The Savinja valley

THE SAVINJA VALLEY
In the heart of a mountain range, the Savinja River connects the Savinja valley towns and cascades down the Rinka Waterfall in the incredible Logarska Valley. The Vrbovec museum in Nazarije has a fascinating history of forestry and other carpentry exhibits. In the Mozirski Gaj floral park there are millions of flowers blossoming from Spring to Autumn and in Vransko, the Motor Cycle museum is well worth a visit. Near Polzela you will find the Šenek mansion and park. In Šempeter the ancient Roman road leads to the remains of a Roman necropolis, whereas the Pekel Cave reveals the beautiful underground caverns of the Savinja Valley. The symbol of the Lower Savinja Valley is hops. Customs linked to this precious plant are still preserved today. The Hops Museum, the Hops Route and the traditional event called "Hmeljarski likof" draw many visitors to the "Valley of the Green Gold" - Žalec.

The town of Celje got its name under the rule of the powerful Princes of Celje and boasts many well preserved antiquities dating from the Middle Ages onwards, but now set in a thriving modern city. The mighty upper and lower castle, churches and the city walls provide the visitor with a glimpse of a past "second Troy". The history of Celje and its broader region are exhibited at the regional museum and kids can also visit the children's Hermanov Brlog museum. On the banks of the Savinja, Celje is also known throughout Europe for its long tradition of fairs. Laško is only 10 km to the south of the Savinja. The hot springs in this region were frequented by Romans and of course the famous Laško beer has been brewed here since 1825 and enjoyed by visitors to Slovenia ever since! The traditional beer festival called Pivo in Cvetje is well worth attending.

THE ŠALEŠKA VALLEY
The town Velenje grew under the ancient castle in the Šaleška Valley. The aqua green surfaces of the Velenje, Škalsko and Turistično lakes make a real splash with lovers of boating, sailing and fishing. Velenje is also the home of the children's character Pika and hosts it's biggest international festival for children. It is a town of culture, sports and fun traditions. The Topolšica thermal baths are located in the green Šaleška Valley above Šoštanj which enjoys many sunny days and a fresh but mild mountain climate.

KOZJANSKO AND OBSOTELJE
This protected area contains the Sotla and Bistrica rivers, a variety of steep mountain streams, brooks, springs, lehnjak sediment, waterfalls, natural pools, gravel river banks, as well as someexceptional vegetation and animals. These pearls of nature are all protected in the Kozjansko Regional Park. This varied landscape offers farms, high quality ecclesiastical art, the holy mountain of Svete Gore, ( the oldest pilgrim site in Slovenia), the monastic buildings of Olimje, the Pavlin pharmacy and chocolate workshop, old medieval squares and the castles of Podsreda and Podčetrtek. Nature and learning paths, cycle tracks and wine roads all provide opportunities for adventures, exploring and relaxing. The open-air Museum at Rogatec showcases the architectural and cultural heritage of the Obsotelje region. Mother Nature gave the water in this area extraordinary healing powers and you can try them for yourself in the Olimia thermal baths and at the longest running Slovenian health resort of Rogaška Slatina. Near Slovenske Konjice there is one of the most noble houses of its age, Žička kartuzija, the oldest Carthusian monastery in Europe.

The Savinja valley tourism:

• Accomodation
• Restaurant choices
• Shopping
• Beauty and health
• Natural sights
• Cultural sights
• Tourist agency,societies
• Transport
• Activities