Stari grad is the area’s main attraction and today offers a beautiful viewpoint. At the foot of Stari grad lies the Calvary, with its fourteen Stations of the Cross chapels and three crosses at the summit. As a distinctive architectural landmark, it combines history and design with a specific destination for your stay. If you’re looking for accommodation in Smlednik, this focus can help you decide whether to prioritize culture and views or additional activities.

Stari grad, the Calvary, and the forest trail

An easy forest trail starts either in Smlednik or Valburga and leads via the restored Calvary to Stari grad Smlednik. The two starting points are alternatives; in either case, the trail passes the Calvary and leads to the same destination. This makes it easy to consider the Stations of the Cross chapels and Stari grad as connected stops rather than planning them as separate themes. Local conditions may vary; check them before setting out.

History and architecture

The fortified tower on Stari grad was probably built as early as the 11th century and was later expanded up to 1610. The early date therefore remains a probable estimate. The Calvary was commissioned in 1772 by the lord of the Smlednik estate, Baron Franc Smledniški. It was restored and illuminated in 2001. These sites therefore represent two distinct historical periods: the probable early construction of the fortified tower and the 18th-century Calvary, with its later restoration.

A church also offers an art-historical point of interest. It contains paintings by the Viennese painters Tunner and Kupperweiser, as well as by the local artist Šubic. Construction began in 1847 and was completed four years later. The church was built on the site of a smaller, older Gothic church, in the then-modern Neo-Romanesque style. Alongside the distinctive sites of Stari grad and the Calvary, visitors interested in painting and architectural history will find another cultural highlight here.

Horseback riding at Kmetija Janhar

Kmetija Janhar at Hraše 46, 1216 Smlednik, Slovenia, offers horse boarding, a riding school, trail rides, riding experiences, and pony rides for young children. Carriage rides are also available. The farm breeds its own horses for riding and driving. There are several ways to enjoy time with horses, from riding and trail riding to a carriage ride. It’s a good idea to contact the provider in advance when making specific plans.

Events in April and September

The traditional commemorative march “Pohod po poteh spominov in prijateljstva” takes place on April 27. The route runs from the foot of Stari grad to Skaručna and back to Stari grad. “Grajski lonec” is a traditional annual event held on the second Saturday in September. Local associations compete to prepare “castle pot.”

The two dates offer different reasons to plan a stay: in April, the focus is on the commemorative march along its set route; in September, it’s the associations’ cooking competition. If you want to plan your trip around either event, check the details for the relevant year. This will help you choose between a historic route and a culinary competition based on your interests and the date that suits you.

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