Šmarješke Toplice: Holiday Apartment, Thermal Pools and Cultural Heritage

Šmarješke Toplice combines thermal pools available year-round with traces of history, distinctive landscapes and regional specialties. The Terme Šmarješke Toplice are at the heart of the area: thermal pools with a water temperature of 32 °C can be used there all year round. The thermal complex also features the two indoor pools Aleksandrov and Petrov, each maintained at 32 °C. Above the thermal spring stands a wooden pool that was built as early as the end of the 18th century. At Vitarium Spa & Clinique, the services include cosmetic treatments, anti-stress baths, body wraps and massages.

Nature

Even beyond the thermal complex, Šmarješke Toplice reveals itself through closely defined, specific natural features. The Klevevška Toplica hypothermal spring rises beneath a large rock beside a short tributary on the right bank of the Radulja. It is enclosed in a small pool, and its temperature ranges between 21 and 25 °C. In the center of the Šmarješke Toplice spa park, beside the botanical trail, there is a pond fed by a warm-water spring. Indian lotus has been growing there for years, a plant species considered exceptionally rare. At the site of the Klevevž bathing area, the gorge of the Radulja River begins; numerous small waterfalls and plunge pools characterize this section.

History and Culture

The cultural evidence ranges from the Iron Age to religious painting. A heavily fortified settlement was already established on Vinji Vrh during the Iron Age. Finds in burial grounds bear witness to this early settlement. Klevevž Castle dates back to 1265 and is an important cultural heritage monument in Šmarješke Toplice. The parish church in Šmarjeta contains the mural “Crucifixion”. It was created by an unknown Italian artist and is considered an important treasure of Slovenian religious painting.

Trails Through the Landscape

Several routes bring together different landscape and cultural connections. The Vinji vrh Archaeological Trail circular route begins in Šmarješke Toplice, is 8 kilometers long and has an elevation difference of 230 meters. The Šmarješke Toplice–Trebelno section of the Ema Pilgrimage Route leads from the spa via Žaloviče and Koglo, along the Radulja River and past the village of Roje to Trebelno. Another hiking and cycling route leads past tennis courts through Lutrško selo and Dobovo, as well as through a beautiful forest to Terme Šmarješke Toplice.

Wine and Honey

The regional character of Šmarješke Toplice also includes wine and beekeeping products. The “Izvir cvička” wine fountain in Šmarjeta offers wine tastings featuring Cviček and the three main components of this Dolenjska specialty. Wines from the surrounding vineyards are also available there. Čebelarstvo Gorenc combines a beekeeping museum with a diverse selection of honey products; its offerings are aimed at individual visitors and groups. The Honey Boutique Voglar also offers a wide selection of honey products and gifts.

Other Local Pages

Other destinations and local pages: Šentjernej, Brezovica, Šmarjeta, Srednje Grčevje, Žužemberk, Hrib pri Hinjah, Novo Mesto, Vinica Pri Šmarjeti.

To the overview of the surrounding travel area: Novo Mesto.