Article A different angle on Šoštanj

I am #HistoricallyCurious

In the tranquil Šalek Valley in northern Slovenia, the town of Šoštanj reveals a story of enterprise, refinement and craftsmanship that once resonated across Europe. For decades, this was the site of one of the most renowned leather factories—a place where innovation met artistry and global connections shaped a small Slovenian community. 

Flight to the Tannery of Europe is one of the Slovenia Unique Experiences, a collection of the country’s most authentic, boutique experiences combining personal encounters, local creativity, and emotional depth.  

This experience tells the story of the Czech entrepreneur Tomaš Bata, who in 1931 arrived by private plane to visit Herbert Woschnagg, owner of the celebrated leather factory Franc Woschnagg & Sons. Their meeting reflected an interwar period defined by modern vision and cross-border exchange—a time when Šoštanj’s fine leather goods graced the royal courts of Europe. 

The story unfolds at Villa Mayer, an elegant residence once associated with the Vošnjak family, pioneers of the local leather-making tradition. Inside, the atmosphere of the 1930s is revived through period details and the voice of Malvina Woschnagg–Vošnjak, whose recollections bring to life the social grace and entrepreneurial spirit of the era. 

Participants continue by vintage bicycle through the quiet streets of Šoštanj, discovering traces of the town’s industrious past. The Museum of Leather Industry in Šoštanj preserves the story of the Vošnjak factory through original tools, photographs and archival materials that capture the scale and precision of its production. The factory built its reputation on skilled craftsmanship and high-quality leather, which was exported across Europe for use in carriages, gloves and other fine goods. A short workshop invites guests to create a small handmade souvenir, honoring the artisanal skills that once defined the region. 

The day’s journey continues in a vintage car to a nearby manor and then on to Lajše Airfield, where a panoramic flight offers a striking perspective over the valley. From above, the evolving landscape tells a story of adaptation—from family-run factories to modern industry, from the rhythm of machines to the calm reflection of lakes formed in former mining grounds. A glass of champagne marks the finale of an experience that is both nostalgic and inspiring. 

Flight to the Tannery of Europe celebrates a chapter of Slovenia’s heritage when innovation met elegance and enterprise. It is a story of how one town, once known for the scent of leather and the hum of production, continues to embody the resilience and creativity that define Europe’s lesser-known history. 

Let this story inspire you to explore more Slovenia Unique Experiences. Each experience bearing this label promises a boutique, five-star encounter designed with care and creativity. The label is awarded only to those who offer genuine, sustainable experiences that connect you with local people and places in an original, unrepeatable way.