Located near the Croatian border, this small Slovenian town has a 16th-century Renaissance castle with well-preserved frescoes and a museum of local history.
Brežice sits at the meeting point of the Sava and Krka rivers in eastern Slovenia. Walk through its main street to see the pink Water Tower from 1914, stop at local cafes, and explore the 16th-century castle with its baroque frescoes. The surrounding hills contain wine cellars carved into sedimentary rock, while nearby Terme Čatež draws visitors with its thermal pools.
Getting to Brežice
You can reach Brežice by car in 90 minutes from Ljubljana via the A2 motorway. Regular trains connect the town to both Ljubljana and Zagreb, with the journey taking about 90 minutes from either city. Local buses run frequently from nearby towns, making day trips convenient.
The Castle and Museum Complex
The Lower Sava Valley Museum occupies the 16th-century Brežice Castle. Walk through exhibits documenting the Croatian and Slovenian peasant revolts, archaeological discoveries, and local history. In the Knight's Hall, baroque frescoes cover the walls and ceiling, depicting scenes from Greek mythology and local legends.
Wine Culture and Underground Cellars
Winemakers in the Bizeljsko region store their wines in repnice - cellars carved into sedimentary rock. These cellars, dating back to the 18th century, were initially used for storing crops. Today, you can visit several cellars to taste local wine varieties like Bizeljčan and Rumeni Plavec.
Thermal Springs and Recreation
Terme Čatež operates multiple indoor and outdoor pools with thermal water, along with wellness centers and accommodation. Near the spa complex, you can walk through two protected areas: the Jovsi wetlands and Dobrava forest, home to rare bird species and native plants.
Local Food Scene
Try kmečka prleka (a potato and smoked bacon dish) and belokranjska pogača (savory bread filled with onions and cheese) at restaurants in the town center. The Bizeljsko and Pišece districts produce wines from local grape varieties, particularly white wines like Laški Rizling.
Annual Events
The Bread, Wine and Salami Day brings together local producers, winegrowers, and cultural groups to celebrate regional traditions. Throughout the year, you can attend wine festivals, cultural performances at the castle, and seasonal markets in the town center.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip between June and August for warm weather and outdoor events, including the Brežice Festival in July. April-May and September-October bring mild temperatures and fewer visitors, making these months ideal for exploring the town and visiting wineries.
