Slovenia is a country with diverse history, which has filled it with castles and fortresses. Most castles in Slovenia are located on hills, overlooking the city beneath them because of their historically and strategically important position. Here is a list of the most important and beautiful castles in Slovenia.
1. Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle is medieval fortress, located in the center of Ljubljana. It has been standing on a hill overlooking the city for around 900 years and its towers offer beautiful views. The castle is accessible from different pathways leading from the center of Ljubljana up the hill, which take about 10 minutes. It can be reached also by funicular railway or Urban tourist train, which connects the city’s main attractions. The castle contains different exhibitions, towers and entertainment rooms.
2. Bled Castle
Bled Castle stands on a hill that overlooks lake Bled, only around 40 minutes from the center of Ljubljana by car. The castle is the oldest Slovenian Castle mentioned in writing in 1011. In the castle buildings you can visit the museum, castle wine cellar, chapel and other chambers for which you have to pay a certain fee. There is also a castle restaurant with stunning view of the island on the lake Bled.
3. Ptuj Castle
Ptuj castle is a fortress with a long and interesting history. It stands on a hill above Ptuj, which is the oldest Slovenian town. In the castle you can walk through many chambers, see the collection of musical instruments, weapons or a collection of traditional carnival masks that are especially typical for Ptuj. From Ljubljana it will take you about 1 hour and a half by car to reach Ptuj castle, but it will take you 1 hour less if your starting point is Maribor.
4. Celje Castle
Celje castle dates back to the start of 14th century, when it was only a modest fort. It is an important part of Slovenian history because of earls of Celje. They were an important ruling family that exercised their power not only in Slovenia but also around Europe. Today Celje castle is a very popular sight among tourists and it offers beautiful views of the city and its surroundings. It is around an hour away from Ljubljana’s center.
5. Rajhenburg Castle in Brestanica
Rajhenburg castle lies above the confluence of Brestanica creek and Sava river in Krško. It is located 1 hour and 15 minutes east from Ljubljana. The castle was built in the 12th century and first managed by knights. Through its history the castle became a monastery, a camp for expulsion of Slovenians during the second world war and later a penal improvement home for women. Today its role is primarily a museum and a place for holding various events.
6. Predjama Castle
Predjamski grad is a castle carved into the rock, accompanied with many tunnels and caves. It is the biggest cave castle in the world, important because of its strategic position that had made it almost unconquerable since the medieval times. In its time it was a knights fort and it still reminds of a fairy-tale with its intriguing legends. The castle is located 50 minutes outside Ljubljana and only a couple of kilometers from Postojna cave.
7. Otočec Castle
Otočec castle was built on an island on Krka river. It is accompanied by a beautiful castle park, which is a home for many native tree species. Today the castle is turned into a luxury hotel with a castle restaurant. Around the castle there are many options for recreation – a golf course, adventure park and thermal pools for relaxation. The castle is located only 50 minutes from the center of Ljubjana.
8. Snežnik Castle
Castle Snežnik is situated a little more than one hour south of Ljubljana. It is one of the rare originally furnished castles in Slovenia. The castle was completed in the 19th century by its last owners. In the castle there are guided tours available every full hour.
9. Bistra Castle
Bistra castle is one of the four Carthusian monasteries in Slovenia. The castle is located near Vrhnika, only 35 minutes from the center of Ljubljana. The monastery has a rough history of fires and a strong earthquake, until a Galle family rebuilt it in the 19th century and the castle got its modern look. Bistra is a cultural monument of national importance, which holds the TechnicalMuseum of Slovenia.
10. Podsreda Castle
Podsreda castle is a well preserved castle from 12th century in Kozjansko Regional Park. Part of the castle is used for the permanent exhibitions, while another part houses a gallery, popular for seminars, exhibitions and even weddings. It is open for public during the summer months.