Tržič is a small town in the Gorenjska region of Slovenia, its population is approximately 15,000. This lovely town is surrounded by mountains and forests and is only 15 minutes drive away from the Austria borders. Despite being small, the area has many points of various interests to offer: historical, geological, natural…
Tržič is known through Slovenia for its shoes industry, thus given the name of the shoemakers’ town. It had all begun at the end of the 19th century, a period during which, every second house had its own shoemaker’s workshop. In the 20th century, the shoes trade became more industrialized by Peko (Peter Kozina), one of the famous shoes brands in Slovenia.
Few minutes from the main bus station is the old town of Tržič: a very lovely main street with many narrowed streets. The pretty Church of Andrew is there. Old iron gate with rosette, dating from the 18th century, can be seen while exploring the streets – they were made to prevent a fire from spreading. Along the sides of the streets, some awkward stones can be seen – they were installed to prevent carts from crashing onto the houses. The last Curiosity window, which was used mainly by women to peek at the street, can be seen in Tržič.
Not even 5 minutes walk from the old town, you will find the Tržiški muzej. A good starting point to learn about the history of shoe making, skiing and leather crafting of the region.
After your visit to the museum, you can walk through the old town. Cross the Tržiska Bistrica, at the corner of the main street stands Tržič’s oldest house, the Kurnikova Hiša. Its architecture dates from the middle of the 18th century.
If you’re up for a wonderful hike, walk up the main road for about 20 minutes and you will reach the natural monument of Dovžanova Soteska, an important geological site with hiking paths.
If you’re more interested in shoes, be sure to visit the Peko’s outlet and manufacture for the opportunity to find a pair of comfortable and stylish leather shoes, all at an affordable price.
If you’re more into historical monument, a short drive toward Austria will bring you to Podljubel, where you can witness traces of the dark period of World War II at the Memorial park Mauthausen.
Every year, the first Sunday of September is the Šuštarska Nedelja – the Sunday of the shoemakers. Streets are closed to traffic and a lively fair is in town with live music band.
MINFOS, an international minerals and fossils event, is organized every year on the second weekend of May. Exhibitions and kiosks come from all over the world.
Other Tourist Attractions in Slovenia
Updated: January 30, 2016