Confluence of the Krka and Sava Rivers

The Krka and the Sava are two of the most important rivers in Slovenia, and near Brežice, in the south-east of the country, they meet. The Sava, the longest river in Slovenia, arrives from the Alps by way of Ljubljana and the Posavje valley, a broad, powerful river by this point, and the Krka, which flows through the hills of Lower Carniola past Novo Mesto and Kostanjevica na Krki, joins it as a calmer, greener stream. Together they continue toward the Croatian border and eventually the Danube. The meeting point is in a flat landscape of meadows, reeds, gravel banks and riverside woods, and it is a pleasant place for a walk or a picnic.

The confluence has shaped the history of Brežice. The town grew where the roads and river routes of the region met, and the Sava was for centuries a transport route for timber, salt and grain. The area was settled from prehistoric times, and the Romans passed through along the road that ran toward Pannonia. A castle was built to guard the crossing, and later the town developed as a market centre on the border between Carniola and Styria. Today, the old town is quiet and compact, and the riverbank paths give a good sense of how closely the town and the rivers are linked.

Brežice Castle, in the old town, is the main historic sight and a good place to start. It is a large Renaissance and Baroque building with an arcaded courtyard, and it houses the Posavje Museum, with collections on the history, archaeology and traditions of the region. Its Knights' Hall, a large ceremonial room with a painted ceiling, is among the finest Baroque interiors in the area, and concerts are held there. Nearby, the Water Tower is a landmark of the town and the Gravel Path Along the Sava River leads out of town along the bank, while the Saint Vitus Church offers a quiet visit.

The confluence area is also a good base for nature watching. The wetlands and gravel banks attract herons, ducks, kingfishers and, in winter, many waterfowl, and the river valley is an important corridor for migrating birds. Cycling routes pass through the area, including the national route along the Sava, and the surrounding landscape includes vineyards on the hills, thermal spas such as Čatež and orchards. Walkers should wear waterproof shoes after rain, as the paths can be muddy, and floods occasionally affect the lowest parts of the bank. Early morning and evening bring the best light and the most wildlife.