Rogaška Slatina: Spa Tradition and Crystal Glass

Rogaška Slatina is a spa town with a 400-year tradition and the unique Donat Mg mineral water. The first mention of the healing properties of the waters in the Rogaška Slatina area dates back to 1572.

Water, Spa Promenade and Spa Park

The Spa Promenade runs between Secessionist buildings and has connected the spa town with its world-class medical center for centuries. Together with the promenade, the spa park forms the heart of the spa complex. It covers 10,000 m². Its plantings include 4,500 boxwood shrubs, 7,400 annual plants, 7,500 perennial plants and 700 roses.

Next to the spa building, a modern drinking hall for Donat water with eleven fountains was built in 1967. Spa guests and visitors can still draw Donat water there themselves. Donat drinking therapy takes place in the mineral water drinking hall at the Medical Center Rogaška. So, in the town, you will encounter both the history of the drinking hall and today’s drinking therapy.

Crystal Tower and Glassmaking

Crystal Tower is the tallest tower and the tallest building in Slovenia. Its observation deck, 100 meters above the ground, offers views across all of Rogaška Slatina and a virtual tour with the winged Pegasus. The open rooftop terrace offers a walk around the highest point of Slovenia’s tallest building.

The Steklarna Rogaška tourist route offers a different perspective on crystal glass. Visitors can see every stage of making high-quality crystal glass, from preparing the raw materials and blowing and shaping the glass to manually cutting and finishing the products. The views and craftsmanship offer distinct highlights: here, the focus is on the view over the town; there, on the sequence of glassmaking steps.

Museums and Architecture

Anin dvor presents eight themed museum collections on the rich history and main attractions of Rogaška Slatina. Villa Zlatorog is a cultural monument of local significance. Its articulated exterior and high-quality wooden architectural features make it a picturesque example of a residential villa.

The Temple Pavilion stands above the former main spring and was designed by the Trieste architect Matteo Pertsch. Cultural events are held in the oval temple. The Juneževa domačija is another cultural feature of the town: this protected open-air ethnographic museum comprises a restored old farmhouse with a 19th-century black kitchen, as well as original period furnishings and inventory.

Calska gorca in Cerovec pod Bočem is designated a cultural monument. The building was constructed in the second half of the 19th century. Its features include a vaulted cellar, a black kitchen, living quarters and a wine press. The two historic houses therefore differ in the architecture described: the Juneževa domačija focuses on a farmhouse and its furnishings, while Calska gorca features, among other things, a cellar, kitchen and wine press.

Trails and Seasonal Activities

Nearby peaks can be reached via nine hiking trails of varying difficulty. The Polžkova Trail follows marked paths to the nearby hills of Janina, Tržišče, Cvetlični and Grilov hrib. Rogaška Slatina and its surroundings also have a 22-kilometer cycling network.

Janina is home to Slovenia’s lowest-altitude ski resort; its seasonal operation may vary. The Janina Route runs from the Grand Hotel Donat past Palčkova hišica and the Janina lookout tower, then along Izletniška ulica to the Rogaška Slatina municipal parking lot. Trail conditions may vary.

A Culinary Taste

For an authentic experience, GAJA members welcome visitors with Slatina jerpica, a typical yeast cake; zavihjenča, a pastry filled with cottage cheese; and mlinčofka, a layered bread baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. A glass of homemade wine is served with them. Please confirm the details of this experience before your trip.

These specific themes can help you get to know Rogaška Slatina as you plan your stay.

Discover more destinations: Gabrce, Lesično, Šmarje Pri Jelšah, Podčetrtek, Rogatec, Kozje, Pristava pri Mestinju, Roginska Gorca.

Go to the main travel overview: Šmarje Pri Jelšah.