The park is officially designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
It contains the Podsreda Castle, which is considered one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Slovenia.
The area is specifically managed to preserve 'high-trunk' orchards which provide essential habitats for biodiversity.
The park hosts one of the oldest and largest collections of traditional apple varieties in the country.
It serves as a critical nesting site for the endangered lesser spotted eagle.
The park spans multiple municipalities, creating a landscape that blends protected nature with inhabited rural settlements.
Kozjanski Park is the largest protected area in Slovenia, encompassing a diverse landscape of alpine foothills, meadows, and orchards. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognized for its high biodiversity and traditional agricultural practices. Podsreda Castle, situated within the park, serves as a primary cultural site featuring a permanent collection of glass art and historical exhibitions. The region is notable for the preservation of traditional high-trunk apple orchards and indigenous fruit varieties. It serves as a habitat for rare bird species, such as the lesser spotted eagle. The terrain is characterized by hilly terrain, karst phenomena, and scattered rural architecture. Cultural heritage sites include several historic churches and manor houses integrated into the natural landscape. Traditional festivals, including the annual Kozjansko Apple Festival, are centered on local agricultural products.
The courtyard of Podsreda Castle provides a view of the surrounding forested foothills and valley.
Wear sturdy hiking footwear to navigate the hilly terrain between sites.
Bring binoculars if you are interested in bird watching, as the park is a known raptor habitat.
Check the local events calendar before visiting to see if your trip coincides with the Apple Festival or local agricultural workshops.
Do not attempt to see the entire park on foot in one day; prioritize specific hubs like Podsreda Castle to avoid exhaustion.
Podsreda Castle typically has limited access or is closed on Mondays and during winter months.
Stick to marked trails to avoid damaging sensitive grassland habitats and respect the privacy of local residents in the integrated villages.
