Choose Celje, Slovenia's third-largest city, as your next vacation destination. Nicknamed the "City of Princes," this charming town boasts must-see status across the country thanks to its legendary castle and vibrant city center, all set against lush greenery. History, culture, and nature converge here to enrich your stay. Tourist activities abound—something for every age and preference. Pack your bags and escape to Celje's clear blue skies and warm sunshine for an unforgettable holiday.

History

In ancient times, Celje hosted its first settlement called Kelea during the Hallstatt era. In 15 BC, the territory was incorporated into the Roman Empire and renamed Civitas Celeia. Historical records suggest the city prospered during this period, with its population growing steadily. Security was reinforced through the construction of walls and towers. Streets, multi-story marble palaces, broad squares, and thoroughfares were also built, earning the city the name "Troia secunda"—the Second Troy or Little Troy. Following the devastating passage of Slavic tribes and the city's subsequent reconstruction, Celje's first Medieval mention appeared under the name Cylie.

From 1341 to 1456, the city served as the seat of the Counts of Celje. These nobles were elevated to princes of the Holy Roman Empire in 1436, giving rise to the enduring title "City of Princes."

By the late 19th century, Celje had become a center of German nationalism, with effects both positive and negative on the city and nation, particularly during World Wars I and II. During these periods, Celje was part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia). Only after the "Ten-Day War" in 1991 did the city become part of independent Slovenia.

Celje's complex history has left it with much to offer in terms of historical and cultural tourism.

Celje Today

Nestled in central-eastern Slovenia, Celje's tourist reputation rests on several factors. It earned its "City of Princes" designation thanks to one of Europe's most powerful aristocratic families that once ruled here. As capital of the Lower Styria region, it's also home to the world's only beer fountain and vast traditional hop fields in Žalec, in the lower Savinja valley. The city has 48,682 inhabitants and covers 94.9 km². It is traversed by the Savinja River.

What to See & Do in Celje

Celje's Old Town Center

Feel the heartbeat of the city in the eyes of its residents. Strolling along cobblestone streets, admire the medieval walls and magnificent facades of historic buildings. Don't miss the lively markets of Celje, the tourist information center, the contemporary art gallery, and the museum.

Celje Old Castle

One of Slovenia's most important medieval castles from the 12th century, this majestic fortress of the Counts of Celje dominates the hillside overlooking the city. Its architecture and ramparts attract numerous visitors. It was ruled by the Celje Dynasty, with the city reaching its golden age under Herman II, one of the dynasty's most powerful and influential representatives. Around 1436, the Duke of Luxembourg elevated two members of the Celje family to princes: Friderik II and Ulrik II. Twenty years later, the last male descendant of the family died, ending one of the most significant periods in this ancient princely city's history.

Today, sections of the castle have been adapted for tourists: Café Veronika (outdoor restaurant), and event spaces. This venue transports you back in time with the chance to "play with the counts"—you'll don medieval costumes and step into their shoes. Local performers stage musical comedies recounting the stories of the Celje Dynasty.

The World's First Beer Fountain

Since 1886, the town of Žalec has maintained hop-growing traditions. The lower Savinja valley represents the heart of Slovenia's hop cultivation industry. This vibrant brewing heritage led to local beer production with worldwide acclaim for quality. At the famous fountain, you can sample six different local beers. Draw from eight draft taps and serve yourself.

Cottage Celje

A premier leisure destination in a natural setting, Cottage Celje is both a 3-star hotel and sports center offering a full range of recreational activities. Amenities include a wellness center, seminar rooms, restaurant and terrace, children's area, and ski/bike storage. Its adventure park nestled in the trees respects the natural environment. The summer bobsled luge track will thrill adrenaline enthusiasts. As Cottage Celje sits among the Posavje hills, you'll find six distinct peaks and four valleys for cycling and/or hiking.

A Beautiful Urban Forest & Treehouse

Visit Celje's largest public green space—a wonderfully maintained urban forest along the city's southern edge, beneath Anski vrh and Miklavški hrib. Spanning 94 hectares of woodland and featuring 14 km of equipped hiking trails, this site attracts walkers and nature lovers. Within the forest stands Slovenia's largest treehouse. Built entirely from Douglas fir and timber harvested from the urban forest itself, it welcomes school groups and individual or family visitors. This tree observatory functions as an educational and interpretive center. You can attend creative workshops, outdoor and indoor concerts, poetry evenings, and exhibitions. The site closes in winter (November 1–14) or during inclement weather.

Museum of Recent History

Explore Celje's past at the Museum of Recent History, housed in the former city magistrate building downtown. Permanent exhibitions include "The Journal of Three Generations," the Hermanov brlog Children's Museum, the Dental Collection, and the Pelikan Photography Studio and Gallery. A commemorative courtyard and hall called "Stari pisker" documents the dark period of Nazism and suffering in former prisons of that era.

When to Visit Celje

The best time to visit Celje, Slovenia is June through September, when daytime temperatures are pleasant (22–25°C). During summer, monthly rainfall ranges from 45–66%, relatively high compared to other months. From October through January, rain decreases but nighttime temperatures can dip to –2°C.

Nearest airports to Celje by distance:

• Ljubljana Airport (LJU) – 62 km
• Zagreb (ZAG) – 83.1 km
• Graz (GRZ) – 86.3 km
• Trieste (TRS) – 144.4 km
• Trieste (TRS) – 144.4 km

Most visitors land in the capital, Ljubljana. From there, it's less than 50 minutes' drive to reach Celje.