With more than 500 castles in Slovenia, it will be difficult to just pick a few, which is why you have us — your guide to finding the best castles in the country.
Experience the royal life in a castle in Slovenia entrenched in history and buried medieval tales for you to discover. Wherever you look, you’ll find a castle staring back at you, beckoning and enticing you to come. The castle’s exterior will call at you while its interior will amaze you.
15 Best Castles in Slovenia
Are you ready to venture into a Slovenian castle?
If you are ready to have an experience of a lifetime, we bring you a list of the most incredible castles worth visiting (ticket fees updated as of April 2024) on your vacation in Slovenia:
Bistrica Castle
Bistrica Castle has been standing tall and impressing people with its brilliance since 1313. The castle’s renovation took over 25 years to complete but it was worth the wait. Presently, the castle hosts exhibitions to fill up the empty, renovated areas.
Whether you visit the castle in the summer or winter, its yellow-painted exterior will pop out at you.
If you’re coming with your family, check out the Old Bistrica Evenings, offering the best family-friendly things to do in Slovenia in June.
There are a couple of permanent exhibitions to see there, including “the Dolls in National Costumes of the World Collection”.
Bistrica Castle Entrance Fee: 3€ per adult
Bistrica Castle Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm Tue to Fri, and 11 am to 3 pm on Sat. Closed on Mon, Sun, and Public Holidays.
Castle Bogensperk
Bogensperk Castle and its surroundings exude charm and create a romantic aura, making the 16th-century palace an ideal wedding destination. Located above sea level, the castle boasts 16th-century design elements and houses a mineral rock, national costume, and hunting collection. A tour of the castle will reveal a whitewashed interior decorated with orange shingles, pointed rooftops, and cylinder-shaped quarters.
Entrance Fee: 6€ per adult, 4.50€ per child and student, and 5€ for seniors
Castle Bogensperk Opening Hours: 10 am to 2 pm in Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, and Dec Mon to Fri; and 10 am to 4 pm on weekends and holidays.
9 am to 4 pm in Apr, May, June, Sep, and Oct Mon to Fri; and 10 am to 6 pm on weekends and holidays.
9 am to 6 pm in July and Aug every day.
Idrija Castle (Gewerkenegg Castle)
Idrija Castle or the Gewerkenegg Castle greets tourists with its remarkable beauty. Visiting this castle is one of the most worthwhile things to do in Slovenia. Erected on a small hill on Idrija, a mining town in Slovenia, the castle dates back to the 16th century.
Created as the headquarters for the town’s mercury mine, nowadays, it features exhibitions displaying the town’s rich history, lace, and mercury. The magnificent structure consists of Baroque appendages, rococo plants, columns, and scrolls framing the arcades and windows in the courtyard, and four towers.
Entrance Fee: 8€ – but it depends on the locations and exhibitions, so you’d better ask at the reception.
For additional information call on +386 (0)5 37 266 00 or send an email: tajnistvo@muzej-idrija-cerkno.si
Opening Hours: Every day 10 am to 5 pm Oct to Apr – every day and Public Holidays.
10 am to 7 pm every day, May to Sep
Lake Bled Castle
The 1,000-year old Lake Bled Castle lures tourists with its magnificent structure, exhibitions, and numerous activities. From the lower courtyard, you can observe the amazing sights before you — Bled, Lake Bled, the island, the Karavanke Mountains, and the Babji zop and Straža hills. Each year, the castle brings new tales from the beyond and numerous traditional events for travellers.
Bled Castle Entrance Fee: 17€ per adult, 7€ per child, and 11€ per student
Bled Castle Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm in Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, and Dec.
8 am to 8 pm in Apr, May, June, July, Aug, Sep, and Oct.
And, if you like, you can get married at Lake Bled Castle. You will be offered a unique wedding venue and stunning views.
For more info contact Darja Pretnar with contact details below:
Bled castle weddings +386 41 599 196 weddings@zkbled.si
Old Castle of Celje
Celje Castle has been gracing the landscape of Slovenia since 1323 and to this day, continues to enthral visitors with its romantic and murky appearance. The castle includes an inner ward and a four-storey tower for guards.
However, the tower has a dark history, as Herman II used it to lock up his son Friderik I as punishment for falling in love with Veronika Deseniška. The tower is named after Friderik I. To liven up the castle’s history, they renovated it to offer captivating views with a café named Veronika.
Celje Castle Entrance Fee: 7€ per adult, 3€ per child (aged 6 to 15), Free Admission for children under 5; 4€ per student, and 5€ for seniors
Celje Castle Opening Hours:
Dec and Jan: 10 am to 4 pm
Feb and Nov: 9 am to 5 pm
Mar and Oct: 9 am to 6 pm
April: 9 am to 7 pm
May and Sep: 9 am to 8 pm
June, July and Aug: 9 am to 9 pm
Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle is one of the most widely visited castles in Slovenia. The marvellous castle has hovered over the city for over 800 years. The castle’s incredible Outlook Tower offers captivating panoramic views of Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia.
Other things to do in the castle include learning about the country’s 2,000 year-old history at the Slovenian History exhibition. While there, go on an educational adventure at the Escape Castle, and explore the castle’s many wonders.
Ljubljana Castle Entrance Fee: 12€ per adult, 8.40€ per child (7 to 18 years), students and seniors. 28.80€ for families (up to 2 adults and 1 child (7 to 18 years).
There are some other activities at Ljubljana Castle – you can check out the link to plan your visit.
Ljubljana Castle Opening Hours: 9 am to 7 pm in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, and Dec. 9 am to 10 pm in May, June, July, Aug, and Sep.
Bistra Castle
Bistra Castle is recognised as Carniola’s first monastery established in 1255. The castle functioned as the monastic library but suffered destruction thereafter. The 19th century saw the building renovated and in 1951, the castle became the home of the Technical Museum of Slovenia.
Consequently, it attracted people from across the globe, visiting to see the blacksmiths workshop, flour mill, veneer mill, and fulling mill, and different exhibitions. For car enthusiasts, the castle features a collection of 15 cars belonging to former President Tito of Yugoslavia.
Entrance Fee: 6.50€ per adult, 4€ per student, 4.50€ for seniors, 3€ per student (school field trips). 13€ for families, and free for the Disabled and Pre-schoolers
Bistra Castle Opening Hours:
From March to May and from Sep to Dec: from Tuesday to Friday: 8 am to 5pm; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 9 am to 7 pm
From June to August: from Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays: 9 am to 7 pm. Mondays closed.
Castle Zuzemberk
Zuzemberk Castle offers an imposing view of the Krka River. Originated in the 13th century, Castle Zuzemberk has gone through a lot since then. The castle has witnessed the destruction of its huge seven round towers during World War II.
To ensure the castle remained a part of Slovenian history, renovation and reconstruction efforts continue to this day. They have managed to restore the wine cellar, courtyard, Renaissance walls, and have partially constructed the towers. The castle’s grounds serve as event venues and host the yearly Market Town Days.
Entrance Fee: Free
Zuzemberk Castle Opening Hours: 9 am to 8 pm Fri- Sun. Monday to Thursday closed.
Otocec Castle
Constructed in the 13th century, Otocec Castle is situated on an island, in the centre of the Krka River. The castle’s architecture is a mix of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance era. Formerly a riverside fortress, they drained the river for increased fortification, which then created a small island with a wooden bridge to come and go.
World War II destroyed the castle, including the wooden bridges. Later, the new owners renovated the castle, transforming it into a hotel. Consider spending a night like a royal there.
Entrance Fee: Book a Stay
Opening Hours: All Hours
Strmol Castle
Strmol Castle sits at the bottom of Dvorjanski hrib with the earliest mention of its existence in literature in 1287. The castle serves as a conference site for the Slovenian government and a guesthouse. Surrounding the impressive castle is a park created towards the end of the 17th century. In the park, there’s an orchard, a walking path, and fishponds. The castle features antique furniture and historical paintings. You can book a stay in the castle to experience the noble life.
Entrance Fee: Book a Stay
Opening Hours: All Hours
Kamen Castle
Kamen Castle stands elegantly on a rocky cliff. Although the castle, belonging to the Counts of Lambergh, has gone through a whirlwind of destruction and damage through the years, it still remains one of the best things to see in Slovenia.
Erected in the 12th century, the castle features a centuries-old cargo route, preserved square Romanesque tower, and ruins of renaissance and gothic-inspired entrances. What to do in Slovenia’s Kamen Castle? Besides touring the castle, you can visit the archaeological locations via the Lamberg Trail.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: All Hours
Khislstein Castle
Khislstein Castle, a 13th-century palace near Kranj, lies atop the bridge above the Sava River. Explore what remains of the castle’s fortified walls and the Ortenburg Tower, which is its oldest structure. The castle also features the museum of Gorenjska, showcasing educational displays, the café Khislstein, and the Khislstein Summer Stage, putting on diverse cultural programs.
Entrance Fee: 3€ per adult, 2.30€ per child, student, and seniors; 6€ for families, and 7€ for adults, for all three houses
Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm Tue – Sun. Closed on Monday, Jan 1st, May 1st, Nov 1st, Dec 25th, and Easter.
Betnava Castle
Betnava Castle was created in the 14th century and bought by the earls of Betnava. The castle used to be recognised by its notable defence canal, Renaissance theme, and towers. However, the castle was converted into an Orthodox chapel featuring a graveyard. The castle fell to its demise in the 17th century when a fire erupted, but later, rebuilt in the Baroque Florentine theme.
Unfortunately, complete neglect and poor maintenance have caused the brilliant structure to deteriorate over time. Betnava Castle has been closed for visitors for some years now, but it still makes a great backdrop for pictures. Other things to do are visiting the nearby forest to relax, jog, and trek, or visiting the Betnava Adventure Park. Additionally, there’s a bee store with beehives and fresh honey for sale.
Maribor Castle
Maribor Castle is a 15th-century building located in the heart of Maribor. The castle hosts the Regional Museum of Maribor, featuring unique exhibitions. The castle is an amalgamation of several architectural designs.
Visit the Festive Hall to admire its beautiful ceiling painted by renowned artist Jožef Gebler, the Baroque stairway, and the Loretto chapel. The castle’s famous visitors have included the Roman Emperor Leopold I, the Russian Crown Prince, Pope Pius VI, amongst others.
Museum of Maribor Entrance Fee: 8€ per adult, 5.50€ per student and for seniors, and 2€ for preschoolers. Free entry on Feb 8, May 18, Dec 3, and third Sat in June.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm Tue – Sat. Closed Mon and Sun. Closed on 24th Dec and 31st Dec and public holidays.
While you are in Maribor, you can visit the Oldest Vine Museum. One of the museum’s tours includes visiting classical wine cellars with 2.1 km long underground corridors.
Predjama Castle – the hit castle that made Slovenia proud
Predjama Castle gained stardom when it became the location for the hit show “Game of Thrones”. The castle’s 12th century Gothic-inspired architecture fit perfectly into the show’s narrative. Predjama Castle is constructed into a natural cave structure, situated in the centre of a limestone cliff.
The Lovka stream runs underneath Predjama Castle and cascades into a cave. A guide can give you a tour of the castle’s underground caves and tell you about the legend of the brave knight Erazem, filled with romance, secrets, and betrayal.
To visit inside Predjama Castle, see the entrance fee and opening hours:
Predjama Castle Tickets: 19€ per adult, students 15.50€, children 6-15yo 11.50€, and children 5 or younger 1€.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 7 pm July and Aug, 9 am to 6 pm in May, June, and Sep. 10 am to 5 pm in Apr and Oct, and 10 am to 4 pm from Nov to Mar.
Castles in Slovenia — It Just Takes One Visit to Fall in Love with Their Exquisite Beauty
Slovenia brings you numerous castles, one at every corner. Whether you are coming alone, with family, friends, or partner, you need to visit at least one Slovenian castle, as they make a significant part of the country’s history. With several things to do in Slovenia, add castles to your list!
When you step on the castle grounds, know that kings, queens, and nobles once walked there.
Whether you find it difficult to choose between going to see castles in Romania or the ones in Slovenia, we are here to help. It all depends on your personal circumstances.
We are hopeful we managed to motivate you for your next trip and that you came up with a plan.
