A castle on an island in the middle of the Krka River is the defining feature of Otočec. Together with its park, Otočec Castle is considered an outstanding cultural and natural monument. This makes a distinctive feature the focus of your trip planning: the castle complex in its riverside setting.
Otočec Castle and its history
The castle was first mentioned in historical records in 1252. It has been restored to its original Gothic and Renaissance splendour. The date is a historical reference point; the restored architecture and its island location are other aspects that shape the character of the place.
Culture and urban history in Novo Mesto
The Dolenjski Museum was founded in 1950. Its permanent and temporary exhibitions present the history of Novo Mesto and a large part of Dolenjska. The exhibition Archaeological Image of Dolenjska features numerous significant archaeological objects, including bronze situlas decorated with figures. These were found in Kandija and at Kapiteljska njiva in Novo Mesto. Because of its many bronze situlas, Novo Mesto is also known as the City of Situlas.
Buildings and collections offer further insights into the city’s history. Since the end of the 16th century, the main altar of St Nicholas Cathedral has featured a painting of St Nicholas, painted in the 16th century by Jacopo Rubusti Tintoretto. The arcades along Glavni trg reflect the city’s commercial past; the old town centre is also home to a Franciscan library with precious incunabula. Since 2022, the bell tower of Kapiteljska Church has been transformed into Razgledna ploščad Kapitelj, a viewing platform with panoramic views of Novo Mesto.
River and trails in Novo Mesto
The city beach is on the right bank of the Krka, below Portoval Sports Park. It is about a ten-minute walk from Glavni trg. SUP boards, canoes and wooden rowboats can be rented there, and swimming in the Krka is also possible. The offering is seasonal, so check availability before your visit. The paddling route described from the landing stage is about 1.2 kilometres long in each direction. Irča Vas boathouse is 1.7 kilometres upstream from the starting point.
The riverside landscape also reveals itself in different ways on foot. Ragov Log is a small woodland on the right bank of the Krka in Novo Mesto, with a nature trail and information boards. The walking route From the City to Ragov Log runs through the main square and the old town, past the courthouse, over a wooden footbridge across the Krka and into the woods. The Green Circle, by contrast, is a 10-kilometre walking route through the central part of Novo Mesto, with riverside promenades along the Krka and sections through the Ragov Log and Portoval woodland areas. A raft trip on the Krka below the old town centre offers views of the Breg district, the cathedral and the Franciscan monastery high above the river.
Wine and cycling
Trška Gora is a 428-metre-high wine-growing hill with the world’s highest concentration of vineyard cottages. The bookable experience Trška Gora Between Castles combines a hiking route with tastings of local specialities and wines. It offers a way to discover Trška Gora through castle stories, winemaking traditions and unspoilt nature. Check that the programme is available on your chosen date.
Numerous signposted cycling routes around Novo Mesto pass through vineyards dotted with picturesque vineyard cottages. E-bikes can be rented at the foot of Trška Gora or at the tourist information centre on Glavni trg, Novo Mesto’s main square. Check the rental arrangements before your trip.
Market, tastings and guided tours
The Novo Mesto market takes place every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm in the main square, bringing together local producers, creatives and visitors. Check the schedule before your trip. Open Vineyard Cottages invite visitors to enjoy wine tastings in family wine cellars and try homemade specialities; check opening arrangements in advance.
Guided tours in Novo Mesto are available year-round with professionally trained local tourist guides. They cater to a range of groups and take place both in the city and across the wider tourist region of Dolenjska. Check availability before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Škocjan, Šmarjeta, Dolenjske Toplice, Novo Mesto, Vinica Pri Šmarjeti, Žužemberk, Dolenje Kronovo, Brezovica.
Return to the main travel overview: Novo Mesto.
