New Green Experience: A Green cycling and gourmet adventure in the heart of Posavje

Description

In the destination of Čatež and Posavje, an unforgettable green cycling experience awaits you, delighting with rich gastronomic offerings and the natural beauty of Posavje. On this adventure, you will discover that Posavje is truly full of opportunities.

Day 1

The green adventure begins in the town of Radeče, specifically at the port where the Radeče raft resides, and where the river Sopota flows into the Sava. This is also the starting point of the circular Savus Educational trail, which, due to its flat terrain, is suitable for walkers and cyclists. The trail is very informative and offers beautiful viewpoints. It also provides the option to rent electric bikes and take a guided walk with a local guide. This trail, named after the ancient river deity Savus, innovatively combines the interpretation of natural and cultural heritage. Walk along one of the most beautiful and longest fishing routes in Europe, passing by the Savus Recreation Park and the Dvor Park, known for its majestic trees. You can also try out innovative didactic playgrounds and learn something new about the local flora and fauna or explore the trail with the help of informational boards highlighting key features along the way. At the meadow near the Fisherman’s Village, you will be refreshed with a breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients, prepared by chef Rok Martinčič from the Gostišča Jež, who holds the title “Chef of the Future 2023” awarded by Gault&Millau Slovenia. After completing the 5-kilometer circular trail, continue cycling through Hotemež to the Repovž Inn for a well-deserved lunch. The route will take you to the municipality of Sevnica, a recipient of the gold label Slovenia Green Destination.

Gostilna Repovž with its enviable tradition, represents a place where good souls are inspired, and curious stomachs are satisfied. They excellently combine elements of modernity with tradition, which has earned them several awards and accolades. They are proud members of the international association of restaurateurs JRE – Jeunes Restaurateurs Slovenia and recipients of the green Michelin star. They are also highly ranked in the international guide for Slovenia, Gault Millau, where they received 3 toques. Their main chef, Meta, has also received a special award from Gault Millau, namely the title for Tradition Chef. After lunch, continue cycling on an 18-kilometer route to Sevnica Castle. This castle stands on a scenic hill above the old town center and is the central cultural, historical, political, and protocol facility in the municipality of Sevnica. It offers a variety of activities, including guided tours of the castle, a castle wine shop, and a castle shop with a diverse selection of useful products and produce under the brand »Sevnica Premium«. As part of the Green Experience, we recommend a walk along the Energy trail around the castle, which is an extension of the existing thematic trail “The Forest is Culture.” The entire trail, starting above the Lutrovska cellar and continuing through the castle park, takes about 40 minutes. Walking itself has a relaxing effect, and along the way, you can connect with the energies in your body at each energy point.

Before the day turns to evening, embark on a 20-kilometer cycling stage towards the Municipality of Krško. Cycling along the Sava River, you will experience a beautiful and diverse journey. You will be enchanted by the stunning views. Along the way, you can enjoy nature and discover cultural landmarks. Before reaching the town of Krško, you will be greeted by the magnificent Rajhenburg Castle, dating back to the 12th century. Rajhenburg Castle is one of the most important monuments of medieval castle architecture in Slovenia. It is recognized for the Rajhenburg knights and Trappist monks who produced their Imperial brand chocolate. You can still buy excellent chocolate products at the castle’s museum shop. The castle offers interesting permanent and temporary museum exhibitions, providing insight into various historical periods. You can also visit the castle’s sparkling wine cellar, where you will taste excellent sparkling wines and wines from Posavje with the guidance of top sommeliers. For a true culinary indulgence, the top-notch Restavracija A3, kcreates authentic culinary experiences using local traditional ingredients. Descending from the castle, you will be charmed by another magnificent view of Brestanica and the Our Lady of Lourdes Basilica, which is also worth visiting. Continue your ride past the Tri Lučke, surrounded by vineyards, where you can take a break with a view of the Sava River and the town of Krško, thus ending your day in a relaxed manner.

Day 2

Municipality of Krško is a recipient of the gold label Slovenia Green Destination. Your second day of this green adventure will start with a local breakfast at the Tri Lučke restaurant. The morning will be culturally oriented. For an interactive insight into the town’s history, visit the The City Museum of Krško and the Krško Gallery, located in the picturesque old town center. Alternatively, you can visit the Čebelarskega centra Krško, which offers insight into beekeeping work and the life of bees. Continue your journey through the Town Park and cycle towards the Kunst Restaurant, kknown for its selected dishes made from local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients. There you will be served a true “Posavje” lunch. The specialty of the Kunst Inn is the Krškopolje pig, the only preserved Slovenian autochthonous pig breed, originating from this area. This meat has a proven better ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it healthier, juicier, and more aromatic. Additionally, they have four in-house sommeliers who will gladly recommend a wine to complement your chosen dish. The Kunst Hotel holds the international environmental mark Green Key and the certificate of Green Restaurants in Slovenia (Slovenia Green Cuisine). Indulge in a selection of quality desserts, and then continue your cycling journey on the new cycling path to Kostanjevice na Krki, a recipient of the silver label Slovenia Green Destination.

Kostanjevica na Krki enchants with its unique beauty and rich cultural heritage, being the smallest Slovenian inhabited town on an island along the Krka River, surrounded by the Krakovo forest, fertile fields, and Gorjanci. Historical houses, churches, memorials, and wooden river bridges intertwine history, culture, and art, reflected in gallery collections and wooden sculptures in the Forma Viva park. Kostanjevica na Krki is a true choice for outdoor adventurers, offering numerous interesting hiking and cycling trails in its immediate vicinity. You can also experience the town from a different perspective by circling it by boat or SUP. The town has attractive swimming spots to refresh you during the summer months. From the town, cycle to the former Cistercian monastery, home to the Božidar Jakac Gallery. The park around the monastery features world-famous Forma Viva sculptures. Here, you can also taste local wines at the Cviček Wine Cellar in the Božidar Jakac Gallery. A local winemaker will serve you three wine samples accompanied by a local salty pastry called Cop na lop (only for groups over 10 people). Wine tasting can also be experienced at the Jelenič Wine Cellar, located on a hill above Kostanjevica na Krki. Guests are offered tastings of various varietal wines, which can also be purchased. During the tasting, they serve homemade food, including various types of meats, bread, lard, cheeses, and different types of štruklji and potica. On the historic island of Kostanjevica na Krki, two charming smaller hotels are available for overnight stays, concluding this active second day. In the town center, you can stay at the Boutique Bed & Breakfast Vila Castanea, late 19th-century bourgeois house that is a local monument with a rich past. It boasts a richly decorated facade, an arched ground floor, stone-paved floors, and a courtyard shaded by a mighty chestnut tree. It dominates the old part of the town, offering beautiful views of the gentle Dolenjska hills, the lazy Krka River, and the town. The rooms reflect the character of the old bourgeois villa while being modernly equipped with natural materials. In the morning, a rich and healthy breakfast awaits you, made from carefully selected ingredients. Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables grown on nearby farms, meats and dairy products from local farms, homemade jams and honey, fresh bread, and pastries will surely satisfy your taste buds and energize you. Another accommodation option is the Apartmajska hiša Ob Krki,

also located in the center of Kostanjevica na Krki. The apartment Ob Krki is a “cyclists and hikers-friendly accommodation provider.” This title was awarded by the economic interest association for hiking and cycling. The apartment has a space for bike storage and also arranges bike, canoe, and SUP rentals.

Day 3

Continue the green adventure by cycling towards the town of Brežice, the second destination in Slovenia to receive the Slovenia Green Platinum label. Be sure to stop in the old town center, where the magnificent Brežice Castle is located, home to the Posavje museum Brežice. At Brežice Castle, you can find the famous Knights’ Hall, painted by the artist Frančišek Karel Remb, considered one of the most important monuments of Baroque art in Slovenia. The Posavje Museum Brežice showcases the rich cultural heritage of Posavje. From afar, you will be drawn to the town by the Brežice Water Tower, which at 46 meters is the tallest building in Brežice and offers spectacular views of the Brežice Lake and surrounding buildings. Near the confluence of the Sava and Krka rivers, you will find two well-known spas: Terme Čatež, which with its huge water park offers fun and relaxation for the whole family, and Terme Paradiso, which also offers thermal pools, saunas, and excellent food.

In Brežice, you have plenty of options for a tasty lunch. Regardless of your preferences and tastes, you will surely find a suitable restaurant to satisfy your taste buds. You can choose from a variety of dishes and enjoy a pleasant meal that will complement your visit to Brežice. You can stop at v Gostilni Pension Les, khich has a cycling accommodation certificate. They will treat you to excellently prepared local food. The selected provider is also a recipient of the Green Key and the Slovenia Green Cuisine certificate, as well as the »Quality brand Brežice Izbrano/Selection«. If you are tempted by high cuisine, we recommend visiting Ošterije Debeluh, which has a Michelin Plate. If you just want a refreshment, you can stop at Klubu MC Brežice, which boasts the Green Key label and relax with a view of the city park.

Ahead of you is a long and beautiful cycling route to the final stop of this green adventure, which will conclude in Bistrica ob Sotli. To recharge your energy for further travel, we recommend stopping at the Vimpolšek Farmstay, which boasts the Green Key environmental label and the »Quality brand Brežice Izbrano/Selection«. Here you will have the opportunity to taste local homemade food, which truly has a short journey from the field to the plate. The planned route takes you through Čatež ob Savi, where by prior arrangement with the Mostec Boating Tourist Association, you can cross the Sava River by ferry to Mostec. Then, from Mostec, continue cycling through Kapel towards Bizeljsko. In the village of Brezovica na Bizeljskem, you can visit the repnico Najger. In the past, repnice were used for storing crops, especially turnips, which is how they got their name. Today, they store wine typical of this area, such as Bizeljčan (red or white), as well as Laski Riesling, Blaufränkisch, and others. Your cycling route will take you to Bistrica ob Sotli, which offers visitors numerous opportunities for recreation and exploring nature and culture. The Municipality of Bistrica ob Sotli, a picturesque area on the eastern edge of Slovenia, on the border with Croatian Zagorje, is located between the Bizeljsko vineyards and the wooded slopes of Orlica to the north. The name of the place derives from the Bistrica River, which joins the Sotla here. Here you can refresh yourself with a pre-prepared snack while enjoying beautiful views of nature. Bistrica ob Sotli is also the starting point of the Oransova cycling route, which connects the most interesting natural and cultural attractions of this area. The length of the Oransova cycling route, which connects the most interesting natural and cultural attractions of this area. The length of the Oransova route is 40 kilometers, but it also offers shorter options (10km, 24km, or 33km). The Bistrica River Gorge “Prišjek” is also worth seeing, as it will fill your soul with the green, authentic energy of this place. With this cycling challenge, this green adventure comes to an end.

The new Green Experience was developed as part of the “Posavje Full of Opportunities – 3P 2023” project, submitted to the Public Tender of the Slovenian Tourist Board “For co-financing the promotion of the tourist offer of leading tourist destinations in Slovenia in 2023”.

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