This small Slovenian town sits between the Alps and Karawanks mountains. Its baroque church dominates the central square, while narrow lanes lead to medieval castle ruins.
Slovenj Gradec, the oldest town in Slovenia's Koroška region, sits between Mount Uršlja Gora and the Pohorje mountain range. Walk through the medieval St. Elizabeth church, view contemporary exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art, or learn about composer Hugo Wolf in his childhood home. From the town center, you can start your journey on the Štrekna cycling path or trek up to the 1,699-meter peak of Uršlja Gora.
Getting to Slovenj Gradec
The town lies 45 kilometers west of Maribor and 65 kilometers northeast of Ljubljana in the Mislinja Valley. Its position at the eastern end of the Karawanks mountain range makes it accessible from major cities. Temperatures range from -2°C in winter to 24°C in summer, with moderate rainfall throughout the year.
Museums and Art Spaces
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Koroška displays rotating exhibitions of Slovenian and international artists on the first floor of the old town hall. Recent exhibitions have included contemporary photography, sculptures, and multimedia installations. At the Hugo Wolf Museum, set in the composer's childhood home, you can see his original piano, letters, and scores while learning about his impact on late-19th-century classical music.
Medieval Religious Architecture
The St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish church, built in 1235, rises above the town square with its distinctive bell tower. Inside the adjacent Gothic chapel, you'll find well-preserved 15th-century frescos depicting biblical scenes. During 1994 excavations, researchers found the stone foundations of what they identified as Styria's oldest church, dating to the 9th century Carolingian period.
Peace Messenger City Activities
Since becoming a UN Peace Messenger City in 1989, Slovenj Gradec celebrates United Nations Day each October. During the "Let's Preserve Our Peace" event, local children create paintings, photographs, and literary works that line the main streets. The month-long program includes concerts, art workshops, and peace-themed exhibitions.
Cycling and Hiking
You can cycle along the 24-kilometer Štrekna route, a paved path following an old railway line through the valley. For hiking, choose from 12 marked trails on Mount Uršlja Gora, ranging from 1-hour walks to 6-hour summit climbs. The international Drava Cycling Route passes through town as part of its 510-kilometer path from Italy through Austria and Slovenia to Croatia.
