In the karst region of the Krško Hills, near the village of Nemška vas, lies Ajdovska Cave, an archaeological site. Excavations provide evidence of human presence there dating back to the Late Palaeolithic; the cave is described as one of Slovenia’s most important archaeological sites. Such traces from the distant past offer a special introduction to discoveries in Krško, where castles, urban history and nature experiences provide different ways to explore the past and present.
Castles, Exhibitions and Urban History
Rajhenburg Castle was built between 1131 and 1147; its oldest surviving section is Romanesque. Today, the castle hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as concerts, theatre performances and lectures. Individual events may change. The Trappist Trail leads to the castle and past a 150-year-old yew tree planted by the Trappists. At the time, the Trappists in Rajhenburg produced liqueurs, cheese, chocolate and sparkling wine—a historical aspect of the place alongside its architecture and current cultural programme.
Raka Castle is considered one of Slovenia’s oldest medieval castles. Its 43 rooms contain authentic furnishings from the respective period. In Krško, the Krško Gallery is housed in the former Church of the Holy Spirit, dating from 1777. The late Baroque building serves as a venue for temporary art exhibitions. The Krško City Museum presents permanent and changing museum exhibitions; the Speedway Room documents more than half a century of Slovenian speedway history.
A walk through the historic town centre also offers a glimpse of cultural heritage, religious buildings and monuments. Krško City Park, on the site of a former cemetery, invites visitors to stroll among the trees. The Hočevar Mausoleum was built there; after her death in 1911, Josipina Hočevar was also buried there.
Trails Through Vineyards and Countryside
The Brestanica Hiking Trail starts at the pillory in the market centre of Brestanica, climbs uphill to the Church of St. Mohor, and continues through Sremič and Grmada and through vineyards. Pot na Mohor starts at the Brestanica fire station and can be walked in any season with suitable equipment. The descriptions differ mainly in their routes and conditions: the Brestanica Hiking Trail is characterised by its sequence of places and vineyards, while the starting point and appropriate equipment are key reference points for Pot na Mohor. Conditions on the Brestanica Hiking Trail may vary seasonally; for Pot na Mohor, check seasonal conditions and access.
The area around the Ribniki Mačkovci ponds has more than 25 themed hiking and cycling routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels; the range of routes may change. Visitors can fish for various freshwater species at the ponds in idyllic surroundings; permits may be required. The cycling routes in Krško also offer varied scenery: they run through fields or over the surrounding hills, with views of natural and cultural attractions along the way.
Rivers, Wine and Activities
Fishing is available at the Sava River in the Krško destination. On the Krka River, you can paddle kayaks, canoes or larger boats. The river activities offer different options: fishing on the Sava and paddling various types of boats on the Krka. Wine experiences in Krško include the local Blaufränkisch and Cviček wines. Wine cellars offer guided tastings and cellar tours.
Other activities range from exercise to practical insights: Brestanica Swimming Pool has a 50 × 25-metre pool heated to 27°C, a children’s paddling pool and wheelchair-accessible entry. Seasonal opening arrangements may change. Raceland karting track offers a 1,050-metre circuit with 16 turns and kart rental; operating details may change. The Čebelarski Center Krško offers visits for groups, insights into beehives, contact with bees, practical workshops, and presentations on beekeeping equipment and techniques. Group arrangements may change.
The Krško Nuclear Power Plant organises tours every working day except during regular shutdowns. A visit may include a presentation on plant operations and a guided tour by bus or on foot. Alongside historical and scenic discoveries, visitors can choose from a wide range of organised experiences.
Getting Here: Practical Information
A destination report published in 2022 lists three railway stations in the area: Brestanica, Krško and Libno. It lists connections with Ljubljana, Maribor and Zagreb. Check train connections before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Krško, Raka, Kostanjevica Na Krki, Brestanica, Armeško, Velika Vas pri Krškem, Radovljica, Trebnje.
For the main travel overview: Slovenia.
