The H

eart

of Sl

oven

iaTh

e He

art o

f Slo

veni

a is

hom

e to

peo

ple

who

live

in th

e he

art-s

hape

d ar

ea a

roun

d th

e Ge

omet

ric C

entr

e of

Slo

veni

a.

Amid

st th

e hos

pita

lity

of k

ind-

hear

ted

peop

le an

d un

ique

ness

of a

hea

rty

plac

e, yo

u w

ill fi

nd in

spira

tions

for a

hol

iday

and

rela

xatio

n.

ww

w.h

eart

ofs

lov

enia

.co

m

Com

e an

d m

eet p

eopl

e in

the

Hea

rt o

f Slo

veni

a w

ho c

onne

ct tr

aditi

ons

with

a v

isio

n fo

r the

fu

ture

. Vis

it cr

afts

men

, tou

rism

farm

s an

d nu

mer

ous

even

ts.

Get a

cqua

inte

d w

ith n

atur

al a

nd c

ultu

ral f

eatu

res

of th

e re

gion

str

etch

ing

from

the

Kam

nik-

Savi

nja

Alps

, alo

ng th

e Sa

va R

iver

to th

e D

olen

jsko

hill

s.

Enjo

y na

ture

: go

hiki

ng, c

yclin

g an

d ho

rse

ridin

g, v

isit

recr

eatio

n ce

ntre

s, a

n ad

vent

ure

park

or a

spa

reso

rt. A

lso,

exp

lore

win

ter a

ctiv

ities

!

Expl

ore

on y

our o

wn

by m

otor

hom

e: v

isit

frie

ndly

mot

orho

me

stop

over

s, u

sing

GPS

co

ordi

nate

s an

d a

mob

ile p

hone

alo

ng th

e ro

ute

you

plan

ned

your

self.

Open

you

r eye

s to

the

uniq

uene

ss in

the

Hea

rt o

f Slo

veni

a! C

ome

and

expe

rien

ce y

our

pers

onal

cel

ebra

tions

: wed

ding

s, p

icni

cs, s

ocia

l and

bus

ines

s m

eetin

gs.

Plan

you

r itin

erar

y fr

om K

amni

k, th

roug

h M

enge

š and

Trz

in to

Luk

ovic

a an

d Do

mža

le, f

rom

Dol

pri

Ljub

ljani

to L

itija

and

eve

n fu

rthe

r acr

oss t

he

land

scap

e st

retc

hing

from

the

Kam

nik-

Savi

nja

Alps

to th

e Do

lenj

sko

hills

, fro

m th

e ou

tski

rts o

f Lju

blja

na to

the

plai

ns a

long

the

Sava

rive

r.

reas

ons f

or h

olid

ays i

n th

e hea

rt

Find

your

own!

5 1 2 3 4 5

1

2

3

4 5

6

7

8910

11

12

13 1415

1617

18

19 20

21

22

23

2425

VELIKA PLANINA ALP AND KAMNIŠKA BISTRICA VALLEY

N 46° 18’ 22”/ E 14° 36’ 30”

TUNJICE NATURAL HEALTH RESORT (NARAVNI ZDRAVILNI GAJ TUNJICE) N 46° 13' 43” / E 14° 34' 30”

OLD TOWN CORE OF KAMNIK N 46° 13' 32'' / E 14° 36' 42''

ARBORETUM VOLČJI POTOK N 46° 11' 05'' / E 14° 36' 22''

GOLF ARBORETUM N 46° 11' 43'' /E 14° 36' 49'''

SNOVIK SPA (TERME SNOVIK) N 46° 13’ 36” / E 14° 42’ 15”

MENGEŠ HUT ON THE GOBAVICA HILL (MENGEŠKA KOČA NA GOBAVICI)

N 46 ° 09' 56'' / E 14° 33' 41''

ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH (CERKEV SV. MIHAELA)

N 46° 09' 48'' / E 14° 34' 05''

JABLJE CASTLE (GRAD JABLJE) N 46° 08' 30'' / E 14° 33' 13''

OLD SQUARE IN LUKOVICA N 46° 10' 11'' / E 14° 41' 31''

BRDO PRI LUKOVICI N 46° 10’ 14” / E 14° 41’ 08”

GRADIŠČE PRI LUKOVICI N 46° 09' 51'' / E 14° 42' 04''

FLORJAN'S FAIR IN TRZIN (FLORJANOV SEJEM V TRZINU)

N 46° 07' 59'' / E 14° 33' 51''

TRZNFEST AND INTERNATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL

N 46° 07' 58'' / E 14° 33' 42''

JEFAČN'K HOMESTEAD ( JEFAČN'KOVA DOMAČIJA) N 46° 08' 29'' / E 14° 33' 41''

RECREATIONAL AREA BY THE KAMNIŠKA BISTRICA (REKREACIJSKA OS OB KAMNIŠKI BISTRICI) N 46° 08' 10'' / E 14° 36' 02''

DOMŽALE STRAW HAT MAKING MUSEUM (SLAMNIKARSKI MUZEJ DOMŽALE)

46° 08' 12'' / E 14° 35' 32''

STUDENEC SUMMER THEATRE (POLETNO GLEDALIŠČE STUDENEC)

N 46° 08' 37'' / E 14° 40' 22''

PR' KRAČ TOURISM FARM (TURISTIČNA KMETIJA PR'KRAČ)

N 46° 05' 31« / E 14° 40' 31«

VEGA'S LEARNING TRAIL (VEGOVA UČNA POT)

N 46° 06' 33” / E 14° 42' 34”

MANOR PAVILIONS IN DOL (GRAŠČINSKI PAVILJONI V DOLU)

N 46° 05’ 17” / E 14° 38’ 50”

GEOSS ADVENTURE PARK (PUSTOLOVSKI PARK GEOSS)

N 46° 07’ 21” / E 14° 48’ 56”

LITIJA CARNIVAL (LITIJSKO PUSTOVANJE)

N 46° 03’ 24” / E 14° 49’ 54”

CHARCOAL LAND (OGLARSKA DEŽELA) 46° 01' 52'' / E 15° 01' 20''

TIC THE HEART OF SLOVENIA (TURISTIČNA TOČKA SRCA SLOVENIJE)

N 46° 03’ 23” / E 14° 49’ 49”

The Velika planina alp boasting over 100 shepherd’s cottages is one of the oldest herdsmen’s settlements in Europe. A number of hiking trails and the gondola lift will take you up there from the picturesque Kamniška Bistrica valley – the river of three springs.

10 healing spots, with beneficial effects on numerous physical and psychological conditions, are located close to St. Anne’s Church (cerkev sv. Ane) and its astounding view. It’s a holistic health centre and the only place in Slovenia with scientifically proven healing effects on a variety of conditions and diseases.

It's one of the most beautiful mediaeval towns in Slovenia, surrounded by the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The Small Castle (Mali grad) with a Romanesque chapel rises above the town core. The Tastes of Kamnik offers culinary indulgences in Kamnik and its vicinity.

A botanical park with over 3500 plant species is well worth visiting all year round. A park with the Gallery of Janez Boljka is a venue of numerous events. The spring exhibition of tulips is its most popular event.

The golf course overlooking the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, with difficulty level CR 139, offers a diverse game even to the most demanding golf enthusiasts. By the golf course there’s a restaurant with an open kitchen.

The only spa in the Heart of Slovenia is just a stone’s throw away from the renowned Tuhinjska dolina valley. The spa facilities include pools, saunas and an apartment settlement. In the vicinity there are numerous hiking and cycle trails, which will take you along the valley to the mountains.

This popular hiking and cycling spot is suitable for family trips due to its easy access, culinary offer and playground equipment. The Mengeš hut offers striking views over the Kamnik Alps!

The oldest monument in Mengeš boasts frescoes of Janez Ljubljanski and the baptistery of Jože Plečnik. There are numerous shops with musical instruments by the church in this musical place.

The mediaeval fortress, close to the village Loka pri Mengšu, is a venue of prestigious events. A tour around the castle’s architectural uniqueness is available every other Saturday.

The old square is skirted by impressive houses from the times when freight was transported by wagons, of which the most interesting one is the Pungartnik house (Pungartnikova hiša). In the village Podpeča also stands a building that housed the oldest post office from the 16th century.

Just a shooting range from Kersnik's castle with its park and a mighty tree alley, there’s the Slovenian Beekeeping Centre, showcasing the Slovenian beekeeping and a learning trail of honey plants.

The village at the beginning of the Črni graben valley is worth visiting for its picturesque lake with a circular trail and St. Margaret’s Church (cerkev sv. Marjete) from the 17th century, mentioned in Valvasor’s book The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola.

Local delicacies, handicraft masterpieces and other interesting things await you at the fair, which celebrates local cultural traditions every May.

The TrznFest programme or the festival called the Trzin Spring (Trzinska pomlad) includes concerts, theatrical performances, literary evenings and performances of groups from different countries from the world at the Folk Festival. It represents the peak of lively spring events in Trzin.

The homestead, situated at the birthplace of the renowned mayor of Ljubljana Ivan Hribar, offers a commemorative museum room, numerous exhibitions, the museum’s permanent collection on Trzin and cultural events.

Amidst the green spots of Domžale, there’s an especially appealing recreational area by the Kamniška Bistrica River. A walk, run or recreation using outdoor gym equipment includes a spectacular view over the Alps.

The Domžale craftsmanship is showcased in a permanent exhibition of straw hats, the equipment and tools. At the museum, one can also see how straw hats are made.

The biggest outdoor Slovenian theatre offers concerts, theatrical performances and other cultural treats which are part of the Cultural Summer Festival (Kulturni poletni festival).

The homestead in Dol pri Ljubljani is the last operating supply centre by the formerly navigable Sava River. It offers accommodation with tradition and adventures, such as horse riding and an exhibition of ethnological collection.

The walking trail connecting Dolsko, Zagorica and Moravče leads to the birthplace of renowned mathematician, strategist and ballistics expert Jurij Vega.

The park, formerly known as the Versailles of Kranjska, delights with pavilions, tree alleys, a pond, fountains, a botanical garden and statues of four muses. It is also a perfect venue for outdoor wedding ceremonies.

In the forest of adventures, there are five tree-top climbing routes of various difficulties with 72 different climbing elements. Treat yourself to a descent with total length of 915 metres!

It was written as early as in the 19th century by Janez Bleiweis that in Litija people make fun of politics by putting on peculiar clothes. The Litija Carnival is one of the oldest in Slovenia and is still known for its political satire.

In Dole pri Litiji, you can still experience the process of making charcoal. For more charcoaling adventures, you can visit the Charcoal Land (Oglarska dežela) in September or participate in the hiking event Along the Charcoal Trail (Po oglarski poti) in May.

The tourist information centre offers tourist information and publications, craftsmanship exhibitions and workshops. Souvenirs – products of local masters of traditional handicrafts – are available as well.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

What to experience and explore?

How to travel?

Hit the road to where your heart calls! If you’re eager to accelerate your heartbeat with some extra adrenalin, be sure to visit the Geoss Adventure Park 22 in the immediate vicinity of the geometric centre of Slovenia.

There are many opportunities for active leisure, as there are many walking, learning, hiking, mountain, cycle and equestrian trails. In the Heart of Slovenia the trail by the river can suddenly change into an outdoor gym, such as the Domžale recreation area 16 , hiking trails will take you to the shepherds on the Velika planina alp 1 , to cottages, such as the Mengeš hut on the Gobavica hill (Mengeška koča na Gobavici) 7 or to the lake, like the one awaiting you at the foot of the Gradiški hrib hill 12 . The cycling routes will take you past the numerous natural and cultural sights of the Heart of Slovenia. You can get acquainted with many of them at different events, one of them welcoming you to the Charcoal Land 24 .

Don’t forget to keep track of the events calendar! Here in the Heart of Slovenia one can experience traditional customs or modern culture every day. At the carnival in Litija you can laugh together with the locals 23 , in Trzin you will get to know the craftsmen and folklore 13 , 14 , seasonal unique features will delight you in the botanical park Arboretum Volčji potok 4 , in the summer you will enjoy the events of the biggest outdoor Slovenian theatre the Summer Theatre of Studenec (Poletno gledališče na Studencu) 18 in September you can visit National Custom Festival in Kamnik.

Seekers of cultural sights will explore mysterious stories of old market settlements, such as Lukovica 10 , numerous castles and churches as well as homesteads, e.g. the ethnological Pr’ Krač Homestead (Domačija Pr'Krač) 19 , the commemorative Jefačn'k Homestead ( Jefačn'kova domačija) 15 or the birthplace of Jurij Vega on Vega’s learning trail 20 .

Peculiarities from the past will delight you in museums, like the Kamnik museum in Zaprice Castle and a special Straw Hat Making Museum in Domžale 17 .

After all the activities you will renew your energy at the Tunjice Natural Health Resort (Zdravilni gaj Tunjice) 2 or in the beneficent waters of the Snovik Spa (Terme Snovik) 6 .

The Heart of Slovenia is located right in the centre of Slovenia, in the outskirts of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, not far from the main airport of Slovenia and the main traffic hub of the country. Located in the centre, the Heart of Slovenia is an excellent starting point for exploring all the unique features of Slovenia, with its rhythm of life and charm of the countryside, ceaselessly intertwined with town inspirations, offers enough reasons to stay in the local environment for several days.

You can plan your itinerary in the Heart of Slovenia individually by using the e-turist application for your mobile phones, cartographic publications for motorhome travellers, cyclists, mountaineers and hikers.

For people who strive to create a better life!The Heart of Slovenia, located in the outskirts of the capital city of Slovenia, is a region of a different pulse. Tourism in the Heart of Slovenia is based on maintaining authenticity!

Traditional characteristics and unique features in the Heart of Slovenia are intertwined with new ways of travelling, accommodation, socialising and adventures with a special feel for nature and lifestyle.

The Heart of Slovenia is a place that your heart calls for!Listen to it and discover your real heartbeat.

Where to invite people?After visiting the Heart of Slovenia you will be happy to return! After you have explored the Heart of Slovenia at your own pace, you can invite others here – from the most precious family gathering to premium business meetings.

Invite your business partners to an event, and enrich it with a round of golf overlooking the Kamnik-Savinja Alps 5 , or look for conference facilities at other providers in the Heart of Slovenia.

An unforgettable wedding ceremony awaits you at romantic castles, such as Jablje Castle (grad Jablje) 9 , or in the unique environment of the castle park in Dol pri Ljubljani 21 .

The Heart of Slovenia offers plenty of picnic spots and areas for leisure activities in nature, in the company of your choice. Invite yourself and others to the Heart of Slovenia!

www.heartofslovenia.com

Ordered by: Kamnik Tourism and Sports AgencyPublished by: Development Centre of the Heart of SloveniaW: www.razvoj.si, T: 01 896 27 10, E: info@razvoj.siPhotos by: Matej Povše, Primož Hieng, archives of municipalities and providers Published within the framework of the project Promotion of the Tourist Area of The Heart of Slovenia. Operation part financed by the European Union – European Regional Development Fund. Partners in the project are municipalities Dol pri Ljubljani, Domžale, Kamnik, Litija, Lukovica, Mengeš and Trzin.

Adventures and pleasant gatherings with people will give you everlasting memories of the Heart of Slovenia. You will be pleased to bring locally produced delicacies home with you, which you can buy at numerous farms, as well as products with the brand The Heart of Slovenia, designating produce based on the endowment of the region in the centre of Slovenia. It combines values of authenticity, quality and connecting tradition with modernity. Some of the unique products from the Heart of Slovenia are masterpieces of craftsmen connected into the Network of Craftsmen of the Heart of Slovenia. Their creations are showcased at exhibitions at the TIC The Heart of Slovenia in Litija 25 . You may also gain a new experience at one of their delightful workshops!

Look for unique products and souvenirs at www.heartofslovenia.com

What to bring home?

In the Heart of Slovenia, you can choose among hotels, apartments, private rooms, campsites and motorhome stopovers. Tourist indulgences are offered by places, such as Snovik Spa (Terme Snovik) 6 . Contact with the locals awaits you on tourism farms with accommodation, such as the Pr’ Krač homestead (Domačija Pr’ Krač) 19 . Another unique feature of the Heart of Slovenia are the motorhome stopovers that offer close interactions with people, as you will park your motorhome in their farmyards! Your stops will be abundant with homemade delicacies, which are the core of the Heart of Slovenia brand.

The Heart of Slovenia is a garden of the best from the nature. Local self-sufficiency is also being maintained here – from the nearby gardens and fields, orchards and forests, beekeeping pastures, rivers full of fish. You can taste the best from nature at selected guesthouses, tourism and excursion farms with local culinary offer. When in Kamnik 3 , be sure to look for special hard cheese trnič, originating from the Velika planina alp 1 !

Where to sleep and eat?

Explore accommodation possibilities and the culinary offer at www.heartofslovenia.com

Keep track of the events calendar at www.heartofslovenia.com

Look for organised programmes at www.heartofslovenia.com

Explore the contents of the Heart of Slovenia at www.heartofslovenia.com

THE HEART OF SLOVENIA

VELIKA PLANINA ALP AND KAMNIŠKA BISTRICA VALLEY1

TUNJICE NATURAL HEALTH RESORT (NARAVNI ZDRAVILNI GAJ TUNJICE)2

OLD TOWN CORE OF KAMNIK3

ARBORETUM VOLČJI POTOK4

GOLF ARBORETUM5

SNOVIK SPA (TERME SNOVIK) 6

MENGEŠ HUT ON THE GOBAVICA HILL (MENGEŠKA KOČA NA GOBAVICI)7

ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH (CERKEV SV. MIHAELA)8

JABLJE CASTLE (GRAD JABLJE)9

OLD SQUARE IN LUKOVICA (Foto: Primož Hieng)10

BRDO PRI LUKOVICI11

GRADIŠČE PRI LUKOVICI12

FLORJAN'S FAIR IN TRZIN (FLORJANOV SEJEM V TRZINU)13

TRZNFEST AND INTERNATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL 14

JEFAČN'K HOMESTEAD (JEFAČN'KOVA DOMAČIJA)15

RECREATIONAL AREA BY THE KAMNIŠKA BISTRICA (REKREACIJSKA OS OB KAMNIŠKI BISTRICI) 16

DOMŽALE STRAW HAT MAKING MUSEUM (SLAMNIKARSKI MUZEJ DOMŽALE) 17

STUDENEC SUMMER THEATRE (POLETNO GLEDALIŠČE STUDENEC)18

PR' KRAČ TOURISM FARM (TURISTIČNA KMETIJA PR'KRAČ) 19

VEGA'S LEARNING TRAIL (VEGOVA UČNA POT) 20

MANOR PAVILIONS IN DOL (GRAŠČINSKI PAVILJONI V DOLU)21

GEOSS ADVENTURE PARK (PUSTOLOVSKI PARK GEOSS)22

LITIJA CARNIVAL (LITIJSKO PUSTOVANJE)23

CHARCOAL LAND (OGLARSKA DEŽELA) 24