Tips for exciting tours in the Heart of Slovenia

Turn left onto an uphill road to Dole pri
Litiji. Stay on the main road, leaving behind
Gabrovka basin and climbing slowly up
Posavje Hills. Valvasor spent his leisure time
in his hunting manor (Valvazorjev lovski
dvorec) in the village Zavrh, which stretches
along its main road in the heart of the
Land of Charcoal. The surrounding intact forests are known
even today for their great variety of game. Observe carefully
and you may catch a glimpse of a beautiful doe.
After a warm welcome from the manor’s owners and a tour
around the house, head on to the valley of the Sopota River.
The valley is a truly unique, unspoilt wilderness. Only a macadam
road connecting Litija and Radeče cuts through it.
Taste some home-made specialities on tourist farms and in
Celestina Inn in Sopota. You can stay overnight at Čop Inn in
Podkum.
As the valley widens, bear left to Podkum, from where a pretty
panoramic view across the Land of Charcoal begins to open
up. Descend to the canyon of the Sava River, cross the river in
the town of Zagorje and then drive on to Izlake on the road
for Trojane. At the first junction turn left and you will arrive at
the last sight along this trail – Medija castle (Grad Medija) and
the castle’s chapel where Valvasor and his family are buried.
The castle was unfortunately blown up in 1944 and all that
remains are wall remnants. Throughout the year many cultural
events take place at the chapel. You can end the trip by
visiting the thermal spring in Medijske Toplice Hotel.
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