Experiences
Bogenšperk Castle will enchant you with a spectrum of experiences. In addition to visiting the museum exhibitions, you can purchase useful and unique souvenirs produced by local craftspeople, herbalists and graphic artists in the museum shop, and view current exhibitions in the Bogenšperk Castle Gallery and even in the smallest castle gallery in the world. Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy a visit to the Castle Tavern and Cellar with wines and sparkling wines from the Wagen castle line and fine wines from the best Slovenian wine-growing regions, accompanied by cheeses and meats from local producers.
Wine cellar
At Bogenšperk Castle, you can enjoy an excellent wine and food experience in a charmingly equipped cellar formerly used by Janez Vajkard Valvasor. The carefully selected range of wines from Slovenian winemakers is complemented by our own brand of wines and sparkling wines – Wagensperg.
The Bogenšperk wine cellar, built into the rock and having a famous passage to the fountain, offers an authentic tasting of the most prestigious wines from Slovenian winemakers, accompanied by cheeses and meats from local producers. In addition to wines and sparkling wine from our own Wagensperg brand, our wine racks also feature selected wines of winemakers from the wine cellars of Goriška Brda, Metlika, Slap Vipava Valley, Podravje, and the local Viticultural Association ŠTUC.
Bogenšperk castle tavern
At the Bogenšperk Castle Tavern, you can indulge in true gourmet indulgence or just sit back with a drink and perhaps a sweet snack. During the warmer months of the year, you can enjoy authentic flavours outdoors, in the beautiful shelter of the castle walls, flower garden and castle meadow, while in the colder months, you will be immersed in the castle atmosphere with the authentic ambiance of the Tavern, which has capacity for up to 50 people – making it more than suitable for private parties, anniversaries or wedding celebrations.
Flower garden – garkelj
In the south-eastern part of the castle grounds, visitors can stroll through the viewing flower garden. The garden was created as part of the Floral Culture of the Countryside project in cooperation with the Volčji Potok Arboretum. It includes plants from a former country garden, also called a ‘garkelj’ or ‘garteljc’. You will be able to discover daisies, marigolds, dahlias, pelargoniums, petunias, marigolds, and zinnias.
Guided tours
Guided tours are available for all interested visitors upon prior notice.
You can also join us every Saturday at 11:00 for public guided tours of Bogenšperk Castle. Reservations are not required and there is no additional charge for the guide.
Don’t miss the beautiful castle surroundings: take a walk through the castle park, embark on one of the many walking trails in the surrounding area, and discover the beauty of the hills in the northern Dolenjska region and its rich history.
Graphic workshop
Experience a unique and creative experience in our graphic design workshop, intended for younger or older groups alike. In the inspiring ambiance of Bogenšperk Castle, you will learn about traditional graphic techniques that marked the 17th century, and then test your skills at a more modern version – linocut. With professional guidance, you will first discover the secrets of copper engraving and the operation of a printmaking workshop, and then create a graphic motif and print it on paper. The workshop is a great opportunity for relaxed socialising and developing creativity and team spirit.
Bogenčara
The friendly witch Bogenčara also lives at Bogenšperk Castle. Although she spends most of her time hiding in her rooms, enjoying the nice weather or practising flying on her broomstick, she always loves to join in with the events we prepare at the castle – especially for the youngest visitors. You will meet her at our traditional Halloween event at Bogenšperk Castle, at fairy tale hours, or the treasure hunt, to which we invite families in the spring months.
Castle shop
Bogenšperk Castle, one of the most beautiful and important Slovenian cultural monuments, reveals the famous stories of its former inhabitants to visitors, conjures up life in the castle during the time of Janez Vajkard Valvasor, and on the ground floor it also offers a varied selection of souvenirs and useful products from local craftspeople, herbalists and graphic artists.
Our diverse selection invites you to choose, for yourself or your loved ones, a unique gift or souvenir connected to the stories of Bogenšperk and its surroundings.
The range of products in the castle shop is also complemented by a shop in the premises of TIC Šmartno.
Church of St. Martin
By prior arrangement, you can combine a visit to Bogenšperk Castle with a guided tour of the Church of St. Martin in Šmartno pri Litiji. The mighty brick church, built in the neo-Gothic style and one of the largest in Slovenia, stands out distinctly in the view of Šmartno. It was built in 1899–1901 and replaced a smaller, originally medieval church. It is dedicated to the popular saint St. Martin of Tours, after whom the village was named.
Guided tours are available for groups by prior arrangement. For all information and queries, we are available on the following telephone numbers: +386 82 006 168 or +386 1 898 76 64 and at the email address info@bogensperk.si.
