Novo Mesto on the Krka: Culture, Trails and Wine

Novo Mesto combines the Krka landscape with an exceptionally tangible cultural history. The Dolenjski muzej is a stop on the Iron Age Danube Route and preserves, researches and presents the Iron Age heritage of Dolenjska. This means that engaging with the city does not begin with a general backdrop, but with specific collections and places.

Culture

The exhibition Arheološka podoba Dolenjske displays figuratively decorated bronze situlae found in Kandija and at Kapiteljska njiva in Novo Mesto. It covers archaeological periods from the Stone Age to the end of the Early Middle Ages and is located on the ground floor and first floor of Križatija. Another historical highlight is the library of the Klošter – Frančiškanska cerkev in samostan. It is the oldest library in Novo Mesto and dates from the late 15th century; its collection contains around 12,000 books.

Trails and Movement

The Pot Pozabljena polovica Novega mesta is divided into three circular routes: a city circuit through the old town, a water circuit along the right bank of the Krka, and a forest circuit along the left bank of the Krka and over Marof Hill. At the same time, it is a thematic walking route through hidden city streets, promenades along the Krka and the Marof viewpoint hill. It commemorates women who shaped the history of Novo Mesto but whose role was overlooked.

There are also various venues for sporting activities. The Novo mesto Olympic Centre has a covered velodrome and an athletics hall. It offers year-round conditions for training cyclists and track-and-field athletes, as well as for cycling and athletics competitions. The Olympic Centre is also home to the Equestrian School Sports Center Češča vas and the Vizir Equestrian Association, which offer riding activities for beginners and experienced riders.

The almost 40-kilometre-long Rudolfova pot is a hiking and cycling route. It runs approximately along the boundary of the area formerly known as Rudolfswerth and associated with Novo Mesto, and is suitable for mountain bikes. The Trškogorska kolesarska pot leads from Novo Mesto along the Krka in the direction of Otočec, climbs to Trška gora and follows the Krka back towards Novo Mesto. E-bikes can be rented at TIC Novo mesto or at the Vstopna točka Trška gora.

Krka and Nature

The route 21 mostov reke Krke begins in Novo Mesto, crosses 21 bridges over the Krka as well as a bridge over the Sušica River, and leads to the source of the Krka. For shorter excursions, the most popular route from Z vesli po Krki leads towards the city centre; it is easy and approximately 1.2 kilometres long. As part of this offering, visitors can rent SUP boards, canoes or a wooden boat during the summer months.

The Ragov log urban forest is separated from the old town of Novo Mesto only by the Krka. The walking route Iz mesta v Ragov log connects the centre of Novo Mesto with the Ragov log urban forest via a wooden footbridge over the Krka. Ragov log also has a forest educational trail with information boards.

Viewpoint

The Razgledna ploščad Kapitelj is located in the church tower and is a tourist viewing site. Access leads up 126 steps to a height of approximately 24 metres. From there, the view extends over the old town of Novo Mesto, the green Krka, the vineyards of Trška gora and the slopes of the Gorjanci as far as Trdinov vrh in the distance.

Wine

The Cviček Festival traditionally takes place in May on Glavni trg in Novo Mesto and conveys the wine tradition of Dolenjska. In recent years, the festival has established itself in Novo Mesto. It includes a traditional parade of winegrowers' associations, tastings of award-winning wines and the crowning of the Cviček King. More than 1,000 members of winegrowers' associations from Dolenjska usually take part in the parade.

Visitor Information

TIC Novo mesto is the central information point for visitors to the city. During the summer months, it is open every day of the week, provides information about tourism services, books guided tours and rents out e-bikes or boats. TIC Novo mesto also organises guided tours with local guides. Visitors learn about Glavni trg, Kapitelj, the Krka and other sights of the city.

More destinations

More destinations: Mali Ban, Otočec, Žužemberk, Škocjan, Šmarjeta, Dolenjske Toplice, Hrib pri Hinjah, Straža

To the higher-level travel overview: Novo Mesto.