IDEAS FOR FAMILY ADVENTURES AROUND THE CASTLE

Ideje za družinska doživetja v okolici gradu Podsreda

Podsreda Castle and its surroundings offer many opportunities for unforgettable family adventures!

Podsreda Castle with immediate surroundings

Podsreda Castle – “the most beautiful castle in Slovenia” in the unspoilt nature of the Kozjan Park since the early 12th century. for centuries, it tells astonishing stories. It is one of the few cultural monuments of the Romanesque period in Slovenia that is still alive today with rich cultural activity and has, in the last thirty years, emerged from a state of disrepair to become, with comprehensive renovation, an important cultural, promotional, educational, social and tourist offer.

“The most castle-like” today puts on display a number of permanent and occasionally exhibitions (presentation of Kozjan Park, family exhibition “Herman Lisjak in Kozjan Park”, historical exhibition of Podsreda Castle, St. Emma’s Memorial Room, exhibition of original works by painter Francet Slana, photographic exhibition of the beauties of Kozjan Park and presentation of the castle’s bats, two glassmaking exhibitions, and many other contents).

CHECK THE CASTLE’S CURRENT OPENING HOURS.

CHECK HERE FOR EVENTS AND CURRENT HAPPENINGS AT THE CASTLE.

Treasure Hunt and other castle adventures

In addition to the contents of the medieval Podsreda Castle, which showcases interesting exhibitions and historical rooms, it is also possible to take part in a fun castle adventure.
Treasure Hunt at Podsreda Castle
suitable for the whole family, who will surely enjoy exploring the secret corners of the castle.

The game is suitable for castle explorers of different ages (3 years and up).

FAMILY ADVENTURE TREASURE HUNT AT PODSREDA CASTLE

A brave and noble knight defends the castle of Podsreda against the worst conquerors, robbers and other villains, but this time he is faced with a great riddle …

The kingdom was afflicted by a serious scourge, brought on by the witches of Olimje, who resented the fact that the miller in Podsreda had sold them black flour instead of white. Fortunately, there is a solution – beautiful, tasty, accessible to all, rich and poor! A brave and noble knight sets out on a quest to find the secret treasure that will redeem the kingdom, and he invites you along!

Be his fearless and talented helpers!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE TREASURE HUNT, CLICK HERE.

Podsreda Castle Trail

One of the most beautiful family walks in the castle surroundings
Podsreda Castle Walkway
which connects the medieval Podsreda Square and our castle. The 2.5 km long trail allows you to explore the exceptional biodiversity and rich cultural heritage, as well as other attractions of the surrounding area. In Podsreda, you can also visit the administration
Kozjan Park
where they will be happy to help you with some useful tips on what to visit within the protected area of the Kozjanska Regional Park.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CASTLE TRAIL HERE.

Castle Café at Podsreda Castle

After exploring the castle with the little ones, take a break in our castle café, where you can enjoy a wide range of drinks and desserts. An old legend says that no matter how much we eat, we still have room for apple strudel! We are convinced that it is, because this dessert goes straight to the heart. We invite you to see for yourself by visiting our castle café, which is located in the courtyard of Podsreda Castle.

Visitor Centre of the Kozjan Park and the Kozjansko and Obsotelje Biosphere Area

The Visitor Centre of the Kozjn Park at Podsreda Castle presents the nature of the protected area of the Regional Park. Visitors can learn about the most important habitats, the plant and animal species that live here and all the other beauties hidden in the colourful and varied nature of the Kozjan Regional Park in an interesting and interactive way.

The interactive presentation of the natural and cultural heritage of Kozjan Park and the Kozjansko and Obsotelje Biosphere Area highlights the following themes: high herbaceous grassland orchards, the Kozjan Apple Festival, the bee-keeper’s nesting site at Bizeljsko, dry meadows, the Gruska Cave natural attraction and the valley of medieval squares.

It is an interactive space where visitors can learn about the secrets of the protected area’s nature, free of charge.

CHECK THE CASTLE’S CURRENT OPENING HOURS.

Shop of local suppliers at Podsreda Castle

Last year, we set up a new reception office and a sales corner for local products in the castle’s upper outbuilding – the main aim of which is to help promote local offerings and increase local self-sufficiency, and to raise awareness in the local environment about the importance of using local products.

By setting up a sales corner in the castle, we want to enrich the offer of local products in the local area and encourage the networking of local producers.

You are warmly invited to visit our local sales point, where we work with more than 34 local suppliers.

CHECK THE CASTLE’S CURRENT OPENING HOURS.

Kukovičič Mill

Did you know that Kozjansko has one of the few working water mills in Slovenia? The Kukovičič mill in Podsreda, which is more than 500 years old and where the Kukovičič family still produces flour from grain for a variety of uses.

If you want to spend your day in a different way, in nature and with the water gurgling, visit
Kukovičič Mill
where they have a working water-powered mill for grinding cereals and a wide range of delicious homemade delicacies.

Kozmus beekeeping

Take a peek into the wonderful and mysterious world of beekeeping on Kozmus Apiculture in Pilštanj, where different types of honey and other medicinal beekeeping products are produced in harmony between nature and man, and with special 3D glasses you can even put yourself in the shoes of a bee.

Nature trail Meadow on Vetrnik

The highest, foothill areas of the Kozjan Park offer one of the most beautiful and richest habitats – dry hill meadows with an extraordinary biodiversity. The meadows are at their most beautiful from May to August for their colourful flowers, and in October you can admire the diversity of meadow fungi on the meadow. They are best experienced by taking a walk along the
Nature Trail Travnik
which runs around the Vetrnik peak in the village of the same name.

On the Vetrnik hiking trail, or. Županov Breg, in addition to the signs and the natural plateau with a bench of love and binoculars at the top, is now inviting to the sound of the wind caught between the strings of a wind harp. The harp symbolises the hands that embrace the Cossack apple, and its sound will caress the hikers, along with the beauty of nature, with the gentle sounds that the wind will attract from the strings.

My mother’s school in Kozje

Let’s go back in time for a moment … to the days when our (great-)grandmothers and (great-)grandfathers were sitting on school benches. To“My mother’s school” in Kozje, where a museum classroom from the times of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia is on display. Old wooden benches, stone tablets with pebbles, wooden pens… all this and more can be found in the museum classroom in Kozje. Visits possible by prior arrangement.

Old prisons in Kozje

In Kozje, you can also visit the prison of the former Kozje District Court. The prison has five cells, which are used for the exhibition Judicature in Kozje. The exhibition shows the work of the court, exhibits office relics and material from the activities of the court and notary’s offices. There is also a real prison cell, where convicts were imprisoned in the past. Visits possible by prior arrangement.

Castle trail to the old Kozje castle

If you leave Kozje Square past the Church of the Assumption, you will find yourself in the narrow valley of Bister graben, cut by the eponymous stream. Plant and animal lovers will find much of interest here. From here, you can climb to the ruins of Kozje Castle, which is reached by the safe and well-maintained recreational trail“GRAJSKA TRAIL NA DRACHENBURG“, which offers a glimpse into the history of Kozje. On the way, you will encounter an old limekiln and part of the walls of Drachenburg Castle. At the top of the trail, you will have a beautiful view of Kozje Square and the wider surroundings. The route starts and ends at the pond in Kozje.

Kroflnov mill

At the source of the Bistri graben stream stands the Krofln homestead with two buildings, a house with a former mill and outbuildings. The homestead was once the home of a miller, then a carpenter, then a joiner, and finally a worker in a nearby industrial plant. The renovation of the house was completed in 2000 and since then the former residential part of the house houses a permanent museum collection, where you can see an ethnological collection of objects and old furniture used by the inhabitants in the past.

On the ground floor of the outbuilding, there is also an old carpenter’s workshop, where you can find an old photograph of the master carpenter and his two daughters, who were the first female carpenters in the area. Visits possible by prior arrangement.

Gruska Valley with Gruska Cave

Visit the Gruska Cave, a karst speciality in our region, and listen to its stories. The one about the hermit, or the one about the inhabitants of the rich market who were punished.


Gruska Valley
is the largest, oldest and most important geomorphological surface natural value of national importance in the Kozjanska Park and is a beautiful example of an isolated karst phenomenon. At the bottom of the Gruska River, you will find a rich flora and fauna, which you can get to know by following a well-maintained circular route through the river, which is signposted with information signs.

Dairy delicacies from the Sinkovič farm

Kozjansko is home to the first home-made frozen yoghurt in Slovenia.
A delicious and healthy dessert? Nothing easier! At
Sinkovič Farm
at Buče, they make probiotic fruit and plain yoghurts and young cheeses from wholesome milk, as well as the well-known Frozi in summer, which is surely the most refreshingly “healthy” homemade ice cream.

Kozjanski dvor Restaurant

The renovated Kozjanski dvor restaurant can seat up to 50 people. In addition to the varied culinary offer and experiences, children will also enjoy the small playground next to the property. Hiking, cycling and other activities can be enjoyed in Kozje and its surroundings.

Suitable for business lunches, family reunions, luncheons and celebrations.

Restaurant Šempeter

For many years, the Šempeter restaurant has been helping to raise the profile of Slovenian cuisine by offering Slovenian and local food. As a sign of quality and hospitality, they have acquired the right to use the Gostilna Slovenija trademark.

In addition to the permanent seasonal offer in their tavern, they also offer a special experience with a picnic basket!

It’s best to enjoy nature, in a peaceful environment, on a blanket, in the company of loved ones, while snacking on something fresh and summery. V Restaurant Šempeter in Bistrica ob Sotli will prepare for you upon prior order
picnic basket
for the whole family. You can take a basket full of goodies with you to a forest clearing or a lookout point, of which there is no shortage in our area. And the adventure can begin!

The Witch’s Cottage in Olimje

But the fairytale experience only begins here. A kilometre further from the Olimje Monastery, hidden in the forest
A land of fairy tales and imagination
where visitors young and old will enter the world of fairy tales and meet Kekiec, Bedaniec, Krjavl, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood and other fairy tale characters.

Olimje Chocolate Factory

Of course, after the “copulation” with the witches of Olim, there will be something sweet. Chocolate bars, figurines, pralines, dragees, colourful chocolates … all this and more in the land of sweet chocolate indulgences in Chocolate Shop Olimje.

Jelenov Greben and Jelenov Greben Production and Tourism Centre

From there, hop on over to the nearby homestead Jelenov ridge below Olimska Gora, where the main attraction is the herd of free-roaming deer and mouflon, which you can feed with corn and see up close. A visit to the Jelenov Greben Production and Tourist Centre will provide a truly special experience for the whole family. It’s a “small world of big ideas” where you can see how their products are made.

Centre for the Promotion of Wine, Culture and Tourism

A virtual journey through Virštanj! With the help of state-of-the-art multimedia, in the renovated Banovina facility you can watch the vineyards green up, the vines fruit, pick grapes, smell the cider and learn about the four seasons of the vineyard through virtual reality. There, you can experience authentic Virštanj wine-growing life with state-of-the-art multimedia.

Amon Guesthouse and Footgolf

For all budding athletes, Olimje offers another family adventure – FootGolf at the Amon Olimje Guesthouse. Foot golf is a fun new sport that combines football and golf. Instead of a golf ball and a golf club, at FootGolf you play with a football on a real golf course.

Tower of Health and Joy

Still have energy after all your adventures? Climb up to
Tower at Rudnica
, one of the more popular hiking points in our green destination. Also known as the Tower of Health and Joy, the tower is 35.23 m high to the platform and has views as far as neighbouring Croatia and, in good weather, the beautiful Alps.

Odyssey Planetarium

Are you in favour of going even higher? Let’s go all the way to space! Enter
Odyssey Planetarium
in Podčetrtek and experience the Universe in 360°. You’ll go back in time to the formation of the Universe, learn about our Solar System, walk among galaxies and nebulae, and find out more about black holes.

Terme Olimia with Thermal Family Fun

A visit to Podčetrtek should not, of course, end without a visit to Therme Olimia and
Termalia FAMILY FUN
which is the first and largest family wellness centre in Slovenia, created out of love for the family. The result is a labyrinth of pools and rooms, each with its own favourite corner.

FOR MORE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES AND INTERESTING VISIT THE WEBSITE OF THE TOURIST DESTINATION PODČETRTEK, Bistrica ob Sotli and Kozje: VISIT PODČETRTEK

Amon Guesthouse and Footgolf

For all budding athletes, Olimje offers another family adventure – FootGolf at the Amon Olimje Guesthouse. Foot golf is a fun new sport that combines football and golf. Instead of a golf ball and a golf club, at FootGolf you play with a football on a real golf course.

Tower of Health and Joy

Still have energy after all your adventures? Climb up to
Tower at Rudnica
, one of the more popular hiking points in our green destination. Also known as the Tower of Health and Joy, the tower is 35.23 m high to the platform and has views as far as neighbouring Croatia and, in good weather, the beautiful Alps.

Odyssey Planetarium

Are you in favour of going even higher? Let’s go all the way to space! Enter
Odyssey Planetarium
in Podčetrtek and experience the Universe in 360°. You’ll go back in time to the formation of the Universe, learn about our Solar System, walk among galaxies and nebulae, and find out more about black holes.

Terme Olimia with Thermal Family Fun

A visit to Podčetrtek should not, of course, end without a visit to Therme Olimia and
Termalia FAMILY FUN
which is the first and largest family wellness centre in Slovenia, created out of love for the family. The result is a labyrinth of pools and rooms, each with its own favourite corner.

FOR MORE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES AND INTERESTING VISIT THE WEBSITE OF THE TOURIST DESTINATION PODČETRTEK, Bistrica ob Sotli and Kozje: VISIT PODČETRTEK

FOR MORE IDEAS AND TIPS

follow the links below to useful websites:

KOZJANSKI PARK

Website of one of the largest and oldest regional parks in Slovenia

VISIT OBSOTELJE AND KOZJAN

Welcome to Obsotelje and Kozjansko – Municipalities of Šmarje pri Jelšah, Rogaška Slatina, Rogatec, Podčetrtek and Kozje

VISIT SEVNICA

Sevnica – a treasure trove of experiences!

BREŽICE

Čatež and Brežice – a green world at the confluence of the Sava and Krka rivers, thermal springs, vineyards and castles – Brežice, many call it the place where different worlds meet.

CROSS

To Krško for the energy of flavours, wine, nature and culture!

POSAVJE – FULL OF OPPORTUNITIES

Posavje is the sleeping princess of Slovenian tourism.

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