With hiking trails, a history of pilgrimage and a protected gorge landscape, Bistrica ob Sotli reveals several distinct sides. For planning your trip, specific route lengths and destinations are useful, as are the clearly defined architectural and cultural heritage themes. This lets you focus on activity, religious history, architecture or nature.

Hiking trails with different destinations

The “Pohodniška pot po sledeh grofice” hiking trail is a 12-kilometre circular route: it starts and ends in Bistrica ob Sotli. For navigation, it offers real-time GPS guidance with voice instructions. Its fixed start and end point, together with its circular route, makes it easy to follow.

Another walking trail leads to the source of the Trebčica. It starts at Kolarjevi domačija in Trebče, passes “Periša” and ends at the source. Its sequence of starting point, stop along the way and destination gives it a different character from the circular route.

Pilgrimage history and church art

Svete Gore is an ancient cultural and pilgrimage centre on the hill of the same name above Bistrica ob Sotli (Zagaj). Five religious buildings stand on the summit. The site thus combines its historic role as a pilgrimage centre with several religious buildings in one place.

The pilgrimage footpath from Bistrica ob Sotli to Svete Gore is no longer in use; it was 2.2 kilometres long. This former trail adds a specific connection between Bistrica ob Sotli and the hill to the history of the pilgrimage centre.

The parish church of St Peter is part of the town’s ecclesiastical history. It was first mentioned in 1275 under the name “s.Petrus prope Chonsperch”. A large part of its presbytery is covered with frescoes. The church thus brings together an early historical record of its name and a striking artistic feature.

Homes and craftsmanship

Kravaričeva domačija is a house over 200 years old, with a thatched roof and a black kitchen. These two architectural features give the house a distinctive character. Stara Kovačija adds another aspect of craftsmanship: the smithy is active, and it is possible to have products made there. The house is notable for its age and construction, while the smithy is notable for its ongoing craft work.

Gorge scenery and cycling route

The Bistrica Gorge near Zagaj is one of the best-preserved and most scenic river gorges in eastern Slovenia. It is protected as a distinct geomorphological natural feature and as a natural monument. Alongside its scenic significance, its geomorphological character is also central.

The Bistriška cycling route starts in front of the municipal headquarters. At 39.7 kilometres, it is a challenging ride, with an indicated duration of two to three hours. It is considerably longer than the 12-kilometre circular route. For planning your day, you can therefore choose between routes of different lengths: the circular route is defined by its distance and circular shape, while the cycling route is also characterised by its challenging nature and stated duration.

Discover more destinations: Šmarje Pri Jelšah, Rogatec, Podčetrtek, Gabrce, Pristava pri Mestinju, Lesično, Podsreda, Roginska Gorca.

Back to the main travel overview: Šmarje Pri Jelšah.