Velenje, a city with vision and youthful energy, one of the sunniest and greenest in Slovenia, situated by lakes, is developing into a centre for social and sports activities. In the time of socialism, this young multicultural and entrepreneurial city flourished in the shade of picturesque Velenje Castle in tandem with its dynamic city life and green surrounds.
Velenje underground
The waters of the valley, which have since prehistoric times legendarily been home to the dragon Pozoj, are inseparably connected with mining; its lakes formed as a result of lignite extraction. You can learn about this coal extraction method at the Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia in Velenje, and visit its tourist mining cave with the deepest underground dining hall in Slovenia, and sunken villages. Velenje is where you experience stories of socialist times, mining, and, at the same time, see hi-tech Velenje version by visiting companies located in its environs.
Playful Velenje
Velenje is a young city, even in terms of the average age of its population. The city has well-arranged playgrounds, Vila Mojca with its youth centre, and by far the largest children’s festival in the area: Pika’s festival, by the lake, is held every September for small and big Pika Longstockings (Pika is Slovenian for Pippi) and their friends from all over the world.
Festivals and events with Velenje energy
This city of intercultural harmony, solidarity and fellowship has more than 1,500 events per year! The Kunigunda festival of alternative theatre and music groups takes place in the summer at a theatre by Škale Lake, where various active, sports, cultural and, especially, music events are held at different settings.
Jump into Lake Velenje
Accommodations
Find your accommodation
Thanks to a package of the right experiences for yourself, you two, your family or group, you will discover Šaleška Valley in a completely different way!
Hotel Paka
Hotel Paka has received numerous awards both in Slovenia and abroad. It has four stars.
Hotel Razgoršek
Hotel Razgoršek is a family hotel, where all the rooms are furnished in style. It is located only 15 kilometres from the motorway exit, in the vicinity of shopping centres, the bank, post office and coach and rail station.
Camp Velenje
The Jezero camping site is located at the Velenje lake, only one kilometre fro the town’s centre in the Westerly direction.
Youth hostel Velenje - Green Accommodation
Velenje Youth Hostel is located only 500 metres from the town centre and the main bus station, on the shores of the river Paka opposite the Livada Elementary School.
Villa Herberstein
Vila Herberstein is situated in one of the most beautiful locations in Velenje. It is located only two hundred metres from the town’s centre, close to the winter swimming pool, and the woodland behind the Villa is an excellent place for relaxing walks in the nature.
Prenočišče Mraz
The Mraz Accommodation is located at the edge of the woodland in the hamlet of Gorica near Velenje. Here guests can relax and enjoy the peaceful, natural environment.
Topolšica Spa
When our path leads us astray from the main roads into the heart of nature, we are greeted by an infinite assortment of primal experiences.
Youth centre Šmartno ob Paki
The Šmartno ob Paki hostel is located in the shelter of Mount Oljka (733m) and is easily accessible from all urban centres.
Glamping Valley of Peace at Lamperček
The cottages are located in a quiet area by the stream, where you can unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city while listening to the birds’ chirp.
Apartments Rosemary Topolšica
Discover the serenity of Rosemary, a hidden cottage nestled in the heart of nature. Immerse yourself in the picturesque surroundings, explore the nearby cycling paths, and indulge in experiences offered at the renowned Topolšica spa.
How to get to Velenje
Velenje is located in the eastern part of the Šaleška Valley, along the Paka river basin, at an altitude of 396 m above sea level. It is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Šaleška Valley, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps to the west and the Pohorje to the east. The central part of the city is the valley part along the Paka River. It is the fifth largest city in Slovenia in terms of population, and in its development over the past 50 years, it has expanded between the former settlements and hamlets of Škale, Stara vas, Stara Velenje, Šalek and Šmartna. The center of the municipality is the city of Velenje, which is a prominent industrial center (Gorenje, Premogovnik Velenje, Esotech…) and is growing into a regional center of Savinja-Šalek with a developed trade and other administrative, educational and other activities.
By car
Velenje is 84 km (1 hour drive) away from Ljubljana, and just 15 km from motorway A1 (Ljubljana – Maribor). Chose the motorway exit Žalec/Dravograd/Slovenj Gradec/Velenje/Dobrna/Arja vas and turn left. Drive about 15 minutes and stay on the priority road.
The GPS coordinates of the Tourist information center:
N: 46,3571
E: 15,1116
Useful links:
By plane
We don’t have an airport in Velenje. But you can fly with different airlines to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik international airport and continue your jouney with other means of transport. Even airports in neighbouring countries (Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia) are relatively close and allow you a great platform to start your holiday adventures.
Useful links:
- Ljubljana airport (SLO): 86 km, 1 hour
- Klagenfurt airport (A): 105 km, 1,5 hour
- Zagreb airport (CRO): 180 km, 2 hours
- Trieste airport (I): 207 km, 2 hours
- Venice airport (I): 315 km, 3 hours
By bus
Regular bus connections allow you to arrive in Velenje from all parts of Slovenia.
Useful links:
By train
Velenje can be reached by train from Ljubljana or Maribor.
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