Gradovi na Slovenskem - 600 km
Gradovi na Slovenskem 600 km
Brevet skozi slovensko grajsko dediščino
Uvod
Slovenija je majhna, vendar izjemno raznolika dežela. Na razmeroma majhnem prostoru se prepletajo različne pokrajine, zgodovinska obdobja in kulturne posebnosti. Med najlepšimi pričevalci preteklosti imajo posebno mesto gradovi – mogočne stavbe, ki že stoletja zaznamujejo slovenski prostor.
Gradovi na Slovenskem 600 km je brevet, ki povezuje najpomembnejše slovenske gradove in vodi kolesarje skozi raznolike pokrajine: od Goričkega in Prekmurja, preko Slovenskih goric, Štajerske, Kozjanskega, Posavja, Dolenjske, osrednje Slovenije in nazaj proti severovzhodu.
Trasa ni samo športni izziv, ampak tudi potovanje skozi slovensko zgodovino, kulturno dediščino in naravo. Poteka predvsem po manj prometnih asfaltnih cestah, skozi vinorodne griče, gozdove, rečne doline in slikovite podeželske kraje.
Vsak grad predstavlja kontrolno točko breveta in hkrati pomemben del slovenske zgodovinske dediščine. Med seboj jih povezuje približno 600 kilometrov slikovitih cest, ki kolesarje vodijo skozi skoraj vse glavne slovenske pokrajine – od panonskih ravnic in vinorodnih gričev do rečnih dolin in alpskega predgorja.
Posebno obvestilo: Na brevetu ne bo nobene oskrbe!
Osnovni podatki
Naziv: Gradovi na Slovenskem 600 km
Vrsta: Brevet
Dolžina trase: približno 600 km
Podlaga: asfalt
Možna izhodišča
Ker gre za brevet, je lahko vsak grad na trasi hkrati izhodišče in cilj. Kolesarji lahko brevet začnejo pri gradu, ki jim je geografsko najbližje oziroma jim najbolj ustreza z vidika dostopa.
Ne glede na izbrano izhodišče morajo v predpisanem zaporedju obiskati vse gradove na trasi in se po približno 600 kilometrih vrniti na izbrano izhodišče.
Višinski podatki
- Izhodišče: približno 170–460 m n. v. (odvisno od izbranega gradu)
- Najnižja točka trase: približno 150 m n. v.
- Najvišja točka trase: približno 600 m n. v.
Trasa je značilno slovensko razgibana. Kolesarje čakajo številni krajši vzponi in spusti, razgledne ceste, vinorodni griči ter nekaj zahtevnejših odsekov na območju Kozjanskega, Savinjske doline in osrednje Slovenije.
Gradovi na trasi
| Št. | Grad | Nadmorska višina |
| 1 | Grad Grad (Goričko) | ~350 m |
| 2 | Lendavski grad | ~265 m |
| 3 | Grad Negova | ~320 m |
| 4 | Ptujski grad | ~240 m |
| 5 | Stari grad Celje | ~407 m |
| 6 | Grad Podsreda | ~430 m |
| 7 | Grad Brestanica (Rajhenburg) | ~220 m |
| 8 | Grad Otočec | ~170 m |
| 9 | Grad Grm Novo mesto | ~200 m |
| 10 | Grad Bogenšperk | ~460 m |
| 11 | Grad Jable | ~320 m |
| 12 | Grad Kamnik | ~390 m |
| 13 | Grad Žovnek | ~430 m |
| 14 | Grad Slovenska Bistrica | ~275 m |
| 15 | Grad Vurberk | ~340 m |
| 16 | Gornja Radgona – grajska točka | ~210 m |
| 17 | Grad Grad (cilj) | ~350 m |
Razdalje med gradovi
| Odsek | Približna razdalja |
| Grad Grad – Lendavski grad | ~45 km |
| Lendavski grad – Grad Negova | ~65 km |
| Grad Negova – Ptujski grad | ~40 km |
| Ptujski grad – Stari grad Celje | ~75 km |
| Stari grad Celje – Grad Podsreda | ~45 km |
| Grad Podsreda – Grad Brestanica (Rajhenburg) | ~45 km |
| Grad Brestanica – Grad Otočec | ~55 km |
| Grad Otočec – Grad Grm Novo mesto | ~10 km |
| Grad Grm Novo mesto – Grad Bogenšperk | ~45 km |
| Grad Bogenšperk – Grad Jable | ~55 km |
| Grad Jable – Grad Kamnik | ~25 km |
| Grad Kamnik – Grad Žovnek | ~55 km |
| Grad Žovnek – Grad Slovenska Bistrica | ~45 km |
| Grad Slovenska Bistrica – Grad Vurberk | ~45 km |
| Grad Vurberk – Gornja Radgona | ~55 km |
| Gornja Radgona – Grad Grad | ~70 km |
Skupna dolžina breveta: približno 600 km.
Opis trase
Goričko in Prekmurje
Brevet se začne pri Gradu Grad, največjem gradu v Sloveniji. Trasa vodi po mirnih cestah Goričkega proti Lendavi, skozi gričevnato pokrajino, vinograde in značilno panonsko okolje.
Po obisku Lendavskega gradu se nadaljuje proti Negovi in Slovenskim goricam, kjer se začne bolj razgiban del poti.
Slovenske gorice in Ptuj
Iz Negove brevet vodi proti Ptujskemu gradu, enemu najpomembnejših simbolov najstarejšega slovenskega mesta. Pot poteka po slikovitih cestah Slovenskih goric, kjer se izmenjujejo vinogradi, sadovnjaki in majhne vasi.
Štajerska, Celje in Kozjansko
Od Ptuja se trasa nadaljuje proti Staremu gradu Celje, največjemu srednjeveškemu gradu v Sloveniji. Ta del poti ponuja razgledno vožnjo po valoviti štajerski pokrajini in prijetnih, manj prometnih cestah.
Iz Celja brevet zavije proti Gradu Podsreda, enemu najbolje ohranjenih srednjeveških gradov v Sloveniji, ki leži v osrčju Kozjanskega.
Posavje
Po spustu proti reki Savi sledi prihod do Gradu Brestanica (Rajhenburg). Ta del breveta zaznamuje tudi vožnja skozi kolesarski tunel Brestanica, nekdanji železniški predor, danes urejen za kolesarje in pešce ter ena najbolj zanimivih posebnosti celotne trase.
Dolenjska
Iz Posavja se brevet nadaljuje proti dolini reke Krke in Gradu Otočec, edinemu slovenskemu gradu, ki stoji na otoku sredi reke.
Le nekaj kilometrov naprej sledi Grad Grm Novo mesto, nato pa razgledna vožnja proti Gradu Bogenšperk, kjer je ustvarjal Janez Vajkard Valvasor.
Osrednja Slovenija, Savinjska dolina in povratek na Goričko
Od Bogenšperka trasa vodi proti Gradu Jable in naprej do Kamniškega gradu, od koder se usmeri proti Gradu Žovnek, zibelki Celjskih grofov.
Sledi vožnja do Gradu Slovenska Bistrica in Gradu Vurberk, nato pa skozi območje Gornje Radgone in ob reki Muri nazaj na Goričko, kjer se brevet zaključi pri Gradu Grad po približno 600 kilometrih.
Opis gradov
1. Grad Grad (Goričko)
Grad Grad je največji grad v Sloveniji.
Njegovi začetki segajo v 12. stoletje, ko je bila na vzpetini sredi Goričkega zgrajena prva utrjena postojanka. Zaradi svoje lege je imel pomembno obrambno, upravno in gospodarsko vlogo.
Skozi stoletja je bil večkrat prezidan in razširjen. Z njim so povezani številni plemiški rodovi, med najpomembnejšimi Széchy in Batthyány.
Današnji grajski kompleks obsega mogočno stavbo z notranjim dvoriščem, arkadami, kapelo in številnimi gospodarskimi poslopji. Danes je v njem sedež Krajinskega parka Goričko.
2. Lendavski grad
Lendavski grad stoji na griču nad mestom Lendava in je ena najbolj prepoznavnih znamenitosti Prekmurja.
Njegovi začetki segajo v srednji vek. Zaradi strateške lege med Panonsko nižino in zahodnim delom Ogrske je stoletja nadzoroval pomembne trgovske poti.
Z gradom je tesno povezana plemiška rodbina Bánffy, današnjo renesančno podobo pa je dobil po več prezidavah.
Danes je v njem muzej, z grajskega griča pa se odpirajo čudoviti razgledi na Lendavske gorice in Panonsko nižino.
3. Grad Negova
Grad Negova je eden najbolje ohranjenih gradov v Sloveniji.
Prvič je omenjen v 12. stoletju, iz prvotne srednjeveške utrdbe pa se je skozi stoletja razvil v mogočno renesančno rezidenco.
Pomembno vlogo pri njegovem razvoju je imela plemiška družina Trautmannsdorf.
Danes grad predstavlja pomembno kulturno središče Slovenskih goric.
4. Ptujski grad
Ptujski grad je simbol najstarejšega slovenskega mesta.
Grajski grič je bil pomemben že v rimskem obdobju, današnji srednjeveški grad pa se je začel razvijati predvsem v 12. stoletju pod upravo salzburških nadškofov.
Danes hrani eno najbogatejših muzejskih zbirk v Sloveniji z orožjem, glasbili, umetninami in znamenitimi kurentovimi maskami.
5. Stari grad Celje
Stari grad Celje je največji srednjeveški grad v Sloveniji.
Najbolj je povezan z mogočno rodbino grofov Celjskih, ki je v 14. in 15. stoletju sodila med najvplivnejše plemiške družine v srednji Evropi.
Grad je bil središče njihove politične moči, danes pa je ena najbolj obiskanih zgodovinskih znamenitosti Slovenije.
6. Grad Podsreda
Grad Podsreda je eden najbolje ohranjenih srednjeveških gradov v Sloveniji.
Prvič je omenjen v 12. stoletju, skozi stoletja pa je ohranil velik del svoje prvotne arhitekture.
Leži v osrčju Kozjanskega parka, kjer se kulturna dediščina prepleta z izjemno naravo.
7. Grad Brestanica (Rajhenburg)
Grad Rajhenburg stoji nad reko Savo pri Brestanici.
Njegovi začetki segajo v srednji vek. Zaradi svoje strateške lege je imel pomembno obrambno vlogo, skozi stoletja pa je doživel številne prezidave.
Danes je grad pomembno muzejsko in kulturno središče Posavja.
8. Grad Otočec
Grad Otočec je edini slovenski grad, ki stoji na otoku sredi reke.
Prvič je omenjen v 13. stoletju. Zaradi svoje lege na otočku sredi reke Krke velja za enega najbolj prepoznavnih slovenskih gradov.
9. Grad Grm Novo mesto
Grad Grm je renesančni dvorec iz 16. stoletja.
Predstavlja pomemben primer renesančne arhitekture na Dolenjskem in ostaja pomemben del kulturne dediščine Novega mesta.
10. Grad Bogenšperk
Grad Bogenšperk je eden najpomembnejših renesančnih gradov v Sloveniji.
Najbolj je povezan z Janezom Vajkardom Valvasorjem, ki je tukaj ustvaril znamenito delo Slava vojvodine Kranjske, eno najpomembnejših del slovenske zgodovine.
11. Grad Jable
Grad Jable pri Mengšu je renesančni dvorec iz 16. stoletja.
Skozi zgodovino je imel pomembno upravno in reprezentativno vlogo, danes pa je lepo obnovljen kulturni spomenik pod Kamniško-Savinjskimi Alpami.
12. Grad Kamnik
Kamniški grad je stal na strateški vzpetini nad srednjeveškim Kamnikom.
Čeprav so danes ohranjene predvsem razvaline, ostaja pomemben simbol nekdaj enega najpomembnejših srednjeveških mest na Slovenskem.
13. Grad Žovnek
Grad Žovnek je eden najstarejših gradov v Sloveniji.
Prav tukaj se je začela zgodba Žovneških gospodov, iz katerih so kasneje nastali mogočni Celjski grofje, najpomembnejša slovenska plemiška rodbina srednjega veka.
14. Grad Slovenska Bistrica
Grad Slovenska Bistrica je pomemben renesančni dvorec, ki je današnjo podobo dobil predvsem v 17. stoletju.
Danes je v njem muzej in kulturno središče mesta.
15. Grad Vurberk
Grad Vurberk stoji na vzpetini nad reko Dravo.
Njegovi začetki segajo v srednji vek. Zaradi svoje lege je imel pomembno obrambno vlogo, danes pa ponuja enega najlepših razgledov na Dravsko polje.
16. Gornja Radgona
Gornja Radgona je že stoletja pomembna obmejna naselbina ob reki Muri.
Grajski grič nad mestom je imel pomembno obrambno vlogo, danes pa območje povezuje bogato zgodovino, vinogradništvo in čudovite razglede na Mursko polje.
Druge zanimivosti ob poti
Poleg gradov brevet povezuje številne naravne, kulturne in tehniške znamenitosti Slovenije.
- Krajinski park Goričko – ena najbolje ohranjenih gričevnatih pokrajin Slovenije.
- Lendavske gorice – vinorodno območje z razgledi na Panonsko nižino.
- Slovenske gorice – mirne podeželske ceste med vinogradi in sadovnjaki.
- Ptuj – najstarejše slovensko mesto z bogato rimsko in srednjeveško zgodovino.
- Kozjanski park – eno najdragocenejših območij naravne in kulturne dediščine Slovenije.
- Kolesarski tunel Brestanica – nekdanji železniški predor, danes urejen za kolesarje in pešce, predstavlja eno najbolj zanimivih doživetij na celotni trasi.
- Dolina reke Save – slikovita pot med Posavjem in Dolenjsko.
- Reka Krka in Otočec – ena najlepših slovenskih rečnih pokrajin.
- Novo mesto – zgodovinsko središče Dolenjske.
- Kamniško-Savinjske Alpe – mogočna kulisa severnega dela trase.
- Dravsko polje – odprta pokrajina med Slovensko Bistrico, Vurberkom in Ptujem.
- Reka Mura – zadnji del breveta poteka ob eni najbolj ohranjenih slovenskih rek.
Zaključek
Gradovi na Slovenskem 600 km niso le športni izziv, temveč potovanje skozi slovensko zgodovino, kulturno dediščino in raznolike pokrajine.
Brevet povezuje največje in najpomembnejše slovenske gradove, srednjeveška mesta, vinorodne griče, rečne doline ter številne manj znane kotičke Slovenije. Vsak grad pripoveduje svojo zgodbo, vsak kilometer pa razkriva nov pogled na bogato dediščino naše dežele.
Ne glede na to, pri katerem gradu se brevet začne, je cilj vedno enak – odkriti Slovenijo na najbolj pristen način, s kolesa.
Mnogi zmorejo, redki si upajo!
EN
Castles of Slovenia 600 km
A Brevet Through Slovenia’s Castle Heritage
Introduction
Slovenia may be a small country, but it offers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, history and culture. Within a relatively short distance, cyclists experience the transition from the Pannonian Plain to vineyard-covered hills, river valleys, medieval towns and the foothills of the Alps. Among Slovenia’s most remarkable historical landmarks are its castles, many of which have stood proudly for centuries and still dominate the surrounding landscape.
Castles of Slovenia 600 km is a brevet that connects some of Slovenia’s most important castles, taking riders through the diverse regions of Goričko, Prekmurje, the Slovene Hills, Styria, Kozjansko, Posavje, Dolenjska, Central Slovenia and finally back to the north-east of the country.
This brevet is much more than a cycling challenge. It is a journey through Slovenian history, cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery. The route follows mainly quiet asphalt roads, winding through vineyards, forests, river valleys and picturesque villages.
Every castle represents an official control point of the brevet while also telling a unique story from Slovenia’s rich past. Approximately 600 kilometres of scenic roads connect these castles, guiding riders through nearly every major geographical region of Slovenia—from the Pannonian lowlands and rolling wine-growing hills to river valleys and the foothills of the Alps.
Important notice: There will be no supply on this brevet!
Basic Information
Event: Castles of Slovenia 600 km
Type: Brevet
Distance: Approximately 600 km
Surface: Asphalt roads
Possible Starting Points
As this is a brevet, any castle along the route may serve as both the start and the finish. Riders are free to begin at whichever castle is most convenient for them.
Regardless of the chosen starting point, every rider must visit all castles in the prescribed order before returning to the original starting point after approximately 600 kilometres.
Elevation Profile
- Starting elevation: approximately 170–460 metres above sea level, depending on the chosen castle
- Lowest point of the route: approximately 150 metres above sea level
- Highest point of the route: approximately 600 metres above sea level
The route reflects the typical Slovenian landscape, featuring numerous short climbs and descents, scenic roads, vineyard-covered hills and several more demanding sections through Kozjansko, the Savinja Valley and Central Slovenia.
Castles Along the Route
| No. | Castle | Approximate elevation |
| 1 | Grad Castle (Goričko) | ~350 m |
| 2 | Lendava Castle | ~265 m |
| 3 | Negova Castle | ~320 m |
| 4 | Ptuj Castle | ~240 m |
| 5 | Celje Old Castle | ~407 m |
| 6 | Podsreda Castle | ~430 m |
| 7 | Rajhenburg Castle (Brestanica) | ~220 m |
| 8 | Otočec Castle | ~170 m |
| 9 | Grm Castle (Novo mesto) | ~200 m |
| 10 | Bogenšperk Castle | ~460 m |
| 11 | Jable Castle | ~320 m |
| 12 | Kamnik Castle | ~390 m |
| 13 | Žovnek Castle | ~430 m |
| 14 | Slovenska Bistrica Castle | ~275 m |
| 15 | Vurberk Castle | ~340 m |
| 16 | Gornja Radgona Castle Site | ~210 m |
| 17 | Grad Castle (Finish) | ~350 m |
Distances Between the Castles
| Section | Approximate distance |
| Grad Castle – Lendava Castle | ~45 km |
| Lendava Castle – Negova Castle | ~65 km |
| Negova Castle – Ptuj Castle | ~40 km |
| Ptuj Castle – Celje Old Castle | ~75 km |
| Celje Old Castle – Podsreda Castle | ~45 km |
| Podsreda Castle – Rajhenburg Castle | ~45 km |
| Rajhenburg Castle – Otočec Castle | ~55 km |
| Otočec Castle – Grm Castle | ~10 km |
| Grm Castle – Bogenšperk Castle | ~45 km |
| Bogenšperk Castle – Jable Castle | ~55 km |
| Jable Castle – Kamnik Castle | ~25 km |
| Kamnik Castle – Žovnek Castle | ~55 km |
| Žovnek Castle – Slovenska Bistrica Castle | ~45 km |
| Slovenska Bistrica Castle – Vurberk Castle | ~45 km |
| Vurberk Castle – Gornja Radgona Castle Site | ~55 km |
| Gornja Radgona Castle Site – Grad Castle | ~70 km |
Total brevet distance: approximately 600 km.
Route Description
Goričko and Prekmurje
The brevet begins at Grad Castle, the largest castle in Slovenia. From there, the route follows the quiet roads of the Goričko region towards Lendava, passing rolling hills, vineyards and the characteristic landscapes of the Pannonian Plain.
After visiting Lendava Castle, the route continues towards Negova and the Slovene Hills, where the terrain gradually becomes more varied and undulating.
Slovene Hills and Ptuj
From Negova, riders continue towards Ptuj Castle, one of the symbols of Slovenia’s oldest town. This section passes through the beautiful countryside of the Slovene Hills, where vineyards, orchards and traditional villages dominate the landscape.
Styria, Celje and Kozjansko
Leaving Ptuj behind, the route continues towards Celje Old Castle, the largest medieval castle in Slovenia. This section offers enjoyable riding on quiet roads through the gently rolling Styrian countryside.
From Celje, the brevet heads towards Podsreda Castle, one of Slovenia’s best-preserved medieval castles, situated in the heart of the Kozjansko region.
Posavje
Descending towards the Sava River, riders reach Rajhenburg Castle (Brestanica).
One of the highlights of this section is the Brestanica Cycling Tunnel, a former railway tunnel that has been converted into a cycling route. It provides one of the most unique experiences of the entire brevet.
Dolenjska
From Posavje, the route follows the Krka River valley to Otočec Castle, the only Slovenian castle built on an island in the middle of a river.
Only a few kilometres later comes Grm Castle in Novo mesto, followed by a scenic climb towards Bogenšperk Castle, where the famous Slovenian scholar Johann Weikhard Valvasor created his masterpiece The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola.
Central Slovenia, the Savinja Valley and the Return to Goričko
From Bogenšperk, the brevet continues towards Jable Castle and Kamnik Castle, before reaching Žovnek Castle, the cradle of the powerful Counts of Celje.
The final part of the route passes Slovenska Bistrica Castle, Vurberk Castle, and the Gornja Radgona Castle Site, before following the Mura River back to Grad Castle, where the brevet finishes after approximately 600 kilometres.
Castle Descriptions
1. Grad Castle (Goričko)
Grad Castle is the largest castle in Slovenia.
Its origins date back to the 12th century, when the first fortified settlement was built on a hill in the heart of the Goričko region. Thanks to its strategic location, the castle played an important defensive, administrative and economic role.
Over the centuries it was enlarged and rebuilt several times. Among the most important noble families connected with the castle were the Széchy and Batthyány families.
Today, the impressive complex consists of more than 350 rooms, making it the largest castle complex in Slovenia. It includes arcaded courtyards, a chapel and numerous historic buildings, and today serves as the headquarters of the Goričko Landscape Park.
2. Lendava Castle
Lendava Castle rises above the town of Lendava and is one of the best-known landmarks of the Prekmurje region.
Its origins date back to the Middle Ages. Due to its strategic position between the Pannonian Plain and western Hungary, it controlled important trade routes for centuries.
The castle is closely associated with the noble Bánffy family, while its present Renaissance appearance is the result of several reconstructions.
Today it houses a museum and offers magnificent panoramic views over the Lendava Hills, the Pannonian Plain and neighbouring Hungary.
3. Negova Castle
Negova Castle is one of the best-preserved castles in Slovenia.
First mentioned in the 12th century, it gradually developed from a medieval fortress into an elegant Renaissance residence.
The noble Trautmannsdorf family played an important role in its development.
Today the castle is an important cultural centre of the Slovene Hills and hosts exhibitions, concerts and cultural events throughout the year.
4. Ptuj Castle
Ptuj Castle dominates Slovenia’s oldest town.
The castle hill was already strategically important during Roman times, while the present medieval castle began to develop mainly in the 12th century under the Salzburg Archbishops.
Today it houses one of Slovenia’s richest museum collections, including historical weapons, musical instruments, works of art, traditional furniture and the famous Kurent carnival masks.
5. Celje Old Castle
Celje Old Castle is the largest medieval castle in Slovenia.
It is inseparably connected with the mighty Counts of Celje, one of the most influential noble families in Central Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries.
The castle was the political centre of their power and today ranks among Slovenia’s most visited historical monuments.
From its walls visitors enjoy spectacular views over the entire Celje Basin.
6. Podsreda Castle
Podsreda Castle is one of Slovenia’s best-preserved medieval castles.
First mentioned in the 12th century, much of its original medieval architecture has survived to the present day.
Located in the heart of the Kozjansko Regional Park, it perfectly combines cultural heritage with unspoiled nature and is a popular venue for exhibitions and cultural events.
7. Rajhenburg Castle (Brestanica)
Rajhenburg Castle stands proudly above the Sava River near Brestanica.
Its origins date back to the Middle Ages. Owing to its strategic position, it played an important defensive role and was rebuilt several times throughout history.
Today it serves as a museum and an important cultural centre of the Posavje region.
8. Otočec Castle
Otočec Castle is the only castle in Slovenia built on an island in the middle of a river.
First mentioned in the 13th century, its picturesque setting on an island in the Krka River makes it one of Slovenia’s most iconic castles.
Surrounded by water and parkland, it is among the country’s most photographed historical landmarks.
9. Grm Castle (Novo mesto)
Grm Castle is a Renaissance manor dating from the 16th century.
It is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture in the Dolenjska region and remains an important historical landmark of Novo mesto.
10. Bogenšperk Castle
Bogenšperk Castle is one of Slovenia’s finest Renaissance castles.
It is closely connected with Johann Weikhard Valvasor, who wrote his famous work The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola here—one of the most important historical works about Slovenia.
Today the castle houses a museum dedicated to Valvasor’s life and work.
11. Jable Castle
Jable Castle near Mengeš is a Renaissance manor dating from the 16th century.
Throughout history it served important administrative and representative functions and today stands as a beautifully restored cultural monument beneath the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.
12. Kamnik Castle
Kamnik Castle once stood on a strategic hill above the medieval town of Kamnik.
Although only ruins remain today, it is still an important reminder of one of the most significant medieval towns in Slovenia.
The castle hill offers beautiful views over Kamnik and the surrounding mountains.
13. Žovnek Castle
Žovnek Castle is one of the oldest castles in Slovenia.
It was here that the story of the Lords of Žovnek began. They later became the famous Counts of Celje, the most powerful noble family in medieval Slovenian history.
Although mostly preserved as ruins today, the castle is of exceptional historical importance.
14. Slovenska Bistrica Castle
Slovenska Bistrica Castle is an important Renaissance manor that acquired its present appearance mainly during the 17th century.
Today it houses a museum and serves as an important cultural centre of the town.
Its beautifully maintained castle park is one of the finest examples of a historic park in Slovenia.
15. Vurberk Castle
Vurberk Castle stands on a hill overlooking the Drava River.
Its origins date back to the Middle Ages. Because of its commanding position, it played an important defensive role and today offers magnificent views across the Drava Plain.
Although only parts of the castle remain, it is still one of the most scenic viewpoints in eastern Slovenia.
16. Gornja Radgona Castle Site
For centuries, Gornja Radgona has been an important border town on the Mura River.
The castle hill above the town once had an important defensive function. Today the area combines history, wine-growing traditions and beautiful views across the Mura Plain and neighbouring Austria.
Other Highlights Along the Route
Besides its castles, the brevet also connects many of Slovenia’s most attractive natural, cultural and technical landmarks.
- Goričko Landscape Park – one of Slovenia’s best-preserved hilly landscapes, rich in forests, orchards and traditional villages.
- Lendava Hills – a renowned wine-growing region overlooking the Pannonian Plain.
- Slovene Hills – peaceful countryside roads winding through vineyards and orchards.
- Ptuj – Slovenia’s oldest town, rich in Roman and medieval heritage.
- Kozjansko Regional Park – one of Slovenia’s most valuable areas of natural and cultural heritage.
- Brestanica Cycling Tunnel – one of the route’s unique attractions. Originally built as a railway tunnel for transporting coal from the Senovo mines, it has been converted into a cycling and pedestrian tunnel and provides one of the most memorable experiences of the brevet.
- Sava River Valley – a scenic route connecting the Posavje and Dolenjska regions.
- Krka River and Otočec – one of Slovenia’s most beautiful river landscapes.
- Novo mesto – the historic centre of the Dolenjska region.
- Kamnik–Savinja Alps – a spectacular mountain backdrop along the northern part of the route.
- Drava Plain – an open landscape between Slovenska Bistrica, Vurberk and Ptuj.
- Mura River – the final section of the brevet follows one of Slovenia’s most beautiful and well-preserved rivers.
Conclusion
Castles of Slovenia 600 km is far more than a cycling challenge—it is a journey through Slovenia’s history, cultural heritage and remarkably diverse landscapes.
The brevet links some of the country’s most important castles, medieval towns, vineyards, river valleys and many hidden corners that reveal the remarkable richness of Slovenia. Every castle tells its own story, while every kilometre offers another unforgettable experience.
Whether starting in Goričko, Ptuj, Kamnik or any other castle along the route, every rider completes the same challenge: discovering Slovenia in the most authentic way possible—from the saddle of a bicycle.
Many can, few dare!
Gradovi na Slovenskem
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Plačilo preko TRR (ročno):
TRR: 0475 1000 1548 122
Znesek: 35 €
Namen: Štartnina + medalja Ime Priimek
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Prijavljeni udeleženci
| # | Kolesar | Država | Plačano |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simona Cokan Zaman | Slovenija | DA |
| 2 | Thomas Schwald | Avstrija | DA |
| 3 | Andrej Zaman | Slovenija | DA |