Places to See - Lower Savinjska Valley

The history of the Ptujska Gora pilgrimage church goes far back. According to folk tradition, the first church in honour of the Mother of God was built here as early as the 13th century. With certainty, however, we may say that the three-nave Gothic church stood here at the end of the 14th century. It was built by the Counts of Celje in honour of “Our Dear Lady”.

The parish church, once one of the largest mother parishes in Styria, where in 1428 Countess Veronika of Desenice of Celje was temporarily buried, is undoubtedly the oldest and most renowned building in Braslovče.

Once a picturesque little church, first mentioned in a charter from 1229, today it is a stately parish church offering a picturesque view over the entire area of Andraž nad Polzelo. The origins of this church are linked both to the landowners of Polzela and to the Counts of Celje.

The Church of St. Maximilian, which stands opposite the bus station, is dedicated to the legendary Celje native Bishop Maximilian, who is said to have met a violent death on this spot in the year 283.

The parish church of St Margaret was built not far from Heilenstein Castle, in the present-day centre of Polzela, and is first mentioned in 1255. The owners of the castle from the Heilenstein lineage also expanded their estates in connection with the estates of the Counts of Celje. The original church was Romanesque. In 1263 it became a commandery church, as attested by the relief of the Maltese cross on the ceiling of the presbytery.

The Church of St. Nicholas in Zalec is the central sacral landmark of Zalec, with a rich history and beautiful architecture right in the town center - visit it and experience the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Savinjska Valley.

Hekenberg Castle (Stopnik) is the ruins of a medieval castle on a hill above Stopnik, offering a beautiful view and insight into local history - visit them and discover a hidden castle landmark of the Savinjska Valley.

Prebold Pond, with a surface area of 0.5 ha, offers a unique sport fishing experience in a calm and natural setting. Its crystal-clear waters are home to salmonid fish - brown trout, rainbow trout and pike.

The Green Gold Beer Fountain in Zalec is a unique attraction in the center of Zalec, where you can taste various local beers from the Savinjska Valley - visit it and experience an authentic beer experience in the capital of hop growing.

The church lies in the eastern part of the settlement on a raised terrace. Steps lead up to it on the western side. The original Gothic church was built in 1465-1480. Parts of it were reused when the church was remodelled at the end of the 17th century. In the 19th century the church was rebuilt and refurnished. In 1857 a bell tower was added to the church. The bell tower is of the Aquileian type, but covered with a stone onion-pyramid roof. The high altar of St Hermagoras and Fortunatus, made of marble and inlaid, imitates Baroque columned altars.

The first historical record of the church dates from 1256; the greatest treasure of the church is undoubtedly the statue of the Mother of God with the Child from 1320.

Guest satisfaction comes first. And so it has been for almost thirty years. The well-being of our guests and our tasty dishes simply complement each other.

A small church on a hill above the valley offers a beautiful view of the surrounding places of the Savinjska Valley.

The filial church in Šentrupert stands in the centre of the village and represents an important part of the local sacral heritage.

The Church of St Christopher in Grajska vas is a historic village church originating from older medieval sacral buildings.

The main parish church in Gomilsko is an important religious centre of the lower Savinjska Valley.

Štrovsenek Manor, which stands in the village of Šmatevž, is a former hunting court of the Princes of Celje from the second half of the 15th century. The Styrian provincial physician and scientist Jakob Strauss renovated the manor in the Renaissance style at the end of the 16th century, and since then it has also borne his name, "Straussenhof".

The Ecomuseum of Hop Growing and Brewing of Slovenia opened its doors in November 2009. It is an important tourist asset for the entire Lower Savinjska Valley, as the tradition of hop growing and brewing has been alive in these parts since 1876.

The Renaissance Komenda Castle is one of the most important historic buildings in Polzela and is today a restored cultural centre.

Zovnek Castle is considered one of the oldest castles in Slovenia, although the builders of its original form remain unknown. The first recorded owners, mentioned in literature from the 12th century, were members of the Savinjski family, who renamed themselves the Lords of Zovnek around the year 1150...

The monastery was built in Zaloče by Count Frederick II of Celje, who in 1453 gave it to the Dominican monks. At the end of the 18th century it was dissolved by Emperor Joseph II. It was twice ravaged by the Turks, later rebuilt into a mansion, and its surroundings were transformed into a park where various trees were planted

Hostel MC Šmartno ob Paki is an excellent starting point for exploring the Šaleška and Upper Savinjska valleys. Nearby places such as Velenje, Šoštanj and Mozirje are quick and easy to reach – whether by train, car or bicycle.

Bed & Breakfast Dvorec is located in the heart of the green Savinjska Valley. With its location it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and vast hop fields, where nature intertwines with history.

Nivo Bio Park is a pleasant and beautifully arranged park with numerous energy points that fill our body with energy. Simply sitting on the rocks and walking along the energy trail, laid out so that you can skip an individual point or stroll from one part of the park to another via shortcuts, already has a beneficial effect on your well-being.

The museum displays a rich collection of historical motorcycles and the development of motorcycling in Slovenia.

The Church of St John and St Paul stands in the scenic area of Dobrovlje and is an important rural sacral landmark with a view of the surrounding hills.

The Church of St John the Baptist in Letuš watches over its parishioners from the hillside like a guardian, their homes spread out below it.

A unique collection of more than twenty vintage vehicles, which the owner Ernest Obermayer gathered from various parts of Slovenia and Austria and restored to such an extent that they are all in running condition. Part of the collection is a Mercedes-Benz from 1952 with a wooden chassis under a metal body, of which he is especially proud.

Restavracija Camino invites you to enjoy carefully prepared dishes, a pleasant ambience and hospitable service. Visit us and experience a culinary journey where excellent flavours blend with a sense of well-being.

The Roman Necropolis of Sempeter in the Savinjska Valley is an exceptionally well-preserved Roman burial ground with richly decorated tombs, offering a unique insight into the life and art of antiquity - visit it and discover one of the most important archaeological sites in Slovenia.

Braslovce Lake, situated near the market town of Braslovce, is a popular destination for walks and relaxation. A roughly 1.5-kilometer-long forest nature and walking trail runs around the lake, allowing for pleasant walks in nature...

Zovnek Lake in Podvrh, which with a surface area of 49 hectares is the largest lake in the municipality of Braslovce, was created by damming the Trnavec stream and serves primarily for irrigating agricultural land. In addition to its economic function, the lake is a true paradise for bird lovers...

Preserje Pond, which locals also call Presersko Lake, lies in the village of Preserje, about a kilometer from Braslovce. It offers excellent opportunities for active relaxation, allowing for sport fishing, walks along the pond, and relaxing by the Savinja River...

Carl Josef Bayer, an important Austrian chemist and inventor, left a significant mark on our area when he bought an extensive plot of land in Recica ob Paki and built a magnificent villa there, where he lived with his family until his death in 1904. In 1887 Bayer patented the basic process for producing aluminum, and five years later he definitively patented the entire Bayer process, which to this day remains the key industrial process for producing alumina, the basic raw material for aluminum...

Ložnica Nature Park encompasses the area along the Ložnica River, offering a pleasant setting for relaxation and a stroll.

East of the Roman necropolis, remains were found of the Roman road Aquileia–Emona–Celeia–Poetovio, which ran from present-day Aquileia in Italy via Ljubljana and Celje to Ptuj.

A historic town house of a wealthy market-town family, notable for the traditional architecture of the old market town.

At Gostilna Slovan we believe that every meal is more than just food – it is an opportunity for connection, memories and smiles. Our recipes are rooted in tradition, genuine homeliness and sincere hospitality. Every dish carries a scent of the past – yet a taste that stays here and now.

The Kladivar athletics stadium is a historic athletics stadium in Celje (opened back in 1950 as the first of its kind in Yugoslavia), which today offers 8 lanes, equipment for all athletics disciplines, a renovated synthetic track, and more than 2,500 seats for spectators. This makes it a true sporting home for schoolchildren, recreational athletes, and top-level competitors.

The church is first mentioned in the Strasbourg visitation protocol of 1545, but in terms of its origin it is older, probably dating to the second half of the 14th century. It underwent baroquisation in the time of commander Baron Gloyach. In 1728 the church received its present vault in place of the Gothic wooden ceiling, and in the following decades a sacristy and bell tower were added.

The main parish church in the center of Vransko is an important sacral and historical symbol of the place.

Fudi Street Food offers the authentic taste of Slovenian burgers, made from 100% Slovenian beef, homemade buns and local ingredients. Prepared and served street-food style, they bring a unique culinary experience to all lovers of top-quality street food. We are located at Breška cesta 32, by the main road towards Polzela, where we await you with delicious dishes made from the finest ingredients.

Bed & Breakfast Dvorec is located in the heart of the green Savinjska Valley. With its setting, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and vast hop fields, where nature intertwines with history.

Lavender Hill eco resort is an estate nestled in the embrace of nature above Polzela. When you wish that time would stand still, it is time to visit Lavender Hill eco resort. You can choose among apartments filled with warmth and harmony. And dont forget the wellness area, where you can fully relax.

We invite you to visit Trgovina Zelene Doline in Arja vas, right next to the production plant of Mlekarna Celeia. In one place you will find a carefully selected range of dairy products, fresh produce and local specialities.

A small museum presenting the history of firefighting and old firefighting equipment in the area.

The ethnological collection is located at the »pri Knežari« homestead in the village of Brode. The owner of the Knežar homestead is himself a passionate collector, so the collection has grown considerably since it opened in 2006. The exhibits have been restored and arranged throughout the homestead, which thus gives the impression of a museum.

The Renaissance Komenda manor in Prebold is an important cultural monument and part of the history of the Savinjska Valley.

In the settlement of Kopank in Podvin near Polzela stands the birthplace of Neža Maurer, a renowned Slovenian poet, writer, publicist and honorary citizen of the Municipality of Polzela. The house was fully renovated in 2022 and is one of the few still preserved in its near and far surroundings, telling us about the way of life, farming and dwelling in the past.

Welcome to Pizzeria Afrika, where great taste meets a pleasant atmosphere. Whether you are heading off on holiday, exploring the beautiful Logar Valley or the nearby beauties of Slovenia, we are the right place for your next lunch, snack or celebration.

Hillside Bio Resort is set in the idyllic surroundings of Šešče pri Preboldu and offers a unique experience of relaxation and comfort. Our accommodation includes modern, well-equipped apartments that provide guests with an unforgettable stay and a wonderful view of nature.

If you are looking for a place where nature truly comes alive and every moment turns into an unforgettable memory, we invite you to Na jasi. Here, away from the city bustle and the everyday pace, you will find a peaceful retreat amid nature, where privacy is not a luxury but a standard.

Vrbje Pond is a true refuge for birds, with more than 170 species already observed; the southern part of the pond belongs to the Natura 2000 area.

Gostilna Privošnik is an old carters inn with more than 140 years of tradition, which has strongly shaped the inns offering. Even though it has changed considerably over nearly 150 years, we still revive the tasty recipes from the times when the inn prepared its dishes for carters travelling along the old Roman road. We keep our offering at a traditional level that has grown from the surroundings of the beautiful green Savinjska Valley. We can say with confidence that we are devoted to this tradition and that we continue the work of our ancestors with enthusiasm. Here you are already served by the fourth and fifth generations of the Privošnik family.

In 2021 a new story was born in Tabor – Kavarna Lisjak. Small, boutique and full of soul. With its opening, we at Hiša Lisjak built on our hospitality tradition and created a space where every visit becomes a pleasant experience.

Since 2022, the Žalec Youth Centre has operated a modern hotel in the very centre of town. MC Hotel boasts 3 stars and offers comfortable accommodation in 41 single and double rooms and 2 suites.

We are a brewery that combines a passion for hops, innovation and quality. In the heart of the Savinjska Valley we create premium craft beers inspired by our rich hop-growing tradition. Our beer is a story that connects flavours, people and unforgettable moments.

Hotel & salon Canis is a family business that combines a love of animals with many years of experience in caring for pets. Our aim is to provide **comfortable lodging, top-quality grooming and worry-free boarding** for your furry friends in a peaceful natural setting.