Šmarje pri Jelšah: an oasis of nature, sustainable tourism, and baroque heritage

In the heart of Slovenia, surrounded by vineyards and picturesque hills, is Šmarje pri Jelšah – a destination where sustainable tourism is intertwined with a rich cultural heritage, fine cuisine, and experiences in nature. There you will find a wide range of wine and culinary tourism, cultural and natural heritage, art and outdoor activities.

Taste the local tradition

The rich tradition of local wine growers and their fine wines delight visitors from all over the world. At Šmarje Wine Cellar you can taste the highest quality wines, produced with love and respect for nature. The association of wine growers and cellarers “Trta”, which has been active since 1994, brings together almost 200 local winemakers who tell the stories of this unique place with their produce.

Taste quality local wines from Šmarje wine growers in the Šmarje Wine Cellar.

Explore Baroque legacies

The cultural and natural heritage offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and art of Šmarje pri Jelšah. One of the area’s most treasured gems is the Baroque Museum, which showcases a permanent collection of 43 original wooden statues, each over 260 years old. These masterpieces once adorned the Baroque Calvary Chapels in the mid-18th century.

See the permanent exhibition of 43 original wooden sculptures from Calvary Chapels, dating back more than 260 years.

Climb the famous Calvary

Calvary with the pilgrimage church of St. Rok is one of the finest Baroque monuments of art in Slovenia and offers an unforgettable pilgrimage experience along a zigzag route through the 14 chapels of the Way of the Cross. More than any other monument, it comes closer to the popular emotion and experience of the way of suffering.

Climb to the top of Calvary to the Church of St Rok and see the 14 chapels of the Way of the Cross.

Stroll through the medieval Lemberg Square with the Rotovž

Discover the colorful and millennia-old history of this once-famous place. The Rotovž Museum preserves the unique story of Lemberg, once considered one of the most important towns in Styria. One of the best-preserved authentic town centers in Slovenia and its unique story has been preserved to this day and are presented in the Rotovž Museum, which is the heart of the town and the identity of this once powerful and important place with remarkable stories and legends.

Experience the medieval Lemberg Square with the Rotovž, considered one of the best preserved authentic centres in Slovenia.

Get active with diverse outdoor experiences

Discover new outdoor activities that are great for developing your body and mind. Try footgolf and archery, or head out on cycling and hiking trails that take you through picturesque vineyards, forests, and fields.

In Šmarje pri Jelšah you can try footgolf in unspoilt nature on green spaces.

Visit Šmarje’s Tourist Information Center in Skaza’s house

Šmarje pri Jelšah is pleased to present a new tourist entry point – the Tourist Information Centre in Skaza’s House. This almost 200-year-old, renovated building in the middle of Šmarje offers not only information for visitors but also an insight into the genetic record of the identity of the place. A digital desk awaits you at the TIC, where you can discover all the sights, accommodation, activities, and experiences that Šmarje pri Jelšah has to offer, as well as a shop with souvenirs and local products. An exhibition on the history of Šmarje pri Jelšah further enriches the tourist offer.

Visit the tourist information center at Skaza’s house and see the permanent exhibition revealing the genetic record of the place’s identity in the almost 200-year-old restored building.

Šmarje pri Jelšah, with its rich history, cultural treasures, fine cuisine, and natural beauty, offers a unique experience for everyone. With a focus on sustainable tourism that respects and preserves natural and cultural heritage, the destination invites all those seeking authentic experiences and a connection with nature.