Kostanjevica na Krki is the smallest town in Slovenia that literally floats on the river

In the southeast of Slovenia lies a town that looks more like an island than a typical settlement. Kostanjevica na Krki isn’t just the smallest town in the country — it’s also the only Slovenian town located entirely on a river island, surrounded by the calm arms of the Krka River. That’s why it’s often called the “Slovenian Venice.”

First mentioned in 1252, the town grew over the centuries as a local trading post and spiritual hub. Its real turning point came with the arrival of the Cistercians, monks from France who built a monastery in the late 13th century, a structure that still stands today, though with a very different purpose.

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Kostanjevica na Krki, Photo: Dudlajzov Depositphotos

 

THE MONASTERY AND SCULPTURES UNDER THE TREES

The old Cistercian Monastery in Kostanjevica is now home to one of Slovenia’s largest art institutions – the Božidar Jakac Gallery. If you’re into modern art, you’ll find works by some of the most important Slovenian painters of the 20th century, along with a steady rotation of guest exhibitions. The halls are spacious, the atmosphere calm, and once you step outside, the art continues.

Surrounding the gallery is Forma Viva, an open-air sculpture park filled with works created during an international sculpture symposium that has been held here since 1961. Massive wooden forms are scattered across meadows and under tree canopies, turning a walk through the park into a quiet conversation between art and nature.

 

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Cistercian monastery Kostanjevica, Photo: kasto Depositphotos

RIVER AND UNDERGROUND IN THE SAME BREATH

The Krka River here is far more than just a backdrop. You can grab a kayak, paddleboard, or simply walk down to the water and watch the town gently “float.” Two wooden bridges connect the island to the mainland, and the view from them, especially at sunset, carries its kind of calm.

And if the surface water isn’t enough, there’s another side to Kostanjevica hidden below. Just nearby lies a nearly two-kilometer-long cave, Kostanjevica Cave, arranged for visitors and ready for a slow, guided walk through a karst world of stalactites and stalagmites. Perfect for hot days when you’re after some shade and something unexpected.

 

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Kostanjevica na Krki Photo: Wirestock Depositphotos

 

LOCAL WINE WITH CHARACTER

The Dolenjska region-Lower Carniola is known for its unique wine, cviček. Light and refreshing, this blend of red and white grape varieties has a low alcohol content, making it perfect for summer. In Kostanjevica, you can taste it in the monastery cellar or visit local winemakers like the Jelenič family.

Interestingly, cviček was recently introduced to the Croatian public at the Zagreb Underground festival in the Grič Tunnel, where four wineries from the heart of Dolenjska stood out. If you missed that event, Kostanjevica is the perfect place to catch up.

 

 

KRAKOVSKI GOZD AND THE GORJANCI HILLS

If you’re staying a bit longer, consider a trip to Krakovski gozd – one of Slovenia’s largest floodplain forests, or to the hilly Gorjanci region, where nature and legend meet. The terrain is perfect for easy hiking or a peaceful bike ride.

It’s not a destination you’ll see on billboards, but those who find their way here never regret it. In its quiet, in its scenery, in a glass of wine, Kostanjevica has everything. And just enough of it.

 

 


 

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