Discover Šentjur Pri Celju

Plan your stay in Šentjur Pri Celju around the focus of your trip: railway history, archaeological sites, events or outdoor activities. The various places and offerings give you concrete ideas for choosing excursions; as event dates and current visitor conditions can change, it is advisable to check the relevant information before setting out.

Culture and history

The Muzej Južne železnice in Šentjur displays extensive archival material and railway equipment dating from 1844 onwards in the Franz Joseph railway station. The exhibition “Rifnik and Its Treasures” focuses on archaeology: it covers 185 m² of exhibition space and features more than 650 objects.

The historic market centre of Zgornji trg was first mentioned in 1340 as a settlement around the Church of St George. After its restoration, it was named Slovenia’s most beautiful market centre in 2015. Zgornji trg also has a chestnut park with sensory play equipment. The Archaeological Park of Rifnik is located at the site of Slovenia’s largest Late Antique settlement. Its visible features include the foundations of two early Christian churches, seven houses, fortifications with watchtowers, a well or water-storage tank, and a reconstructed prehistoric house. The park is open year-round; check the latest visitor information before your visit.

The Ipavčeva hiša is now a museum and an official municipal venue. Its interior is styled in the spirit of the 19th century and furnished with artefacts from that period. Anton Martin Slomšek’s restored birthplace is also open to visitors year-round; confirm visitor information before you travel. In Ponikva stands the parish Church of St Martin, a Baroque church of the Sladka Gora church type. It was built between 1732 and 1758 and consecrated two years later.

Events throughout the year

Šentjurjevo is held every year in late April as a multi-day event. The programme includes a market for local produce and products, a cooking competition for “Šentjurjeve kisle župe”, concerts, sporting events, a children’s programme, and an exhibition of historic cars and motorcycles. Event dates and programmes may vary.

Martinovi dnevi na Ponikvi runs from Friday to Sunday and takes place around the name day of Saint Martin, the parish’s patron saint. It begins with a must tasting and an exhibition that remains open throughout the event. The programme also changes from year to year. If you want to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the current event dates.

Hiking and cycling routes

For a longer cycling trip, the Šentjur Tour is a 42-kilometre circular route for bicycles, on asphalt and gravel. As trail conditions can change, check the latest conditions before setting out. The “Doživljajska Grajska učna pot Žusem” experience follows a different pace: this circular hiking trail is 9 kilometres long, has four stops or adventure playgrounds, and is listed as taking four hours.

The themed hiking trail “Na poti z Guzajem” leads from Prevorje via Planina pri Sevnici to Dobje pri Planini. You can divide it into three shorter routes or walk the entire trail in one day. Resevna is another landmark for hikers: this 682-metre-high hiking mountain has an observation tower, a mountain hut and a swing. The three route options therefore differ in their stated duration and format; use these specific details to choose what suits the time you have available.

The School Nature Trail and Apiary brings together several nature and garden themes: these include an aquatic ecosystem with a pond, a meadow ecosystem with an orchard, an insect hotel, a permaculture bed, an herb garden and a forest ecosystem. During the “Čaj z Ipavci” experience, visitors make their own herbal tea blend, which must include linden blossoms, and take it home in a decorated wooden container. If you plan to take part in this hands-on activity, ask about booking conditions in advance.

Lake and protected nature

Lake Slivnica covers 84 hectares and is 5 kilometres long. It was formed in 1976 by damming the Dobrina and Ločnica streams. The lake and its surroundings are suitable for water sports, walks and cycling, as well as observing rare animal and plant species. The habitat is home to around 130 bird species and 32 fish species, as well as crayfish, lampreys, frogs, mussels and several rare plant species. Species counts may change as new surveys are carried out.

Vilinska dolina is a gorge carved by the Kozarica stream in the Natura 2000 area and a habitat of the protected noble crayfish. Activities include mindful walking in the water and swimming in river pools and natural basins; prior arrangements may be required for access. Follow the latest guidance on the protected area when visiting.

Getting there and getting around

The Šentjur Tour destination lies along the Southern Railway. There are five railway stations in the area: Šentjur, Grobelno, Ponikva, Ostrožno and Dolga Gora. Most regional trains allow bicycles. Connections and bicycle rules may change, so check the current timetable and applicable regulations before travelling.

The Municipality of Šentjur joined the KolesCE bike-sharing system in 2020; since then, nine bike-share stations have been available in Šentjur and the surrounding area. As availability and conditions can change, check the latest information before making your cycling plans. This lets you choose accommodation in line with the actual focus of your trip, without combining cultural sites, hikes and cycling routes into a single itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Šentjur, Razbor, Maribor, Krško, Domžale, Ljubljana, Ribnica, Pesnica.

Go to the main travel overview: Slovenia.