Discover Zagorje Ob Savi

Zagorje ob Savi combines traces of its mining history with cultural sites and opportunities for outdoor activities. When planning your stay, it is worth exploring the different highlights: a museum dedicated to mining, parks that combine relaxation and scenery, and events ranging from choral music to a flute festival.

Mining history in the museum and on the trail

The Zagorje Mining Museum first opened its doors on 17 November 1995, commemorating 240 years of mining in the Zagorje Valley. Its collection on mining history includes photographs, tools, rocks and equipment used by miners. The collection therefore brings together both images and objects and materials related to mining work. The museum is designed to be interactive and can be explored independently using a smartphone.

The Rudarska pot Srečno also focuses on the technical heritage of mining. It is suitable for walking, recreation and relaxation, as well as visiting natural and cultural attractions. The Pot Srečno begins in Zagorje ob Savi; 4.9 kilometres of its route lie within the municipality of Zagorje ob Savi. The Iskranjca is a separate trail: this challenging route, about 5.4 kilometres long, leads from Zagorje railway station to the pond in Zagorje. Routes and trail markings may change; check conditions before setting out.

Cultural sites and public art

The Ladko Korošec Memorial Room is located in the Weinberger House. This multimedia space puts his image and distinctive voice in the spotlight. The house is also linked to a specific memory of Korošec: when he returned to Zagorje, he played his recordings to friends there for the first time. The memorial room thus connects a personal musical history with a particular place in Zagorje.

Dr. Janez Drnovšek Park is in the town centre, next to the regional road through Zagorje. Its features include a bronze bust of Dr. Janez Drnovšek, a sign marking the 15th meridian and the sculpture “Turn of the Century” (“Prelom stoletja”). A fountain with a bronze fibula displays a replica of a Hallstatt-era belt buckle found in Zagorje at the end of the 19th century.

The f 2.8 Photo Gallery was established in August 2020 next to the former miners’ bathhouse “Vašhava”. Its exhibition space focuses on selected photographers from Zasavje as well as outstanding artists from across Slovenia. Exhibition themes and participating artists may change. Those interested in photography will find another cultural highlight here, alongside the history of mining and music.

Parks, routes and scenery

Evropark is a sports and recreation park created by restoring the former Ruardi area used for slag and mining waste. The park includes two interconnected flow-through ponds, walking paths and a cycling path. Its creation illustrates the transformation of an area once used for mining waste into a place for recreation.

For mountain biking, Mountainbike park Cilenca offers four trails: Forest Bump (Flow), Jumanji, Super Mario and French Connection. As the operator may update the trail information, it is a good idea to check the details before setting out. For a different kind of city experience, “Totalna panika” is an urban adventure through Zagorje ob Savi, with tasks that lead from one point to another. Availability and instructions may change; check them before planning your visit.

A seasonal highlight is the blooming Japanese cherry trees, which grow in two rows in Zagorje ob Savi: beside the medical centre and between the bypass and Medija. The blossoms last only a short time. If you would like to see this landscape, take the limited viewing period into account when planning your visit.

Events and practical information

The Slovenian Flute Festival was first held in Zagorje ob Savi in 1996 and takes place every two years. The programme includes concerts, masterclasses, public lessons, workshops, panel discussions and project presentations, as well as exhibitions of flutes, sheet music and musical accessories. The Revija Zagorje ob Savi adds to the cultural offering as a competition for children’s and youth choirs, also held every two years since 1968. Check the dates and programme details for each event if you are planning a specific visit.

The tourism portal of the Municipality of Zagorje ob Savi brings together traditional events and hiking and cycling routes for visitors; listings and event information may change. The Zagorje ob Savi Tourist Information Centre is located at Cesta 9. avgusta 5, 1410 Zagorje ob Savi. As the address of a visitor service may change, it is a good idea to check it before travelling there. This will help you tailor your stay to cultural events, routes and other interests.

For the broader travel overview: Zagorje Ob Savi.