Žužemberk between the Castle and the Krka

The remains of Žužemberk Castle form a typical medieval fortress on a steep rock above the Krka. Its history dates back to the 13th century; in the 16th century, it was fortified with seven defensive towers. The castle can be visited and explored independently or accompanied by a guide. Free parking is available in front of the castle in the town centre, while nearby attractions can be reached on foot or by bicycle. At the nearby Gostilna pri gradu, visitors can obtain a flyer providing access to audio guides for 20 stations around the castle.

Culture and history

The small church also preserves several distinctive historical features. Inside, there is a Baroque altar and important frescoes from the 14th century. On the exterior façade, visitors can see a fresco depicting a storm at sea and an embedded Roman gravestone. The surviving frescoes in the church are among the significant monuments of medieval painting in Dolenjska. The church is designated as a cultural monument with art-historical, architectural and historical significance. In Žužemberk, you can also follow the route of a Roman road.

Museums and crafts

In nearby Dvor, the restored Auersperg ironworks complex includes the Lončarija exhibition space and the Trajberk visitor centre with multimedia facilities. Guided tours of the Auersperg ironworks complex are available by prior arrangement. The Ironworks Museum and gallery in Dvor display original castings and demonstrate smelting, mould-making and casting. A cast-iron pumping station in Žužemberk was built by the former Auersperg ironworks in nearby Dvor.

The Museum of Famous People from Suha krajina displays manuscripts, documents, objects, books and photographs. It can be visited by prior arrangement with the school. On the balcony of the fire station, visitors can see a restored fire pump belonging to the Žužemberk Fire Brigade from 1888. Breg in Žužemberk is considered the birthplace of Zalla Zarana, the first Slovenian film actress in Hollywood. Tomaž’s Lovers’ Bridge is a wooden bridge at the site of an earlier bridge that connected the two riverbanks near two mills.

River landscape

The Krka is considered Slovenia’s only river with tufa deposits. It has 90 tufa barriers; particularly beautiful ones are located near Žužemberk. Along a suggested route from the centre of Žužemberk to Dvor, you can swim, paddle, go boating or fish on the Krka.

Trails and activities

The “Along the Iron Routes to Dvor” trail is considered a pleasant hike suitable for all generations. Before starting the trail, you can visit the Žužemberk Pavilion on the square in front of Žužemberk Castle. An event held in June, titled “Cycling on the Roman Road”, runs through Ivančna Gorica, Valična vas, Žužemberk and Dvor.

Events and regional cuisine

Suhokranjski dnevi, formerly Trški dnevi, take place on the municipal holiday of the Municipality of Žužemberk, 15 July, and combine cultural, recreational, ethnological and tourism programmes. Their programme in Žužemberk includes a traditional cooking competition for ješprenj. The traditional Medieval Day at Žužemberk Castle features knight fights, demonstrations of old crafts, medieval music and dancing.

More destinations

You can access more destinations here: Dolenje Kronovo, Mirna Peč, Šmihel Pri Žužemberku, Srednje Grčevje, Dolenjske Toplice, Hrib pri Hinjah, Vinica Pri Šmarjeti, Otočec.

For the higher-level travel overview: Novo Mesto.