska pot spominov is now classified as a mountain hiking trail and is more than 100 kilometers long. Its first checkpoint in Domžale is at the monument beside the footbridge over the Kamniška Bistrica. By contrast, Slamnata kitka is a mostly flat cycling route that starts and ends in Domžale. Another option for cycling and walking follows the Kamniška Bistrica along the Green Axis, from Študa in the south of Domžale to the northern foot of Homški hrib. There are well-equipped rest areas with drinking fountains along the route.
Šumberk has a viewpoint overlooking Domžale and the surrounding settlements. Športni park Domžale has four beach volleyball courts; floodlights make it possible to play there in the evening, too. You can plan culture, exercise and time outdoors as different focal points of your visit.
Market and seasonal activities
Domžale's market square has space for 40 stalls, where vendors sell their own products. The layout and number of stalls may change; if you are coming specifically for the market, check the current setup. The “Kuhni na plac” program offers local cuisine and new culinary stories there. Check dates and availability in advance.
The cinema also has a seasonal connection to public spaces: in summer, Mestni kino Domžale moves to Češminov park and shows films there. Check the dates of individual screenings. When planning your stay, you can weigh culture and straw hat history against cycling and hiking trails, and plan around the market, visits and summer films according to the conditions of your visit.
Discover more destinations: Dobeno, Trojane, Mengeš, Radomlje.
Return to the main travel overview: Domžale.
