Zdraviliski Park

Zdraviliški Park is the spa park of Laško, a small town in the Savinja valley in eastern Slovenia, set between wooded hills and the river. It lies beside the town's thermal spa and historic spa hotel, and it grew as part of the same story: from the middle of the nineteenth century Laško developed as a health resort, and a garden for the guests to walk in was part of the plan. Today the park remains the green space where residents and visitors go for a gentle walk.

The character of the park is that of a classic spa garden. Paths run between mature trees, lawns and flower beds, with benches placed at intervals, and the layout is made for slow, unhurried movement. Old trees give shade in summer and colour in autumn, and the planting changes through the year, from spring blossom to the bright beds of summer. The garden is a small sanctuary of calm in the middle of town, and birdlife is part of the pleasure, especially early in the morning.

The park is close to the Thermana Laško Spa complex, which has a modern thermal centre, a historic hotel and wellness areas, so it works well as a place to rest between baths or treatments. It is also close to the centre of Laško and to Pivovarna Laško, the brewery that has given the town a name across Slovenia. A short walk takes you from the shaded garden to the riverside, the old town streets and the steep slopes behind them, where marked paths climb through woods to viewpoints over the valley.

The park is used for local events and open-air gatherings in the warmer months, and in July the town's festival of beer and flowers fills the streets with music and people. Outside event days it is peaceful, which suits anyone who wants an hour of quiet reading, a picnic or a stroll with a coffee. Paths are mostly level and easy to walk, which also makes it a good choice for families with prams and for older visitors.

Zdraviliški Park suits spa guests, day-trippers and anyone passing through Laško who wants a restful stop. It is free to enter and easy to combine with the spa, the brewery and a walk along the Savinja. Because it is a small garden, it works best as part of a longer day in town rather than as a destination on its own.