Šmarješke Toplice: Thermal Waters and Cultural Heritage

Šmarješke Toplice offers a range of options to consider when planning your trip: thermal pools, paths through the countryside, natural springs and traces of different historical periods. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay here, first consider what you want to focus on. Thermal experiences call for a different kind of trip planning than a hike or a visit to a cultural monument.

Thermal Pools and Spa Experiences

At Terme Šmarješke Toplice, you can use thermal pools with a water temperature of 32 °C all year round. The thermal complex includes the two indoor pools, Aleksandrov and Petrov; both are also heated to 32 °C. As pool availability may change, check current operating information before your visit.

A distinctive historic feature is the wooden pool above the thermal spring. It was built as early as the late 18th century and operates seasonally. So if you’re planning a visit specifically to use this pool, take its seasonal operating schedule into account. Vitarium Spa & Clinique complements the thermal offerings with cosmetic treatments, anti-stress baths, body wraps and massages. When planning, you can therefore choose between time in the pools and the spa treatments on offer.

Trails and Countryside Around Šmarješke Toplice

The Archaeological Trail Vinji vrh circular route starts in Šmarješke Toplice, is 8 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 230 metres. These are two specific details—the distance and elevation gain—to consider when planning your day. Another described route is the Šmarješke Toplice–Trebelno section of the Ema Pilgrimage Trail. It leads from the thermal spa via Žaloviče and Koglo, along the Radulja River and past the village of Roje to Trebelno. As trail conditions may change, check them before setting out.

A hiking and cycling route passes the tennis courts, goes through Lutrško selo and Dobovo, and continues through a beautiful forest to Terme Šmarješke Toplice. These route descriptions have different focuses: the Ema Pilgrimage Trail is described as a section with intermediate places and Trebelno as its destination, while the hiking and cycling route leads to Terme. For the Archaeological Trail, the description instead gives the circular route, its length and elevation gain.

The landscape around Klevevž has its own distinctive features, too. The hypothermal Klevevška Toplica spring emerges from beneath a large rock beside a short tributary on the right bank of the Radulja. It has been enclosed in a small pool and has a temperature of between 21 and 25 °C. The Radulja gorge also begins at the Klevevž bathing area, and is marked by numerous small waterfalls and pools.

Cultural Heritage from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages

Klevevž Castle dates back to 1265 and is an important cultural heritage monument in Šmarješke Toplice. Vinji Vrh also reflects an older history of settlement: a heavily fortified settlement was established there as early as the Iron Age. Finds in burial grounds bear witness to this. Together, these places offer different points of historical interest, although they do not represent the same period or the same kind of evidence.

The parish church in Šmarjeta houses the mural “Crucifixion.” It was painted by an unknown Italian artist and is considered an important treasure of Slovenian religious painting. Šmarjeta is therefore also of interest to visitors planning a trip around religious art.

Wine and Honey as Local Highlights

The “Izvir cvička” wine fountain is located in Šmarjeta. It offers wines from the surrounding vineyards, as well as tastings featuring Cviček and the three main components of this Dolenjska speciality. As tasting availability may vary, check the current offer before your visit.

Čebelarstvo Gorenc offers a beekeeping museum and a varied selection of honey products. The offering is intended for individual visitors and groups; check the visiting arrangements in advance. The wine fountain and beekeeping museum have different focuses: wine and tastings at one, beekeeping and honey products at the other. You can choose which local experiences to explore based on what interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Šmarjeta, Novo Mesto, Žužemberk, Šentjernej, Dvor, Hrib pri Hinjah, Dolenje Kronovo, Šmihel Pri Žužemberku

Back to the main travel overview: Novo Mesto.