Hunting Collection and Dormouse Museum

The Hunting Collection and Dormouse Museum in Lož, located on the grounds of Snežnik Castle, offers a fascinating and unusual glimpse into Slovenia’s rural traditions and natural heritage. Since 1980, this unique museum has showcased an impressive array of hunting trophies, featuring indigenous species such as bears, wolves, and lynxes, alongside a special focus on the humble dormouse—a small rodent with a surprisingly big role in local culture.

Dormouse hunting in Slovenia dates back to the 13th century, when villagers began trapping these tree-dwelling creatures for their meat and fur. The museum’s exhibits include taxidermied dormice, traditional hunting traps, and artifacts like the Polhovka cap, crafted from dormouse fur. Visitors can learn about the dormouse’s place in Slovenian folklore, its culinary uses (including the famed dormouse stew, or polšja obara), and the September hunting season that remains a local tradition.

The museum also aims to educate guests about the broader ecosystem, displaying a variety of preserved animals and providing insight into the region’s biodiversity. The setting at Snežnik Castle adds to the experience, inviting exploration of the castle’s historic halls and scenic grounds.

Whether you’re interested in wildlife, history, or quirky cultural customs, the Hunting Collection and Dormouse Museum in Lož is a memorable stop that reveals a lesser-known side of Slovenian life.