Slovenia has high mountains that afford spectacular views. But these can also be enjoyed from one of the many observation towers, several of which offer panoramas extending to neighbouring countries.

Most observation towers are located amid the rolling hills of Slovenia's wine-growing regions where there are no high peaks.

The country's highest is the 104-metre Crystal tower in Rogaška Slatina in the east, which pays tribute to the town's glassmaking tradition.

Up in the northeast, the Vinarium tower sits on a hilltop surrounded by vineyards above the town of Lendava. The top of the 53-metre-high steel tower can be reached by a lift or on foot via a 240-step staircase.

The tower's viewing platform commands vistas extending to three neighbouring countries - Austria, Hungary and Croatia. The restaurant on the ground floor serves fine local cuisine and wines.

Views taking in a large part of Slovenia all the way to the Julian Alps in the northwest can be enjoyed from an observation tower on Rogla, a skiing resort at an altitude of about 1,500 metres on the Pohorje Massif in the northeastern Slovenia.

The Pohorje Treetop Walk with an observation tower. Photo: Andreja Seršen Dobaj/STA

The 37-metre tower is a part of the Pohorje Treetop Walk, a kilometre-long theme trail rising up to 20 metres above the ground. There is also a slide running down the tower.

Romantic souls will prefer the 26-metre wooden Tower of Love on Žusem Hill on the northern edge of Kozjansko, a hilly region in eastern Slovenia. It is named after the church dedicated to St Valentine, the patron saint of love, which stands on Žusem Hill.

Made of larch wood, it is considered to be the tallest wooden tower in Slovenia. 116 steps lead to the top, with 22 landings in between. It has two viewing platforms and a wishing bell. The latter and the tower's name make it a popular place for engagements.

Both platforms afford panoramas taking in a good part of Slovenia, including Mount Triglav, the country's highest peak, and across the border to Croatia, Hungary and Austria.

In Goriška Brda, the wine growing region in the west of the country, a 23-metre high observation tower on the Mejnik Hill offers views extending to the Julian and Carnic Alps, the Italian Dolomites, Friuli, the Gulf of Trieste, Kras, the Vipava Valley and the Trnovo Forest.

There are 144 steps leading up to the top of Gonjače Tower. The monument next to it is dedicated to WWII victims on the right bank of the Soča River.

Peace Memorial on the Cerje hill in the Kras region. Photo: Boštjan Podlogar/STA

Not far from it, a 343-metre peak called Cerje rises above the Vipava Valley. It is topped by the 25-metre tall Peace Memorial, built as a tribute to defenders of the Slovenian border throughout history.

The visitors are rewarded with magnificent views of the Vipava Valley, the Adriatic Sea, the plains of northeastern Italy and the Julian Alps. Inside the memorial, they can learn about it and its surroundings by means of touch screens.

There are several WWI Isonzo Front sites nearby, including artillery positions, the stone Borojević Throne, named after the commander of the Austro-Hungarian forces on the front, and the Pečinka Cave, which sheltered soldiers.