Pivovarna Laško

Laško is a small spa and brewing town in the valley of the Savinja river in eastern Slovenia, and for most Slovenes the name means beer first. Pivovarna Laško, the brewery that gave the town its fame, has a history that goes back about two centuries, to the 1820s, and over that time it has grown from a local business into one of the best known beer brands in the country. Its flagship beer, Laško Zlatorog, takes its name from the legendary golden-horned chamois of Slovenian folklore, and the golden horn is part of the label that appears in bars and shops throughout the country.

The brewery has always been a part of the local identity. The town sits at the foot of wooded hills, with the river running through it, and water quality was one of the reasons brewing took root here. The brewery buildings are a prominent part of the townscape, and the smell of malt on brewing days is part of the atmosphere. The tradition shaped the calendar too. Each summer the town hosts the Beer and Flowers Festival, a large celebration with concerts, parades and street stalls, and the combination of the beer name with the town's flowers explains the title. It is one of the biggest summer events in this part of the country, and it fills the town with visitors.

A visit is arranged through the Laško Tourist-Information Centre, which organises guided tours on set dates and times. Tours typically explain the history of brewing in the town and walk visitors through parts of the production, from raw materials to bottling, with a tasting at the end. The details of the programme change from time to time and the brewery is a working industrial site, so check what is currently offered and book ahead. The information centre also sells local souvenirs and promotional items and can help with maps and accommodation.

Laško offers more than beer. Thermana Laško Spa is a large thermal complex that draws visitors for relaxation and wellness, and the Zdraviliski Park, the spa park, is a pleasant place for a stroll between the hotels and the river. The surrounding hills have walking trails and views, and the town is an easy day trip from Celje.

The brewery suits beer lovers, history fans and anyone interested in Slovenian everyday culture. Visit in summer for the festival atmosphere, or in quieter months for a more relaxed tour. Remember to arrange a driver or take the train if you plan to taste. The TIC is the place to ask. Whether you come for the tour or the festival, Laško’s brewing story adds depth to Slovenia’s everyday culture. Visitors should plan transport home carefully.