Novo Mesto / Slovenija
Novo Mesto
Explore the Vineyards and Heritage of Novo Mesto
Nestled in southeastern Slovenia, Novo Mesto is a charming municipality that serves as the cultural and economic heart of the Lower Carniola (Dolenjska) region. The town curves along the banks of the emerald-green Krka River, surrounded by rolling hills adorned with vineyards and lush forests. Its medieval old town, with red-roofed buildings and historic churches, provides a picturesque backdrop for visitors seeking both relaxation and cultural discovery. Novo Mesto is renowned for its rich winemaking tradition, especially the unique Cviček wine, and for hosting numerous cultural events throughout the year. The city blends a vibrant arts scene with outdoor adventures, offering easy access to hiking, cycling, and river activities. With its blend of natural beauty, historic architecture, and warm hospitality, Novo Mesto stands out as a hidden gem for travelers exploring Slovenia beyond the usual tourist trails.
Safety
Novo Mesto is considered a very safe destination. Like elsewhere in Slovenia, petty crime is rare, but standard precautions are advised, especially with valuables.
Visas
Slovenia is part of the Schengen Area; EU citizens can enter freely, while others may require a Schengen visa depending on nationality.
Customs regulations
Greeting with a handshake is common, and it’s polite to say 'dober dan' (good day) when entering shops or restaurants. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is customary in restaurants.
Prices
Novo Mesto is more affordable than Slovenia’s capital, with moderate prices for accommodation, dining, and activities. Budget travelers can find hostels and guesthouses, while mid-range hotels and restaurants offer excellent value. Dining out and public transport are reasonably priced.
People and nationalities
The municipality is home to around 23,000 people, mainly ethnic Slovenes, known for their friendliness and hospitality. Local customs celebrate folk traditions, music, and a strong winemaking heritage.
Weather
Novo Mesto experiences a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters. The best time to visit is late spring through early autumn (May to September), when temperatures are pleasant and outdoor festivals are in full swing. Winters can be charming but chilly, especially for those interested in quieter, off-season travel.
Health
Novo Mesto has modern healthcare facilities, including a regional hospital and several pharmacies. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card, while others should have travel insurance.
Food
Cviček
This unique, light red wine is a Novo Mesto specialty, made from a blend of red and white grape varieties. It has a low alcohol content and a slightly sour taste, best enjoyed with local cuisine.
Belokranjska pogača
A traditional flatbread from the region, topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt, often served warm as a snack or appetizer.
Matevž
A hearty mash of potatoes and beans, sometimes flavored with cracklings, served as a side dish or a simple local comfort food.
Kraški pršut
Air-dried prosciutto from the nearby Karst region, often served thinly sliced with local cheeses and bread.
Štruklji
Rolled dumplings filled with various ingredients such as cottage cheese, walnuts, or apples, served as either a savory or sweet dish.
Transport
Local Bus Network
Novo Mesto’s local buses connect the town center with suburban neighborhoods and nearby villages, making it easy to get around without a car.
Regional Trains
The town is served by regular train connections to Ljubljana and other Slovenian cities, ideal for day trips or onward travel.
Car Rental
Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring Novo Mesto’s countryside, vineyards, and outlying attractions.
Cycling
The region’s gentle hills and scenic roads make cycling a popular and enjoyable way to explore both the town and surrounding vineyards.
Regions
Ajdovščina
Municipality
Ankaran
Municipality
Apače
Municipality
Beltinci
Municipality
Benedikt
Municipality
Bistrica ob Sotli
Municipality
Bled
Municipality
Bloke
Municipality
Bohinj
Municipality
Borovnica
Municipality
Bovec
Municipality
Braslovče
Municipality
Brda
Municipality
Brežice
Municipality
Brezovica
Municipality
Cankova
Municipality
Celje
Municipality
Cerklje na Gorenjskem
Municipality
Cerknica
Municipality
Cerkno
Municipality
Cerkvenjak
Municipality
Cirkulane
Municipality
Črenšovci
Municipality
Črna na Koroškem
Municipality
Črnomelj
Municipality
Destrnik
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Divača
Municipality
Dobje
Municipality
Dobrepolje
Municipality
Dobrna
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Dobrova-Polhov Gradec
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Dobrovnik
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Dol pri Ljubljani
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Dolenjske Toplice
Municipality
Domžale
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Dornava
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Dravograd
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Duplek
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Gorenja vas-Poljane
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Gorišnica
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Gorje
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Gornja Radgona
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Gornji Grad
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Gornji Petrovci
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Grad
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Grosuplje
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Hajdina
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Hoče-Slivnica
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Hodoš
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Horjul
Municipality
Hrastnik
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Hrpelje-Kozina
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Idrija
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Ig
Municipality
Ilirska Bistrica
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Ivančna Gorica
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Izola
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Jesenice
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Jezersko
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Juršinci
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Kamnik
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Kanal
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Kidričevo
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Kobarid
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Kobilje
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Kočevje
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Komen
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Komenda
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Koper
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Kosanjevica na Krki
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Kostel
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Kozje
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Kranj
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Kranjska Gora
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Križevci
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Krško
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Kungota
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Kuzma
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Laško
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Lenart
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Lendava
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Litija
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Ljubljana
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Ljubno
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Ljutomer
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Log-Dragomer
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Logatec
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Loška dolina
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Loški Potok
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Lovrenc na Pohorju
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Luče
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Lukovica
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Majšperk
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Makole
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Maribor
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Markovci
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Medvode
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Mengeš
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Metlika
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Mežica
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Miklavž na Dravskem polju
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Miren-Kostanjevica
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Mirna
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Mirna Peč
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Mislinja
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Mokronog-Trebelno
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Moravče
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Moravske Toplice
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Mozirje
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Murska Sobota
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Muta
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Naklo
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Nazarje
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Nova Gorica
Municipality
Novo Mesto
Municipality
Odranci
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Oplotnica
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Ormož
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Osilnica
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Pesnica
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Piran
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Pivka
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Podčetrtek
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Podlehnik
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Podvelka
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Poljčane
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Polzela
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Postojna
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Prebold
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Preddvor
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Prevalje
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Ptuj
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Puconci
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Rače-Fram
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Radeče
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Radenci
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Radlje ob Dravi
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Radovljica
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Ravne na Koroškem
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Razkrižje
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Rečica ob Savinji
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Renče-Vogrsko
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Ribnica
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Ribnica na Pohorju
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Rogaška Slatina
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Rogašovci
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Rogatec
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Ruše
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Šalovci
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Selnica ob Dravi
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Semič
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Šempeter-Vrtojba
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Šenčur
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Šentilj
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Šentjernej
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Šentjur
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Šentrupert
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Sevnica
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Sežana
Municipality
Škocjan
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Škofja Loka
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Škofljica
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Slovenj Gradec
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Slovenska Bistrica
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Slovenske Konjice
Municipality
Šmarje pri Jelšah
Municipality
Šmarješke Toplice
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Šmartno ob Paki
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Šmartno pri Litiji
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Sodražica
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Solčava
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Šoštanj
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Središče ob Dravi
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Starše
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Štore
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Straža
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Sveta Ana
Municipality
Sveta Trojica v Slovenskih goricah
Municipality
Sveti Andraž v Slovenskih goricah
Municipality
Sveti Jurij ob Ščavnici
Municipality
Sveti Jurij v Slovenskih goricah
Municipality
Sveti Tomaž
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Tabor
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Tišina
Municipality
Tolmin
Municipality
Trbovlje
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Trebnje
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Trnovska vas
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Tržič
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Trzin
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Turnišče
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Velenje
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Velika Polana
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Velike Lašče
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Veržej
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Videm
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Vipava
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Vitanje
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Vodice
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Vojnik
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Vransko
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Vrhnika
Municipality
Vuzenica
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Zagorje ob Savi
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Žalec
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Zavrč
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Železniki
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Žetale
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Žirovnica
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Zreče
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Žužemberk
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Gorenjska
Goriška
Jugovzhodna Slovenija
Koroška
Obalno-kraška
Osrednjeslovenska
Podravska
Pomurska
Posavska
Primorsko-notranjska
Savinjska
Zasavska
What to visit?
History
Novo Mesto is officially founded by Rudolf IV, Duke of Austria, who grants it town rights and establishes it as Rudolfswerth.
The town withstands an Ottoman raid, signaling its strategic importance in the region during the late Middle Ages.
Novo Mesto plays a minor role during the Slovene Peasant Revolt, reflecting growing unrest among rural populations.
Famed polymath Janez Vajkard Valvasor publishes 'The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola,' highlighting Novo Mesto's role in regional history.
The Dolenjska railway line is completed, connecting Novo Mesto to Ljubljana and boosting trade and development.
Novo Mesto is occupied by Axis forces during World War II, leading to significant hardship for the local population.
Following Slovenia's declaration of independence, Novo Mesto becomes an important regional center in the new republic.
Novo Mesto celebrates its 650th anniversary, affirming its status as one of Slovenia's oldest continuously inhabited towns.
Activities
Explore the Old Town
Stroll through Novo Mesto’s medieval center, with its picturesque Main Square, the Franciscan Monastery, and St. Nicholas Cathedral.
Krka River Kayaking
Paddle along the scenic Krka River, offering tranquil waters and lush riverside scenery ideal for beginners and families.
Visit the Dolenjska Museum
Discover the history, culture, and archaeology of the region in one of Slovenia’s most important regional museums.
Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting
Tour local vineyards and cellars to sample Cviček and other regional wines, often paired with traditional snacks.
Trška Gora Hiking
Hike the gentle slopes of Trška Gora, a hill covered in vineyards and dotted with charming vineyard cottages, offering panoramic views.