Archaeological evidence, routes along the Krka and a glimpse of Dolenjska’s wine tradition give a stay in Novo Mesto a range of possible focuses. You can get to know the town through its history, choose walking routes by the river and in the forest, or take on a longer cycling route. The options range from short circular routes in town to a trail almost 40 kilometres long. If you’re looking for a hotel in Novo Mesto, this selection can help you tailor your stay to the themes that interest you most.

Archaeology and the History of the Town

The Dolenjski muzej is a stop on the Iron Age Danube Route and preserves, studies and presents Dolenjska’s Iron Age heritage. The exhibition Arheološka podoba Dolenjske spans the period from the Stone Age to the end of the Early Middle Ages. The finds on display include figuratively decorated bronze situlae discovered in Kandija and at Kapiteljska njiva in Novo Mesto. The exhibition is housed on the ground and first floors of Križatija. For a historical perspective from another era, visit the library of Klošter – Frančiškanska cerkev in samostan: considered Novo Mesto’s oldest library, it dates back to the late 15th century.

Town Routes, the Krka and the Forest

Pot Pozabljena polovica Novega mesta is a themed walking route through hidden streets, promenades along the Krka and the Marof lookout hill. It commemorates women who shaped the town’s history but whose contributions were overlooked. The route is divided into three circular walks: one through the Old Town, one along the right bank of the Krka, and one along the left bank and up Marof hill. The routes therefore differ not only in theme, but also in the parts of the town and river they cover.

Another route connects the centre to the town forest, Ragov log, via a wooden footbridge over the Krka. The forest is separated from the Old Town only by the river; a forest nature trail with information boards offers another way to explore it. For a dedicated viewpoint stop, visit Razgledna ploščad Kapitelj in the church tower. Climb 126 steps to a height of approximately 24 metres. From there, the view extends across the Old Town, the Krka, the vineyards of Trška gora and the slopes of the Gorjanci as far as distant Trdinov vrh. Check current access arrangements before your visit.

Routes on Different Scales

The 21 mostov reke Krke route starts in Novo Mesto and follows the river to its source. Along the way, it crosses 21 bridges over the Krka and one more over the Sušica. The Trškogorska kolesarska pot takes a different approach: it runs from Novo Mesto along the Krka towards Otočec, climbs to Trška gora and follows the Krka back towards Novo Mesto. By contrast, Rudolfova pot is a walking and cycling route almost 40 kilometres long, running roughly along the boundary of the area formerly called Rudolfswerth, which was associated with Novo Mesto. It is suitable only for mountain bikes.

The TIC Novo mesto and Vstopna točka Trška gora are listed as e-bike rental locations; check availability before making plans. Another way to get out on the Krka is the seasonal Z vesli po Krki offer: during the summer months, visitors can rent SUP boards, canoes or a wooden boat. The most popular route heads towards the town centre and is about 1.2 kilometres long one way. For these seasonal offers, it’s worth checking current dates and availability.

Sport and Wine Traditions

Novo mesto Olympic Centre has an indoor velodrome and an athletics hall. It offers year-round facilities for training and competitions in cycling and athletics. The Equestrian School Sports Center Češča vas and the Vizir Equestrian Association also run riding activities at the centre for beginners and experienced riders. If these activities are relevant to your trip, check the current terms for taking part in advance.

Festival cvička celebrates Dolenjska’s wine tradition and is traditionally held in May on Glavni trg. The programme includes a parade of winegrowers’ associations, tastings of award-winning wines and the crowning of the King of Cviček. More than 1,000 members of winegrowers’ associations from Dolenjska usually take part in the parade. Programme details may vary, so check the specific event dates when planning your trip.

TIC Novo mesto is the town’s central visitor information point. During the summer months, it is open every day of the week and provides information about the tourism offer. Guided tours with local guides can also be booked there, introducing visitors to Glavni trg, Kapitelj, the Krka and other sights. Opening times and offers may change; check the details for your planned visit.

Discover more destinations: Brezovica, Srednje Grčevje, Otočec, Straža, Šmarjeta, Šmarješke Toplice, Šentjernej, Škocjan

For the main travel overview: Novo Mesto.