In Podčetrtek, discoveries range from a church on the market square to hiking and cycling trails. Nearby destinations in Olimje also offer cultural and culinary attractions. The stated walking times help you distinguish shorter routes from a longer hike; for planning, the characteristics of each route and current conditions also matter.

Church and collection in Podčetrtek

The Church of St. Lawrence stands below the castle hill, at the end of the market square. Above its Renaissance portal, a fragmentarily preserved band of early Gothic frescoes can be seen. The Renaissance portal and early Gothic paintings lend different art-historical accents to the same building.

Another cultural highlight is the Museum of Agricultural Implements in Podčetrtek. It houses more than 4,000 exhibits. Two distinct subjects are represented side by side: sacred architecture and an extensive collection of agricultural implements. If you also plan your stay around your cultural interests, these highlights may help you choose what to do.

Hiking: distinguishing routes and walking times

A footpath from Podčetrtek follows easy hiking trails to the Tower of Health and Joy; the walk is listed as taking about 60 minutes. The tower is 40 metres tall overall, and its viewing platform is 35.23 metres above the ground. These two measurements refer to different things: the height of the platform and the total height of the tower.

Another marked tourist trail starts at the roundabout in Podčetrtek. It runs along asphalt, gravel and forest paths; the walking time is about 1 hour 10 minutes. This time refers to a different route from the one to the tower. The European long-distance path E7 runs between Podčetrtek and Rogaška Slatina; its stated walking time is about 3 hours 30 minutes. This lets you distinguish the two shorter walking times from the longer time given for the E7, without treating the routes as the same. Check current route details locally before setting out.

In nearby Olimje, the Geological Educational Trail runs through the northern part of Kozjanski Park. Its 21 stations are equipped with information and orientation boards, and the trail offers views of a large part of the protected area. If you plan to walk this trail, check its current route before setting out.

Cycling and facilities at Terme Olimia

Podčetrtek has more than 35 kilometres of cycling trails. A well-maintained cycling route connects the town with neighbouring Rogaška Slatina. The route information provides two different points of reference: the overall network of cycling trails in Podčetrtek and a connection to a neighbouring town. Check the current route locally before setting out on a cycling trip.

At Terme Olimia, Nova Termalija Family Fun and Aqualuna make up a world of water attractions. Wellness Orhidelia offers areas for retreat, peace and relaxation. These are distinct offerings: an area centred on water attractions and a retreat for relaxation. As facilities and services may change, it is advisable to check the current offer before planning your visit.

Olimje: architecture, plants and culinary delights

Nearby Olimje is home to the Minorite Monastery of Olimje, housed in a former manor of the Counts of Attems. Beside it stands the Church of the Assumption of Mary, a Baroque work of art. The monastery has a botanical garden with more than 200 specimens of medicinal plants. The manor, church and garden each offer a different focus: historic architecture alongside a collection of medicinal plants.

Čokoladnica Olimje is also located in nearby Olimje. It makes a wide range of handmade chocolate products and offers flavours newly developed each year for tasting in its own boutiques. At the nearby Haler estate, visitors can see the brewing process at the mini-brewery or take part in a tasting. Check locally for current access to these visitor experiences before planning your visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Podsreda, Roginska Gorca, Pristava pri Mestinju, Rogatec, Bistrica Ob Sotli, Lesično, Kozje, Gabrce.

Back to the main travel overview: Šmarje Pri Jelšah.