Things to see and do Celje

As soon as you arrive in Celje, your gaze is naturally drawn to this monument. It gives the impression of watching over the city. The castle, truly well-preserved, perfectly embodies the image of medieval castles: walls, loopholes, keep and inner courtyards. The walls offer a good view of Celje, and the medieval torture mini-theater included in the tour will give you the chills. Numerous festivities are organized here, including a medieval festival with a gargantuan feast and concerts throughout the summer.

The Counts of Celje are of particular interest in building Slovenia's identity, as evidenced by the inclusion of the three stars of the Counts of Celje on the national flag. The exhibition begins in the basement with a visit to Celeia, the "Slovenian Pompeii". The tour is structured around a walk through the ancient city with a very successful effect. The central location of the city on the European trade routes is thus highlighted. The first floor is full of remarkable tools from the prehistoric period. Children will be amazed by the exceptional fossil of a bear from ancient times. Parents will be made aware of the fundamental role of the pioneer of Slovenian paleontology Srečko Brodar. The second part of the exhibition is devoted to the political career of the Counts of Celje, the noble dynasty that gave its first autonomy to a large part of the Proto-Slovenian territory. The family tree will help you to better understand the family context and to identify the development of a powerful network of matrimonial alliances. The map of castles provides a number of indications of the princely power in the 14th century. The memorial that groups together the skulls of the Counts of Celje is striking. The museum is extremely well designed, the didactic content is very readable and the interest of the young public is real: children will be able to confront each other with a wooden sword or discover the content of classic meals in the Middle Ages.

It can be reached by a forest road after crossing the Savinja from the city centre. There is also a road to get there on days when the sky is not very nice. Built in 2015, this impressive hut perched in the middle of the forest was built with local wood. There is absolute calm, nature takes back its rights only a few hundred meters from the city. The architectural achievement is spectacular. Educational, scientific and cultural workshops take place there throughout the year.

Great welcome in this very contemporary tourist office which plays a lot on interactivity. The major natural and cultural sites are presented with passion by a very well trained staff. Many brochures and maps are available and accessible to tourists, including several documents translated into French. If you are looking for accommodation or good places to eat, you are also in the right place!

The manor served as the residence of the Counts of Celje in the 14th and 15th centuries. On the first floor, an exhibition shows the atmosphere of everyday life in the castle through the ages and the arts - classical, baroque, neoclassical, imperial. The focus is on the monumental work of the sculptor Ferdinand Gallo, whose depiction of the Last Supper is highly symptomatic of the beginning of the dominance of Baroque art. Archaeological exhibition room in the basement.

7 km from the centre of Celje you will find a large oasis called Šmartinsko jezero. This lake is a meeting point of recreation, sports and water fun for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The lake is surrounded by a well-maintained walking and cycling path. The car park opposite the Panorama café in the hamlet of Runtole is the best place to park as the access road leads through a hilly coniferous forest. From the café, you will have a breathtaking view of the lake. The biggest carp caught was 34.6 kg!