Obsotelje and Kozjansko

The name of the destination Obsotelje in Kozjansko unveils the secrets of the landscape in the east of Slovenia, where the valleys along the border river Sotla and its tributaries alternate with the low, vineyard-covered hills and the hilly, forested world of Boč, Donačka gora, Rudnica, Bohor, Veternik and Orlice. The rugged landscape hides many of nature's remarkable gifts. Among them are the springs of healing mineral water (Rogaška Slatina, Donat Mg) and thermal water springs (Podčetrtek, Rogaška Slatina), which spread the word about the area hundreds of years ago throughout Europe and the world. This diverse and enticing landscape was settled by man long ago, as evidenced by the numerous and rich archaeological finds from prehistoric times to the Slavic period. Later periods have also left numerous and rich traces in the area. Thousands of years of harmony between nature and man have created the image of today's destination, which ranks among the richest parts of Slovenia in terms of its natural and, above all, cultural heritage. The destination is dotted with outstanding medieval and even younger monuments of sacred art. Among the many churches there are also pearls that are among the important European monuments of the Baroque period (Sladka Gora, Sveti Rok nad Šmarjem, Olimje, the Church of the Virgin Mary at Pesko near Podčetrtek). Some of them are also very close to pilgrims (Svete gore, Sladka gora, Sv. Rok, Zagorje). Behind the walls of Olimje Monastery, you will also find the third oldest pharmacy in Europe. The traditional way of life has left a rich and varied architectural and ethnological heritage. The designs of the medieval squares (Pilštanj, Kozje, Podsreda, Lemberg, Rogatec) have been preserved, with numerous market houses and a special attraction - the shameful pillars - prangers - as symbols of the medieval judiciary. Among the many castles, Podsreda Castle deserves a special place as the best-preserved Romanesque castle in Slovenia, as does Strmol Castle in Rogatec. In many places, rural farm architecture has retained its original face(Rogatec Open Air Museum, Štadler Homestead in Hrastje pri Bistrica, Juneže Homestead, mills, etc.) and invites you to an authentic experience. The diversity and distinctiveness of natural features is of paramount importance to humans and therefore actively protected and sustainably managed for future generations. Thus, most of the destination falls within the UNESCO Biosphere Area (MAB) Kozjansko in Obsotelje.The Kozjan Regional Park is an excellent starting point for discovering the richness of nature and the heritage of man, and you can also get a glimpse of the rich heritage of nature and landscape in the destination at the Boč Landscape Park, the Donački Gora Nature Reserve or the Vonar area. Tourism has a long tradition in the destination. Alongside the spa and tourist centre of Rogaška Slatina and the spa and thermal centre of Podčetrtek, there is a wide range of activities for active leisure, holidays or relaxation in the green surroundings of the countryside. Both destinations are actively pursuing their commitment to long-term, sustainable development and green tourism through the SLOVENIA GREEN DESTINATION scheme - and are both recipients of the Gold Label. TOP 7 ONE PICTURED AREA, SIX MUNICIPALITIES - Rogaška Slatina, Podčetrtek, Rogatec, Šmarje pri Jelšah, Kozje, and Bistrica ob Sotli HEALING CENTRE WITH AN HUNDRED YEARS OF TRADITION - Rogaška Slatina, health resort, medical centre and the unique healing mineral water Donat Mg A PARADISE FOR THERMAL WATER AND WELLNESS LOVERS FOR ALL ENTITIES - Podčetrtek - Terme Olimia is a paradise with a rich wellness offer for all Nature's uniqueness for future families - Kozjanska Regional Park CENTRE OF BAROQUE HERITAGE IN SLOVAKIA - Šmarje pri Jelšah - Baroque Museum Experiences of rural life once and now - Rogatec - Rogatec Open-Air Museum A Bounty of Natural Resources Translated into Local Specialities and a Quality Selection of Wines - a blend of tradition and modern approaches in cuisine with an emphasis on the local, Šmarsko-Virštanj wine-growing region YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT!