Laško: Hotels, Brewing Tradition, Spa and Savinja

At the Laško Museum, the permanent exhibition “Laško – A Journey Through Time” traces the town’s historical development from prehistoric times to the present day. Another exhibition focuses on the brewing industry and the spa and health-resort traditions of Laško and Rimske Toplice. The museum is open to individual visitors. The Laško Brewery Tour also takes visitors through the production facilities and ends with a tasting of selected beers and non-alcoholic beverages. The HoneyBrew Laško Tour complements this theme with an interactive experience that combines thermal springs, Laško beer, the cuisine of chef Marko Pavčnik and honey specialities.

The distinctive appearance of the old town is shaped by Valvasorjev trg, Orožnov trg and Aškerčev trg. Orožnov trg features a depiction of Medusa, regarded as an indication that the Laško area was already settled in Roman times. Beside the bridge over the Savinja leading to the old town centre stands a statue of Gambrinus, the “King of Beer”. A replica of the original wooden Black Bridge was built by Laško Brewery in 1997 at the request of the local population.

Historical buildings include the Weichselberger Manor House, a Renaissance building from the 16th century that now houses the Laško Library. Its present-day architectural features include arcades from the 19th century. The Archparish Church of St Martin is considered one of Slovenia’s most significant Romanesque buildings and has ten Baroque altars. Its bell tower, nave and ribbed vault are original components dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. The Laško Cultural Centre hosts performances, seasonal programmes, concerts and exhibitions.

A path along the walls of the old town leads uphill to Tabor Castle and its summer garden. From there, views extend over the old town centre, the Savinja and the surrounding hills. The A7-Hum Trail passes the Prižnica, Prepadna udorina and Blaževa skala viewpoints, as well as a rest area with an information board about the flora. The B2 Trail runs along the boundary of the former market town of Laško and follows the old boundary path once used by local residents to secure their territory.

The A8 Spa Trail is an easy circular route that starts and ends at Thermana Laško. It is 3.4 km long and takes approximately 40 minutes. The route follows both banks of the Savinja and also includes a 2 km testing trail and an outdoor fitness area. In addition, the Wellbeing Park on both banks of the Savinja provides outdoor fitness equipment; each piece of equipment has instructions and exercise recommendations.

The Gračnica Valley lies in the municipality of Laško, in the area surrounding Laško. It is part of the European Union’s NATURA 2000 network of protected areas. The valley is home to numerous rare and endangered plant species, habitats for endangered animals along marshy riverbanks, and rare birds on wet meadows.

The Holy Well “Holly well” in Laško rises below Hum Hill. The chapel beside it was built in 1906 by the Laško Tourist Association. In the surroundings of Laško and Rimske Toplice, the thermal springs have a temperature of 34 to 38°C and contain 370 to 430 mg of dissolved minerals.

Other local destinations: Trobni Dol, Rimske Toplice, Svibno, Radeče

For the higher-level travel overview: Laško.