The former Cistercian monastery in Kostanjevica na Krki is an excellent starting point for exploring the rich heritage of the Cistercians, which is presented on a large information board in front of the entrance to the Galerija Božidar Jakac – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. You can discover the traces of the White Monks on a one-day circular route that winds around the town of Kostanjevica na Krki and takes you through a picturesque landscape with stunning views of the town and the former Cistercian monastery. The trail is of medium difficulty and the most important elements of the cultural landscape are marked on several information boards along the way.
The starting point of the trail is also the starting point of a section of the international hiking trail, named Cistercian Way, which links from the south to the north of Europe 17 former and still active Cistercian monasteries, the partners of the project Cisterscapes – Cistercian Landscapes Connecting Europe. The four-day, 111 km long route connects Kostanjevica na Krki and Stična and continues northwards to the monasteries of Rein and Zwettl in Austria, and Vyšší Brod and Plasy in the Czech Republic
The Krakovo forest is Slovenia’s largest lowland forest, spreading out on the floodplain of lower reaches of the Krka river. In terms of nature conservation, it represents one of the most important wetlands in Slovenia. The starting point of the trail is the information board next to the sculpture of a propeller by Žolnir Inn. The trail leads from Kostanjevica na Krki into the Krakovo forest, past Trstenik wetland to the edge of primeval forest reserve. This circular trail is named after Josef Ressel (inventor of the ship propeller), who lived and worked in and around Kostanjevica na Krki. On the way back you pass Cvelbar oak, the second thickest English oak in Slovenia. The trail ends at Žolnir Inn, where it started. It is advisable to hire a guide to visit the Krakovo forest – Slovenian Forestry Institute, Nikola Otašević (+386 41 657 547) or TIC Kostanjevica na Krka (+386 7 49 88 152).
The starting point is at the church of St. Mohor and Fortunat in Črneča vas. The Uskok-themed trail is a story of the border which divides and connects at the same time. It follows the footsteps of the Uskok people in a peripheral, little-known landscape, where complex history meets the magic of the Gorjanci. This circular path is distinctly panoramic in nature; karst relief offers wonderful views of Kostanjevica na Krki with the Božidar Jakac Art Museum on one side and untameable nature on the other. In Črneča vas you can climb to the top of the Watchtower’s bell tower and pick forest fruits on the forest-covered ridges through different seasons. Along the way you can make a toast with a glass of Modra frankinja or Cviček. For a guided tour call 031 613 519, Terra Vera society.
Kostanjevica na Krki is known as the cradle of organized growing and production of Cviček wine variety. Experience this Dolenjska wine speciality, authentic homeliness of vineyard cottages and hospitality of local winemakers. You will be accompanied by idyllic views of vineyards, the Gorjanci range and a picturesque town on the island. In Črneča vas you can see the Watchtower and observe typical karst landscape. The path will lead you past smaller and larger vineyards producing excellent wines. Beside the Dolenjska champion, Cviček, you will get acquainted with Modra frankinja and other varietal wines.
The trail starts on the island by the well. It’s a short, easy path, suitable also for people with disabilities or for families with strollers. Offering a view of the Gorjanci, it first takes you over the south and then over the Studena bridge, then you turn left at the Jože Gorjup Primary School and continue in the direction of Kostanjevica Cave. After 500 metres turn right, go over a small wooden bridge leading to a macadam road (it leads directly to Kostanjevica Cave). The view reaches the Božidar Jakac Art Museum and Forma Viva park of wooden sculptures, which are within one kilometre walk. Take the main asphalt road to return to the starting point.
The hiking trail to Kičer begins at Kostanjevica Cave. Signposts show you the way along a forest path to the village of Dolšce, where you follow the asphalt road for a few hundred metres, until you notice the sign that directs you back to the forest. Follow the ascending forest track until you reach the left turning to Kičer. Below the top there is a large cross bearing the box with a registry book. It is a really nice vantage point overlooking the surrounding villages, vineyards and Kostanjevica na Krki. From here continue your circular way to the hunters’ shelter, where you take the mountain hiking trail on the right, which quickly takes you to the crossroads leading to the top of Kičer. You return to the starting point along the same way.
It starts at the Božidar Jakac Art Museum in Kostanjevica na Krki and takes you to the end point at Mirčev križ or to a mountain shelter where the box with the stamp is too. You can get there via two trails, converging at the chapel at Mirčev križ. If you go left, you pass the village of Orehovec where the blazes direct you to a cart track leading to Štembuh mountain shelter and ahead to Mirčev križ. The other option is to go ahead at the signpost at the Božidar Jakac Art Museum, through the villages Grič, Podstrm, to the church in Male Vodenice and further up the slope along the marked mountain trail to the chapel at Mirčev križ. Both paths converge here. For hiking uphill we recommend the left variety through Orehovec and the for the return the right variety through Male Vodenice, making a loop. The path offers panoramic views of Kostanjevica na Krki and its surroundings. At the church in Male Vodenice you get a nice view of a former Cistercian monastery. During the hike you can observe the diverse flora and fauna of the Gorjanci.
The Way of St. James or El Camino de Santiago is a common name for several pilgrim routes that led to the shrine of St. James the Great in the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Next to Rome and Jerusalem, it was the largest Christian pilgrim shrine. The Dolenjska route of the Way leads through Slovenska vas, past Kostanjevica na Krki, Novo mesto, Stična, Ljubljana, across Kras to Trieste and further in the direction of Spain. The Dolenjska route is about 158 km long. The first stage finishes at the church of St. James (Sv. Jakob) in the smallest Slovenian town, Kostanjevica na Krki. An interesting detail is the St. James’ shell, the symbol of St. James, hollowed in the stone on the entrance step of the church of St. Mary in Male Vodenice.
It enters our country from Italy at a disused Robič International border crossing. The trail leads to Kobarid, Škofja Loka nad Vrhnika, all the way to the village of Krka, through Dolenjske Toplice to Gospodična (822 m) on the Gorjanci and next, past Pleterje Monastery to Kostanjevica na Krki. You can admire the rolling and picturesque Gorjanci hills along the way. All culture lovers can take the tours of Pleterje Charterhouse and a former Cistercian monastery that houses the Božidar Jakac Art Museum, and pay a visit to the old town centre of Kostanjevica na Krki. The trail continues in the direction of Krško, crossing the Krakovo forest and lowland Krško field.
