GRADOVI NA SLOVENSKEM 1000 km

Brevet skozi slovensko grajsko dediščino

1. DEL

Uvod

Slovenija je majhna, vendar izjemno bogata z gradovi, graščinami, dvorci in ostanki nekdanjih utrdb. Razpršeni so po vsej državi in pripovedujejo zgodbe različnih obdobij, plemiških rodbin in pokrajin.

Brevet Gradovi na Slovenskem 1000 km povezuje nekatere najpomembnejše in najbolj zanimive med njimi. Trasa je zasnovana kot kolesarsko potovanje skozi velik del Slovenije in hkrati skozi več stoletij njene zgodovine.

Od Goričkega vodi čez Prekmurje in Štajersko, skozi Dolenjsko in Notranjsko doseže Kras in Primorsko, nato pa se preko Gorenjske in osrednje Slovenije vrne proti Štajerski, Pomurju in Goričkemu.

Na dobrih 1000 kilometrih se zvrsti 25 gradov oziroma grajskih točk. Med njimi so mogočne srednjeveške utrdbe, renesančni in baročni dvorci, gradovi pomembnih plemiških rodbin ter kraji, ki so zaznamovali slovensko zgodovino.

To zato ni le kolesarska preizkušnja na dolge razdalje, ampak tudi potovanje skozi slovensko zgodovino, kulturno dediščino in izjemno raznoliko pokrajino.

Posebno obvestilo: Na brevetu ne bo nobene oskrbe!

Osnovni podatki

Ime brevet-a: Gradovi na Slovenskem 1000 km
Dolžina: 1001,9 km
Uradni štart: Grad Grad na Goričkem
Uradni cilj: Grad Grad na Goričkem
Število kontrolnih točk: 23
Število grajskih točk: 25
Podlaga: asfalt

Možna izhodišča

Uradni štart brevet-a je na gradu Grad na Goričkem, kjer je tudi cilj.

Brevet je mogoče začeti tudi pri kateremkoli drugem gradu na trasi. V tem primeru je ta grad hkrati tudi cilj.

Preprosto pravilo je torej:

Kjer začneš, tam končaš.

Kot izhodišče je mogoče izbrati:

• Grad Grad
• Lendavski grad
• Grad Negova
• Ptujski grad
• Grad Borl
• dvorec Štatenberg
• Stari grad Celje
• Grad Podsreda
• Grad Brestanica (Rajhenburg)
• Grad Otočec
• Grad Grm Novo mesto
• Grad Bogenšperk
• Predjamski grad
• Grad Socerb
• Grad Rihemberk
• Grad Štanjel
• Loški grad v Škofji Loki
• Ljubljanski grad
• Grad Jable
• Grad Kamnik
• Grad Žovnek
• Grad Slovenska Bistrica
• Grad Vurberk
• Grad Gornja Radgona
• Grad Murska Sobota

Gradovi na trasi

Št.	Grad / grajska točka	Približna nadmorska višina
1	Grad Grad	350 m
2	Lendavski grad	265 m
3	Grad Negova	320 m
4	Ptujski grad	240 m
5	Grad Borl	330 m
6	Dvorec Štatenberg	300 m
7	Stari grad Celje	407 m
8	Grad Podsreda	430 m
9	Grad Brestanica (Rajhenburg)	220 m
10	Grad Otočec	170 m
11	Grad Grm Novo mesto	200 m
12	Grad Bogenšperk	460 m
13	Predjamski grad	123 m
14	Grad Socerb	389 m
15	Grad Rihemberk	320 m
16	Grad Štanjel	312 m
17	Loški grad, Škofja Loka	360 m
18	Ljubljanski grad	376 m
19	Grad Jable	320 m
20	Grad Kamnik	390 m
21	Grad Žovnek	430 m
22	Grad Slovenska Bistrica	275 m
23	Grad Vurberk	340 m
24	Grad Gornja Radgona	210 m
25	Grad Murska Sobota	190 m

Razdalje med kontrolnimi točkami

KT	Odsek	Km po etapi	Skupaj km
Start	Grad Grad – Lendavski grad	45,4	46,4
1. KT	Lendavski grad – Grad Negova	52,9	99,3
2. KT	Grad Negova – Ptujski grad	29,0	128,3
3. KT	Ptujski grad – Grad Borl	15,7	144,0
4. KT	Grad Borl – dvorec Štatenberg	31,5	175,5
5. KT	Dvorec Štatenberg – Stari grad Celje	45,0	220,5
6. KT	Stari grad Celje – Grad Podsreda	36,5	257,0
7. KT	Grad Podsreda – Grad Brestanica (Rajhenburg)	23,2	280,2
8. KT	Grad Brestanica – Grad Otočec	33,3	313,5
9. KT	Grad Otočec – Grad Grm Novo mesto	9,4	322,9
10. KT	Grad Grm Novo mesto – Grad Bogenšperk	46,0	368,9
11. KT	Grad Bogenšperk – Predjamski grad	120,1	489,0
12. KT	Predjamski grad – Grad Socerb	51,5	540,5
13. KT	Grad Socerb – Grad Rihemberk	57,5	598,0
14. KT	Grad Rihemberk – Grad Štanjel	8,5	606,5
15. KT	Grad Štanjel – Loški grad (Škofja Loka)	116,5	723,0
16. KT	Loški grad – Ljubljanski grad	28,0	751,0
17. KT	Ljubljanski grad – Grad Jable	16,0	767,0
18. KT	Grad Jable – Grad Kamnik	12,0	779,0
19. KT	Grad Kamnik – Grad Žovnek	37,7	816,7
20. KT	Grad Žovnek – Grad Slovenska Bistrica	62,6	879,3
21. KT	Grad Slovenska Bistrica – Grad Vurberk	40,2	919,5
22. KT	Grad Vurberk – Grad Gornja Radgona	33,5	953,0
23. KT	Grad Gornja Radgona – Grad Murska Sobota	20,0	973,0
Cilj	Grad Murska Sobota – Grad Grad	28,9	1001,9

Opis trase

Pri uradnem štartu se brevet začne na gradu Grad na Goričkem, največjem gradu v Sloveniji. Prvih dobrih 45 kilometrov vodi skozi razgibano pokrajino Goričkega in Prekmurja proti Lendavi, kjer nad mestom stoji Lendavski grad.

Od Lendave se trasa usmeri proti zahodu. Preko ravninskega in pozneje vse bolj gričevnatega sveta doseže Negovo in tamkajšnji grad. Od Negove sledi razmeroma kratek odsek do Ptuja, najstarejšega slovenskega mesta, nad katerim se dviga Ptujski grad.

Le 15,7 kilometra pozneje je naslednja grajska točka – grad Borl, postavljen na skalno vzpetino visoko nad Dravo. Od tam trasa nadaljuje proti dvorcu Štatenberg in nato do Celja.

Nad Celjem stoji Stari grad Celje, ena najpomembnejših grajskih točk celotnega brevet-a in nekdanji sedež Celjskih. Od Celja trasa nadaljuje proti Kozjanskemu in gradu Podsreda.

Sledi spust proti Brestanici in gradu Rajhenburg. Posebna zanimivost tega dela trase je vožnja skozi kolesarski tunel v Brestanici, urejen po trasi nekdanje ozkotirne železnice.

Iz Posavja trasa preide na Dolenjsko. Naslednja točka je grad Otočec, ki stoji na otoku sredi Krke. Od tam je le 9,4 kilometra do gradu Grm v Novem mestu.

Pot nato vodi proti gradu Bogenšperk, za katerim sledi najdaljši odsek celotnega brevet-a. Kar 120,1 kilometra loči Bogenšperk od Predjamskega gradu.

S Predjamo se začne izrazitejši kraški in primorski del poti. Trasa nadaljuje proti gradu Socerb, od koder se odpirajo pogledi proti Tržaškemu zalivu, nato pa proti Vipavski dolini in gradu Rihemberk.

Le 8,5 kilometra pozneje sledi Štanjel, eno najbolj prepoznavnih kraških naselij.

Od Štanjela je pred kolesarjem nov dolg odsek. Po 116,5 kilometra doseže Škofjo Loko in Loški grad. Sledi 28 kilometrov do Ljubljane in vzpon do Ljubljanskega gradu.

Iz Ljubljane trasa vodi proti severu. Najprej doseže grad Jable, nato pa po 12 kilometrih Kamnik. Od Kamnika nadaljuje proti Savinjski dolini in gradu Žovnek.

Sledi 62,6 kilometra dolg odsek proti Slovenski Bistrici. Od tam se trasa ponovno približa Dravi in doseže grad Vurberk.

Zadnji del vodi skozi severovzhodno Slovenijo proti Gornji Radgoni, nato pa ob Muri in skozi Pomurje do gradu Murska Sobota.

Pri uradnem štartu na gradu Grad je od Murske Sobote do cilja še 28,9 kilometra. Po 1001,9 kilometra se brevet zaključi tam, kjer se je začel – na gradu Grad.

Če je udeleženec brevet začel pri kateremkoli drugem gradu, traso nadaljuje po istem zaporedju in jo zaključi na svojem izhodiščnem gradu.

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2. DEL

Opisi gradov

1. Grad Grad

Grad Grad stoji sredi Goričkega in velja za največji grad v Sloveniji. Njegovi začetki segajo v srednji vek, skozi stoletja pa je bil večkrat prezidan in dograjen. Zaradi različnih gradbenih obdobij se v njem prepletajo romanski, gotski, renesančni in baročni elementi. Danes je ena najpomembnejših kulturnih znamenitosti Goričkega.

2. Lendavski grad

Lendavski grad stoji na griču nad Lendavo, od koder obvladuje širšo pokrajino ob Muri. Njegova zgodovina je tesno povezana z rodbino Bánffy, eno najpomembnejših plemiških družin tega območja. Današnja podoba je rezultat številnih prezidav, danes pa so v gradu muzejske in galerijske zbirke.

3. Grad Negova

Grad Negova je slikovit grajski kompleks v Slovenskih goricah. Njegovi začetki segajo v srednji vek, sedanjo podobo pa je dobival skozi več stoletij. Kompleks sestavljata starejši in novejši del gradu, obdana z obzidjem.

4. Ptujski grad

Ptujski grad stoji na vzpetini nad Ptujem, najstarejšim slovenskim mestom. Njegova strateška lega je omogočala nadzor nad pomembnim prehodom čez Dravo. Grad je skozi stoletja doživel številne prezidave, danes pa v njem domujejo pomembne muzejske zbirke.

5. Grad Borl

Grad Borl stoji na skalnem pomolu visoko nad Dravo. Njegova lega je omogočala nadzor nad starodavno prometno potjo ob reki in prehodom čez Dravo. Grad je srednjeveškega izvora, pozneje pa je bil večkrat prezidan in razširjen.

6. Dvorec Štatenberg

Dvorec Štatenberg je eden najlepših baročnih dvorcev v Sloveniji. Zasnovan je bil predvsem kot reprezentančno plemiško bivališče in ne kot obrambna utrdba. Njegova arhitektura, notranja dvorišča in okolica dobro predstavljajo prehod od utrjenih gradov k udobnejšim podeželskim rezidencam.

7. Stari grad Celje

Stari grad Celje je ena največjih in najpomembnejših srednjeveških grajskih utrdb v Sloveniji. Najbolj je povezan z grofi in knezi Celjskimi, ki so v poznem srednjem veku postali ena najmočnejših plemiških rodbin v srednji Evropi. Z gradu se odpira širok pogled na Celje in Savinjsko dolino.

8. Grad Podsreda

Grad Podsreda velja za enega najbolje ohranjenih romanskih gradov v Sloveniji. Njegovi začetki segajo v 12. stoletje. Zaradi dobro ohranjene srednjeveške zasnove predstavlja eno najpomembnejših grajskih stavb Kozjanskega.

9. Grad Brestanica – Rajhenburg

Grad Rajhenburg stoji na skalnem pomolu nad Brestanico in Savo. Njegova zgodovina sega globoko v srednji vek. Zaradi strateške lege je imel pomembno vlogo pri nadzoru območja ob Savi, danes pa je urejen kot muzejski in kulturni objekt.

10. Grad Otočec

Grad Otočec je zaradi svoje lege eden najbolj prepoznavnih gradov v Sloveniji. Stoji na majhnem otoku sredi reke Krke in je edini vodni grad v Sloveniji. Današnja romantična podoba je rezultat dolgega razvoja in poznejših obnov.

11. Grad Grm Novo mesto

Grad Grm stoji na griču nad Novim mestom. Nastal je v 16. stoletju kot plemiška rezidenca in bil pozneje večkrat prezidan. Skupaj z okolico predstavlja pomemben del zgodovinske in arhitekturne dediščine Novega mesta.

12. Grad Bogenšperk

Grad Bogenšperk je neločljivo povezan z Janezom Vajkardom Valvasorjem, enim najpomembnejših slovenskih polihistorjev. Valvasor je na gradu živel, ustvarjal in pripravljal svoje najpomembnejše delo, Slavo vojvodine Kranjske. Grad je danes muzej in pomembno kulturno središče.

13. Predjamski grad

Predjamski grad je eden najbolj nenavadnih in prepoznavnih gradov v Sloveniji. Vgrajen je neposredno v mogočno skalno steno pred vhodom v kraško jamo. Njegova zgodovina je najbolj znana po legendi o vitezu Erazmu Predjamskem, ki naj bi se dolgo upiral oblegovalcem.

14. Grad Socerb

Grad Socerb stoji na kraškem robu visoko nad Tržaškim zalivom. Njegova lega je bila strateško izjemno pomembna, saj je omogočala nadzor nad potmi med notranjostjo in obalo. Z območjem je povezana tudi legenda o svetem Socerbu.

15. Grad Rihemberk

Grad Rihemberk stoji na vzpetini nad Branikom in je ena najmogočnejših srednjeveških grajskih utrdb na Primorskem. Njegov značilni stolp in obzidje obvladujejo dolino pod gradom. Zaradi svoje lege je imel pomembno obrambno in nadzorno funkcijo.

16. Grad Štanjel

Grad je sestavni del utrjenega zgodovinskega jedra Štanjela, enega najlepših kraških naselij. Štanjel je skozi stoletja rasel okoli grajskega kompleksa in cerkve. Posebna znamenitost kraja je tudi Ferrarijev vrt, ki ga je uredil arhitekt Maks Fabiani.

17. Loški grad

Loški grad stoji nad starim mestnim jedrom Škofje Loke. Njegova zgodovina je povezana s freisinškimi škofi, ki so stoletja upravljali širše škofjeloško ozemlje. Danes je v gradu Loški muzej.

18. Ljubljanski grad

Ljubljanski grad stoji na grajskem griču nad središčem Ljubljane. Zaradi strateške lege je bil prostor poseljen in utrjen že zelo zgodaj, današnja grajska podoba pa se je oblikovala predvsem v srednjem in zgodnjem novem veku. Danes je eden glavnih simbolov slovenske prestolnice.

19. Grad Jable

Grad Jable stoji ob vznožju Kamniško-Savinjskih Alp. Današnja stavba je predvsem rezultat renesančnih in poznejših prezidav. Grad s svojo mirno lego in ohranjenim zgodovinskim okoljem predstavlja zanimiv kontrast bližnjemu urbanemu območju Ljubljanske kotline.

20. Grad Kamnik

Grajska dediščina Kamnika je tesno povezana s pomembno srednjeveško vlogo mesta. Utrdbe nad mestom so nadzorovale pomembne prometne poti skozi Kamniško območje. Ostanki grajskih stavb so danes pomemben del zgodovinske podobe Kamnika.

21. Grad Žovnek

Grad Žovnek je tesno povezan z začetki poznejših grofov Celjskih. Gospodje Žovneški so prav iz tega gradu začeli svoj vzpon, ki jih je pozneje pripeljal med najpomembnejše evropske plemiške rodbine. Danes je grad večinoma razvalina, vendar ima izjemen zgodovinski pomen.

22. Grad Slovenska Bistrica

Grad Slovenska Bistrica stoji v neposredni bližini starega mestnega jedra. Iz prvotne utrjene zasnove se je skozi stoletja razvil v reprezentančno plemiško rezidenco. Danes je eden najpomembnejših kulturnih in zgodovinskih objektov mesta.

23. Grad Vurberk

Grad Vurberk stoji na izraziti vzpetini nad Dravo. Nekdanja srednjeveška utrdba je zaradi lege omogočala nadzor nad širšim območjem rečne doline. Danes so ohranjeni predvsem deli nekdanjega grajskega kompleksa, lega pa ponuja lep razgled na okoliško pokrajino.

24. Grad Gornja Radgona

Grad stoji na vzpetini nad Gornjo Radgono in reko Muro. Njegova lega je bila pomembna zaradi bližine rečnega prehoda in prometnih poti med Štajersko ter Panonsko nižino. Skupaj s starim mestnim območjem predstavlja pomemben del zgodovinske podobe Gornje Radgone.

25. Grad Murska Sobota

Grad Murska Sobota stoji sredi obsežnega grajskega parka v središču mesta. Današnjo podobo zaznamujejo predvsem renesančne in baročne prezidave. V njem danes deluje Pomurski muzej, zato predstavlja eno osrednjih kulturnih točk Prekmurja.

Druge zanimivosti ob poti

Brevet poleg gradov povezuje tudi številne druge naravne, zgodovinske in kulturne znamenitosti Slovenije.

Med pomembnejšimi so:

• Krajinski park Goričko in značilna gričevnata pokrajina skrajnega severovzhoda Slovenije;
• Lendavske gorice in vinorodna pokrajina nad Lendavo;
• Ptuj, najstarejše slovensko mesto;
• reka Drava in vinorodne Haloze;
• Celje in dediščina grofov Celjskih;
• Kozjanski park in značilna pokrajina Kozjanskega;
• vožnja skozi kolesarski tunel v Brestanici, urejen na trasi nekdanje ozkotirne železnice;
• reka Krka in značilna dolenjska pokrajina;
• staro mestno jedro Novega mesta;
• Predjama in značilni kraški svet;
• razgledi proti Tržaškemu zalivu z območja Socerba;
• Vipavska dolina;
• Kras in zgodovinsko naselje Štanjel;
• staro mestno jedro Škofje Loke;
• Ljubljana in njeno zgodovinsko središče;
• Kamnik in pogledi proti Kamniško-Savinjskim Alpam;
• Savinjska dolina;
• Dravska dolina in Slovenske gorice;
• Gornja Radgona in reka Mura;
• Pomurje in vrnitev v gričevnati svet Goričkega.

Raznolikost pokrajine je ena največjih posebnosti tega brevet-a. V dobrih 1000 kilometrih se zvrstijo panonske ravnice, vinorodno gričevje, doline Save, Krke, Drave in Mure, kraški svet, Primorska, Ljubljanska kotlina ter predalpska pokrajina.

Zaključek

Gradovi na Slovenskem 1000 km združuje tisto, kar je bistvo dolgih brevetov – vzdržljivost, samostojnost in odkrivanje prostora.

Na 1001,9 kilometra dolgi poti se kolesar sreča s 25 gradovi oziroma grajskimi točkami ter z izjemno raznolikimi slovenskimi pokrajinami. Od največjega slovenskega gradu na Goričkem preko gradov ob Dravi in Savi, dolenjskih gradov, Predjame in kraških utrdb do Škofje Loke, Ljubljane, Savinjske doline in ponovne vrnitve v Pomurje.

Vsak grad predstavlja novo zgodbo, vsak del trase drugačno pokrajino in vsak kilometer nov del poti skozi slovensko zgodovino.

In ne glede na to, kateri grad si kolesar izbere za svoje izhodišče, velja eno samo pravilo: tam, kjer začne, tam tudi konča.

Mnogi zmorejo, redki si upajo!

EN

CASTLES OF SLOVENIA 1000 km

A Brevet Through Slovenia’s Castle Heritage

PART 1

Introduction

Slovenia may be small, but it is exceptionally rich in castles, manor houses, mansions and the remains of former fortifications. Scattered throughout the country, they tell the stories of different historical periods, noble families and regions.

The Castles of Slovenia 1000 km brevet connects some of the most important and interesting among them. The route is designed as a cycling journey through a large part of Slovenia and, at the same time, through several centuries of its history.

From Goričko, it crosses Prekmurje and Štajerska, continues through Dolenjska and Notranjska to the Karst and Primorska regions, and then passes through Gorenjska and central Slovenia before returning through Štajerska and Pomurje to Goričko.

Over just more than 1000 kilometres, the route visits 25 castles or castle sites. They include imposing medieval fortresses, Renaissance and Baroque manor houses, castles associated with important noble families, and places that have played a significant role in Slovenian history.

This is therefore not merely a long-distance cycling challenge, but also a journey through Slovenia’s history, cultural heritage and remarkably diverse landscapes.

Important notice: There will be no supply on this brevet!

Basic Information

Brevet name: Castles of Slovenia 1000 km
Distance: 1001.9 km
Official start: Grad Castle, Goričko
Official finish: Grad Castle, Goričko
Number of checkpoints: 23
Number of castle sites: 25
Surface: asphalt

Possible Starting Points

The official start of the brevet is at Grad Castle in Goričko, which is also the official finish.

However, the brevet may be started at any other castle along the route. In that case, the chosen castle is also the rider’s finish.

The rule is simple:

Where you start is where you finish.

The brevet can therefore be started at any of the following locations:

• Grad Castle
• Lendava Castle
• Negova Castle
• Ptuj Castle
• Borl Castle
• Štatenberg Manor
• Celje Old Castle
• Podsreda Castle
• Brestanica Castle (Rajhenburg)
• Otočec Castle
• Grm Castle, Novo mesto
• Bogenšperk Castle
• Predjama Castle
• Socerb Castle
• Rihemberk Castle
• Štanjel Castle
• Škofja Loka Castle
• Ljubljana Castle
• Jable Castle
• Kamnik Castle
• Žovnek Castle
• Slovenska Bistrica Castle
• Vurberk Castle
• Gornja Radgona Castle
• Murska Sobota Castle

Castles Along the Route

No.	Castle / castle site	Approximate elevation
1	Grad Castle	350 m
2	Lendava Castle	265 m
3	Negova Castle	320 m
4	Ptuj Castle	240 m
5	Borl Castle	330 m
6	Štatenberg Manor	300 m
7	Celje Old Castle	407 m
8	Podsreda Castle	430 m
9	Brestanica Castle (Rajhenburg)	220 m
10	Otočec Castle	170 m
11	Grm Castle, Novo mesto	200 m
12	Bogenšperk Castle	460 m
13	Predjama Castle	123 m
14	Socerb Castle	389 m
15	Rihemberk Castle	320 m
16	Štanjel Castle	312 m
17	Škofja Loka Castle	360 m
18	Ljubljana Castle	376 m
19	Jable Castle	320 m
20	Kamnik Castle	390 m
21	Žovnek Castle	430 m
22	Slovenska Bistrica Castle	275 m
23	Vurberk Castle	340 m
24	Gornja Radgona Castle	210 m
25	Murska Sobota Castle	190 m

Distances Between Checkpoints

CP	Section	Section distance	Total distance
Start	Grad Castle – Lendava Castle	45.4 km	46.4 km
CP1	Lendava Castle – Negova Castle	52.9 km	99.3 km
CP2	Negova Castle – Ptuj Castle	29.0 km	128.3 km
CP3	Ptuj Castle – Borl Castle	15.7 km	144.0 km
CP4	Borl Castle – Štatenberg Manor	31.5 km	175.5 km
CP5	Štatenberg Manor – Celje Old Castle	45.0 km	220.5 km
CP6	Celje Old Castle – Podsreda Castle	36.5 km	257.0 km
CP7	Podsreda Castle – Brestanica Castle (Rajhenburg)	23.2 km	280.2 km
CP8	Brestanica Castle – Otočec Castle	33.3 km	313.5 km
CP9	Otočec Castle – Grm Castle, Novo mesto	9.4 km	322.9 km
CP10	Grm Castle – Bogenšperk Castle	46.0 km	368.9 km
CP11	Bogenšperk Castle – Predjama Castle	120.1 km	489.0 km
CP12	Predjama Castle – Socerb Castle	51.5 km	540.5 km
CP13	Socerb Castle – Rihemberk Castle	57.5 km	598.0 km
CP14	Rihemberk Castle – Štanjel Castle	8.5 km	606.5 km
CP15	Štanjel Castle – Škofja Loka Castle	116.5 km	723.0 km
CP16	Škofja Loka Castle – Ljubljana Castle	28.0 km	751.0 km
CP17	Ljubljana Castle – Jable Castle	16.0 km	767.0 km
CP18	Jable Castle – Kamnik Castle	12.0 km	779.0 km
CP19	Kamnik Castle – Žovnek Castle	37.7 km	816.7 km
CP20	Žovnek Castle – Slovenska Bistrica Castle	62.6 km	879.3 km
CP21	Slovenska Bistrica Castle – Vurberk Castle	40.2 km	919.5 km
CP22	Vurberk Castle – Gornja Radgona Castle	33.5 km	953.0 km
CP23	Gornja Radgona Castle – Murska Sobota Castle	20.0 km	973.0 km
Finish	Murska Sobota Castle – Grad Castle	28.9 km	1001.9 km

Route Description

With the official start, the brevet begins at Grad Castle in Goričko, the largest castle in Slovenia. The first 45 kilometres lead through the rolling countryside of Goričko and Prekmurje towards Lendava, where Lendava Castle rises above the town.

From Lendava, the route heads west. Crossing initially flat and later increasingly hilly countryside, it reaches Negova and its castle. From Negova, a relatively short section leads to Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town, dominated by Ptuj Castle.

Only 15.7 kilometres later comes the next castle site – Borl Castle, dramatically positioned on a rocky outcrop high above the Drava River. From there, the route continues towards Štatenberg Manor and then on to Celje.

Above Celje stands Celje Old Castle, one of the most important castle sites of the entire brevet and the former seat of the powerful Counts of Celje. From Celje, the route continues into the Kozjansko region towards Podsreda Castle.

The route then descends towards Brestanica and Rajhenburg Castle. A special feature of this section is the ride through the cycling tunnel at Brestanica, following the route of a former narrow-gauge railway.

From the Posavje region, the route enters Dolenjska. The next stop is Otočec Castle, standing on an island in the middle of the Krka River. From there, it is only 9.4 kilometres to Grm Castle in Novo mesto.

The route then continues towards Bogenšperk Castle, after which comes the longest section of the entire brevet. A full 120.1 kilometres separate Bogenšperk from Predjama Castle.

Predjama marks the beginning of the more distinctly Karst and Primorska section of the route. The route continues towards Socerb Castle, with views towards the Gulf of Trieste, and then towards the Vipava Valley and Rihemberk Castle.

Only 8.5 kilometres later comes Štanjel, one of the most distinctive historic settlements of the Karst.

From Štanjel, another long section follows. After 116.5 kilometres, the route reaches Škofja Loka and Škofja Loka Castle. Another 28 kilometres lead to Ljubljana and the climb to Ljubljana Castle.

From Ljubljana, the route heads north. It first reaches Jable Castle, followed 12 kilometres later by Kamnik. From Kamnik, the route continues towards the Savinja Valley and Žovnek Castle.

A 62.6-kilometre section then leads towards Slovenska Bistrica. From there, the route approaches the Drava River again and reaches Vurberk Castle.

The final part crosses northeastern Slovenia towards Gornja Radgona, then follows the Mura region through Pomurje to Murska Sobota Castle.

For riders who started officially at Grad Castle, 28.9 kilometres remain from Murska Sobota to the finish. After 1001.9 kilometres, the brevet ends where it began – at Grad Castle.

If a rider started the brevet at any other castle, the same sequence of the route is followed until the rider returns to that same castle, which is also their finish.

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PART 2

Castle Descriptions

1. Grad Castle

Grad Castle stands in the heart of Goričko and is considered the largest castle in Slovenia. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, and over the centuries it was repeatedly rebuilt and extended. As a result, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements can all be found within the complex. Today, it is one of the most important cultural landmarks of Goričko.

2. Lendava Castle

Lendava Castle stands on a hill above the town of Lendava, overlooking the wider Mura plain. Its history is closely associated with the Bánffy family, one of the most important noble families in the region. Its present appearance is the result of numerous alterations, and today the castle houses museum and gallery collections.

3. Negova Castle

Negova Castle is a picturesque castle complex in the Slovenske gorice hills. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, while its present appearance developed over several centuries. The complex consists of older and newer sections surrounded by defensive walls.

4. Ptuj Castle

Ptuj Castle stands on a hill above Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town. Its strategic position allowed control of an important crossing over the Drava River. The castle underwent numerous alterations over the centuries and today houses important museum collections.

5. Borl Castle

Borl Castle stands on a rocky outcrop high above the Drava River. Its position allowed control over an ancient transport route along the river and an important river crossing. The castle is medieval in origin and was later rebuilt and extended several times.

6. Štatenberg Manor

Štatenberg Manor is one of the finest Baroque manor houses in Slovenia. It was designed primarily as a prestigious noble residence rather than a defensive fortress. Its architecture, courtyards and surroundings illustrate the transition from fortified medieval castles to more comfortable aristocratic country residences.

7. Celje Old Castle

Celje Old Castle is one of the largest and most important medieval castle complexes in Slovenia. It is best known as the seat of the Counts and later Princes of Celje, who became one of the most powerful noble families in Central Europe during the late Middle Ages. The castle offers extensive views over Celje and the Savinja Valley.

8. Podsreda Castle

Podsreda Castle is regarded as one of the best-preserved Romanesque castles in Slovenia. Its origins date back to the 12th century. Thanks to its well-preserved medieval structure, it is one of the most important castle buildings in the Kozjansko region.

9. Brestanica Castle – Rajhenburg

Rajhenburg Castle stands on a rocky promontory above Brestanica and the Sava River. Its history reaches deep into the Middle Ages. Its strategic position gave it an important role in controlling the Sava valley, while today it serves as a museum and cultural venue.

10. Otočec Castle

Otočec Castle is one of Slovenia’s most recognisable castles due to its unique location. It stands on a small island in the middle of the Krka River and is the only water castle in Slovenia. Its romantic appearance today is the result of centuries of development and later restoration.

11. Grm Castle, Novo mesto

Grm Castle stands on a hill above Novo mesto. It was built in the 16th century as a noble residence and was later altered several times. Together with its surroundings, it forms an important part of Novo mesto’s historical and architectural heritage.

12. Bogenšperk Castle

Bogenšperk Castle is inseparably linked with Janez Vajkard Valvasor, one of Slovenia’s most important polymaths. Valvasor lived and worked at the castle and prepared his most important work, The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola, there. Today, the castle is a museum and an important cultural centre.

13. Predjama Castle

Predjama Castle is one of the most unusual and recognisable castles in Slovenia. It is built directly into a dramatic cliff at the entrance to a Karst cave. Its history is best known through the legend of the knight Erazem of Predjama, who is said to have resisted his besiegers for a long period.

14. Socerb Castle

Socerb Castle stands on the edge of the Karst plateau high above the Gulf of Trieste. Its location was strategically important because it controlled routes between the interior and the coast. The area is also associated with the legend of Saint Socerb.

15. Rihemberk Castle

Rihemberk Castle stands on a hill above Branik and is one of the most imposing medieval fortresses in the Primorska region. Its characteristic tower and defensive walls dominate the valley below. Its position gave the castle an important defensive and controlling role.

16. Štanjel Castle

The castle forms an integral part of the fortified historic centre of Štanjel, one of the most beautiful settlements in the Karst. Štanjel developed over the centuries around the castle complex and church. Another important landmark is the Ferrari Garden, designed by architect Maks Fabiani.

17. Škofja Loka Castle

Škofja Loka Castle stands above the historic centre of Škofja Loka. Its history is closely connected with the Bishops of Freising, who administered the wider Škofja Loka territory for centuries. Today, the castle houses the Škofja Loka Museum.

18. Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle stands on Castle Hill above the centre of Slovenia’s capital. Due to its strategic location, the hill was settled and fortified very early, while the present castle developed mainly during the medieval and early modern periods. Today, it is one of the main symbols of Ljubljana.

19. Jable Castle

Jable Castle stands at the foot of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. The present building is largely the result of Renaissance and later alterations. Its peaceful setting and preserved historic surroundings provide an interesting contrast to the nearby urban landscape of the Ljubljana Basin.

20. Kamnik Castle

Kamnik’s castle heritage is closely linked with the town’s important medieval role. Fortifications above the town controlled important transport routes through the Kamnik area. The remains of the castle structures are today an important part of Kamnik’s historic landscape.

21. Žovnek Castle

Žovnek Castle is closely connected with the origins of the later Counts of Celje. The Lords of Žovnek began their rise from this castle, eventually becoming one of the most influential noble families in Central Europe. Today, the castle survives mainly as ruins, but its historical importance is exceptional.

22. Slovenska Bistrica Castle

Slovenska Bistrica Castle stands close to the historic town centre. Over the centuries, the original fortified structure gradually developed into a prestigious noble residence. Today, it is one of the town’s most important cultural and historical monuments.

23. Vurberk Castle

Vurberk Castle stands on a prominent hill above the Drava River. Its elevated position enabled the medieval fortress to control a wide section of the river valley. Today, mainly parts of the former castle complex survive, while the location offers attractive views over the surrounding countryside.

24. Gornja Radgona Castle

The castle stands on a hill above Gornja Radgona and the Mura River. Its position was important because of the nearby river crossing and transport routes between Štajerska and the Pannonian Plain. Together with the historic town area, it forms an important part of Gornja Radgona’s heritage.

25. Murska Sobota Castle

Murska Sobota Castle stands in a large park in the centre of the town. Its present appearance is largely defined by Renaissance and Baroque alterations. Today, it houses the Pomurje Museum and is one of the main cultural landmarks of Prekmurje.

Other Highlights Along the Route

In addition to the castles, the brevet connects numerous natural, historical and cultural attractions throughout Slovenia.

Among the most notable are:

• Goričko Landscape Park and the rolling countryside of northeastern Slovenia;
• the Lendava Hills and vineyards above Lendava;
• Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town;
• the Drava River and the wine-growing hills of Haloze;
• Celje and the heritage of the Counts of Celje;
• Kozjansko Regional Park and the characteristic landscape of the region;
• the ride through the cycling tunnel at Brestanica, following the route of the former narrow-gauge railway;
• the Krka River and the typical landscape of Dolenjska;
• the historic centre of Novo mesto;
• Predjama and the characteristic Karst landscape;
• views towards the Gulf of Trieste from the Socerb area;
• the Vipava Valley;
• the Karst and the historic settlement of Štanjel;
• the historic centre of Škofja Loka;
• Ljubljana and its historic centre;
• Kamnik and views towards the Kamnik–Savinja Alps;
• the Savinja Valley;
• the Drava Valley and Slovenske gorice hills;
• Gornja Radgona and the Mura River;
• Pomurje and the return to the rolling hills of Goričko.

The diversity of the landscape is one of the defining features of this brevet. Over just more than 1000 kilometres, riders experience the Pannonian plains, wine-growing hills, the valleys of the Sava, Krka, Drava and Mura rivers, the Karst, Primorska, the Ljubljana Basin and the Alpine foothills.

Conclusion

Castles of Slovenia 1000 km combines the essential elements of long-distance brevets – endurance, self-reliance and the discovery of new places.

Over its 1001.9 kilometres, the rider encounters 25 castles or castle sites and an extraordinary variety of Slovenian landscapes. From the country’s largest castle in Goričko, through the castles overlooking the Drava and Sava rivers, the castles of Dolenjska, Predjama and the fortresses of the Karst, to Škofja Loka, Ljubljana, the Savinja Valley and the eventual return to Pomurje.

Every castle tells a new story, every section of the route reveals a different landscape, and every kilometre adds another chapter to a journey through Slovenia’s history.

And regardless of which castle the rider chooses as the starting point, one simple rule applies: where you start is where you finish.

Many can, few dare!