This spa town in eastern Slovenia dates to 1141 and produces mineral water rich in magnesium. Its glass-making tradition and medical springs draw visitors year-round.
In eastern Slovenia, Rogaška Slatina draws visitors with its Donat Mg mineral water, a natural resource containing the world’s highest magnesium levels. Walk through the Spa Park’s sycamore-lined paths, watch glassblowers shape crystal at a factory operating since 1665, or explore Anna’s Mansion, where exhibits detail the town’s past. Local stories tell of Pegasus striking the ground to create healing springs, a myth still linked to the area’s identity. Thermal baths, cycling paths through vineyards, and a summer music festival highlight the town’s focus on health and movement. Neo-Romanesque churches and early 20th-century buildings fill the compact center, easy to explore on foot.
Donat Mg Mineral Water and Its Benefits
Rogaška Slatina’s identity ties closely to Donat Mg, a mineral water first tapped from springs in the 1600s. Each liter holds more than 1,000 mg of magnesium, which supports muscle health and digestion. You can taste it directly from the Tempel Pavilion spring, a neoclassical stone structure dating to 1819, or join guided drinking sessions at the Rogaška Medical Center. Spas here use the water in hydrotherapy treatments and mineral baths, often recommended for fatigue or digestive concerns. Bottles are sold locally, so you can take the water home.
Spas and Health Programs
Organized spa tourism began here in 1803 when Count Ferdinand Attems developed the area into a health retreat. Modern programs start with medical check-ups, followed by options like massages, sauna sessions, or baths enriched with magnesium. The Grand Hotel Rogaška, built in the 1800s, includes an indoor thermal pool with massage jets. Free morning yoga classes and guided walks through the Spa Park help guests stay active. Nearby farm stays provide simpler wellness options, often with organic meals and herbal treatments.
Glassblowing at Rogaška Crystal
The Rogaška Crystal Factory has produced lead-free crystal since 1665, known for its clarity and clear sound. Watch artisans shape glowing molten glass into wine glasses and vases using methods passed down through generations. A museum inside displays centuries-old pieces, including ornate goblets made for royal families. After the tour, browse the showroom to buy crystalware designed with input from wine experts. Occasional workshops let you try blowing glass yourself, though these require booking months ahead.
Key Landmarks to Visit
The Holy Cross Church, finished in 1866, dominates the town center with its stone exterior and colorful stained-glass windows. Near Prnek village, the Holy Trinity Church holds a 17th-century altar covered in detailed gold carvings. Anna’s Mansion, a restored villa, organizes its exhibits into five themes: local glass art, historical letters, park development, and mineral water history. Climb the Kristal Tower’s 106-meter height for views stretching across the Kozjansko hills and vineyards.
Cycling, Hiking, and Nature
Over 20 cycling routes connect vineyards, Lake Vonarje, and Kozjansko Regional Park’s forests. Rent an e-bike to handle steep paths like the trail leading to Podčetrtek, where thermal pools await riders. The Beaver Center teaches about local wildlife through hands-on exhibits, including information on otters and protected plants. Hike Janina Hill before dawn to watch the sunrise or follow the Sotla River trail along the Croatian border. In winter, these paths become cross-country ski routes.
Summer Concerts and Food
From late July to September, Anna’s Festival hosts nightly concerts in parks, churches, and the crystal factory. Try štruklji (cottage cheese dumplings) at Gostilna Jurg, a village inn updating classic recipes with seasonal ingredients. Menus highlight trout from nearby rivers, wild mushrooms, and wines from family-owned Posotelje vineyards. For a memorable meal, book the “Glassworks Lunch” in the factory’s event space, pairing dishes like venison goulash with regional whites and reds.
Day Trips from Rogaška Slatina
Visit Postojna Cave, 24 kilometers of underground chambers accessible by electric train, to see stalactites and rare cave wildlife. The Pleterje Carthusian Monastery, 30 minutes south, sells honey and herbal liqueurs made by monks using 15th-century methods. Maribor, 90 kilometers northwest, displays the world’s oldest grapevine still producing wine. Closer to town, Zdraviliški Park’s Cacti Pavilion grows 500 types of succulents under a glass roof.
Planning Your Visit
May to September brings warm weather and the busiest event calendar. Wear sturdy shoes for factory tours and bring a water bottle to refill at public springs. Keep wasp repellent handy if eating outdoors in summer. Trains from Zagreb or Ljubljana take two hours; driving from Graz takes 90 minutes. Reserve spots for the Beaver Center, crystal factory tours, and spa treatments at least a week ahead.
