Hotels in Braslovče: Hop Festival and History

Every year on the second weekend of August, Braslovče becomes the setting for Dan hmeljarjev, a traditional Slovenian hop festival. A festival procession leads through Trg Braslovče to the event grounds. This places not only the town’s history but also a lively event at the centre, with venues directly connected to the market town.

Culture and history

The historic market-town layout of Trg Braslovče has been preserved to this day. Its legal significance dates back to 1360: at that time, Braslovče was granted market rights by Counts Herman I Celjski and Viljem Celjski. Legant is also located within this historic town structure. At the latest from the second half of the 14th century, the building served as the administrative building of the market town; the market judge was based there. A surviving inscription above the entrance also indicates that Legant once had a guard and military function.

One of the defining historic sites is the parish church of Marije Vnebovzete, considered the oldest building in Braslovče. In 1428, Veronika Deseniška, the second wife of Count Friderik II Celjski, was temporarily buried at this church. Today, a tower and part of the wall remain from the church. The lapidarium at the Braslovče cemetery also preserves older evidence: it contains old gravestones of cultural and historical value, which are recognised both as a cultural monument and as a tourist attraction.

Outside the actual town centre lies Žovnek Castle, one of the oldest castles in Slovenia. In the vicinity of Braslovče, an approximately 15-minute, moderately strenuous walk leads to Žovnek Castle. Another connection is provided by the Veronike Deseniške Trail: it leads from Žovnek Castle past Lake Žovneško jezero through Trg Braslovče to the Church of Marije Vnebovzete.

Nature and trails

Lake Braslovško jezero is located in the vicinity of Braslovče, close to Trg Braslovče. A forest educational and walking trail of approximately 1.5 kilometres leads around the lake. The route lies in the vicinity of Braslovče and connects sections of forest with the area around the lake. Lake Braslovško jezero also offers opportunities for fishing and nature-oriented leisure activities.

The area can also be explored by bicycle on a designated route: Cycle Route No. 16 begins at Lake Braslovško jezero and leads through Braslovče. For walks through the market town, there is also a route that includes a tour of Braslovče, a visit to Legant and an introduction to the history of the market town. The trails thus cover different aspects of the town without separating its historic sites from one another.

Events and regional themes

The Skup’n plac event grounds in Braslovče are now a venue for numerous events, intergenerational workshops, meetings, private celebrations and other gatherings. One of Slovenia’s largest and oldest kozolci stands on the grounds. One of the six VIT points of the Eco-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing, based in Žalec, is also located there.

Dan hmeljarjev connects this event venue with the historic market town, as the festival procession leads through Trg Braslovče to the event grounds. In the vicinity of Braslovče, in Podvrh, a private collection on the history of the First and Second World Wars displays more than 1,000 exhibits. These include documents, letters, postcards, weapons and uniforms.

Wellness and activities

In the vicinity of Braslovče, Pine Heaven Wellness at Parižlje 136, 3314 Braslovče offers a private wellness experience. This includes an outdoor Finnish sauna and a massage pool beneath a wooden roof, which is available for use year-round.

Žovneška avantura za otroke is available in the vicinity of Braslovče for children’s groups of all ages. The programme is historical, exploratory, creative and movement-oriented; its content can be adapted. In addition to trails, lakes and historic sites, this means that specific activities are also available for children’s groups, encompassing various forms of shared experiences.

Other places

Other town pages: Tabor, Vransko, Prebold, Petrovče, Žalec, Polzela, Prekopa.

To the higher-level travel overview: Žalec.