Straža – Krka, Vineyards, Hiking Trails and Culture

The Krka River flows through Straža, where it is used primarily for leisure and sports. Straža also has vineyards, paths, viewpoints and cultural sites.

Nature and Trails

Three interconnected circular hiking trails run across Straški hrib: Gozdarska, Rimska and Vinogradniška. All three start and end at Straža railway station, where there is a large car park. From there, Velika Prepadna Cave can also be reached via a marked footpath with white and green markings.

Vzletišče Peter is a launch site for paragliders and also a popular starting point for hikers. The site is located above Dolenje Polje at an altitude of 464 metres and offers views to the southeast across the Topliška Valley, towards Ljuben and the Gorjanci.

In the surroundings of Straža lies Glinokopi Zalog, a habitat educational trail approximately 700 metres long in the Temenica Natura 2000 area. The Glinokopi Zalog circular trail also starts and ends in the same surroundings, at Breza Sports Park.

Two organised hikes with cave tours to Velika Prepadna take place every year. The cave can only be visited accompanied by cavers.

Water and Events

The Dan na Krki programme includes a descent on rafts and other watercraft along the Krka. Dan na Krki has taken place since 2010 during the summer days of July. Another traditional event is Straška jesen, which takes place in the first week of September.

Wine and Regional Context

There are numerous vineyards and vineyard cottages on Straški hrib above Straža, thanks to its favourable location and warm climate. Straška gora, Nova gora, Stara gora and Ljuben are local wine-growing areas in the Posavje-Dolenjska wine region, where Cviček is native.

At one of the vineyard cottages available in Straža, visitors can taste wine by prior arrangement; a homemade snack can also be offered.

Culture and History

The Dular Mill and sawmill in Vavta vas were declared cultural monuments of local importance in 2015. The mill in Vavta vas was first mentioned in 1502 or 1504. There is also a plague marker from the 15th century near Pograjc.

The Church of Sv. Tomaža in Straža is designated as a cultural monument of local importance. It has an older church nave that is still medieval in origin. In the 17th century, a three-sided closed chancel with a ribbed vault was added to the church.

The Dularjeva Trail passes through places described in the books of the writer, poet and museologist Jože Dular. Tomaža is a designated named stop on the Dularjeva Trail. The trail also includes a viewpoint among the vineyards overlooking the Straška Valley and the Krka. Another stop is Ravbarjeva zidanica, which commemorates Jožica Venturini from the time of the Second World War.

More Destinations

More location pages: Škocjan, Šentjernej, Žužemberk, Vinica Pri Šmarjeti, Šmarješke Toplice, Dvor, Brezovica, Mali Ban.

To the higher-level travel overview: Novo Mesto.