Straža can be explored through several distinct themes: the Krka, three named circular trails and a local wine tradition, complemented by architectural and literary history. You can plan your trip around whether you want to spend more time outdoors or visit cultural sites and wine-growing areas.
The Krka and events
The Krka flows through Straža and is used there primarily for recreation and sport. A recurring event is Dan na Krki: held annually on summer days in July since 2010, it includes a descent on the Krka in rafts and other watercraft. Programme details and dates vary each year; check the exact dates before your trip.
Straška jesen is a traditional event held in the first week of September. Here, too, the date and programme vary from year to year. The two events therefore offer different timeframes for planning your trip: summer days in July for Dan na Krki and the first week of September for Straška jesen.
Circular trails, cave and viewpoint
Three interconnected circular hiking trails run along Straški hrib: Gozdarska, Rimska and Vinogradniška. All three start and end at Straža railway station, where there is a large car park. Their names make it easier to choose a route. Trail conditions can change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out.
Velika Prepadna Cave is also accessible from Straža railway station via a marked footpath with white-and-green markings. Cave visits require accompaniment by speleologists. Two organised hikes with cave visits take place each year; their dates vary. If you would like to join one, check the dates in advance.
Vzletišče Peter, above Dolenje Polje, is both a launch site for paragliders and a popular starting point for hikers. It lies at an altitude of 464 metres. Facing southeast, it offers views across the Topliška Valley, towards Ljuben and the Gorjanci. Whether a flight is possible depends on conditions and arrangements with the provider.
Vineyards and the local wine tradition
Numerous vineyards and vineyard cottages shape the landscape on Straški hrib above Straža. The favourable location and warm climate support wine-growing here. Local wine-growing areas include Straška gora, Nova gora, Stara gora and Ljuben. They are part of the Posavje-Dolenjska wine-growing region, home to Cviček.
In Straža, visitors can arrange in advance to taste wine at one of the available vineyard cottages; a homemade snack may also be offered. Arrange your visit in advance and confirm that a tasting is available. This makes the wine tasting a planned part of your stay rather than something that depends on finding a place spontaneously.
Literature and architectural history
The Dularjeva Trail passes through places described in Jože Dular’s books. Dular was a writer, poet and museologist. The Church of Sv. Tomaža in Straža is a named stop on the trail and is also designated a cultural monument of local importance. Its nave is older and dates back to the Middle Ages. In the 17th century, a three-sided, closed choir with a ribbed vault was added.
One viewpoint on the Dularjeva Trail lies among vineyards and offers views across the Straška Valley and of the Krka. Another stop is Ravbarjeva zidanica, which commemorates Jožica Venturini from the Second World War period. In Vavta vas, the Dularjeva Mill and sawmill were declared cultural monuments of local importance in 2015. The mill was first mentioned in 1502 or 1504.
Nature nearby
Near Straža, Glinokopi Zalog is an approximately 700-metre-long habitat nature trail in the Temenica Natura 2000 site. The circular route starts and ends at Breza Sports Park. This nature spot complements the trails and viewpoints directly associated with Straški hrib and the Dularjeva Trail.
Discover more destinations: Dvor, Hrib pri Hinjah, Žužemberk, Dolenje Kronovo, Šmarjeta, Dolenjske Toplice, Mirna Peč, Vinica Pri Šmarjeti.
For the overview of the wider area: Novo Mesto.
