Velenje is a city of Youth and Rock on the one hand and has a colorful history giving it a touch of mystery even today on the other hand. The youngest Slovene town charms everybody – with lively events, rich culture or unspoiled natural heritage. Velenje Castle is perched on a steep rocky mound above the town. It is one of the most preserved castles in Slovenia, which nowadays hosts the Velenje Museum with eleven museums and gallery collections. The Dragon’s Castle Trail around Velenje takes you to three another castles in Šalek Valley, one of them, Šalek Castle, is unique in Slovenia due to its triangular shape. A special Velenje experience is the descent into the Mysterious Underground World of the Coal-Mining Museum of Slovenia.
Foto: Bor Roman
Why not spend some quality time in nature? Cyclers can discover cycling trails, while hikers can walk along the interesting theme paths or climb one of the nearby hills. For sports and nature enthusiasts Lake Velenje and Lake Škale provide plenty of recreational opportunities. The lakes are a consequence of coal mining in the area, however the magic world on the lake-shores invites all fans of strolls in nature, jogging (also cross-country skiing in winter), cycling, horse riding, fishing, etc. The adrenaline lovers should not miss the Huda Luknja Gorge, which may be discovered under expert guidance (
www.speleos-siga.org). The youngest can also have fun on excellent playgrounds.
Foto: Bor Roman
Special care is given to youth and children in Velenje. The city’s events never run out of creativity, booming ideas and youth energy. In colder months they can hang out and create at
Velenje Youth Centre, while in the warmer months they can come out to the streets, squares and parks. In May, weekends become very eventful due to the Days of the Youth and Culture and in August due to the Festival of Youth Culture Kunigunda. More information about youth activities on
www.mc-velenje.si.
More than 1500 events are being prepared each year. Pippi Longstocking festival, which has grown in fifteen years from a one-day event to the biggest children’s event in Slovenia, is housed in Velenje. It is such events that increase children imagination and creativity, offer numerous educational resources, strengthen feeling for fellow human being and humanity, make new friendships, drive young people to tolerance and acceptance of diversity and strengthening ties between different generations. There are more than one hundred Pippi's creative workshops operating during the festival, three stages for theatrical performances, more stages in the central arena, exhibitions, Pippi's cinema and also a humanitarian action is organized. Pippi Longstocking festival ends with Pippi’s day.
Foto: Ksenija Mikor
Locals and visitors can use safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly transport. You can use the free city bus named “LOKALC” or you can rent a bicycle.
We recommended a stay in
Hostel Velenje, which is brand new and attractive hostel, located near the river, only a 5 minute walk from city centre and the main bus station. The hostel offers four rooms with wheelchair access and provides clean and comfortable accommodation. Near the
Hostel Velenje is the Youth Centre Velenje, with daily activities. All over the hostel there is a WI-FI connection free of charge and there are also three computers at your disposal.
In the
Tourist Information Centre Velenje you can get all information on what to do and discover, you’re your time in Velenje will be spent interesting and enjoyable. It is located in the refurbished Villa Bianca.
TOP 5:
- Lakes
- Velenje Castle with panoramic view on Velenje
- Underground adventure in the Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia
- Festival of Youth and Culture Kunigunda
- The best ice cream
Feel free to contact us, we are glad to create a trip according to your wishes! Persons with disabilities have special attention!
Kindly Welcome!
Villa Bianca
Stari trg 3
SI-3320 Velenje
Telefon: +386 3 896 18 60
