Laško

Laško lies in the Savinja Valley and has long been linked with wellness, hospitality and natural beauty. Its history goes back to Roman times, when the thermal springs of the area were first recognised for their healing properties. Over the centuries Laško developed as a spa town, drawing visitors from across the region to its mineral-rich water. Today the reputation for wellness continues with the modern Terme Thermana Laško complex, which offers a wide range of thermal pools, saunas, wellness treatments and medical therapies. The spa’s glass-domed pool area and riverside setting make it a favourite for families, couples and health seekers.

Laško’s cultural heritage is just as rich. The Tabor Castle, on a hill above the town, goes back to the Middle Ages and has served as a fortress, noble residence and cultural venue. Visitors can walk its old walls, enjoy views over the valley and attend seasonal events and exhibitions. The town centre has attractive squares, the neo-Romanesque Church of St. Martin and the Black Bridge, a nineteenth-century iron structure that spans the Savinja River. The Zdraviliški Park, a quiet green area beside the spa, is a pleasant place to stroll between treatments.

No visit to Laško is complete without its brewing tradition. The Laško Brewery (Pivovarna Laško), established in 1825, is one of the oldest and best-known breweries in Slovenia, and its beer is sold with the Zlatorog (golden horn) chamois on the label. Guided tours explain the brewing process and the history of Laško beer, and give a chance to taste a range of local beers. The town celebrates its beer heritage each summer with the lively Laško Beer and Flowers Festival, with concerts, parades and flower displays.

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy in and around Laško. The surrounding hills are crossed by hiking and cycling trails to viewpoints, forests and traditional villages. Laškem Park, a green space in the town centre, is good for strolls and picnics. The Savinja River offers fishing, kayaking and riverside walks, while the nearby Hum Hill and the Šmohor Plateau give harder hikes and wide views. Hum, with its small church on the summit, is the classic local climb and rewards the effort with a view over the town and the valley.

Laško’s food reflects the agriculture of the area, with local inns and restaurants serving hearty Slovenian dishes, fresh river fish and homemade pastries, and many of them naturally pair a meal with the local beer. Markets and festivals show local produce, crafts and traditions, which create a lively and welcoming mood.

Getting to Laško is easy, with regular train and bus connections from Ljubljana (about 90 km away), Celje and other regional centres. The town is compact and easy to explore on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of the centre. Ample parking is available for those arriving by car.

The best time to visit is April to October, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, spa visits and exploring the town’s cultural sites. Spring and early summer bring flowers and the festival season, while autumn offers colourful foliage and a quieter feel. Winter is good for spa relaxation and the cosy atmosphere of the town.

With its mix of wellness, history and natural beauty, Laško invites visitors to unwind, explore and see the best of Slovenia’s Štajerska region, and a night here fits easily between Ljubljana and the east.