Tourist guide Rogla Pohorje

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www.destinacija-rogla.si

“LTO Rogla-Zreče, GIZ is responsible for the content. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment (Ministrstvo za kmetijstvo in okolje) is the managing body of the Rural Development Programme of the Republic of Slovenia 2007 2013 (Program razvoja podeželja Republike Slovenije za obdobje 2007-2013). The “Research, feel, taste Rogla – Pohorje destination” project is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, LEADER axis, under the auspices of Lokalna akcijska skupina “Od Pohorja do Bohorja“.

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Contents TRAILS OF A DISTANT PAST

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rebnik Manor – Herbal 13 T Gallery 14 Mansion in Oplotnica

PERMANENT MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS page

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reudenberg Castle in 15 F Zreče

1 Beškovnik´s granary

16 J amnik (Holenstein) Castle in Zreče

2 “ Black Kitchen” near St. Barbara Church

ušperk (Luschberg) 17 L Castle in Zreče

3 KSEVT Vitanje

18 Novi grad Castle in Vitanje

4 Riemer Town Gallery 5 ” 100 Frankolovo victims” Museum – the Frankolovo crime irefighting Museum of 6 F the Dravinja Valley arrow gauge Railway 7 N museum in Zreče 8 Skomarje House 9 Vodovnik collection rivate Museum 10 P Collection of Military Objects from the AustroHungarian Period

19 Stari Grad Castle in Vitanje 20 Stari Grad Castle at Konjiška gora

TRADITION

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21 Ošlak Forge

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22 Šrekl - Zajc blacksmith’s forge in Dobrovlje 23 Buci’s Mill h 24 Petelinek´s Mill 25 Forma Viva in Zreče

11 Charterhouse Žiče

26 Chislakite Deposits

12 Zrno museum, Škalce

27 Park with an Old Laundry

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Contents FROM THE HANDS OF OUR ANCESTORS page

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read baking in a 28 B wood-fired oven at Zajdenšek-Črešnar farm 29 Kalšek Plaiting

arish Church of St. 39 P George in Slovenske Konjice t. Jacob church at 40 S Resnik hurch of St. John the 41 C Baptist in Oplotnica

30 Žvikart Bee Farm

t. Lambert church in 42 S Skomarje

amenik Bee Farm and 31 K Production of Beverages

oly Mother of God 43 H church at Brinjeva Gora

32 Žganjekuha Kejžar

hurch of St. Nicholas in 44 C Oplotnica

eglič Herb and Eco 33 M Farm 34 Majnik Herbal Garden

SACRAL HERITAGE

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hurch of Jesus Christ at 35 C Rogla Martin Church in 36 St. Zlakova hurch of the Mother of 37 C God at Hriberca ilgrim Church of St. Mary 38 P Mother of God at Prihova

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t. Agnes church at 45 S Brinjeva gora t. Giles parish church in 46 S Zreče t. Kunigunde parish 47 S church in Gorenje t. Lawrence parish 48 S church in Stranice hurch of the Visitation of 49 C Mary in Špitalič arish Church of St. Peter 50 P and St. Paul in Vitanje hurch of St. Vitus in 51 C Hudinja


www.destinacija-rogla.si IN SEARCH OF THE WORLD AND HEART OF POHORJE page

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52 Srček’s Educational Trail in Zreče 53 Water-themed educational path in Zreče 54 Dwarf’s Educational Trail

65 Fishing - The Zreče Lake ini Zooland in 66 M Slovenske Konjice ravinja Ranch in 67 D Slovenske Konjice 68 The Lovrenc Lakes 69 Pavlak Cave 70 The Zreče Lake

he educational path 55 T Oplotnica

71 Žički grobeljnik (Alyssum montanum var. pluscanescens Raim.)

he Petelinjek Nature 56 T Educational Path

atural Climatic Health 72 N Resorte

he Prežigal Water 57 T Educational Path

73 Peat of Pohorje

he Little Dragon’s Forest 58 T Educational Path in Slovenske Konjice

A Taste of Rogla

he Zlodejevo adrenaline 59 T toboggan 60 Rogla Bike Park 61 Golf course Škalce 62 Skiing at Rogla 63 Water experiences Zreče 64 Climbing - Rogla

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ine-Growing Area of 74 W Škalce – Wine cellar Zlati grič escendant of old 75 D grapevine at Lent in Zreče escendant of old 76 D grapevine at Lent in Slovenske Konjice

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Important conta Police Tel.: 113

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES (TICs)

Firefighters Tel.: 112

TIC Zreče Cesta na Roglo 11j, 3214 Zreče Tel.: +386 (0)3 759 04 70 tic.zrece.lto@siol.net

Healthcare Centre Slovenske Konjice Mestni trg 17, 3210 Slovenske Konjice Tel.: +386 (0)3 757 57 50 Police Station Slovenske Konjice Vešeniška cesta 1, 3210 Slovenske Konjice Tel.: +386 (0)3 757 58 00 Bus Station, Izletnik Slovenske Konjice Liptovska ulica 15, 3210 Slovenske Konjice Tel.: +386 (0)3 759 30 16

TAXI SERVICES Taxi Damjan Tel.: +386 (0)41 374 176 Taxi Drago Tel.: +386 (0)41 922 382

TIC Slovenske Konjice Stari trg 27, 3210 Slovenske Konjice Tel.: +386 (0)3 759 31 10 tic.konjice@siol.net TIC Oplotnica Goriška cesta 4, 2317 Oplotnica Tel.: +386 (0)2 845 09 14 turizem.oplotnica@siol.net KSEVT Vitanje Na Vasi 18, 3205 Vitanje +386 59 934 517 info@ksevt.eu

PHARMACIES Pharmacy Zreče Cesta na Roglo 9b, 3214 Zreče Tel.: +386 (0)3 752 11 20 Pharmacy Slovenske Konjice Usnjarska cesta 6, 3210 Slovenske Konjice Tel.: +386 (0)3 757 43 70

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act details www.destinacija-rogla.si Pharmacy Vitanje Na vasi 1, 3205 Vitanje Tel.: +386 (0)3 757 52 55

Post Office Slovenske Konjice Mestni trg 3a, 3210 Zreče Tel.: +386 (0)3 757 30 00

Pharmacy Oplotnica Ulica Pohorskega bataljona 11, 3217 Oplotnica Tel.: +386 (0)2 845 02 96

Post Office Vitanje Na vasi 6, 3205 Vitanje Tel.: +386 (0)3 757 30 50

BANKS Bank of Zreče (Banka Celje) Cesta na Roglo 13b, 3214 Zreče Tel.: +386 (0)3 757 45 50 Bank of Slovenske Konjice (Banka Celje) Oplotniška cesta 1a, 3210 Slovenske Konjice Tel.: +386 (0)3 758 02 00 Bank of Oplotnica (Nova KBM) Ulica Pohorskega bataljona 7, 2317 Oplotnica Tel.: +386 (0)2 229 18 60 Bank of Vitanje (Banka Celje) Na gmajni 2, 3205 Vitanje Tel.: +386 (0)3 757 45 60

POST OFFICES Post Office Zreče Cesta na Roglo 9b, 3214 Zreče Tel.: +386 (0)3 757 30 40

Post Office Oplotnica Ulica Pohorskega bataljona 8, 2317 Oplotnica Tel.: +386 (0)2 803 31 70

PETROL STATIONS Petrol Station Zreče (Petrol) Kovaška cesta 29a, 3214 Zreče Tel.: +386 (0)3 7572 06 40 Petrol Station Slovenske Konjice (Petrol) Liptovska ulica 4, 3210 Slovenske Konjice Tel.: +386 (0)3 759 29 90 Petrol Station Vitanje (Petrol) Doliška cesta 24, 3205 Vitanje Tel.: +386 (0)3 752 50 20 Petrol Station Oplotnica (Petrol) Partizanska cesta 31, 2317 Oplotnica Tel.: +386 (0)2 845 00 06

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TRAILS DISTANT

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OF A T PAST Celtic woman Brinjeva gora was one of the first high altitude settlements: it originates from the Stone Age and has outlasted many lower lying settlements. Celts had settled Brinjeva gora in the beginning of first century BC. Celtic women were strikingly beautiful and they wore makeup and jewellery on a regular basis.

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www.destinacija-rogla.si

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he Rogla – Pohorje destination is comprised of Zreče, a town forged by sledgehammers, Slovenske Konjice, a town of flowers and wine, Vitanje, a town of tradition, and Oplotnica, a town with unique natural treasures. Zreško Pohorje boasts an incredibly rich natural and cultural heritage. Wonderful nature, characterised by authenticity and a pleasant atmosphere, is accented by friendly and welcoming people, who love to invite you over, share with you their daily activities and offer you a piece of their heart and mind.

Zreče Zreče is a town in north-east Slovenia at the foot of Pohorje in the the Dravinja valley. It is only in the last 20 years that it has developed as a single settlement consisting of the villages of Zgornje (Upper) and Spodnje (Lower) Zreče and Dobrava, after officially becoming a town in 1987. The first traces of settlement in the Zreče area date back almost 4,000 years to the late Stone Age, as demonstrated by numerous archaeological finds from Brinjeva Gora and Gračič. The first written references to these parts in the early Middle Ages do not appear until the beginning of the 12th century, when the Zreče area was divided among several ecclesiastical and temporal lords. The Zreče area soon began to develop sawmills, mills, glassworks, the timber trade and small mines, while the blacksmith’s trade was particularly important, developing into an industry after the First World War. In recent decades tourism has become one of the most important sectors in the municipality of Zreče after the local company Unior d.d. began with large investments into tourist infrastructure which resulteinin the development of the Rogla mountain health and ski resort (1500 metres above sea level) and the Terme Zreče spa. Numerous private tourist appartments, three family run hotels, tourist and excursion farms, museum collections, and guesthouses complete the tourist offer. Zreče and English town Sedbergh have become twin towns in 2005 following a BBC documentary »The Town that wants a Twin«.

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A LEGEND Zreče was first mentioned in 1206 as “Reče” and later as an estate stretching “under castle Freudenberg in (Z)reče”. The name Freudenberg originates from a mistranslation of Zreče, which originally means river basin (people from southern parts of Styria call their streams rivers). In those times, Zreče was interpreted as “sreča” (Eng. Happiness, Ger. Freude), giving the castle the German name Freudenberg.

Slovenske Konjice Slovenske Konjice, a town of flowers and wine, and its neighbouring villages embody the Slovene beauty. It is an interesting tourist point as it is located near a motorway and is a 100 km drive away from three big cities: Ljubljana, Zagreb and Graz. Centuries ago a roman road passed through and was later used as a foundation for Vienna – Trieste road connection. It is believed that horse carriages were exchanged at this spot and the name Konjice (konj – horse) and coat of arms (white horse) originates from this historic fact. The town was first mentioned in 1146 as Counowiz however it was granted market rights in 1251 and town rights in 1955. The town has survived Turkish invasions, plague and fires. Stari and Mestni trg are the best locations for walks. Stari trg, safely protected by mighty parish church of St. George, has through history kept its original design. An enchanting square with omnipresent gentle

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breeze of past is split in half by Gospodična stream which is, according to one of the local legends, a slobber of a vicious dragon trapped in Slovenske Konjice mountain. Each of the surrounding villages offers its own features and traditions from the past. Žiče is becoming interesting for tourists mostly because of its old crafts like basket making, smithery and flour milling. Behind the village begins the Valley of Saint John the Baptist with the famous Žiče Charterhouse. The monks that lived there left a special mark upon the happenings in this area. Their order and their humble but spiritually full life is still inspiring today. Slovenske Konjice is known for great wine from Škalce wine cellar. Local wines are truly special; they capture the taste that meets expectations and combines into a harmony of pleasure. They have been awarded with several acclaims since 1994 when Zlati grič produced its first Noble wine. A walk through viticultural area Škalce, along the wine road, offers breathtaking views of neatly kept vineyards and the kindest golf course, and is an experience that will not fade in one’s lifetime. A LEGEND A cave in Slovenske Konjice Mountain was once home to a roaring dragon who often rampaged on the lake. People living at the foothill of the mountain grew scared whether the mountain could withstand the restless dragon or would burst under his influence and flood their homes and fertile fields. Scared to death, villagers sought advice from a wealthy Lord living on a hill above their village. The Lord advised them to make a deal with the dragon. “I will keep still if you bring me six virgins from Slovenske Konjice on St. George’s Day every year!” said the dragon. Year after year on St. George’s Day, the vicious dragon took six virgins to his cave with his breath and

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devoured them. When the time came for the Lord’s only daughter to be taken by the dragon, the Lord started to worry and his heart was softened by the thought of the previous victims. The Lord contemplated saving his daughter from the dragon but could not come up with a solution. In a long procession on St. George’s Day, the sad people from Dravinja valley brought another six innocent girls to the dragon, among them being the Lord’s only daughter. A horrible thunder and roar was heard from Slovenske Konjice Mountain as the dragon was once again getting ready to devour six beauties from Dravinja valley. At that moment, St. George came riding in on a white horse and cut the dragon’s head off, saving the girls and the people of Dravinja valley. The Lord was so grateful to St. George for saving his daughter that he ordered a church of St. George to be built at the foothill of Slovenske Konjice Mountain. The people of Dravinja valley vividly remembered these events for years. The town’s coat of arms, depicting a white horse on a green field with a blue sky above, was designed from these memories. People named their square Konjice (Sl. “konj” – Eng. “horse”) and the mountain, once home to a terrible dragon, Konjiška gora (Slovenske Konjice Mountain). The water source that forms a lake and resembles innocent young girls was named Gospodična (Miss).

Oplotnica Oplotnica lies in northeast part of Slovenia and is surrounded by forests of Pohorje, hiding unique tonalite and other impermeable rocks. It is a somewhat large clustered settlement with a town centre stretching on

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both sides of Oplotnica stream which comes from Pohorje. The town is located on the edge of flatlands which enabled the development of various farming activities. Higher surroundings are covered with forest and thus the wood processing has developed, the lower slopes are mostly covered with vineyards while agriculture and animal livestock farming developed in the valley. Since it is rich in water resources, the area once had many water-powered mills and saws. The local road from Oplotnica is a part of the Slovenske Konjice – Tepanje regional road and enables quick access to Ljubljana – Maribor motorway. Oplotnica is connected to Osankarica, Pesek, Zreče, Rogla, Trije kralji, Črno jezero, Areh and other tourist points in Pohorje. Municipality of Oplotnica is adjacent to the following municipalities: Slovenske Konjice, Zreče, and Slovenska Bistrica. Gorica and Prihova, the two Podpohorje Wine-Tourist Roads must be mentioned. These two roads can be enjoyed on foot, by bike, a car or even in a horse saddle. Enjoy the beautiful landscape, great local wines and culinary treats prepared and served by friendly people. A LEGEND Oplotnica River, which runs through the square with the same name and occassionally floods, was bustling with life some centuries ago. Foresters and loggers who slid logs down the slides from Pohorje, sawmill workers, stonecutters and glassmakers came to Oplotnica. The Windischgrätz family inhabited the castle with officials who ran brickworks and forests. Rumours state that the Oplotnica settlement was once surrounded by a wooden fence (Sl. plot). The fence was not put up because of the Turkish invasions that often ravaged this area but because of constant floods. The name Oplotnica is said to have its origins from the surrounding fence (Sl. “ob plotu” – En. “next to the fence”).

Vitanje Vitanje lies on the southern outskirts of Pohorje on a stream Hudinja and its two influxes Hočna and Jesenica. The modern town formed from two separate settlements, Vitanjska vas on the northeast part of the basin and Vitanje square below the castle hill. The medieval design is still well preserved, however the buildings, especially their interior, have undergone many changes. Old town centre has preserved its typical funnel shape and street buildings. Old town centre has the features of cultural settlement as the Institute for the Protection of Natural and

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Cultural Heritage Celje has established level II protection regime. One of the most important buildings is the vicarage which is covered with plain tiles and according to the chronogram above the front was built in 1845. It is an example of incredibly high quality architecture of that time. People of Vitanje have one more great acquisition to be proud of: The Cultural Centre of European Space Technologies. It is a headquarters of an institute with the same name dealing with the culturalization of the space. The building has become the main cultural point of Vitanje, a home town of family of the pioneer of space technologies Herman Potočnik Noordung. A LEGEND The area of the modern town of Vitanje was once a lake and “Hriberca” was an island. The tops of Stenica and Paški Kozjak were the only areas above the water level. In this lake lived the water man who annoyed local farmers in various ways, including his desire to have the most beautiful girls every month. One of the farms was located adjacent to the lake and one morning the farmer noticed that his two oxen were wet. When the incident took place two days in a row, the farmer decided to hide and observe what happened in his barn. To his great surprise, he found out that the water man used his oxen to carry water. The next evening the farmer gathered together a number of farmers and together they waited for the water man but with no success as he had run to Rogla, a mountain he carried water to. Rumour has it that farmers themselves carried water to Rogla, where

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smaller lakes can still be seen today, and then tricked the water man to go to Rogla as well. Another rumour has it that farmers broke through the rock at the place where the road to Celje is today and the water from the lake drained. As a result, the lake dried out, and the water man was never to be seen again and people started inhabiting the basin.

Archaeological site at Brinjeva gora Brinjeva gora, a popular excursion point and one of the most visited hills above Zreče, can be accessed via many hiking trails and one alpine climbing trail called »Boštjanova pot« (Boštjan’s route). Brinjeva gora is famous for many archaeological findings from various Prehistoric and other Historic eras. As a settlement it existed as early as in Late Stone Age. Archaeological excavations that took place eleven years and began in early 1960’s discovered numerous antique findings suggesting permanent human settlement in this area in the period between 5000-3000 BC. Findings from Copper Age in Zreče and Brezje, Prehistoric pottery found in Dobrava, urn burial ground, Antique and Late Antique settlements on Brinjeva gora and a burial mound from Copper Age, urn burial ground and burial mounds from Roman times and skeleton cemeteries from Late Antique and Slavic graves on the brinks of Brinjeva gora confirm rich history of this area. Exhibition is organised in hotel Planja on Rogla.

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PERMAN MUSEUM EXHIBIT 18


NENT M TIONS SKOMARJE HOUSE The house from 1803 is considered to be one of the most important sites of cultural heritage in Slovenia. It was built in a transitional design between the late medieval smokehouse and a more advanced house with a black kitchen. Skomarje was the home village of the famous folk singer and actor Jurij Vodovnik (1791 – 1858). Vodovnik’s songs are enthusiastic and humourous tales of the everyday life of rural people written in a local dialect

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www.destinacija-rogla.si

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useum exhibitions are sanctuaries of culture, guardians of cultural heritage, treasures of knowledge, homes of culture workers and artists. Despite their missions and tasks they perform, they are still struggling to gain recognition and visitors and to spread culture among people more efficiently.

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Beškovnik´s granary

Beškovnik’s granary is part of a homestead in the Šentvid settlement, some 7 km from Vitanje, on the slope of a hill with the picturesque Church of St. Vid. A roman cemetery also lies nearby with a catholic shrine under it. The early 19th century homestead consists of a plastered wooden house, a farmer’s retirement home, an outhouse and a granary, which is made of wood, covered with shingles and placed on top of a stone cellar. It houses a museum of old items that were once used for grain sowing or bread baking as well as equipment and tools for craftsmen. Tour available upon prior arrangement.

Contact: Viktor Kotnik +386 (0) 31 629 194 Marina Karo +386 (0) 41 531 366

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“Black Kitchen” near St. Barbara Church 2

The renewed sexton house is to be found near the St. Barbara Church. Once sextons resided there, but today it houses an ethnological museum. It was built in the 16th century, which we may assume from the “black kitchen” and the fact that there was still no construction date inscribed in the wooden beam in the “hijša”. As is typical for houses of the time, it was very plain and had a “hijša, lujpa”, a “black kitchen” and a cellar. “Lujpa” connects the “black kitchen” and the “hijša”. “Hijša” is a genuine farmer’s room with a bread stove, a closet, a spinning wheel, a sewing machine and a bed. Nowadays, individuals and societies use the sexton house for orContact: Vinko Cugmas ganising various activities that help +386 (0) 2 80 19 577 to preserve old rural traditions. +386 (0) 70 28 70 79 Tour available upon prior arrangement.

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KSEVT Vitanje from Wednesday to Friday: from 10.00 to 17.00 on Saturday and Sunday: from 10.00 to 19.00 Guided tours available every other hour. Contact: KSEVT Vitanje, +386 59 934 517

The Cultural Centre of European Space Technologies (Kulturno središče evropskih vesoljskih tehnologij - KSEVT) is located where the local cultural centre once stood and thus takes over the central cultural role in Vitanje. The architectural design of the KSEVT building originates from th eoriginal plans of the geostationary space station – residential wheel – described by Herman Potočnik Noordung in his book from 1928. Local, regional and planetary activities such as permanent and temporary exhibitions, conferences and study activities take place in KSEVT.

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Riemer Town Gallery Tour available upon prior arrangement. Contact: TIC Slovenske Konjice, +386 (0) 3 759 31 10

The restored town house in the heart of the old town centre in Slovenske Konjice houses the Reimer Town Gallery. It hosts a permanent exhibition of Franc Reimer, a local entrepreneur, and the Museum of Konjice. The permanent exhibition presents paintings from the early Renaissance to today. Two hundred square meters hold over seventy paintings (still life, landscapes, and portraits) by world-renowned local and foreign artists. The oldest painting dates back to the 15th century. The most valuable is a Venetian school painting by Leonardo da Vinci.

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” 100 Frankolovo victims” Museum – the Frankolovo crime Friday: from 15.00 to 17.00 Contact: TIC Zreče, +386 (0) 3 759 04 70

The “100 Frankolovo Victims” Museum was established in honour of an event from World War II, when 100 Slovenian patriots were hung in Graben na Stranicah. The cruel crime against Slovenian patriots, committed on February 12th 1945 in Graben na Stranicah, is considered to be one of the worst Nazi crimes of World War II. The hanging was executed to avenge the death of a prominent Nazi functionary Anton Dorfmeister, who was killed in a partisan ambush in the Tesno gorge on February 2nd 1945. In return for his life, the Nazis brought 100 hostages from the prisons in Maribor, Celje, and Trbovlje to the prison “Stari pisker” in Celje, where they hung them from the apple trees lining the road, and buried them in two mass graves. To mark the 60th anniversary of this crime, the “100 Frankolovo Victims” Memorial Society from Stranice established a permanent collection in the museum house next to the graves.

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Firefighting Museum of the Dravinja Valley 6

The foundation of the Firefighting Museum of the Dravinja Valley dates back to 2000, and its public presentation was in April 2001. The Dravinja valley and Slovenske Konjice thus gained a new opportunity to discover the past and the wider Slovenian public gained a substantial contribution to the preservation of national heritage. At the moment, the museum exhibits ten special and two general collections, totalling a thousand exhibition pieces. The museum covers 250m2 in the upper floor of the Slovenske Konjice Fire Department at Žička cesta 4.

Tour available upon prior arrangement. Contact: TIC Slovenske Konjice, +386 (0) 3 759 31 10

Narrow gauge Railway museum in Zreče 7

The Zreče Railway Station is the only remaining railway station of the Poljčane – Slovenske Konjice – Zreče narrow gauge railway track. At the station, a train including a locomotive, a passenger car, and two freight cars is displayed. The Poljčane – Slovenske Konjice narrow gauge railway track was opened in 1892 and extended to Zreče in 1921. It was built to connect the Maribor – Ljubljana railway track with the upper Dravinja Valley, rich in timber and coal, and its emerging industry. The track saw vibrant freight and passenger traffic, which unfortunately started to decline after World War II. In 1962, the track Poljčane – Zreče

Saturday: from 14.00 to 16.00 Contact: TIC Zreče, +386 (0) 3 759 04 70

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was closed due to a lack of profitability. The restored Zreče Railway Station hosts three museum collections focusing on: Poljčane – Slovenske Konjice – Zreče railway track, “Zreški kovači” music group, recent events connected with this track.

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Skomarje House

The house from 1803 is considered to be one of the most important sites of cultural heritage in the southern parts of Pohorje and the Dravinja Valley. It was built in a transitional design between the late medieval smokehouse and a more advanced house with a black kitchen. It is located in the village of Skomarje, which is among the highest Slovenian villages in which farming is still the main occupation. It also hosts numerous wonderful sites of cultural and natural heritage. Originally, the building included a spacious entry room (“lapa”), kitchen (“kujhna”), living room (“h∂jša”), sleeping room (“št∂jblc”), and a press room (“prešnca”) with a wooden fruit press. The Skomarje House hosts numerous cultural events, such as the monthly literature meetings organized by the local cultural society (“KUD Vladko Mohorič”) from Zreče. Tour available upon prior arrangement. Contact: TIC Zreče, +386 (0) 3 759 04 70 Mirko Beškovnik, +386 (0) 31 670 639

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Vodovnik collection

Skomarje was the birthplace of Jurij Vodovnik, folk singer and actor, who lived at the same time as France Prešeren and Anton Martin Slomšek. He was a cloth weaver, but he preferred to weave words into songs, since he was also able to read and write. Wearing his bottomless basket, which had a philosophically symbolical meaning to him, his restless spirit took him on journeys around Pohorje and the Dravinja Valley. Vodovnik’s songs use vibrant structures, humorous language and the local dialect to portray the everyday life of the country people. Vodovnik was born on April 22nd 1791 and died on December 17th 1858. He is

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buried at the St. Lambert Church cemetery in Skomarje. The Vodovnik Collection is a picturesque historical presentation of the culture of living.

Traditional Handicraft Workshop in Skomarje

Two traditional handicraft workshops showing the process of clog making and roofing with shingles are on display in basement rooms of the Vodovnik collection. Tour available upon prior arrangement. Contact: TIC Zreče, +386 (0) 3 759 04 70

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rivate Museum Collection of P Military Objects from the Austro-Hungarian Period Tour available upon prior arrangement. Contact: Robert Vrečko +386 (0) 41 797 350

In Stari Trg (“Old Square”) in Slovenske Konjice, directly next to the church, resides a private museum collection of military objects from the Austro-Hungarian period. It displays swords, helmets, medals, postcards, photographs, diggings from the Soča front and many other military, patriotic and religious objects that take us back to the time when our grandfathers fought for the emperor in various wars up until the collapse of the monarchy and the fight for the northern border. Most displayed objects are from the period of the First World War. Many of them are associated with our town and our everyday life.

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Charterhouse Žiče

Through the Village of Žiče and then the valley of the Holy John the Baptist, the path leads us to the mysterious Charterhouse Žiče. In this remote and narrow valley, the former owner of this estate, the Margrave of Styria Ottokar III, in around 1155, set out to establish a residence for monks from the Great Charterhouse in France. They arrived in 1160 and began building most of the buildings, first wooden and later completely solid construction structures. In the 15th century, the today’s Gastuž Inn was erected, which is one of the oldest still operating inns in Central Europe. Monastical life was halted in 1782 when Emperor Joseph II issued a decree to terminate Charterhouse Žiče. Today there is a permanent exhibition in the restored upper section of the outbuilding that presents the history of the charterhouse, and the sparkling wines of Zlati Grič from Konjice peacefully mature in Ottokar’s sparkling wine cellar. You may enjoy a walk through herb gardens and visit the Viva Sana herb shop, which hides a treasure trove of herbal drinks and preparations within its walls.

TUE - SUN, holidays: 10.00 do 18.00 (April - October) 10.00 do 16.00 (November) SAT – SUN, holidays: 10.00 do 16.00 (December - March) (On workdays open for groups upon prior arrangement) Contact: Žička kartuzija, +386 (0) 3 752 37 32 TIC Slovenske Konjice, +386 (0) 3 759 31 10

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Zrno museum, Škalce

The museum is located on the wine road in Škalce, above Slovenske Konjice. It is a wooden building designed as a wine cellar from the last quarter of the 17th century. The museum displays old tools for processing corn ears and corn, grapes, fruit and other baking exhibits.

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www.destinacija-rogla.si

Stone Witnesses of the Past O

n top of the hills lay numerous castles. The misterious stories and breathtaking views make the castles worth visiting. In the area of only four municipalities, a manor, mansion, castle ruins and an ancient castle rising above Slovenske Konjice can be visited. Allow these stone witnesses to take you to past times.

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Trebnik Manor – Herbal Gallery

The mansion under the castle in Konjice, which belongs to the Trebnik manor, is first mentioned in very old sources. It had already been mentioned in 1362. In 1395, Neža von Freudenberg from Zreče gave her husband Henrik Auer this manor as a dowry. Since 1412, the AhacTrebniški family and their successors are named after the manor. Today the manor hosts a herbal gallery offering a wide choice of natural products from herbs. from Monday to Friday between 08.00 and 15.00 Saturday: from 8.00 to 12.00 Free telephone number (080 22 28) is available 24 hours a day every day of the year.

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Mansion in Oplotnica

The Žice mansion was built between 1621 and 1631 by Carthusians from Žice, who dominated the area for 600 years. A niche on the eastern exterior of the chapel holds a quality baroque sculpture

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of St. John the Baptist, which is believed to have been brought from the Charterhouse Žice after the First World War. The chapel deserves special attention, because of its well preserved stucco decorations. They are the most quality works of their kind in Slovenian Styria, closely associated with the tomb of Emperor Ferdinand II in Graz, because the stucco decorations of the crypt closely resemble those from Oplotnica. The mansion was completely restored in 2010 with the help of European funding. Tour available upon prior arrangement. Contact: TIC Oplotnica, +386 (0) 2 845 09 14

Freudenberg Castle in Zreče 15

The castle was built on a steep ridge of the Brinjeva Gora hill at 588m above sea level, northeast of the Pilgrim Church of the Mother Mary of God and above the Podgrašek farm. It is believed that the castle got its name from the name of the settlement, which seems to derive from the old German word “Freude”, meaning happiness – the happy hill.

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Jamnik (Holenstein) Castle in Zreče

Its precise location is unknown and it is not entirely clear whether it even existed, but it is mentioned in written sources in 1342, when Henrique Tanner built the chapel of St. Pancratius under the Jamnik fortress and attained benefits and a permanent priest from the Patriarch of Aquileia. Thus it is assumed that Tanner is also the one that had the castle built. It stood close to an enlarged manmade cave and was a cave-type castle that did not comply with the existing mansion. An approximate image is provided in the form of the copperplate engraving by Vischer.

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ušperk (Luschberg) Castle L in Zreče

This castle lies on a steep hill (607m above sea level) at the confluence of the Dravinja and Ljubnica Rivers in Loška Gora and has a spectacular view of the Dravinja valley and Zreče. Its precise location prevented it from becoming more important later on. A castle bearing this name first appears when in 1279 Henrique of Lušperk testified at the Maribor Castle and later documents also speak of the fact that Henrique of Lušperk came from Maribor.

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Novi grad Castle in Vitanje

Locals also call the Novi Grad (“New Castle”) Gornji Grad (“Upper Castle”) or Krajnikov Grad (“Krajnik’s Castle”). The latter was given because of the name of a nearby homestead. In the last quarter of the 13th century during the early Gothic period, Novi Grad was built south of the settlement on the right bank of Hudinja. It was managed by knights William and Bertold Strassberger and the knights of Vitanje, the ministerials of Krško. The castle was abandoned after 1748 when lightning struck it, causing a fire.Novi Grad was a mighty complex. Its core consisted of a mighty, tall residential tower with auxiliary towers, a defence tower and a small tower with the castle’s chapel. This design was surrounded by a Renaissance wall with five semicircular towers.

Stari Grad Castle in Vitanje 19

Locals also call Stari Grad (“Old Castle”) Spodnji Grad (“Lower Castle”) or Goležev Grad (“Golež’s

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Castle”). The latter was given because of the name of a nearby homestead. The steep hill on the left bank of Hudinja at the gorge entrance was once occupied by a mighty stone castle that is believed to have been built by the bishops of Krško in the early Romanesque period, probably already in the 11th century. Up until 1413, it was managed by the Vitanje knights with moderate autonomy, and later by the “kaštelan” from the new castle nearby. In the beginning of the 17th century, the old castle was abandoned. The old castle was placed at the top of an inaccessible rock column separated from the mountain ridge. Access was possible via a manmade path carved in the rock.

Stari Grad Castle at Konjiška gora 20

Stari Grad (“Old Castle”) is one of the oldest castles in Slovenia. Its first proprietors were the Lords of Konjice in the middle of the 12th century, and in 1597, it came into the hands of the Tattenbach family, which had characterised the history of the Konjice Castle and its surroundings for nearly a hundred years. When Prince Windischgraetz became the proprietor of the castle in 1828, the building was already in ruins. Today the castle, which constantly watches over the “Town of Flowers and Wine”, is being restored and is becoming an important spot for local activities.

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TRAD 32


DITION BLACKSMITH ZreÄ?e have been for centuries the home of mighty poundings of the hammer. Strong blacksmith’s hands have been making tools and even weapons for ages in this town. Forges later became very important handicraft workshops and their number increased quickly.

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ettlements along the Dravinja River and near the forests of Pohorje have long been known for their hard working and stubborn people who struggled for survival day after day, year after year. It is due to this fact that today we can familiarise ourselves with our ancestors’ genuine professions and admire their work. The following outposts depict our past in an interesting and precise way.

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Ošlak Forge Tour available upon prior arrangement. Contact: TIC Zreče, +386 (0) 3 759 04 70 Anton Ošlak, +386 (0) 41 218 237

Located only 3 kilometres from Zreče in the heart of Pohorje, the Ošlak Forge is one of the few remaining forges in the Zreče area which still employs traditional methods. According to written sources, it was established around 1770 and contains an old residential house, outhouse, forge, saw with a joiner’s workshop, wooden shed and a new residential house. The forge is powered by two water wheels. It is located in the central room of the building, while the smaller room is used as a storage room for materials and products. It includes several interesting water powered devices, such as the water powered air pump, the piston air pump, the “repač” (a special hammer), and a rich collection of homemade farming tools used in that time.

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Šrekl - Zajc blacksmith’s forge in Dobrovlje 22

The Šrekl – Zajc Blacksmith’s Forge was established when Ivan Šrekl’s small workshop joined forces with Ignac Zajc’s blacksmith’s forge. In 2007, Ignac Zajc Junior organized the deconstruction of machinery and tools from the Šrekl blacksmith’s forge and transported them to his blacksmith’s forge in Dobrovlje, where master blacksmith Ignac Zajc Senior used to work. It is here in Dobrovlje that a workshop is still running, along with housing a collection of objects of blacksmith heritage.

Tour available upon prior arrangement. Contact: TIC Zreče, +386 (0) 3 759 04 70 Zajc family, +386 (0) 3 575 58 69

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Tour available upon prior arrangement. Contact: TIC Zreče, +386 (0) 3 759 04 70 Kohne family, +386 (0) 3 576 04 00

Buci’s Mill

Buci’s mill from 1914 lies in the southern part of the Dobrava settlement, next to the Mlinščica stream andmills milled locally grown grain; only corn was usually bought. Most often they milled rye, wheat, buckwheat, oats, barley and corn. Bread was most often baked with rye flour, sometimes with a mix of rye and wheat flour. The master who owned the mill did the milling there, but at some places, the people that brought the grain did the milling themselves. The neighbour’s mill was used by all farmers who did not own properties next to the stream. They paid in labour. Grain was brought to the mill in sheep-skin sacks that weighed 25 kg on average.

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Petelinek´s Mill Tour available upon prior arrangement. Contact: TIC Zreče, +386 (0) 3 759 04 70

The mill’s initial location used to be on the right bank of the Dravinja. Frequent flooding of this area led to river regulation and the mill had lost its place. Later, in 1924, they built a new mill on the left bank, where it still stands today. A well preserved water wheel from the era is restored and exhibited. Today the mill rarely mills, it is mainly for keeping up with tradition and preserving the heritage of our predecessors. The mill was almost completely restored in 2009 and 2010. Next to the mill, you may examine the interesting Petelinjek homestead.

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Forma Viva in Zreče

The Zreče Forma Viva began to take shape between 1973 and 1975. It is a result of cooperation between the artist Vasilij Četković and Marjan Osole, who was the managing director of Unior at that time. The blacksmith tradition of the area is directly connected with the Forma Viva, as the blacksmiths were involved in the creation of the sculptures. The art pieces created for the Forma Viva search for the authentic expression of the area and its blacksmith tradition.

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Chislakite Deposits

Tour available upon prior arrangement. Contact: Tourism Society Lipa Kebelj + 386 (0) 2 802 03 60, +386 (0) 40 186 678

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In Cezlak above Oplotnica, there is magmatic rock and plutonic rock called tonalite, which is mined in the local quarry. Just next to the quarry, we find Chislakite (green plutonic rock), the only deposit of which is here in Cezlak. Chislakite is a somewhat less durable rock than tonalite and deposits of better quality have not been found. It is a magmatic rock from pale green augite, dark green hornblende, white plagioclase and decorative white aplitic veins, which was named after the Cezlak settlement by Professor Vasilij V. Nikitin in 1939. A museum of chislakite quarry is located in Cezlak.

ark with an P Old Laundry

The park is located in the centre of Oplotnica and was created in 1924 on the property of nobleman Windischgraetz. The park contained a laundry with a shed and the Wood Wool Factory. Plans for the laundry were prepared by the Austrian mayor Karber during the Second World War. Thus they built a shed that was equipped with chairs and tables; the laundry was an important gathering place in those days and was not intended only for washing laundry. It was also used during cattle slaughters for washing intestines. The laundry served its function until the 1970s, when it was replaced by washing machines.

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FROM TH

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HE HANDS OF OUR NCESTORS CLOG MAKING In past times, almost every farm in Skomarje knew how to make clogs, as clog making was being transferred from one generation to another. Clogs are made from maple wood, a light and durable material. It took few hours of labour from a skilled clog maker to produce one pair of clogs. What do we call this handicraft? For over a decade now, the municipality ZreÄ?e also hosts a traditional accordion event called The Pohorje Clog.


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n the medieval economy, the farms in Zreško Pohorje were known for home production of almost everything they needed. Weavers, clog makers, wheelmakers, carpenters, charcoal makers, roofers, sawmill workers, blacksmiths and horse and cart drivers were professions of local craftsmen. Industrial development has influenced and changed what once was a predominantly agricultural landscape.

Clog making In older times, almost every farm in Skomarje knew how to make clogs, as clog making was being transferred from one generation to another. Clogs are made from maple wood, a light and durable material. It took 5 – 6 hours of labour from a skilled clog maker to produce one pair of clogs, providing he had all the necessary tools (“bognarica” - hand axe, “strup” – wood scraper, gouge, “rajkmaster” - crossover between a two-handle knife and a hand saw and other tools). Contact: Martin Mumelj, T: +386 (0) 31 827 455

Roofing with shingles

Shingles – wooden boards were used for roofing in Pohorje. The best shingles are produced from spruce with thick growth and no knots. An unprotected roof made from shingles will last up to 40 years and up to

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70 if shingles are coated.

Breadbaking the old-fashion way Baking in a wood-fired oven was and still is special. Who can resist those tasty delights from woodfired ovens? A well known Slovene proverb goes something like this: “One might carry the world in his head but nothing compares to home baked bread!” The proverb is confirmed by the rich ethnological and culinary heritage of bread including a versatile assortiment of raw materials, tools, technologies and ways of preparing and eating bread. Bread is essential in everyday life and in religious ceremonies, customs and habits that have been part of local life for thousands of years. However, surely you must agree with the following proverb: “Bread is defined by hands, not flour.”

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read baking in a wood-fired oven at B Zajdenšek-Črešnar farm

Do you still remember the enchanting smell of grandmother’s house when she fired up that wood-fired oven and baked home made bread in it? Who could resist that smell and the bread it was coming from? Karolina Črešnar’s products were awarded with an award for quality at the Dobrote slovenskih kmetij (Treats from Slovene farms) exhibition. The sight of a semi-white, wholewheat, corn and rye home baked bread makes one hungry in a heartbeat. You can also choose between fruit bread or one with walnuts or wild garlic. Housewife Karolina is one of those people that do not like to keep their knowledge to themselves. Quite the opposite – she shares her knowledge of bread baking the oldfashion way at her workshops, organised at her farm in Boharina. Once baked, your masterpiece is yours and can be taken home with you. Contact: Karolina Črešnar T: +38 (0) 3 576 26 69, +38 (0) 40 594 597

Plaiting

Plaiting is a very old craft or additional activity at the farm dedicated to satisfying home needs. Plaits were done by small farmers, “bajtar” (owner of small premises) and “gostač” (labour worker working and

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living at landowners). Plaits were mostly used during work at home and in the field for storing, carrying and transporting. This craft is characterised by a variety of different plaiting materials: straw, osier wickers and strips, hazel and hazel strips and clematis. No wonder plaited utensils and other accessories were a part of everyday life.

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Kalšek Plaiting

Tourist farm Kalšek produces plaiting products typical for the Dravinja valley area. Their products are made of osier wicker with treated strips and are awarded a certificate of handicraft products from the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia. Kalšek farm produces and sells baskets, bins and braided bottles. You may also taste various home made wines (Blue Franconian, Pinot Blanc, Muscat Blanc, Sauvignon), enjoy homemade snacks and relax in a calm landscape among vineyards on the Žička gorca hillslope. Groups of up to 50 visitors can be accommodated upon prior arrangement. A tour and view of the process of plaiting and plaiting products that can be useful objects or memorabilia can be seen. And best of all, you can try plaiting yourself. Contact: Kalšek family T: +386 (0) 3 576 34 45

Beekeeping The tradition of beekeeping in Slovenia dates back a long time ago. The Slavs, at first occassional exploiters of bee nests and later honey hunters, brought beekeeping to this area. With their permanent settlement in this region, the development of forestry beekeeping began. Based on written sources, domestic beekeeping was developed in the 13th century as an offspring of forestry beekeeping and caused its decline. Modern era beekeeping was highly influenced by the introduction of new crops, especially buckwheat (from first half of the 15th century onward), which became an important grazing crop for bees. And what is the status of apiculture/beekeeping in this area today? We would like to introduce the Žvikart and Kamenik farms, two bee farms that still nurture the several centuries’ old tradition of beekeeping.

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Žvikart Bee Farm

Beekeeping tradition in the Žvikart family began with the father who started with only a few hives. With hard work, dedication and love

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towards beekeeping, he managed to expand his farm to over 200 hives and spread his enthusiasm for bees to his son who now works with him. Their beekeeping is in complete accordance with the latest sanitary and veterinary legislation. The family is happy to present the work of beekeepers, their equipment, explain the life of a bee family and its importance in preservation of the evironment and the influence of bee products on our health. They offer bee products and various types of honey: wildflower, acacia, chestnut, forest, spruce and from the Primorska region – forest honey, better known in Slovenia as “škržatov med”. Contact: Žvikart family T: +386 (0) 575 55 23

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Kamenik Bee Farm and Production of Beverages

Beekeeping is an additional activity at Kamenik farm that is located 850 metres above sea level in a village called Božje nad Oplotnico. A local road connecting ski slopes Jurgovo and Rogla runs through Božje. Beekeeping at Kamenik farm is the basis for production of various honey liqueurs, the most famous being rose hip, sour cherry and blueberry liqueurs. As a true honey lover, you can choose between wildflower, acacia, chestnut, forest and spruce honey. Honey with various fruits or brandy with various herbs completes their well rounded offer. Contact: Kamenik family T: +386 (0) 3 576 23 85

Distillation The beautiful hills at the foothills of Pohorje, covered with vineyards and orchards, produce the sweetest fruits of the autumn. These hills have been the home of fruit brandy distillation tradition for over a century and have produced the Kejžar distillery.

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Distillation Kejžar

Distillation has always been “a man’s task” and brandy was always considered a man’s drink – enjoyed out of pleasure while women’s consumation of brandy, a drink known to alleviate pain, was considered healthy. The Kejžar family was reluctant to follow tradition as distillation was done by grandmother – Kostanjeva mama – who was well known for her apple cider, her main trade product and source of income for

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her entire and numerous family. Family members have stayed true to grandmother’s recipe of brandy distillation and have expanded their business to produce more types of brandy and larger volumes of this intoxicating drink. Fruits used for distillation are grown in their orchards and in accordance with integrated fruit production principles, meaning fruit spraying is less intensive and does not leave residues on fruits. They also use a lot of ecologically grown fruit in meadow orchards. Their products are distinguished by harmony of scent and flavour that caters to the needs of most demanding experts. Their offer consists of blueberry, Williams pear, fruit and honey brandy. Contact: Kejžar family T: +386 (0) 3 757 67 04

Herbalism

Many farms in Pohorje have well organised herbal gardens that allow introduction and familiarization to medicinal herbs of Pohorje. While two large gardens can be found in Vitanje and Žiče, we must not forget about the store in Žiče Charterhouse that sells various herbs.

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Meglič Herb and Eco Farm

Žiče Charterhouse is famous for its monastery, however it has plenty more to offer. Especially worth mentioning is the herbal garden and option to taste and buy tea, tea mixtures, spreads, herbal drinks and ointments from the Iršič Herb Farm, which is located on the slope of Steniška gora near Vitanje and is considered a high-altitude farm. Iršič farm boasts a spectacular view over Vitanjsko Pohorje and Zreško Pohorje. The Meglič family owns 10 hectares of cultivable land. They grow old sorts of tall apple trees, pears and plums. They cultivate spelt, buckwheat, grain, corn and other crops. They also have a herbal garden and different animals, namely sheep, lambs and suckler cows. Their hayloft can accommodate a busload of tourists for an overnight stay. Contact: Iršič Karel T: +386 (0) 41 620 716

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Majnik Herbal Garden

Majnik herbal garden, an extremely interesting and picturesque home to over 120 different kinds of herbs, can be found near Kalšek plaiting in

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Ĺ˝iÄ?e. To Mrs Majda, a lifelong herbal enthusiast and the conceptual leader of the garden, her own herbal garden was a fulfillment of her childhood dreams. However, she is always proud to point out that her project would never have seen the light of day without the help and dilligent work of other members of Temnik family. The garden is open for tours and educational activities and also sells biodynamically grown herbs. Contact: Majda Temnik T: +386 (0) 31 342 107

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SACR HER 46


RAL RITAGE MARTIN’S FOOTPRINT Along with the signposting milestone, the Footprint of St. Michael is a symbol of the St. Martin of Tours Route, one of the major cultural routes of the Council of Europe. The Church of St. Martin in the village of Zlakova above Zreče was the fifth object of cultural heritage in Slovenia on which the Footprint of St. Martin was placed.

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hurches are the oldest and most lavish culturalhistorical monuments bearing rich religious, cultural, artistic and historical messages. A total of 20 churches, most of them in municipality of ZreÄ?e, are located in Pohorje and Dravinja valley. Sacral objects date from different periods, however the majority were built in High Middle Ages and Late Middle Ages.

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Church of Jesus Christ at Rogla (Jezusove spremenitve)

The church at Rogla (altitude: 1517 metres) was blessed in 2010. Part of the St. Kunigunda parish, it is one of the few examples of companies investing into sacral objects. It was built according to the design of architect Vera Klepej TurnĹĄek on a property donated by the Pikl family. After more than ten years, the plans to build a church at Rogla had finally been realized and the company Unior was able to expand its tourist services with a new attraction.

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St. Martin Church in Zlakova (Sv. Martin)

The St. Martin Church is the second oldest preserved church in its parish and is situated at an altitude of 578 metres. It was probably built sometime in the 14th century by the Carthusian monks from the nearby

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Church of St. Martin

Žiče monastery. The St. Martin Church is one of the five Slovenian sites of cultural heritage which bear the Footprint of St. Martin. Along with the Milestone, the Footprint of St. Martin is a symbol of the European cultural route, similarly as the St. Jacob’s Shell is the symbol of Camina. The footprint is used to indicate sites that are connected to St. Martin’s heritage. The St. Martin’s route is one of the paths which are focused around historical and legendary European personalities.

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hurch of the Mother of God at C Hriberca (Sv. Matera Božja)

It was built in the years 1747 to 1754 in a Baroque style. The exterior does not entirely reveal this appearance. Only after we step inside are we truly taken in by the fullness of Baroque architecture. Frescos and also the colourful overflow of walls and arches further emphasise the Baroque style. The main altar is a large and beautiful Baroque example from 1770, believed to be the work of Janez Jurij Mersi. The organs are from 1803 to 1870.

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ilgrim Church of St. Mary Mother P of God at Prihova (Sv. Matera Božja) It was built at the middle of the 15th century. Construction of this extremely beautiful building was encouraged by a cherry tree blossoming on Christmas, which was seen by the people as God’s hint to erect a church here. First, a shrine was built at this location, then a church in 1464 – today’s church nave. The main donor for the construction of the church at Prihova was Wolfgang Valzej from a family of wealthy German earls.

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arish Church of St. George P in Slovenske Konjice (Sv. Jurij)

The Konjice Parish is first mentioned in 1146 in a document by Peregrin, the Patriarch of Aquileia. The first church in Konjice was definitely built before 1146 and today’s church of St. George is its successor. The main altar is dedicated to the church’s patron St. GeorgeFour statues in the corners of the presbytery around the main altar definitely grab your attention. They are statues of St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Jerome and St. John the Baptist in natural size. The statues were probably sculpted by the Mersi sculpture workshop in the 17th century.

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40 St. Jacob church at Resnik (Sv. Jakob)

41 Church of St. John the Baptist in Oplotnica (Sv. Janez Krstnik)

42 St. Lambert church in Skomarje (Sv. Lambert)

43 Holy Mother of God church at Brinjeva Gora (Sv. Matera Božja)

44 Church of St. Nicholas in Oplotnica (Sv. Miklavž)

45 St. Agnes church at Brinjeva gora (Sv. Neža)

46 St. Giles parish church in Zreče (Sv. Egidij)

47 St. Kunigunde parish church in Gorenje (Sv. Kunigunda)

48 St. Lawrence parish church in Stranice (Sv. Lovrenc)

49 Church of the Visitation of Mary in Špitalič (Marijinega obiskanja)

50 Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Vitanje (Sv. Peter in Pavel)

51 Church of St. Vitus in Hudinja (Sv. Vid)

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IN SEAR THE W AND OF PO


RCH OF WORLD HEART OHORJE HEART OF POHORJE Zreče takes pride in its rich natural and cultural heritage, great cuisine and welcoming people. Zreče is a home to a lively heart that will give you a tour of the town and local points of interest


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ogla – Pohorje destination is full of various educational trails suited especially for children. Trails are filled with genuine learning stations that enable observing natural processes and culture of living and also learning about the harmony of cultural and natural heritage that can be found in abundance in this area. And who knows, during the walk children might show interest or even fall in love with a certain profession.

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Heart’s Educational Trail in Zreče

Heart´s, educational trail was arranged in 2012 and connects elements from the natural and cultural heritage of Zreče. The trail runs in a circle and is 10.1 km in length. One can enter and exit the trail at any point. The trail consists of 13 stations equipped with informative-educational boards, each located at natural and cultural sites in Zreče. Educational stations are: introductory station, park, stream, World War II bunker, lake, Pavlak cave, Ančka Tourist Farm. hunting-technical object, Quarry/Golek, belvedere, technical museum, Forma viva, church and school. The trail begins at a signboard at Terme Zreče showing the trail in length of 7.2 km, which can be extended to 10.1 km with an ascent to Golek.

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ater-themed Educational Path W in Zreče

The Zreče water-themed educational path connects elements of natural and cultural heritage and reawakens the town’s heritage through a portrayal of past activities linked with the present. The Zreče water-themed educational path connects the restored well at the railway station, old mills along the Dravinja River, the river itself with its affluent streams and the Zreče Lake and the thermal spa. Zreče is extremely rich in water resources that were the foundation for the past economic development of the settlement. The route is equipped with eight informational-educational boards, beginning at the railway station, where there is also a map with all of the locations.

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Dwarf’s Educational Trail

Curious Rogla visitors will most definitely decide to follow a Dwarf’s educational trail towards Jurgovo and learn about the vast wealth and variety of nature.

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The Educational Path Oplotnica gorge

The Oplotnica gorge has been arranged for the purpose of preserving the natural environment along the Oplotnica stream, which was very important for the local population in the past, since it presented an important source of income. At one point in the past, over 30 saws and mills stood

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along the stream. The area surrounding the stream is rich with plant species and the path also enables education and information about local life in the past with the help of educational tours and workshops.

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he Petelinjek Nature T Educational Path

In mid-September 2007, the Petelinjek Nature educational path officially opened. This nature educational path is intended primarily for elementary and secondary level students, who actively participate at 13 thematic posts and get acquainted with life in ponds, swamps, soggy meadows, alder trees and forests.

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he Prežigal Water Educational T Path

The Prežigal Water educational path is an outdoor classroom, a field laboratory for various target groups and a test track for researchers. Visitors get to know various water sources, their use in the past and their potential for the future.

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he Little Dragon’s Forest EducaT tional Path in Slovenske Konjice

The path curves along the foot of the Konjiška Mountain, above the town of Slovenske Konjice. It captures a view of the Dravinja Valley with the Pohorje forests in the background, and upon entering the forest, we are overwhelmed by the rich plant and animal life. It leads us above the vineyards, along the edge of the forest and into it; it circles the old Konjice Castle with its history and legends of former lords of Konjice and at the same time returns us to the present, amongst the sites of the forest. Guides are provided by the Slovenian Forest Service from Slovenske Konjice, who also assisted in arranging the Little Dragon’s Forest educational path.

Sports activities 59

The Zlodejevo adrenaline toboggan

The Zlodejevo winter and summer adrenaline toboggan run offers excellent entertainment for all generations in all seasons. The wind in your

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ears and speeds that increase the heart rate provide an adrenaline ride in the heart of the fairytale forests of Pohorje. The descent of 1360 metres along a long track with steep turns ensures entertainment for the whole family.

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Rogla Bike Park

Are you a fan of mountain biking? Do you love adrenaline tracks? If so, then you must visit Rogla Bike Park. Rogla Bike Park consists of five tracks, differentiated by difficulty levels, in a total length of 4700m. Different obstacles such as bands, table tops, drops, rocks, jumps and other elements can be found on the tracks. Children and beginners might desire to test their skills in the “skills area” before deciding on appropriate level of track difficulty. The Bike Park works hand in hand with the Planja scenic chairlift.

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Golf course Škalce

The Zlati Grič golf course is located among the vineyards in Škalce in Slovenske Konjice. The picturesque golf course has 9 fairways with the total length of 2500 m and is par 35.

Skiing 62 At an altitude of 1517 metres, the world is white like a fairytale. Especially on winter days, when the plains rest under a thick fluffy blanket of snow and the mighty spruces of Pohorje are bending under their carpet of snow.

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Excellently prepared ski slopes and ski-run tracks are where the best Slovenian ski-runner, Petra Majdič, is preparing to provide many sport enjoyments for skiers and ski-runners. The family-friendly centre also offers pleasures for small children. Some enjoy their first turns in the snow sports school, while others have fun in the kindergarten on snow. Those who have plenty of energy and adrenaline get around well at the hurdles in the Fun Park Rogla, on a polygon for free-style snowboarders and skiers, located along the left side of the ski slope Mašin Žaga. The Fun Park Rogla consists of a “half pipe” in the upper part and fifteen “slope-style elements” where free-style snowboarders and skiers perform their own elements in the middle and even the lower part. Some ski jumps made from the natural contours of the ground, referred to as “kickers”, are in the lower part and two “big air” ski jumps are placed directly before the finish line.

Water experiences 63 Experience the feeling of lightness in eight pools with a total surface area of 1600 m2 and enjoy relaxing in the massage pools and special baths of the Terme Zreče. The indoor pools have enough room for active swimming, regaining your strength and condition and strengthening your body. Your little-ones can in the meantime spend pleasant hours in the children’s splash pool. During the summer, experience water enjoyment in the Forest Water Park. Relax with water and pearl springs and have fun on the slow river, on fast chutes and the slide. In winter, you cannot miss bathing in pools surrounded by a snowy landscape.

Climbing 64 Climbing adventures on Rogla are presented with original programmes for experts, beginners, schools, companies and families. The lower climbing wall is 2.9 metres high and is appropriate for children and as a warm-up before the real challenges on the higher 9-metre climbing wall. Climbing encourages the family spirit and motivates you to test yourself in a wild adventure. Climbing adventures offer you the feeling of success, encourage self-confidence and provide joy, laughter and healthy entertainment.

Sport fishing 65 The Zreče Lake, with an arranged walking path and pleasant corners for sport fishing, is located in the immediate vicinity of the health

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and spa resort Terme Zreče. Numerous fishermen are enthusiastic about the rich catch of numerous fish species such as Pike, Perch, Trout, Chub, Common Nase, Carp and Bleak. Sport hunting is also allowed in the artificial lake Mašin Žaga on Rogla.

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Family World of Adventures 66

Mini Zooland in Slovenske Konjice

Mini zooland is located in Slovenske Konjice and enables entrance into an adventure-packed world full of various plants and animals that can be fed and petted. Children’s birthday celebrations in Mini Zooland are precious, and originally designed playground structures will make sure this event never fades from your child’s memory. Even larger groups of kindergarten and school children and also retired citizens will never forget their experience at Mini Zooland. You can take a look at the aquarium, tropical forest and themed venues (Australian land, Wild West land, real pirate ship, Farm yard‌).

from Monday to Sunday from 9.00 to 18.00 in summer time until 19.00. Contact: +386 (0) 3 759 02 70

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ravinja Ranch in Slovenske D Konjice

Dravinja ranch is heaven for horsemen, their horses and most of all for children. During your visit, you can experience a rustic environment, relax in countryland and enjoy the sight of the soothing and magical Dravinja River that flows next to the ranch. The ranch offers a ride on the back of a horse or pony, various animations and events like horseback riding within a ranch or within a fenced area, mini school of horseback riding, culinary and dancing workshops and themed evenings. Dravinja ranch will also pamper you with a delicious meal.

from Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 21.00 Saturday: from 15.00 to 20.00. Contact: +386 (0) 31 769 212

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Natural Attractions

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he Pohorje area, with its diverse plant and animal life, represents one of Slovenia’s natural pearls. This is also confirmed by Pohorje’s placement into the Natura 2000 network of special European nature protection areas of great ecological importance for preserving and attaining a favourable state of habitat types and species. They are determined in accordance with Habitats and the Birds Directives.

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The Lovrenc Lakes

The Lovrenc Lakes are the most interesting amongst the lakes found at the kilometre long and 300 m wide Lovrenc moor, which some also call the Lovrenc Lakes. The lakes cover 16 ha between Planinka (1392 m asl.) and Mulej’s Peak (1533 m asl.) in the upper area of the Radoljna, Mislinja and Velka Streams. The lakes are hollows, up to 1.2 m deep, and cover a few square meters. There are between 11 and 22 lakes, depending on the amount of still water and on how long it lasts. The highest lake lies at 1529 metres above sea level and the lowest at 1517 metres. High altitude makes it possible for moors in Pohorje to magically conjure up landscape characteristics from moors and marshes in northern Europe.

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Pavlak Cave

Pavlak cave in Nova Dobrava near Zreče, which lies in steep east wall about 40 metres above former Jamnik mansion currently known as Potočnik farm, was explored in 1963. During their work, the researchers came across some prehistoric ceramics typical of late Bronze and Early Iron Age. Findings, which were discovered in alluvial layers in the middle of the cave, are held in Regional museum Maribor.

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The Zreče Lake

The Zreče Lake was created in the year 2000 in the valley of the Koprivnica stream for the purpose of broadening the tourist offer of the area. The lake is divided into two parts; first part is for treatment of wastewater and the second for fishing and visitors. And what is there to catch? The list is long: carp, chub, pike, perch, grass carp, bleak, and other types of fish. If you do not enjoy fishing, you can simply walk or jog around the lake and enjoy at the sight of ducks and geese splashing in the water.

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Žički grobeljnik (Alyssum montanum var.pluscanescens Raim.) 71

A rare and endangered plant “žički grobeljnik” (Alyssum montanum var.pluscanescens Raim.) is endemic to the stone quarry in Žiče that is located on the way towards Charterhouse Žiče. The growing site was named a protected natural monument with a municipal decree. Please, do not pick this precious flower – take home an image of it on your camera.

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Natural Climatic Health Resort

Rogla has been an acclaimed climatic health resort since 1996. The soothing effects of the climate at the altitude of 1517 metres, in sunny locations sheltered from the wind, are suitable for everyone experiencing difficulty with pulmonary diseases or obstructions. Oxygen-rich air and the beneficial climate have a beneficial effect on respiratory diseases, allergies, eye and skin diseases, and blood diseases. According to experts, they are in particular appropriate for the treatment of asthma, convalescent pneumonia and pleural infections.

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Peat of Pohorje

The peat of Pohorje is a natural source of health and well-being. This unique natural medicine is distinguished by its ecological pureness and efficiency in the treatment and soothing of rheumatism and other diseases. The age of the peat of Pohorje is estimated to be 10,000 years. Its medicinal effect has a beneficial effect on the diseases of the locomotor system as well as on gynaecological, urological, internal and psychosomatic diseases.

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A Taste of Rogla 64


Taste ogla POHORSKI LONEC (POHORJE POT) Pohorje pot is a typical dish for Zreško Pohorje and if you enjoy the mixture of meat, mushrooms, barley, potato and – of course – home baked bread, then it might be time for you to try a stew. Enjoy your meal.

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rich culinary heritage is typical of this region. Food prepared in a modern way according to the recipes of our grandmothers and accompanying events have been, together with providers of culinary and cultural services, joined into a distinctive brand called “Okusi Rogle” (A Taste of Rogla). In our striving towards local self-sufficiency, we have managed to connect several local farmers with this project, increasing the percentage of local food served. Typical dishes for this area are “pohorski lonec” (Pohorje pot), mushroom soup with buckwheat mush and excellent baked “pohorski štrukelj” (Pohorje strudel). We can also serve beans with cracklings or Styrian pumpkin steaks. Who would not want a taste of “pohorska bunka” (smoked pork in pork stomach) or genuine “pohorske koline” (home made sausages). Our dishes are served in various restaurants and pubs, however each chef prepares them in his/her own way. We do not offer only food as we are very near to the Podpohorje Tourist Wine Road 17. We will make sure you do not leave us with a feeling of hunger or thirst.

ine-Growing Area of Škalce – W Wine cellar Zlati grič

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Hills rise above the plains along the Dravinja River, above the carefully cultivated fields and meadows and also the forests. The word hill means something more at the Konjice area. A hill represents kindness, the sun, the vine, tradition and life. A walk along the wine route becomes unforgettable in all seasons, all weather. These golden hills are a natural park, a gallery of wonderful views over the neatly kept vineyards, the kindest golf resort and the town. Wines from Konjice are special; they capture a taste that satisfies expectations and melts in a harmony of pleasures. They are produced on about 400 ha. The nobleness of the wine can be felt in various white varieties and also in the red varieties, the queen of which is Blue Franconian. All sorts of wine go well with the selection of homemade dishes from around here.

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Wine cellar Zlati grič

Descendant of old grapevine at Lent 75 in Zreče A descendant of the oldest noble grapevine in the world – Blue Franconian (Vitis vinifera var. Sativa) grows at Zreče bus station. The local population and other visitors gather around this grapevine on St. Martin’s Day and at other festivities. The grapevine is accompanied by a new town clock and an apple tree, a symbol of friendship between Zreče and their befrended town in northern Great Britain, Sedbergh.

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in Slovenske Konjice

Harvesting grapes from a descendant of old grapevines is an annual event in vineyards in Slovenske Konjice, performed with great pride and respect. A descendant of the great-great-grandmother of grapevines in the city of flowers and wine grows at the entry to Škalce, the wine-growing hills next to Slovenske Konjice. Velvet beauty can also be found at a special place in Žiče Charterhouse, where it has been appropriately named “Kartuzijanka”. The sun rays in the Valley of Saint John the Baptist are obviously invigorating as the grapevine has been growing successfuly since 2007.

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Culinary routes Wood-fired route Length: 10 km Time of visit: throughout the year Type of visit: on foot, by bike, by car Route progress: Part 1: Zreče – Ančka excursion farm Part 2: Zreče – Lake Zreče – Urška tourist farm in Križevec – Arzenšek tourist farm in Stranice

Forest route Length: 35 km Time of visit: throughout the year Type of visit: by car, by bike, partly on foot Route progress: Zreče – Hotel Pod Roglo in Boharina – Ravničan excursion farm – Ramšak tourist farm on Padeški Vrh – Rogla – House on Pesek – Gričnik tourist farm on Planina na Pohorju – Smogavc guesthouse in Gorenje – Kejžar distillery in Zreče

Wine-fruit route Length: 50 km Time of visit: throughout the year, most interesting during grape harvest and fruit picking season

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Type of visit: on foot, by bike, by car Route progress: Descendant of old grapevine at Lent at Zreče bus station – Andrejc vineyard – Založnik vineyard – Zlati grič – Žiče Charterhouse – “Gačnikov hram” tourist farm in Klokočovnik – Sanctum wine cellar in Lipoglav – Brečko fruit farm in Stranice

Route of herbs, aromatic plants and honey

Length: 30 km Time of visit: throughout the year Type of visit: by car, by bike Route progress: Trebnik manor in Slovenske Konjice – Dravinja ranch – Žvikart beekeeping – Majnik herbal garden in Žiče – Kalšek plaiting in Žiče – Lopan excursion farm – Kračun pension – Žiče Charterhouse and Gastuž guesthouse – Iršič herb farm – Krošl excursion farm

Along the pastures of Pohorje Length: 55 km (municipality of Vitanje), 60 km (municipality of Oplotnica) Time of visit: throughout the year, most beautiful from spring until fall Type of visit: by car, by bike (granite bike route), on horse’s back Route progress: Part 1: Zreče – Ošlak forge in Skomarje – Arbajter tourist farm in Skomarje –Skomarje house – Beškovnik’s granary in Vitanje – Čebelica guesthouse – KSEVT (Cultural Centre of European Space Technologies) – Kuzman guesthouse Part 2: Skomarje – Ločnikar tourist farm – Pačnik tourist farm in Resnik – Rogla – Cottage on Jurgovo – House on Pesek – Lukanja – Cezlak stone quarry – Oplotnica Additional information available on www.destinacija-rogla.si or in the book “Po kulinaričnih poteh Zreškega Pohorja in Dravinjske doline”.

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Credits Information for guide gathered end edited by: Tadeja Waldhuber, Urška Firer and Tamara Zver Photographs: Archive LTO Rogla-Zreče, GIZ Ervin Matevžič, archive Občina Zreče Archive Unior d.d. – Program Turizem Tomo Jeseničnik, archive TIC Slovenske Konjice Archive Občina Vitanje and Zavod KSEVT Archive Občina Oplotnica Matjaž Jambriško, archive ZAVOD Celeia Celje Aleš Hotko, www.gradovi.net Publisher: LTO Rogla-Zreče, GIZ Design and Print: Medijski guruji, d.o.o. Issue: september 2013 Edition: 2.500 pieces

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