The Green Gold Fountain offers a striking introduction to Žalec’s hop-growing history: it commemorates the area’s rich tradition of hop cultivation and serves beer from Slovenian microbreweries. The participating breweries may change. The municipality lies in the heart of the Lower Savinja Valley, is considered the region’s centre and is the heart of hop growing and brewing in Slovenia. Here, hops are more than an agricultural matter: they shape the area’s character, which can be seen in further discoveries throughout the region.

Hop culture and brewing tradition

The Ecomuseum of Hop-Growing and Brewing Industry traces the story from cultivation to processing. It is housed in a former hop-drying kiln and spans four floors, with exhibitions covering both subjects. The traditional Hop Trail hike also starts here, on the last Saturday in August. Check the date and conditions each year before planning your hike.

Roman times and architectural history

In Šempeter, the Roman Necropolis offers a different perspective on the past. The archaeological park is one of the most important and best-preserved Roman-era monuments in Slovenia and Central Europe. More than 100 family tombs have been excavated there. They include large tombs made of Pohorje marble, with statues of the families buried within them. The number of tombs and the design of these monuments make the site a particularly tangible way to explore Roman history.

The region’s buildings also tell the story of different eras. The defensive tower beside St Nicholas’s Church was built at the beginning of the 16th century and is the only surviving part of the former defensive wall in this area. It houses a wine cellar offering a selection of the best wines from the Savinja Valley, as well as a permanent ethnographic exhibition on the tools and equipment used for growing grapes and making wine. Visits may require prior arrangements. The herb garden beside the defensive tower showcases familiar plants traditionally used by Slovenians in cooking.

Another example from the 16th century is Zotl’s Forge: the building features vaulted ceilings, cobblestone paving typical of the period and a Gothic stone portal. Novo Celje Manor represents a later architectural vision. It was built between 1756 and 1764 as a planned new centre for the nobility of Celje. These sites reveal the variety of the region’s architectural history, which cannot be reduced to a single era.

Sacred art and regional culture

The Church of Saint Cantianus was built in Roman times, but it also contains a much later work of art: a painting of Saint Cantianus and his companions, the martyrs, painted by Valentin Metzinger in 1757. In Petrovče, the Basilica of the Holy Mother of God combines religious significance with an outstanding altar. It is an important pilgrimage site and houses the Plainer Altar, dating from 1605 and considered the oldest Slovenian wooden Renaissance altar.

The Savin House adds music and visual art to these themes. It houses the memorial room of composer Risto Savin, the Jelica Žuža Gallery and a gallery featuring artists from the Savinja region. Current exhibitions may change. Those interested in mining history can visit the Mining Museum in Griže, which has a permanent exhibition of historical documents and antiques from the Zabukovica–Liboje mining area. Visits are possible by prior arrangement; confirm this before travelling.

Pond, cave and climbing area

South of Žalec, near the Savinja River and within a protected area, lies Vrbje Pond. A three-kilometre eco-educational trail runs around it and can be used in all four seasons; local conditions may vary. More than 170 bird species have been recorded at the pond. The trail and the documented diversity of species offer two different ways to experience this landscape.

In Pekel Cave, a well-secured path passes numerous stalactite formations and side tunnels before reaching a four-metre-high underground waterfall on the Peklenščica stream. Kotečnik offers something different: this natural climbing area has more than 300 routes, graded from 4b to 8c. It is suitable in all seasons and for everyone from beginners to highly experienced climbers; mountain hikers also visit. Local conditions may vary, and the number and grades of routes may change. Check this information before making specific climbing plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Žalec, Polzela, Vransko, Tabor, Prebold, Petrovče, Braslovče, Prekopa.

To the main travel overview: Slovenia.