Novo mesto

Novo mesto: Breg nad Krko in dolenjska prestolnica

Novo mesto stands in a bend of the Krka, on a peninsula that rises highest with Kapiteljski hrib. It is precisely this location that created its most famous image, the Breg, a row of houses whose back walls descend straight into the river. If you are looking for a Lower Carniola base with a town offer and castles nearby, Novo mesto is the natural choice.

Zakaj v Novo mesto

Novo mesto is not a scenic or bathing town, but it is the largest in Lower Carniola and the one with the most urban buzz in this part of Slovenia. The town was founded in the fourteenth century as Rudolfovo, after its founder, and its present name took hold later. For a visitor this means a compact core with the Main Square, the Chapter Church above it and the river that surrounds it on three sides. You can walk it all in an hour, and devote the rest of the day to the surroundings.

Kaj videti v jedru in nad njim

The Main Square has the shape of an elongated shell with arcades and is still the town centre, not just a tourist point. Above it stands the Chapter Church, which you reach up steps and from where you can see the whole bend of the Krka. In the Dolenjska Museum the Novo mesto situlae are on display, bronze vessels from the Iron Age that placed the town among important European archaeological sites. For a view of Breg, step onto the Kandija Bridge, because from there you see what most marks the town.

Castles and monasteries nearby

The area around Novo mesto has a density of heritage that is unusual by Slovenian standards. Otočec Castle stands on an island in the middle of the Krka and is the only water castle in Slovenia, reached by a wooden bridge. South of the town is Pleterje Charterhouse, the only working Carthusian monastery in Slovenia, where you can see the old monastic part and an open-air museum. If you are interested in the source of the river that surrounds the town, for izvir Krke take a separate day, because it is a good hour's drive from the town towards Ljubljana.

Kam na kolo in v naravo

Lower Carniola is friendlier to cyclists than the alpine part of Slovenia, because the climbs are short and scenic. On the portal you will find kolesarske poti okoli Novega mesta, among them road loops through the wine hills. Above the town rises Trška gora, known for cviček and for the view over the valley, which you can drive up to on a short trip. The Krka is slow and warm, so in summer you can count on swimming and boating.

Kaj in kje jesti v Novem mestu

Lower Carniolan cuisine is continental and hearty, and its most recognisable ingredient is cviček, a light red wine made from several grape varieties. In the town there are gostilne v Novem mestu, while in the surroundings there are wine cellars on Trška gora and in White Carniola. Try the Lower Carniolan dried meat and štruklji, and at dinner you can ask for the local cviček. For lunch the old core is the most practical, because everything is reachable on foot.

Kam na izlet iz Novega mesta

Novo mesto is the starting point for three different days out. To the east lie Otočec and Kostanjevica na Krki z galerijo v nekdanjem samostanu, proti severozahodu Žužemberk z gradom nad Krko. Proti jugu se odpre Lower Carniola and White Carniola s Kolpo in z vinskimi cestami, proti severovzhodu pa Šmarješke Toplice za termalni dan.

Where to stay

The town has a varied offer by type, although it is not extensive in number. Available are apartments, private rooms, hostel and hut. If you are planning to visit castles and wine roads, choose accommodation with a car park, because distances are short but scattered. For a town weekend a location near the core is enough.

Kdaj priti

Lower Carniola is at its finest in late spring and autumn, when the vineyards are green or harvested and the temperatures pleasant for cycling. Summer is warm and suitable for the Krka, which warms up more than the alpine rivers. In winter the town, the museum and the spas nearby remain, which is enough for a short visit. Everything arranged as an experience you will find among doživetji v Novem mestu.