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The Old Vitanje Castle

The Old Vitanje Castle is a remarkable building which is breathtakingly united with the rocks. It is one of the oldest castles in Slovenia.

Working hours:

A group tour (of at least 10 people) can be previously arranged at the LTO Rogla – Zreče, GIZ TIC Zreče, Cesta na Roglo 13b in Zreče.

T: +386 (0) 3 759 04 70

E: info@rogla-zrece.si

Anyone who likes to have goosebumps after seeing something majestic, should visit the Old Vitanje Castle.

An incredible construction venture

On the left bank of the Hudinja River, right at the entrance to the gorge, the ruins of a stone castle rise on a steep and inaccessible rock cone.

  • The first owners made their way to it via a path carved into the rock.
  • The rocks are even smartly embedded in the defensive walls, which further contributes to the mastery of the castle.
  • The castle makes an unforgettable impression with the characteristic Roman grouting of contacts between the quarry stones.
  • The added value of the dangerous construction work is the information that the castle was probably already built in the 11th century, during the time of Hemma of Gurk.

In 1201 a severe earthquake badly damaged the castle, but it was rebuilt!

About the names of the Old Vitanje Castle

Originally the Old Vitanje Castle was called Castrum Weitenstein, which is claimed to be only the German form of the name of Slovenian origin. The name is supposed to be derived from the word 'vitati', in the archaic sense of spending the night over, hanging around. The locals also call it the Lower Castle or the Golež Castle. The latter name is taken after a nearby homestead.

On a trip?

If you chose the castle as a hiking destination and a trip, take the forest path from the south or north direction to the ruins. Leave the car in Vitanje and walk up to the cliff. Needless to say, walking on ruins can be dangerous, so be careful!

At the beginning of the 17th century, the Old Vitanje Castle was abandoned and the younger, the New Vitanje Castle, became famous.