Discover Šoštanj: Culture, History and Landscape

Šoštanj lies in the western part of the Šaleška Valley, on a plain beside the Paka River. The destination brings together tanning history, architectural and artistic monuments, a carnival tradition and a landscape shaped by a lake. This offers a clear focus for planning your trip: local history can be combined with the natural and industrial history of the surrounding area.

Tanning history and places of remembrance

The Museum of Tanning in Slovenia presents Šoštanj’s 210-year tanning tradition: from the founding of the Vošnjak tannery in 1788, through its rise to large-scale industry, to the factory’s closure in 1999. Another testament to the town’s history is the Marijin steber, in the middle of Trg bratov Mravljakov. Tannery owner Mihael Woschnagg (II) and his wife Agata Jožefa erected the column in memory of the severe flood of 1887.

Architecture and art history

Vila Mayer is a typical example of late Gründerzeit bourgeois architecture; the villa and its garden are protected as a cultural monument of local importance. Above the old market centre stands the Church of Saints Hermagoras and Fortunatus. It contains two Baroque altars and a 14th-century Gothic fresco. Two distinct periods of art history therefore meet in the church.

Pusti Grad adds another perspective on the area’s architectural history. The castle was built in the 12th century and destroyed as early as the 15th century. A restored, multi-storey Romanesque defensive tower survives, reaching its original height. It is one of the few Romanesque defensive towers in Slovenia preserved to this height.

Carnival and lights by the lake

Šoštanj has been known as a carnival town since 1953; Pust Šoštanjski is part of the traditional carnival celebrations. Praznik luči is also a traditional festival: every year, thousands of lights illuminate Lake Družmirje. The annual programmes may change. If you want to plan your travel dates around a festival, check the latest dates and programmes.

Lake Družmirje and its surroundings

Lake Družmirje stretches east of Šoštanj towards Velenje and is Slovenia’s deepest lake. It formed as the ground subsided above abandoned tunnels of the Premogovnik Velenje coal mine. Its formation began by 1975 at the latest; in 2005, the lake covered more than 63 hectares. The lake is also considered attractive for fishing. If you plan to fish, check the local conditions in advance.

Trails and activities

The Trška pot is an easy walking trail close to Šoštanj. It was created to mark the boundary of the former market town, combining an easy walk with a specific historical theme. The traditional guided walk or hike has a longer option, taking 4 to 5 hours on foot, and a shorter one, taking 2 hours. The event programme may change; if you are making specific plans, check the dates and options.

Panoramic flights over the Šaleška Valley are offered at Lajše airfield near Šoštanj; availability may change. If you plan to take a flight, check the current offer.

Plan your journey

Šoštanj can be reached by bicycle, car, motorcycle, taxi, bus or train. As transport services and timetables may change, check the latest connections before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Velenje, Topolšica, Gorenje.

Back to the main travel overview: Velenje.