Discover Domžale: Straw Hat History and Culture

In Domžale, the history of straw hat making and its traces in the townscape sit alongside cultural institutions and cycling and hiking trails. When planning your visit, you can decide in advance whether to focus on crafts and local history, cultural offerings or outdoor activities.

Museums and Ways of Life

At Menačenkova domačija, furniture, tools, clothing and other objects offer an authentic picture of the former home and the life of the Ahčin family, who were involved in farming and crafts. After it was acquired in 2003, the domačija was restored and turned into a museum. This perspective on the home and family life complements the more production- and trade-oriented history of straw hat making.

Menačenkova domačija is closed until October 2026; visits can also be arranged outside opening hours by prior agreement. For visits after October 2026, check access again. The programme includes creative and craft workshops; as offerings may change, it is worth checking the current programme.

The Slamnikarski Museum Domžale dedicates its permanent exhibition to 300 years of straw hat production in the Domžale area. It features a selection of more than 700 objects, photographic reproductions and documents, as well as more than 100 straw hats. Groups that register in advance can, by prior arrangement, watch demonstrations of straw hat sewing and straw plaiting.

Straw Hat History in the Townscape

The walk to the straw hat factories begins at the Slamnikarski Museum Domžale and passes selected memorial markers at former straw hat workshops and factories. These shaped the history of Domžale and can still be recognised in the townscape today. Each stop tells a different story: Polževa slamnikarska tovarna was founded in 1882 on the Povže farmstead by the Oberwalder brothers, who came from Tyrol. The straw hat and hat factory Jakob Oberwalder & Comp, at the end of Slamnikarska ulica, was nationalised after the Second World War and renamed Univerzale.

Univerzale Park is next to the former Univerzale straw hat factory, also known as the Oberwalder factory. Ladstätterjev dimnik, meanwhile, is the last material trace of Domžale’s largest straw hat factory. On Kolodvorska cesta, you can view the exterior of Ravnikarjeva slamnikarska tovarna. These different traces—from factory sites to individual buildings—bring industrial history to life in several places, while telling distinct stories.

Individual architectural sites also add to the picture. The Church of Marije Vnebovzete dates from 1892 and stands on the site of a fortified church from the 16th century. Zajčevo znamenje was built in 1935 and 1936 in gratitude for the life of a son; architect Jože Plečnik advised on the design of the chapel and fence. Vrečarjev portal consists of three concrete pillars framing the entrance to a former carpentry workshop and exhibition space. Godbeni dom was built in 1929 for the local brass band and was the first musicians’ club of its kind in the state at the time.

Cycling, Hiking and Recreation

Slamnata kitka is a predominantly flat cycling route that starts and ends in Domžale. Another option is the cycling and walking path along the Kamniška Bistrica on the Green Axis: it runs from Študa in southern Domžale to the northern foot of Homški hrib. There are well-equipped rest areas with drinking fountains along the route.

Those planning a hike can take the Domžalska pot spominov, a mountain trail more than 100 kilometres long. Its first checkpoint is in Domžale, at the monument beside the footbridge over the Kamniška Bistrica. Šumberk has a viewpoint overlooking Domžale and the surrounding settlements. For a different kind of activity, Športni park Domžale has four beach volleyball courts, which are also available for evening games thanks to floodlighting.

Cultural Programme and Market Square

Kulturni dom Franca Bernika is the town’s main cultural institution and includes a theatre hall, a municipal cinema, a wedding hall and a music school. In summer, Mestni kino Domžale moves to Češminov park to screen films there. As film screenings are part of the seasonal programme, it is advisable to check the dates in advance.

Domžale market square has space for 40 stalls where vendors sell their own products. The market layout and number of stalls may change, so check the current market arrangements before visiting. The Kuhni na plac programme offers local cuisine and new culinary stories there. Check the dates in advance for this too.

Choosing a Hotel to Suit Your Interests

If you are looking for a hotel in Domžale, the main focus of your stay can help you decide where to start: museums and industrial history offer a different experience from a cycling or hiking trip. This lets you tailor your search to the topics that interest you most in Domžale.

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