Žalec

A visit to Žalec, the center of Slovenia’s hop growing, will not leave you unmoved. The destination surprises with its rich cultural heritage that goes back to Roman times. It charms you with a beautiful natural environment, including a three-million-year-old Karst cave in the middle of the Lower Savinja Valley. Your pulse will rise as you climb one of the many mountains surrounding the valley or as you cycle through the lush hop fields.

Žalec – the Land of Green Gold, attracts with a rich tradition of hop-growing and beer brewing, which can be explored in a hop-themed museum or while tasting authentic Štajerska hop beer. It can be poured directly from the first beer fountain in the world or one of the microbreweries located in the valley. 

Sports enthusiasts will also be happy to explore the Kotečnik climbing area, one of the most attractive in Europe, with over 300 routes. After all the activities, recharge your energy with hop dishes, like they were once eaten by hop pickers, but with a modern twist.