CASTLE VODRIŽ
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The trail from Gimnazija Slovenj Gradec to castle Vodriž is around 11 km long and on the trail you gain more than 300 m elevation. Time to complete the trail, including breaks and two longer rests for food, is around 8 hours. The trail leads across beautiful nature and it provides many opportunities for explorations. Don’t be afraid to step off the trail to map out your own ‘hikeway’ to the castle, which we set as a destination for our school trip.
Vodriž castle was built around 1300 in a gothic style. The castle today belongs to the immovable monument of national importance, proclaimed on October 6th, 1999. Castle Vodriž or Hermit’s castle is one of the mightiest castles remaining in Slovenia. Its two residential towers are preserved as well as some residential houses, a part of the walls, and a chapel on the first floor with a three-octave ending.
HOW TO GET THERE
First you have to reach the Carinthia region of Slovenia which is located by the border to Austria. Drive to Slovenj Gradec.
It is located in the Mislinja Valley at the eastern end of the Karawanks mountain range, about 45 km west of Maribor and 65 km (40 mi) northeast of Ljubljana.
You can park anywhere in the city and take a nice walk around. The centre of the city is very beautiful and quite small. You will easily find the starting point of the trail, Gimnazija Slovenj Gradec. You can even have a guided tour of the high school if you step inside.
OUR PHOTOS FROM THE TRAIL
NEARBY TOWNS AND WHAT TO SEE THERE
Črna na Koroškem
A tiny town in the northern region of Koroška where you can experience the longest zip line in Slovenia. The town is worth visiting. The Park of King Matjaž, the beautiful Topla alpine valley, protected as a natural park, the Najevska lipa lime tree and castles made out of ice and snow and much more are waiting for you.
Baroque manor Bukovje near Dravograd
Discover mysterious ruins of the Roman castle.
Carinthian Gallery of Fine Arts in Slovenj Gradec
Discover art at the gallery