Introducing Podcetrtek
Podcetrtek is a charming small town on Slovenia’s eastern border with Croatia in Obsotelj, the heart of Kozjansko, where most people come to relax at the Terme Olimia thermal spa.
Podcetrtek with surroundings is known for having the perfect wine-growing soil and weather conditions. In the 1960s, a thermal spring was discovered and with the increase of hotel and spa capacities in the mid eighties the town become a favorite spa destination for many Slovenian and foreign tourists. Pampering in an excellent hotel, relaxation with massages, the oriental rituals of the Turkish bath, a rest in a Japanese garden or green garden after one of nine different kinds of sauna, bathing in silicon-rich water, the outdoor thermal park, great recreational options, clean air and tranquility – these are just some of the pleasures that await you in the midst of the beautiful countryside in Podcetrtek.
Looming overhead the town is a castle, which is one of the oldest castles in Slovenia, originally built in the 11th century. The castle offers nice views and certainly gives a historical mark to the place. Unfortunately, the castle is currently not open to the public as it’s waiting for the right investor for renewal.
While you can’t visit the castle, you can visit the Minorite Olimje Monastery, a little less than 3 km southwest of the town, which was built as a Renaissance-style castle in about 1550. The monastery’s greatest treasure is a 17th-century pharmacy painted with religious and medical scenes. The very hospitable Franciscan monks grow their own herbs and medicinal plants here and will provide you with them. A short distance from the Olimje Minorite Monastery is the Chocolate Centre Olimje, which makes and sells the most famous and delicious chocolate in Slovenia.
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 Overall Rating:  09/10 (Highly Recommended)The Olimje Monastery is located in the hamlet of Olimje, just southwest of the spa village of Podcetrtek. It consists of a southeast and southwest wing with oval towers in the corners. Besides the impressive external appearance of the building, the key attractions are the incredible golden altar from 1675 and a very interesting pharmacy which dates back to the 17th century and still produces medicines via natural sources. |
 Overall Rating: 09/10 (Superb)Terme Olimia is one of the largest thermal spas in Slovenia, located in Podcetrtek in the far eastern corner of Slovenia, near the Croatian border, roughly halfway between Slovenia's capital Ljubljana and Croatia's capital Zagreb. It consists of two wellness areas (Family Wellness Termalija and Wellness Orhidelia) which are open year round and were recently fully renovated, a water park named Thermal Park Aqualuna which is open in the summer months from June to September, a spa named Armonia, and a health centre named Olimia. |
| The accommodation options in Podcetrtek can be divided into four main categories: hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, and self catering apartments. |
 Podcetrtek is an endearing village on Slovenia's eastern border with Croatia, where most people come to escape from the stress of daily life and unwind at the Terme Olimia thermal spa. With Podcetrtek being a small village, there are only a couple of hotels there. Find out which are the ones that we recommend and why. |
 Podcetrtek guest houses are a type of accommodation that provides inexpensive lodging to the tourists. They are very similar to bed and breakfasts with reasonable rates for the rooms. They are typically houses that have been exclusively converted into guesthouses for travelers and have very limited staff - usually the owner and family members. |
 For the budget-conscious tourist who enjoys cooking, Podcetrtek's self catering apartments offer a nice combination of independence and practicality. Self catering gives you the freedom to create the meals you want, which is especially useful for those who need to stick to specific diets. It means you’re not obligated to eat breakfast at set times like in hotels or bed and breakfasts, and provides the flexibility to come and go as you please. |
 Podcetrtek bed and breakfasts are an inexpensive and relaxing alternative to a classic hotel. Typical bed and breakfasts in Podcetrtek are private homes with fewer than four bedrooms, and they usually offer a delicious breakfast with lots of choice and variety for guests, but don't serve other meals. |
Podcetrtek Pictures
Aerial view of the town of Podcetrtek with its medieval castle. (photo: Slovenska turisticna agecija, Slovenia.info)
The town of Podcetrtek with its medieval castle first mentioned in 1361. (photo: Amadeja Knez)
The town of Podcetrtek covered in snow in the winter. (photo: Amadeja Knez)
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 Podcetrtek is a lovely small town on Slovenia’s eastern border in the heart of Kozjansko, where most people come to relax at the Terme Olimia thermal spa. |
 Podcetrtek is best known for its thermal water, spas and wellness, so the number one reason to visit Podcetrtek is the relaxation at the Terme Olimia thermal spa. |
Location of Podcetrtek on the map
Address: Zdraviliska cesta 1, 3254 Podcetrtek, Slovenia
Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 46.154266, 15.607966
GPS coordinates: 46° 9′ 15.3576” N 15° 36′ 28.6776” E
Region: Styria
Podcetrtek is a beautiful and very picturesque little village, hidden gem in eastern part of Slovenia, right next to state border with Croatia, near Sotla river, close to Rogaška Slatina. It offers more than a lot. Monastery, church, chocolate boutique factory where you can find and taste hand made chocolate. You can even play golf if you like, or just walk around and indulge yourself with views of gorgeous scenery.