Podsreda Castle (Grad Podsreda)

The basics

Visits to Podsreda Castle can take many forms. For some, staying in the castle’s rooms and apartments and feasting on local delicacies will be very appealing. Others might wish to take a walk along the Podsreda Castle Trail, which runs 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) from the town of Podsreda through the forest and up to the castle. Within the castle are a series of exhibitions that highlight the landmark’s history, the importance of Kozjansko Regional Park, local crafts such as glasswork, and artwork by Slovenian artists.

Things to know before you go

• It’s possible to visit the castle independently with an audio guide, or to be taken around by an on-site tour guide.

• E-bikes are available for rent from the castle, which you can ride on the bike routes through Kozjansko Regional Park.

• Other facilities provided by Podsreda Castle include a courtyard café and shop selling local organic produce and handicrafts.

How to get there

Given the remote location of Podsreda Castle, driving is the best way to get there. Traveling from Ljubljana takes about 90 minutes and involves using the A2 motorway, and while the city of Celje looks closer, the drive will still be almost an hour through wooded hills.

When to get there

Podsreda Castle is only open seasonally. July and August are the best months to visit, as the castle is open daily, but for the rest of the time from April to October it’s best to check the castle’s calendar. Accommodation at the castle is priced by season, so you may want to consider that when making plans.

Visiting Kozjansko Regional Park

Kozjansko Regional Park surrounds Podsreda Castle, covering the countryside between the Bohor mountains and the Sotla river. It is one of Slovenia’s oldest and largest protected areas. The park—part of the UNESCO-recognized Kozjansko and Obsotelje Biosphere Reserve—is prized for its biodiversity, and known for its orchards, organic agricultural tourism, and walking trails.