Braslovče: Market Town History and the Hop Festival

In Braslovče, a preserved market town layout, historic buildings and a long-standing Hop Festival come together with nearby walking routes and leisure activities. The town’s history can be seen at places such as the Church of the Assumption of Mary and Legant; Braslovško jezero and other attractions add to the picture of a stay here. You can explore Braslovče through the themes that interest you: history, events or outdoor activities.

Market Town History and Historic Sites

Braslovče received market rights in 1360 from Counts Herman I of Celje and Viljem of Celje. The historic appearance of the market town of Trg Braslovče has been preserved to this day. Walking through the town, you can see a market layout whose history is also reflected in individual buildings and places of remembrance.

The Church of the Assumption of Mary is considered the oldest building in Braslovče. Today, a tower and part of the wall remain. Veronika Deseniška has a historical connection to the church: she was the second wife of Count Friderik II of Celje and was temporarily buried at the church in 1428.

Legant also points to the market town’s former function. From at least the second half of the 14th century, the building served as an administrative building and housed the market judge. An inscription preserved above the entrance also suggests that Legant once had a watch and military function. The inscription points to this interpretation without establishing the building’s former use as certain.

The lapidarium at the Braslovče cemetery preserves old gravestones of cultural and historical value. It is designated as a cultural monument and tourist attraction, adding examples of commemorative heritage to the town’s history.

The Hop Festival and Skup’n plac

Dan hmeljarjev is a traditional Slovenian hop festival celebrated every year in Braslovče on the second weekend of August. In August 2026, the municipality reported that the 64th edition had taken place. At the 2026 festival procession, the parade passed through Trg Braslovče to the event venue. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, use the stated August weekend as a guide and check the exact festival dates.

The Skup’n plac event venue is also a place for numerous events, intergenerational workshops, meetings, private celebrations and other gatherings. It is home to one of Slovenia’s largest and oldest kozolci—traditional Slovenian hayracks. The site also contains one of the six VIT points of the Ecomuseum of Hop-Growing and Brewing, which is based in Žalec. Skup’n plac thus combines event facilities with a connection to the history of hops and brewing.

Paths by the Lake and in the Surrounding Area

Braslovško jezero is located near Trg Braslovče, in the immediate vicinity of Braslovče. A forest nature trail and walking path, about 1.5 kilometres long, runs around the lake. The lake also offers opportunities for fishing and nature-based leisure activities. The path combines a walk with information about the surrounding area; its length is approximate.

The Veronika Deseniška Trail leads from Grad Žovnek past Žovneško jezero, through Trg Braslovče and on to the Church of the Assumption of Mary. The route description therefore includes the lakeside area as well as the historic market town and the church. If you would like a guided tour, check the arrangements in advance. Grad Žovnek is one of Slovenia’s oldest castles. A regional tourism description from 2017 gives an approximate 15-minute walking time to the castle and describes the route as moderately strenuous; check trail conditions before setting out.

More Attractions Nearby

In Podvrh, a private collection on the history of the First and Second World Wars displays more than 1,000 items. These include documents, letters, postcards, weapons and uniforms. If you would like to visit the collection, confirm the visiting arrangements in advance.

For a private wellness experience, Pine Heaven Wellness at Parižlje 136, 3314 Braslovče offers an outdoor Finnish sauna and a massage pool beneath a wooden roof. The pool is used year-round. This specific attraction adds a nearby wellness option to the historical and nature-based activities.

Žovneška avantura za otroke is a programme for children’s groups of all ages. It combines historical, exploratory, creative and movement-based activities that can be adapted. If the programme is relevant to your travel plans, confirm current booking arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Tabor, Prebold, Polzela, Petrovče, Žalec, Prekopa, Vransko

Return to the main travel overview: Žalec.