A Slovenian city with a medieval center, castle, and cathedral. Surrounded by the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, it's a starting point for hiking and skiing trips.
Celje, Slovenia's third-largest city, is located where the Savinja and Voglajna rivers meet. Key attractions include Celje Castle, the Celje Regional Museum, and the Mladika Cultural Centre. Visitors can explore Renaissance and Baroque buildings and enjoy outdoor options like hiking trails in the surrounding hills and forests.
Exploring Celje Castle
Located on a hill overlooking the city, Celje Castle is the largest medieval fortress in Slovenia. Climbing the path to the castle offers views of Celje and the Savinja Valley. Inside the castle walls, visit the restored Friderik's Tower, where Count Herman II once imprisoned his son. From April to October, the castle hosts programs where you can practice medieval crafts or watch reenactments of life during that period.
Wandering Through the Old Town
Explore Celje's Old Town on foot. Begin at the main square, Glavni trg, and see the yellow Neo-Gothic Celje Hall, constructed in the early 1900s. Walk down Gosposka ulica to view the Old Counts' Mansion, a Renaissance building that houses part of the Celje Regional Museum. Visit the Celje Cathedral, a Gothic church from the 14th century that has been renovated several times over the years.
Delving into Celje's Museums
Visit the city's museums to learn about Celje's history and culture. The Museum of Recent History, located in a Neoclassical building on Prešernova ulica, presents information about life in Celje during the 20th century. Josip Pelikan's Skylight Photo Studio, an early 20th-century studio preserved as a cultural monument, is ideal for photography enthusiasts. The Children's Museum features interactive exhibits designed for young visitors.
Outdoor Activities in and Around Celje
Celje is situated in the Lower Savinja Valley, offering various outdoor options. Walk through the City Park along the Savinja River or explore the Celje Town Forest, a 94-hectare area near the city center. For activities like hiking, skiing, or using zip lines and rope courses, visit Celjska koča, located about 20 minutes from the city.
Tasting Local Flavors
Experience Celje's local cuisine by trying traditional Slovenian dishes such as štruklji (rolled dumplings) or potica (nut roll) at local restaurants. In autumn, taste untreated apples grown in the region. During winter, look for "koline" on menus, which are traditional pork dishes popular in colder months. Additionally, visit the beer fountain in the town park of nearby Žalec to sample local craft beers.
Getting to and Around Celje
Celje is connected to other parts of Slovenia by train and bus, with an approximately one-hour drive or train ride from Ljubljana. Once in Celje, most sites in the Old Town are accessible on foot. Local buses are available for trips to the castle and surrounding areas. Alternatively, you can rent a bike to navigate the city and explore its surroundings.
