Pekel (‘Hell’) Cave—the karst gem in the middle of the Štajerska region
If your journey takes you to Žalec, make sure to take some time to tour the Pekel Cave. Over millions of years, the Ponikvica Stream seeped through this limestone plateau, thus creating this magical karst cave. It was named after the image of a devil, which, with a bit of imagination, you can see above the cave entrance. In winter, when the temperature in the cave is warmer than the outside air, steam comes out of the cave, which has contributed to our forebears naming the cave Pekel (‘Hell’).
A well-secured trail runs through the cave past numerous cave formations, and it’s suitable for tourist visits.
Active experiences in Žalec and its surrounding area
There are many hiking, themed, and walking trails available for hikers and walkers. The 14 km Hop Trail takes you amongst hop gardens, and hikes to hills in the surrounding area offer wonderful views of the green valley.
The Kotečnik climbing site provides 300 climbing routes of various levels of difficulty, and its suitable for beginners and climbing pros alike in all seasons.
You can go cycling on no fewer than nineteen marked cycling trails that form a network of trails in the Lower Savinja Valley.
Visitors can go fishing at the Tajht Pond in Podvin near Žalec and in the River Savinja.