Novo Mesto: Discover Culture and the Krka

Novo Mesto combines archaeological heritage with paths along the Krka. When planning your visit, you can choose different focuses: Would you like to learn about the history of Dolenjska, enjoy views and riverside paths, or plan a longer hiking or cycling route? The city offers a range of themes and routes that differ clearly in length and character.

Archaeology and historical collections

The Dolenjski muzej is a stop on the Iron Age Danube Route. It preserves, researches and presents the Iron Age heritage of Dolenjska. The Arheološka podoba Dolenjske exhibition covers a long period, from the Stone Age to the end of the Early Middle Ages. The objects on display include figural-decorated bronze situlae found in Kandija and at Kapiteljska njiva in Novo Mesto. In this way, archaeological sites in the city meet a presentation spanning a broad period of the region’s history.

Another historic stop is the library of Klošter – Frančiškanska cerkev in samostan. It is considered the oldest library in Novo Mesto and dates from the late 15th century. Anyone interested in the city’s history will find a tangible point of interest here, alongside the archaeological themes.

Circular routes, the river and views

Pot Pozabljena polovica Novega mesta comprises three circular routes: a city route through the old town, a waterside route along the right bank of the Krka, and a woodland route along the left bank and over Marof hill. This themed route leads through hidden streets, along promenades by the Krka and over the hilltop viewpoint. It recalls women who shaped Novo Mesto’s history but whose role was overlooked. In this way, it connects the urban landscape with a distinctive historical perspective.

The Ragov log urban forest is separated from the old town only by the Krka. The Iz mesta v Ragov log walking route connects the centre to the forest via a wooden footbridge over the river. Ragov log also has a forest nature trail with information boards. The route and the nature trail offer different perspectives: one describes the way from the centre to the urban forest, while the other provides information on site.

For a view over the city, the Razgledna ploščad Kapitelj is located in the church tower, which was converted into a tourist viewpoint in 2022. Access involves climbing 126 steps to a height of approximately 24 metres. From the viewpoint, you can see the old town, the green Krka and the vineyards of Trška gora, as well as the slopes of the Gorjanci and distant Trdinov vrh.

Routes by bike and on the water

The 21 mostov reke Krke route starts in Novo Mesto, crosses 21 bridges over the Krka and a bridge over the Sušica, and continues to the source of the Krka. By contrast, the Rudolfova pot is a longer hiking and cycling route: it is almost 40 kilometres long and runs roughly along the boundary of the area formerly known as Rudolfswerth, which is associated with Novo Mesto. The Rudolfova pot is suitable for mountain bikes only. The Trškogorska kolesarska pot runs from Novo Mesto along the Krka towards Otočec, climbs to Trška gora and follows the Krka back towards Novo Mesto.

The activities on the Krka also differ in route length and mode of transport. With Z vesli po Krki, the most popular route heads towards the city centre; the one-way distance is about 1.2 kilometres. During the summer months, SUP boards, canoes or a wooden boat can be rented as part of the offer. E-bikes can be hired from TIC Novo mesto or at Vstopna točka Trška gora. As the watercraft are a seasonal offer and rental options may change, check the current conditions before planning your visit.

Visitor information and events

TIC Novo mesto is the city’s central visitor information point. During the summer months, it is open every day of the week, provides information about the tourism offer, books guided tours and rents out e-bikes or boats. Guided tours with local guides take visitors to sights such as Glavni trg, Kapitelj and the Krka. If you are planning a tour, it is worth checking the current schedule.

The Novo mesto Olympic Centre has an indoor velodrome and an athletics hall. The facilities provide year-round training conditions for cyclists and track-and-field athletes, as well as for competitions in both sports. The Equestrian School Sports Center Češča vas and the Vizir Equestrian Association also offer horse-riding activities at the centre for beginners and experienced riders. Specific activities and visitor access may change, so check the details if you are planning a visit.

The Festival cvička traditionally takes place in May at Glavni trg and showcases the wine tradition of Dolenjska. The programme includes a parade of winegrowers’ associations, tastings of award-winning wines and the crowning of the King of Cviček. Usually, more than 1,000 members of winegrowers’ associations from Dolenjska take part in the parade. Programme events may vary, and exact dates change from year to year; for your travel planning, you should therefore check that year’s programme.

Discover more destinations: Žužemberk, Srednje Grčevje, Škocjan, Brezovica, Vinica Pri Šmarjeti, Mirna Peč, Dolenje Kronovo, Dvor.

Return to the main travel overview: Novo Mesto.