Slovenian castles a treat for adventure seekers
Slovenia is dotted with as many as 530 castles, mansions and fortresses. Built in different periods of the Middle Ages with the earliest records dating some of them back to the Antiquity, they provide unique experiences to visitors, who can spend the night in some of them.
Castles and mansions that are more or less preserved can be found all around the country. Just over 180 of them are in ruins, while 350 of them have retained most of their former appeal.
The mighty Medieval buildings are mostly privately owned, but 50 of them, either owned by the state or the local community, have been turned into museums, pampering visitors to culinary delights, cold drinks and more.
Just over 20 state-owned mansions have been converted into public institutions - either psychiatric hospitals, elderly homes or prisons.
You can spend the night in 15 of Slovenia's castles
Guests from around the world visit the 15 castles that have been turned into hotels, offering unique services. Romantic gardens, excellent cuisine and castle walls whispering stories from ancient times are an excellent venue for an active holiday with a touch or romance and history, according to the website of I Feel Slovenia.
One such castle is Otočec Castle in the southeast, just a few minutes' drive from Novo Mesto and an hour's drive from Ljubljana. Situated on an island in the shallow watercourse of the Krka river, it is surrounded by greenery and swans, a perfect wedding spot.
Kendov Dvorec, a countryside Baroque manor near Idrija, is a hotel and a good starting point for exploration of Antonov Rov, one of the oldest mine entrances in Europe and UNESCO world heritage site.
Overnight stay is also possible at Strmol Mansion at the foot of Dvorjanski hrib ("Mansion Hill") near Cerklje na Gorenjskem. One of the oldest and best preserved castles in the country, Strmol is also one of only two Slovenian castles that boast authentic furniture. The story of the mansion's former owners inspired the award-winning novel I Saw Her That Night by acclaimed Slovenian author Drago Jančar.
Wine lovers will not be disappointed if they decide to spend a night or two at Gredič Castle, a more than 400 years old castle nestled in the vineyards of the Brda wine-growing region, while castles in the Posavje region such as Mokrice and Rajhenburg are also a great pick for special events or weddings.
Mighty castles, spectacular views
Old Castle, a mighty castle ruin overlooking Celje and the Savinja river, which used to be home to the Counts of Celje, an influential late medieval noble dynasty, is considered one of the most impressive castles in Slovenia.
Others argue that nothing compares to the splendid Bled Castle, perched atop a cliff towering 130 metres above Lake Bled, or the dramatic Predjama Castle, the world's largest cave castle, which has clung to the sheer face of a towering 123-meter-high cliff for over eight centuries, becoming a symbol of resilience and endurance.
The capital of Ljubljana also boasts a castle offering magnificent views of the city and nearby hills and mountains with its tower rising 400 metres above sea level.
The country's largest castle can be found in Goričko in the northeast, impressing the visitors with its sheer size and the forest that surrounds it.
Castle museums offer various experiences
Old Castle in Celje is the place to go for horror lovers, while Žovnek Castle, northeast of Braslovče, above Lake Žovnek, offers a trip to the Middle Ages among the Counts of Celje.
The 15th century Rakičan Mansion near Murska Sobota in the northeast frequently holds workshops or horse-riding events for children.
Negova Castle in Gornja Radgonda is full of stories of the legendary King Matjaž and is supposed to be the home of a kind witch Apolonija. A legend has it that the castle is haunted by a ghost of a Turk whom angry castle inhabitants built in the castle walls.
Brdo Castle, managed by State Protocol Services, used to be the home of the House of Karađorđević or Karađorđević dynasty and Yugoslavian President Josip Broz Tito. A tour of the castle is possible during European Heritage Days, but Brdo estate is open to visitors throughout the year.