Article Posavje, Slovenia: land of castles

In the gently rolling hills of southeastern Slovenia, castles rising above rivers, forests and vineyards once shaped the destiny of a region now known as Posavje. Nowhere else in the country do so many fortresses and castles lie in such a compact area. Brežice, Kunšperk (Königsberg), Mokrice, Rajhenburg, Sevnica, and Svibno castles, together with the former Cistercian monastery in Kostanjevica na Krki, form a remarkable constellation of heritage, legend, and living tradition. 

The Royal Seven is a full-day journey that brings these castles to life through stories and multi-sensory encounters. It is a thoughtfully crafted, experiential visit into aristocratic histories, monastic discipline, rural craftsmanship, and contemporary culinary excellence. Every step reveals the deep bonds among land, people, and heritage that defines Posavje. 

The adventure begins at Terme Čatež, Slovenia’s most vibrant thermal resort, where cutting-edge technology introduces the castles in their original form through a digital castle room. The tour follows the flow of the Sava River to Radeče, where refined regional cuisine at a traditional inn blends culture with gastronomy. 

At Mokrice Castle, wander through an elegant English landscape park, once a stage for aristocratic leisure. The route continues to Brežice Castle, an imposing Renaissance structure that is a cultural heart of the region. Beyond its place in history, the castle is a vibrant venue for festivals and events throughout the year. Its celebrated Baroque Knight’s Hall, with one of the most extensive painted ceilings in Central Europe, regularly hosts concerts and cultural gatherings, particularly performances of early and Baroque music. When music fills the hall, the castle becomes a living stage, echoing the ceremonial atmosphere of past centuries and allowing visitors to experience heritage as something dynamic and shared. 

Posavje’s culinary heritage takes center stage again in Bistrica na Sotli, paired with an encounter at a traditional blacksmith’s workshop, where visitors forge their own horseshoe — a symbolic keepsake of good fortune. Sweet traditions await at Rajhenburg Castle, perched high above the Sava, where Trappist monks once produced chocolate, liqueurs, and cheese that travelled across Europe. Their legacy continues through hands-on chocolate-making experiences. 

Art and contemplation characterize the visit to Kostanjevica na Krki, Slovenia’s only town on a river island. In the former Cistercian monastery, now a major gallery, creativity bridges past and present in a uniquely serene setting. 

At dusk, the journey concludes at Sevnica Castle, where the countess herself hosts your visit, bringing the day to a theatrical close. Ghosts of history emerge gently, stories linger, and Posavje reveals itself as a place where generations connect through shared memories. 

The Royal Seven offers a timeless story that invites you to return again and again, to immerse yourself in a quieter side of Europe’s past.