The Podčetrtek destination, which follows the national trends of tourism development and which in 2017 joined the Green Scheme of Slovenian tourism and creating 5* boutique tourist experiences, allows tourists an active and healthy stay in the embrace of “green” nature, achieving personal satisfaction and inner peace.

Our tourist offer is based on nature and culture, it is of high quality, professional, traditional and has a touch of homeliness, thus enabling quality coexistence of the locals and tourists. What makes us most proud is the fact that the Destination EIG Podčetrtek significantly contributes to the reputation and attractiveness of Slovenia in the international tourist markets.

We build tourism on the foundation of thermal water, natural and cultural features and other implemented elements of the tourist offer (e.g. Aqualuna adventure water park, Podčetrtek multipurpose sports hall, Olimje Monastery and Pharmacy, Jelenov greben, Podsreda castle, Svete gore, etc.). Around 105,000 tourists visit the tourist destination on a yearly basis, which ranks the destination among the 10 most visited destinations in Slovenia.

In 2017, Destination EIG Podčetrtek joined the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism and in 2018 was also awarded a gold Slovenia Green certificate. Many of our green projects have helped us prove that we represent the Slovenia Green label in a quality manner and we encourage all stakeholders in tourism to implement sustainable behaviour practices in tourism, both within our destination and elsewhere. Under the auspices of the “Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism”, we implement green policies and create green experiences.

GREEN ENVIRONMENT – GREEN PRIDE

Podčetrtek also goes by the name of Green Destination, where green-minded people live and where green-minded tourists visit

When it comes to natural resources, our greatest pride is the Kozjansko Regional Park, which covers an area of 206 km² and is one of the oldest and largest protected areas in Slovenia. Most of the park belongs to the EU’s important special protection areas – the NATURA 2000 development, which is determined by two directives:

• The Birds Directive – for the conservation of wild birds
• The Habitats Directive – for the preservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora            

We must not leave out the river Bistrica, which is considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved watercourses in eastern Slovenia. It is famous for its picturesque water scenes and clear water and represents a perfectly preserved part of the river ecosystem. A real sight for sore eyes for a tourist is the Zelenjak gorge, carved in the landscape by the Bistrica. It is a remarkable natural sight, a must-see for every visitor.

Following the path leading through Kozje to the town of Pilštanj, part of the municipality of Kozje, we are greeted by a mighty linden tree, a valuable dendrological landmark, about 150 years old. Not far away is also a geomorphological natural surface monument (a rock), which was created by as the softer rock eroded; people named it “Pagan Woman”. It is up to 12 m high and up to 2 m wide, and resembles a woman holding a child in her arms, and to date the locals have kept the story of the pagans alive.

The Slovenian equivalent of the phrase “healthy as a horse” would be “healthy as a cornel” in a literal translation into English. To understand it, let us linger at Pilšanj for a little longer. The pride and joy of Pilštanj is a tree called cornel, the cornelian cherry tree. The tree has yellow flowers and grows to a height of 6 to 8 m. We also like to tell our guests about potions made from cornelian cherries and about their healing effects. For example, cornel tea strengthens vitality and physical strength in humans and animals alike, and in plants it has a beneficial effect on growth, flowering and higher yields. In addition to tea, cornelian cherries may also be used to make jam and juice. 

PROJECTS WHICH HAVE IMPROVED NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Sustainable mobility of the Sotla valley, opening of the Rudnica Tower of Health and Joy, opening of the Castle Trail, opening of Emma’s thematic route.

The municipality of Podčetrtek, also known as the Green Destination, has very well-developed hiking and cycling trails of different lengths, levels of difficulty and trail types (both road cycling and mountain biking). Cycling routes are equipped with descriptions of key experiences or tourist-oriented products along an individual cycling route, the level of difficulty assessed and the estimated optimal time for the experience. The cycling and hiking routes have been purposefully designed and are intended for free use; tourists can obtain these at the local tourist information centre or from major tourist providers at the destination.

Sustainable mobility of the Sotla valley

For all cycling fans, the Mayor of Podčetrtek Peter Misja and the Mayor of Rogaška Slatina mag. Branko Kidrič, in cooperation with the Ibis Multimedia House from Ljubljana signed a contract for the establishment and partial maintenance of an automated bicycle system for self-service bicycle rental in the municipalities of Podčetrtek and Rogaška Slatina. The “Sustainable mobility of the Sotla valley”' project refers to the protection of the environment and preservation of nature, aiming to promote measures of sustainable mobility, while at the same time supporting the goals and indicators of other thematic areas of the Local Development Strategy 2014–Sustainably mobile Sotla valley2020 LAG Sotla valley and Kozjansko region: job creation and greater involvement of young people, of women and of other vulnerable groups. Through measures of sustainable mobility, we wish to promote walking, cycling, the use of public transport and other alternative forms of sustainable mobility in the local environment, and to limit personal transport. The project will be implemented in eligible urban settlements in the area of LAG Sotla valley and Kozjansko region, while the Municipality of Podčetrtek will also include partners in the implementation of the operation, namely the Municipality of Rogaška Slatina, Terme Olimia, d. d, Tourism Podčetrtek, Bistrica ob Sotli and Kozje, the EIG and the Sports Association of the Podčetrtek Elementary School.

The project we are especially proud of is the OPENING OF THE RUDNICA TOWER OF HEALTH AND JOY

As Slovenia has adopted the sustainable growth strategy for tourism in Slovenia, we must provide authentic stories, such as the construction of the Rudnica Tower of Health and Joy.  We are very proud that with a project like this our destination Podčetrtek  has contributed to the fact that Slovenia is becoming a greener, more active and healthy provider of five-star experiences, where one can experience many things, 365 days a year, as well as visit the RUDNICA WATCHTOWER, the height of which is as much as 40 metres.  The fact of the matter is that it is no longer enough for guests nowadays to have a room and a concrete price. They want only superior accommodation facilities, excellent cuisine, authentic stories and experiences, and all people involved in tourism in the municipality of Podčetrtek recognized this fact a long time ago; and this integration has resulted in this development going in the right, sustainable direction.

Opening of the Castle Trail in Podsreda

In Podsreda, as part of the Life naturaviva project, the interactive Podsreda Castle Trail has been handed over to its purpose, which will connect the medieval market town and the Podsreda Castle.

Ever since September 2017, the Kozjansko Regional Park has participated in the 5-year communication project Biodiversity – Art of Life, under the acronym Life naturaviva. The leading partner of the project is the National Institute of Biology, and 9 other partners are participating, of which as many as 5 are Slovenian natural parks. As part of the project, the Kozjansko Regional Park plans many activities. Among the most important is certainly the annual open-air cinema under the stars of the Podsreda Castle, which offers additional free content to visitors to the castle and park – they shoot films on the topic of environmental protection and thus present to the general public in a popular and entertaining way the importance of preservation of biodiversity. In good weather conditions, following the projections, they also set up a light pyramid for night-time butterfly observation, thus enabling visitors to learn about the lush world of moths in their protected area with expert guidance. As part of the project, a castle trail has been arranged here. The trail will try to encourage visitors to walk up to the castle and gain new knowledge along the way about the rich biodiversity of the surroundings. There are 14 points and 9 animations along the trail, where visitors can read interesting facts about the trail and also test their knowledge.

Opening of Emma’s Thematic Route

 In the municipality of Podčetrtek, Emma’s Thematic Route has been arranged and handed over to its purpose, a route 2.6 km long, which runs from the end of the village of Pristava, ascends to the church of St. Emma and then descends to the Vonarsko lake and is an integral part of Emma’s Pilgrimage Route. The aim of the Arranging Emma’s Thematic Route operation was the development of two new commercially interesting tourist-oriented products, namely Emma’s Thematic Route and the culinary product Emma’s Culinary Pampering and promotion of the area of operations.

CULTURE AND TRADITION

One of the most important tourist-oriented products of our destination is still the Olimje Monastery, which was built around the year 1015.  Part of tourist offer are also:

• tour of the church,
• tour of the old pharmacy,
• tour of the herb garden,
• tour of the herbal shop, where one can also make a purchase.

When it comes to cultural heritage, we must not leave out Slovenia’s most castle-like castle, the Podsreda Castle. As the most characteristic Romanesque castle in Slovenia, it is one of those castles to which historians have always paid slightly more attention, mainly so due to its good condition. The German form of the castle’s name bears witness to the old age of the building. There are several rooms in the castle which, for their architectural features, deserve special attention. This year, the castle will gain 6 accommodation capacities, which have been oriented towards green and sustainable tourism from the earliest strategy planning stages.

The tradition of our region is enriched every year by the KOZJANSKO APPLE FESTIVAL, famous across Slovenia. The excellent park practice of care for the high-trunk meadow orchards results in healthy apples, which are “more than just fruit”, in a preserved landscape, nature and in an environmentally friendly, sustainable development.

The Kozjansko Apple Festival is one of those events which have a significant impact on the recognizability of the Kozjansko region, and the fair is described as an “environmental fair with soul”. The event’s goal is to demonstrate the work and efforts in the protection of natural values and the preservation of the agricultural landscape of the Kozjansko region, whose essential recognizable landscape element are the high-trunk meadow orchards with old varieties of apple trees.

OUR DESTINATION IS OUR PEOPLE

100,000 Facebook likes = 1413 coins of human kindness

We often wonder what it is that the social media actually contributes to the development of society. Do we benefit from them or are these just a waste of our time? Terme Olimia, with its eternal and renowned mission of joviality and help to fellow human beings, has once again proved that, if we so wish, kindness is omnipresent. Yes, even on Facebook. In cooperation with Mala hiša za otroke (Children’s Little House) at Pilštanj and with the help of loyal followers and thermal hedonists from all over the world, in just 48 hours a total of 1,413 euros was raised, which was donated to children in need of help, compassion and love. And so, 100,000 likes were celebrated in a glorious way, along with all of them. Mala hiša Pilštanj is located in the heart of the Kozjansko Regional Park, just a step away from the thermal kingdom of Terme Olimia. A mere glance of it brings up a notion of a fairy-tale. But a peek inside and a walk across the terrace to the garden reveal it to be the most beautiful and heart-warming fairy tale by far. It is home to heroes and heroines of all ages and thousands of life stories. Mala hiša is the first shelter for children in Slovenia with all-day care. It offers them everything children should never be deprived of. And so, for over a decade, Mala hiša has strived for a more beautiful, happier and playful life of children who have found themselves in distress due to unsettled family or social conditions. Over 200 children visit the house every year, and in the last decade they have put a smile on the faces of many older children and sometimes even their parents. Its door is open to everyone, and everyone returns from it happier and more heartfelt. Not just the ones who need help, but also those of us who gladly offer a helping hand.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS OF TOURIST COMPANIES AND INFORMING STAKEHOLDERS ABOUT NATURE PROTECTION

Destination Podčetrtek boasts a large number of accommodation facilities and a rich catering and accommodation sector.  According to the Business Register of Slovenia, the destination has 46 registered business entities (May 2018) whose activities relate to the field of tourism. The majority (25) fall under the municipality of Podčetrtek, followed by the municipality of Kozje (16) and the municipality of Bistrica ob Sotli (5). A more detailed analysis of the business sector shows that the majority (33 out of 46) are companies whose main activity is related to food catering (restaurants, inns), followed by the activity of renting accommodation capacities (12 out of 46). There is also an entity at the destination which has a registered activity of organizing and arranging tourist trips.  Based on the structure of employees, most of these are micro-entities and for the most part they are family-run.

The tourist destination represents a community of over 7,700 locals, and hosts just under 105,000 tourist arrivals every year. There are over 80 civil society organizations operating at the destination, whose core business and interests are related to tourism. Among the key ones for tourism are 9 tourist associations, while other associations primarily perform activities in the interest of the locals. Notwithstanding, their activities significantly complement the tourist offer of the region.

As part of the Tourism Development Strategy of the destination Podčetrtek, tourist-oriented products were created that intertwine various tourist and catering providers and local growers and producers of local, authentic products. The offer includes sports activities, nature exploration, relaxation, culinary and tasting experiences and authentic learning about the cultural heritage. By intertwining providers of tourist-oriented products, we enable even and fair development of the entire destination. With the implementation of this, we can also expect new jobs opening in tourism in the future, as well as economic development of the destination in this respect. Let us mention just a few of the common products and experiences:

• ACTIVE WITH NATURA 2000

  Summer in the embrace of nature in Natura 2000 in the Kozjansko region. The Hernavs homestead – HERBALIJA, over 120 years old, offers pleasant rural, four-apple categorized accommodation. It is located in a completely private environment, untouched nature and all the peace you need for deep relaxation. The homestead follows ecological standards and is a cyclist-friendly farm.

• EXPERIENCES AT JELENOV GREBEN

  You are invited to Olimje, to the ridge, from where there a beautiful view pans across neighbouring Olimje Monastery – the deer ridge, Jelenov greben. You can visit the homestead at your own pace and feed the deer with corn, which you will redeem with a coupon at the local store, and to top it all off you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a panna cotta or home-made strudel.

• EXPERIENCE THE SOTLA VALLEY AND THE KOZJANSKO REGION

  If you wish to experience the full picturesque variety of the Sotla valley and the Kozjansko region, take a trip that leads from the most castle-like castle via the micro brewery and golf course to the monastery and nearby chocolate shop, ending up with an up-close meeting with deer. Unforgettable adventure is only a step away.

• A DAY TRIP AROUND KOZJANSKO

  You are invited for a day trip to the heart of Kozjansko, with an interesting itinerary, ideal for groups. The day trip will allow you to learn about bee-keeping, flour milling, the region’s rich history as well as the natural and cultural heritage of Kozjansko, and sample some of its mouth-watering specialties.  The trip will surely be something to remember.

• DISCOVERING THE HOMESTEADS OF KOZJANSKO

  The experience will let you discover the homesteads of Kozjansko, where you’ll be able to see the operation of a mill, both past and present, as well as learn about schooling and justice in the region from the days of yore. This experience will without a doubt be a favourite with gourmands who wish to get a taste of genuine home-made produce and hospitality of the Kozjansko homesteads.

• THE GREEN PACK OF LOCAL ORGANIC GOODIES

  You are invited for a day trip where you can admire the natural sights, explore the local organic offer and listen to the diverse stories from the history of the area. In addition to tasting home-made delicacies, you can also try your hand at making some products yourself. When your senses have been thoroughly pampered at the Orhidelia wellness center, there is nothing better than rounding the day off with an authentic home-made dinner at the Amon restaurant.

  Informing stakeholders about nature protection

  In our wish to remain a green destination, we regularly inform all stakeholders, from providers and residents to visitors, on how they can help keep the destination Podčetrtek green.

• GREEN GUIDELINES FOR YOUR VISIT TO THE DESTINATION PODČETRTEK

  Under the auspices of the “Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism”, we implement green policies and create green experiences. The SLOVENIA GREEN certificate, which is a promise of a green future, is also awarded under this national program. From the green nature to green-minded people who create Slovenian tourism, we wish to host green-minded tourists.

• TIPS FOR REDUCING FOOD WASTE

  As much as a third of all food produced in the world goes to waste. With the food wasted, the work (time, knowledge) and energy invested in food preparation is wasted along with it. In addition to the social and economic aspects, the environmental aspect of food waste management is also important.

  Electricity is one of the fundamental life sources. Without electricity, we could just as well kiss all the electronic devices that make our lives easier goodbye. With the cost of electricity sadly constantly increasing, which is clearly seen on the monthly bills of our providers, we can help reduce electricity consumption by following a few tips.

• REDUCING ENERGY COSTS

  We call on all tourist companies of the destination to take measures to further reduction of electricity consumption and to sustainable operation.

• TIPS FOR WASTE SEPARATION

  Waste separation these days is an increasingly topical issue which can make an important contribution to solving the problem of excessive waste. About 2.12 billion tons of waste is generated across the globe every year. We can help our environment and nature greatly by starting proper waste separation in our homes.

• ACTION PLAN

With the action plan we want to improve the state of sustainable development of our destination.

Tourism of destination Podčetrtek, Bistrica ob Sotli and Kozje is an industry which successfully connects the economic, civil and public sectors of the destination with the aim of economically successful, and socially and environmentally sustainable use of cultural and natural resources. All participants in tourism use tourist resources responsibly and thus contribute to the satisfaction of all those involved in tourism.