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Places of interest

Klevevž castle

4.5 · 678 reviews
Rustic, tranquil, and semi-wild
Klevevž castle, Šmarješke Toplice 75, 8220 Šmarješke Toplice, Slovenia
Interesting facts
1

The castle was originally built in the 13th century as a medieval defensive structure.

2

The thermal spring flows directly from the karst rock, providing a steady water temperature year-round.

3

Historical records indicate the castle was once known as Klingenfels.

4

The site was abandoned by its noble inhabitants in the 18th century, leading to its current ruined state.

5

The water in the thermal pool is rich in minerals due to the limestone geology of the region.

Overview

Klevevž Castle is the ruin of a 13th-century fortification located on a rocky promontory above the Radulja stream in Slovenia. The site is most notable for the adjacent Klevevž Thermal Spring, which maintains a constant temperature of approximately 21–24°C throughout the year. The castle was originally constructed by the Counts of Heunburg and later passed to the Auersperg family before falling into disrepair. Today, only wall remnants of the former structure remain, set within a forested valley environment. The natural thermal pool sits at the base of the rock formation, featuring a stone-lined basin fed by the subterranean karst spring. Access to the area is via a path leading down from the nearby road, surrounded by mature deciduous woodland. The ruins themselves are largely overgrown, serving primarily as a historic backdrop to the natural thermal basin. The geological composition of the area creates a distinct microclimate along the stream banks.

Photo spot

From the wooden footbridge crossing the stream, looking back toward the thermal pool with the castle ruins positioned on the cliffside above.

Insider tips

Bring water shoes, as the floor of the thermal pool can be slippery and rocky.

Wear sturdy footwear for the short, potentially muddy hike down to the riverbank.

Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, as the pool is a popular local spot for bathing.

What to avoid

Attempting to climb the unstable stone walls of the castle ruin.

Etiquette

Respect the natural environment; do not leave litter. The thermal spring is a public natural site, so maintain decorum.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-2 hours
Best time to visit
Early spring or autumn mornings, when the temperature differential between the air and the warm spring water creates a visible mist.
Address
Klevevž castle, Šmarješke Toplice 75, 8220 Šmarješke Toplice, Slovenia
45.907, 15.233
Get directions
Details
Geological FeatureNatural karst thermal spring with a constant temperature of 21–24°C.
Historical StateRuins of a 13th-century medieval fortification.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early spring or autumn mornings, when the temperature differential between the air and the warm spring water creates a visible mist..

From the wooden footbridge crossing the stream, looking back toward the thermal pool with the castle ruins positioned on the cliffside above.

Close by you'll find Sevnica Castle, Pustolovski park Otočec, Cerkev Marijinega rojstva na Trški Gori.