Vrbovec Castle is located at the confluence of the Drete and Savinja rivers in Nazare. In documents it can be found under the German name Altenburg, and Vrbovec is an old Slovenian term meaning "in the willow" that grew on the banks of the Dreta.
The castle dates back to the 12th century, and it is believed to have acquired its present form around 1480. It was burned down during World War II, and completely renovated at the end of the 20th century.
In addition to many business premises and a guest house, the castle today also houses the Museum of Forestry and Woodworking Vrbovec , the only one of its kind in Slovenia. It represents the heritage of forestry and woodworking in the area of the Upper Savinja Valley and the life of simple people: altar makers, cartmen, sawmillers and rafters, for whom wood was once the only source of income.
The castle is also the starting point of the Monastery Hill Natural History Cultural Educational Trail, where we discover the history of the place, the castle and the monastery, and above all we learn about the importance of the forest. Interactive learning path >>
Vrbovec Castle and Museum, T: +386 (0)3 839 16 13 / (0)40 345 630
Savinjska cesta 4, 3331 Nazarje
GPS: N 46° 19' 13" (46.320173) / E 14° 57' 00" (14.950130)
www.muzej-vrbovec.si
