Easy hikes and walks around Dobrna

The trail runs directly along the lake, over wooden boardwalks, beautifully landscaped gravel paths, and across the floating bridge, sometimes shaded, sometimes in full sun, is truly beautiful. The hike around the lake is rather modest, as the road portion is estimated at over 90%. No, this isn't nature-based hiking; that's life-threatening. Conclusion: Stay by the lake, walk, swim, and drink coffee. Thumbs up for that. Frank Häfner, August 20, 2025

This footbridge crosses Šmartinsko jezero, a beautiful artificial lake to the north of Celje. It connects Loče to the western shore of the lake, where the boathouse and Skondonga beach bar are found. The beach bar is named after a legendary creature that inhabits the lake, so keep your eyes peeled when crossing the bridge!

Situated just to the north of Celje, Šmartinsko jezero makes for a gentle and rewarding hike. Its wooded banks are reflected beautifully when the water is still and there's the option of sitting outside the Skondonga beach bar or the Kaverna Panorama (Panorama Cafe) and soaking the scenery in with a beverage. A popular location, you can expect to meet cyclists, kayakers and paddleboarders on any hike here.

Completed between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, Vista Park is an extremely evocative place to host concerts, festivals and large events. The entire complex extends for more than 46,000 m² and is able to accommodate up to 30,000 visitors. The stage area is one of the largest in Slovenia and offers state-of-the-art technical support. The architectural design of the space was inspired by the mysterious image of the Pozoj dragon, with its attractive viewing platform that invites you to climb 14 meters and enjoy an exceptional view of Lake Velenje. To the east you can see Kinta Kunte, an interesting garden settlement. To the north you can see the surrounding hills (Lubela, Vodemlja, Razborje) and Uršlja Gora, up to the slopes of Peca. Towards the west you can see Smrekovec and Golte. On the south-east side, beyond the town of Velenje, the view opens onto Paški Kozjak. The surroundings of Vista Park invite guests to stroll on the paths among the green islands that are home to more than 11,000 newly planted trees and shrubs. There is a tennis court, a beach volleyball court and even a bowling alley. The area is also designed for the enjoyment of cyclists, skateboarders and skaters. There is also a nice children's playground with huge 5m high anancus and mastodon sculptures. Below the viewing platform there is a tourist information center (TIC) and the BarVista, from whose terrace a 50 meter long pier begins which invites you to observe the water surface up close. www.visitsaleska.si/en/vista-2/

Škalsko Lake is the first of three lakes that began to form in the Šalek Valley following lignite mining activity. The body of water, formed before the Second World War, is the result of the less intense period of the coal industry in the valley. With its 16 hectares it is in fact the smallest of the three. The lake is bordered throughout its perimeter by a cycle/pedestrian path connected to the nearby Lake Velenj, which is much better known and popular. Today sport fishing is practiced in Lake Škalsko. Carp, zander and pike predominate in the lake. The lake is also known for large catfish exceeding 2 meters in length.

Enjoying lovely views across Lake Šmartinsko jezero, Kavanara Panorama (Panorama Cafe) is the perfect place to enjoy a brew after a hike along the shore. It's possible to walk here from Celje, or there's parking nearby too. Keep your eyes peeled for the Skondonga, a legendary and benevolent creature that is said to live in the lake.

TurnAround

Small circular route with around 20 stations where animals have to be recognized. Great for kids!