Natural wonders, a clean environment, water and forest wealth represent important advantages of our area in the modern world.

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1 Lake Žovnek

2 Branimir Strojanšek Mayor of Municipality of Braslovče People always like to travel, to experience something new and admire the natural, cultural, historical and other attractions. When we come back and observe our home environment with the eyes of the traveler, we see there are also many beautiful and interesting things in our immediate vicinity. The older generations have already considered tourist possibilities of our area and done a lot about it, but it is our responsibility to continue and build on their work. Natural wonders, a clean environment, water and forest wealth represent important advantages of our area in the modern world. Lake Žovnek with it's surroundings and revolving castle Žovnek represent a special tourist story, which we are obliged to tell, intervene and provide opportunity for intergenerational companionship, recreation, bird watching, water sports and fishing, while its location, clear water and unique biodiversity diversity invite everyone for a visit. Welcome to the natural environment and the native nest of Celje Counts!

3 Lake Žovnek Dam lake, in the size of 49 hectares, is located on the slopes of Dobrovlje in the municipality of Braslovče, small, but with history and nature rich local community, which is aware of its characteristics. The lake offers the opportunity for recreation, birdwatching (gray heron, fish eagle, white-tailed eagle), water sports and fishing, while its location, clean water and biodiversity invites everyone to visit. Photo: dr. Boris Skalin

4 Valley of green gold For more than a century and a half Lower Savinja valley has been known for hops, local food and drink and the rich natural and cultural heritage. Tourism is slowly but surely breaking into the most important economic branches, while the area offers a lot of untapped potential. Among them is Lake Žovnek with it's surroundings. Because of its pristine nature and excelent location (5 minutes from the highway exit) it is perfect for a brief stopover for transit guests and with thoughtful approach it could also become an important recreational center for local and foreign visitors, hikers and lovers of cultural heritage. Municipality of Braslovče therefore decided for the integrated approach and regulated area with the independent municipal detailed spatial plan. With later they prepared an excellent starting point for any interested investor in Žovnek lake that sees potential for long-term development of cultural, recreational or green tourism. Hungary Austria Maribor Braslovče Celje Italy Ljubljana Croatia

5 Behind the scene Žovnek Castle stands on a hill (409 m) above Žovnek lake southwest of Braslovče. Once one of the largest castles in Slovenia was named after the liberal Žovnek lords, later Counts of Celje. In the present known documents Žovnek lords first appeared in 1130 and in 1333 their new administrative center became Celje castle. Nevertheless, they remain strongly tied to their family castle, where the later generations of Celje counts frequently stayed. Žovnek lords, since 1341 the Counts of Celje, were therefore undoubtedly one of the most important medieval dynasties originating and with possession on the Slovenian territory. From humble beginnings in the Celje basin in the middle of the 12th century, they climbed to the title of imperial princes of the German Empire in the next three centuries. To the very top of European aristocratic elite. The castle and it's surroundings have inspired many legends and tales, which still make listeners blood freeze. From the cruel warriors, pale women ghost, fiery chariot, haunted administrator... Here imagination is completely free of all shackles and repeatedly attracts visitors to find "the lost treasure of Žovnek". Photo: dr. Boris Skalin

6 Tourism opportunities hiking sports photo tourism camping bird watching glamping wakepark winter sports activity park kayak and canoe... and other opportunities, such as picnic area, cinema under the stars, coffee shop, outdoor workshops...

7 Investment in pure nature From the mighty tree-lined avenue of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), lake Žovnek s clean water to the surrounding forest, which provides shelter for many bird species, for example gray heron, Žovnek ecologically important area provides opportunities for recreation and enjoyment in the untouched nature and enormous potential for development of green tourism. Photo: dr. Boris Skalin

8 Nearby attractions Lake Braslovče Braslovče Cave Pekel Šempeter Castle Žovnek Braslovče Castle Komenda Polzela Fountain of beer Žalec Roman necropolis Šempeter Photo: Jama Pekel - ZKŠT Žalec//Roman necropolis - Komenda -

9 For more information, please call, write or check for news on: Branimir Strojanšek, Mayor of Municipality of Braslovče Phone: Mobile phone: Milan Šoštarič, Director of the Municipal administration milan.sostaric@braslovce.si Phone: Mobile phone: Simona Klokočovnik, Advisor for Environment and Spatial Planning simona.klokocovnik@braslovce.si Phone: