Thermal Route Laško and Rimske Toplice
A wonderful cycling route that leads us past two major centers of thermal tourism in Slovenia. From Hotel Grof, we cycle towards Žovnek Castle and past Lake Žovnek. The picturesque cycling path leads us to Polzela and past green hop fields to Celje, where we continue our journey south towards Laško, cycling along the Savinja River. We pass Thermana Laško, a spa founded in 1854, and continue cycling to Rimske Toplice and Rimske Terme Spa. The healing effects of thermal water were already known to the ancient Romans, who in 39 BC in this very place built pools with hot and cold water. Rimske Terme were first mentioned in writing of the Aquileian Charter in 1486, but really came to life after 1840. When we arrive to Rimske Toplice, we cross the Savinja River and continue towards Hrastnik. The path gradually ascends to the Marno Pass, followed by a descent towards Hrastnik. Followed by the most challenging ascent of the day towards Boben and Podmeja, where we can refresh ourselves at the Hunting Lodge at Podmeja. This is followed by a longer descent towards Prebold, where we turn left and cycle through a fairly flat terrain all the way back to Hotel Grof.
Sights
- Žovnek Castle
- Lake Žovnek
- Šenek Manor
- Green Gold Brewery
- Celje Old Town and Museums
- Savinja River
- Thermana Laško Spa
- Laško Brewery
- Rimske Terme Spa
- Guliver Restaurant
- Marno Pass
- Hrastnik
- Podmeja Pass
- Hunting Lodge at Podmeja
