Zuzemberg, a attractive point to visit

Zuzemberg stretches across both banks of the Krka River. On the edge of the terrace rising above the north bank are the remains of the Žužemberg Castle, currently being reconstructed. The castle was burned down in the Second World War. The first written source to mention the castle dates form 1295, when it was purchased by Albert II, Count of Gorica. From 1469 until World War II the castle was owned by the Auerspergs – the Counts of Turjak.

The first larger village along the Krka River below Žužemberg is Dvor. This was the home of the oldest machine company in Slovenia, which supplied weapons to the Serbs in the first revolt against the Turks. After the construction of the southern railways, the company owned by the Counts of Turjak was no longer profitable and was soon shut down.

Further downstream the river runs through a narrow gorge enclosed by the high, steep slopes of Kočevski Rog to the south and Ajdovska planota (Ajdovec plateau) to the north. At the end of the gorge, in the village of Soteska above the Krka River, are the ruins of a once magnificent castle of the Counts of Celje.

In its upper part the Krka River flows southeast. After passing the gorge it makes a giant curve around the steep edge of the plateau and turns northeast towards Straža and Novo mesto.

Near the confluence of the Krka and Črmošnjica Rivers is the village of Meniška vas, and on the other side of the solitary hill is the oldest thermal health spa in the Dolenjska region, Dolenjske toplice (thermal spring).

Worth visiting is the regional museum. The main road continuous southward along the Črmošnjica valley towards Bela krajina.

Here we are, we made it. See you next time. Bye, bye...

From Zuzemberg back to Lower Carniola