Find a Hotel in Otočec: Island Castle on the Krka and Culture in Novo Mesto

Otočec Castle stands on an island in the middle of the Krka and, together with its park, is considered an outstanding cultural and natural monument. It was first mentioned in historical records in 1252. Otočec Castle has been restored to its original Gothic and Renaissance splendour. This is where the exploration of Otočec begins: a place where the river landscape, architectural history and a tangible historical connection come together directly.

Culture and History

Another cultural focus is Novo Mesto. The exhibition Arheološka podoba Dolenjske displays numerous important archaeological objects, including figuratively decorated bronze situlas found in Kandija and at Kapiteljska njiva in Novo Mesto. Because of its numerous bronze situlas, Novo Mesto is known as the “City of Situlas”. The Dolenjski Museum was founded in 1950 and uses permanent and temporary exhibitions to present the history of Novo Mesto and a large part of Dolenjska.

Individual buildings and squares there also preserve distinctive historical connections. Since the end of the 16th century, the main altar of the Cathedral of St Nicholas has featured a painting of Saint Nicholas created in the 16th century by the Italian Renaissance artist Jacopo Rubusti Tintoretto. Glavni trg is characterised by distinctive arcades that reflect the city’s commercial past. The old town centre also includes a Franciscan library with precious incunabula.

Since 2022, the bell tower of the Kapiteljska Church has been transformed into the Razgledna ploščad Kapitelj, a viewing platform with panoramic views over Novo Mesto. Kettejev drevored is one of the memorial landmarks in Novo Mesto associated with the poet Dragotin Kette.

Wine and Market

The landscape and culinary side includes Trška Gora, a 428-metre-high wine-growing hill with the world’s highest concentration of vineyard cottages. The experience Trška Gora Between Castles combines a hiking route with tastings of local specialities and wines. Along the way, Trška Gora is explored through castle stories, winemaking traditions and unspoilt nature.

The Open Vineyard Cottages invite visitors to family-run wine cellars for wine tastings and homemade specialities. A market is also held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the main square of Novo Mesto. Local producers, creatives and visitors come together there.

Nature and Trails

Ragov Log is a small woodland area on the right bank of the Krka in Novo Mesto. It features a nature trail and information boards. The walking route From the City to Ragov Log leads across the main square and through the old town, past the Novo Mesto courthouse, over a wooden footbridge across the Krka and into Ragov Log forest.

The 10-kilometre Green Circle walking route runs through the central part of Novo Mesto. It includes promenades along the Krka as well as sections through the Ragov Log and Portoval woodland areas. Numerous signposted cycle paths around Novo Mesto lead through vineyards with picturesque vineyard cottages. E-bikes can be rented at the foot of Trška Gora or at the tourist information centre on Glavni trg, the main square of Novo Mesto.

Water on the Krka

At Novo Mesto’s city beach on the right bank of the Krka below Portoval Sports Park, visitors can rent SUP boards, canoes and wooden rowing boats; swimming in the Krka is also possible there. The city beach can be reached on foot from Glavni trg in about ten minutes. The paddling route on the Krka described from the city beach landing site is approximately 1.2 kilometres long in each direction. Irča Vas Boathouse is 1.7 kilometres from the starting point at the city beach when travelling upstream.

A raft trip on the Krka below the old town centre of Novo Mesto offers views of the Breg district, the cathedral and the Franciscan monastery high above the river. Guided tours are offered year-round in Novo Mesto by professionally trained local tourist guides. They cater to various groups and take place both in the city and throughout the wider Dolenjska tourist area.

Other Destinations

Other destinations to choose from: Mali Ban, Škocjan, Dolenjske Toplice, Šmarješke Toplice, Brezovica, Mirna Peč, Šmarjeta, Novo Mesto.

To the overarching travel overview: Novo Mesto.