Novo Mesto: Situlas, city history and the Krka

Novo Mesto offers specific sights and activities, from situlas and arcades to river views and routes.

Situlas and the historic urban landscape

Sixteen situlas have been discovered in Novo Mesto, including nine richly decorated examples. This makes the city the world’s largest archaeological site for situlas. The Archaeological Department of the Dolenjska Museum presents archaeological heritage to the public.

Glavni trg is Slovenia’s largest preserved medieval square and part of the historic old town. Its most distinctive architectural feature is its arcades. The Rotovž, Novo Mesto’s town hall and a cultural monument of national importance, also stands in the square. By June 13, 2026, the Praznik situl had already been held on Glavni trg eleven times in a row.

The Krka, views and getting active

Below Glavni trg, Kandija Bridge, also known as the old railway bridge, crosses the Krka in a single 75-metre-long arch. While the arcades define the square, the bridge adds a different architectural accent to the river with its long arch.

The Kapitelj viewing platform offers a view of the city: visitors climb 126 steps to a height of about 24 metres. From there, the view extends across the old town, the green Krka, the wine-growing hill of Trška Gora and the Gorjanci mountains, with Trdinov Vrh in the distance. Check access and opening hours before your visit.

The Town Beach is on the right bank of the Krka below Portoval Sports Park, about a 10-minute walk from Glavni trg. Visitors can rent SUP boards, canoes and wooden rowboats there. If you plan to rent equipment, check availability in advance.

Ragov Log is a forested area in Novo Mesto, separated from the historic city centre by the Krka. On a larger scale, the Krka is the largest river in Dolenjska and is known for its meanders and tufa cascades. The entire river area is part of the Natura 2000 network.

Trails and cultural landscapes

At the summit of Trška Gora, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary crowns the 428-metre-high hill; it is a pilgrimage site. The Three Castles Trail is an 8.7-kilometre route around the Trška Gora area. Check the latest route information when planning your trip.

Wooden benches engraved with verses by Župančič stand along the Župančič Footpath. The Julija’s Footbridge and the Loka footbridge cross the river there; both bridges are intended for pedestrians and cyclists.

Otočec Castle is an outstanding cultural monument of national importance and was first mentioned in the 13th century. The Castle Park offers a setting for relaxed walks and nature experiences. History and time spent in green surroundings are distinct travel interests here, alongside Novo Mesto’s archaeological and urban themes.

Market and local experiences

The Novo Mesto Market takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Glavni trg. Local producers, creatives and visitors come together there. If you want to plan your visit around the market, check the dates and times before travelling.

As part of the Open Vineyard Cottages project, vineyard owners welcome guests into their private wine cellars and offer their own wines and homemade specialties. Participation depends on the availability of each cottage.

Visitors can register for the self-service GoNM bike-sharing system. Check availability and registration requirements in advance. This makes it possible to include the city’s history, river and landscape as different trip highlights while keeping the practical details of each offering in view.

Discover more destinations

Otočec, Novo Mesto, Dolenjske Toplice, Šmarješke Toplice, Šentjernej, Škocjan, Dvor, Dolenje Kronovo, Šmihel Pri Žužemberku, Vinica Pri Šmarjeti, Žužemberk, Straža, Brezovica, Mali Ban, Srednje Grčevje, Šmarjeta, Hrib pri Hinjah, Mirna Peč

For the broader travel overview: Slovenia.