Loče brings together an extensive circular hike and several cultural attractions. The Loško-Zbelovska planinska pot is 21 kilometres long; there is also the Cerkev Svetega Duha with its Baroque interior and Dvorec Pogled above the town. Your plans depend on whether you mainly want to hike, see sacred art or also explore architectural history. When looking for hotels in Loče, this priority is more useful than a blanket recommendation for how long to stay: the circular route takes eight hours of walking, and the church requires advance registration.

Hiking the Loško-Zbelovska planinska pot

The Loško-Zbelovska planinska pot is a 21 km circular hike with a total ascent of 630 m and a walking time of eight hours. It starts in Loče, at the Lopan tourist farm. Plan to spend a full hiking day on it, and allow extra time for breaks. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Along the route, you can enjoy beautiful views and see the Church of sv. Matere Božje na Ljubični, the Marijine stopnice and numerous chapels. The route also includes the railway underpass on the Maribor–Celje line and pleasant villages. The experience thus ranges from landscapes and religious sites to a structure on the railway line.

On the third Sunday in September, Planinsko društvo Loče organises an annual guided or group hike along the route, during which participants collect stamps. If you choose this event as the reason for your trip, confirm the details for that year in advance with the local organisers.

Church, market centre and Dvorec Pogled

The Cerkev Svetega Duha stands in the centre of the small settlement of Loče and was first mentioned in writing in 1434. Its richly Baroque interior has three altars. The church can be visited free of charge by arranging a visit in advance with the TIC – Turistično informacijski center Slovenske Konjice. Arrange your visit in advance and confirm the current arrangements.

The aim for Loče’s protected market centre is to preserve its historic function, its urban layout and floor plan, and the characteristic features of traditional buildings. The protection therefore focuses not only on individual buildings but also on the structure of the town centre.

Dvorec Pogled stands on a gentle rise above Loče and is said to have been built around 1524. It can be reached via a marked cycling route; the Loško-Zbelovska planinska pot also passes by the manor house. Check local access conditions before making plans. Cycling tours nearby can offer beautiful views of the Dravinja Valley.

Plan your stay around your own interests

The options differ mainly in the time they require and how they are organised: the circular hike takes up a full hiking day with eight hours of walking, the church requires advance registration, and the organised September hike takes place on a fixed date each year. You can include Dvorec Pogled as a destination for cyclists or as a point along the hiking route.

Discover more destinations: Resnik, Zreče, Rogla, Slovenske Konjice, Stranice, Paka.

Return to the main travel overview: Slovenske Konjice.