In short: in Celje it is worth seeing the Old Castle, the largest fortress in Slovenia and once the seat of the Counts of Celje, the Princes’ Court and Roman Celeia in the Regional Museum, and nearby the Logar Valley.
Celje is the town of the Counts of Celje — one of the most powerful noble families of medieval Europe — on the river Savinja, with the largest fortress in Slovenia above the town and Alpine valleys within reach. In this guide we go through the sights, the excursions and where to eat, and if you are also planning the Belgrade to Celje minibus transfer, how to get there is at the end.
The town of the Counts of Celje
The history of Celje is inseparable from the Counts of Celje, a noble family that in the 15th century ruled across Central Europe, and whose three golden stars still stand in the coat of arms of Slovenia today. Their trace is seen in the old core by the Savinja and in the castle above the town, so Celje is a real destination for lovers of medieval history.
The Old Castle of Celje — the largest fortress in Slovenia
Above the town, on a hill over the confluence of the Voglajna and the Savinja, rises the Old Castle of Celje — the largest medieval fortress in Slovenia and the seat of the Counts of Celje. The mighty ramparts and Frederick’s Tower from around 1400 are preserved, from which a view opens over the town and the valley. In summer “living history” knightly programmes are held in the fortress.
The Princely Palace and the Celje Ceiling
In the town is also the Regional Museum with collections in the Princely Palace and the Old Countship. Its jewel is the Celje Ceiling from the early 17th century, a painted ceiling that creates a three-dimensional impression. In the cellar of the Princely Palace is also the display “Celeia — the town beneath the town”, with the remains of Roman Celeia in situ.
The Logar Valley and the Kamnik–Savinja Alps
Celje is the gateway to the Savinja Alps and the famous Logar Valley — one of the loveliest Alpine glacial valleys in Europe, with the Rinka waterfall and mountain trails. Along with it are the nearby Šempeter necropolis with Roman monuments and thermal centres, so Celje easily becomes a base for excursions.
Celje with children
The climb to the Old Castle and the “living history” knightly programmes are a real experience for children in summer, and the park by the Savinja and the pedestrian zone in the centre are pleasant for a walk. For a full-day excursion there are the Logar Valley and the nearby thermal centres with pools. Nearby are also Maribor and Ptuj with its thermal spa.
When to go to Celje and how many days
Celje is toured throughout the year: summer is best for the knightly programmes in the fortress and trips to the Logar Valley and the Savinja Alps. For the town and the Old Castle a single day is enough, and with the Logar Valley, the Šempeter necropolis and the thermal centres it is nice to set aside two to three days.
Where to eat in Celje
In the pedestrian zone and by the Savinja there is a string of inns and cafés with Styrian cuisine — home-made meat, river fish and cheese, with the white wines of this wine-growing area. For a quick bite there are also the market and the eateries in the centre, and for a calmer meal the gardens by the river.
How to get to Celje from Belgrade
For the Belgrade to Celje minibus transfer we drive door to door, departing from Belgrade. Departure is at night, at around 23:00h, by the route via Croatia and the Bregana border crossing. The journey is about 510 km, a drive of 6–7 hours, so you arrive early in the morning.
The price is fixed and free of hidden costs — see the price for Celje or the whole price list, and we also drive to the other towns of northern Slovenia (Belgrade to Northern Slovenia transfer). Before the trip, check the border crossings and live cameras, and read about the whole region in the guide northern Slovenia. Nearby are also Maribor and Ptuj.
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Celje?
The Old Castle of Celje (the largest fortress in Slovenia), the Princely Palace with the Celje Ceiling and Roman Celeia in the Regional Museum, and the Logar Valley nearby.
Who were the Counts of Celje?
One of the most powerful noble families of medieval Europe, which in the 15th century ruled across the region. Their three golden stars are still in the coat of arms of Slovenia today.
What is the Old Castle of Celje?
The largest medieval fortress in Slovenia, above the confluence of the Voglajna and the Savinja, the former seat of the Counts of Celje. Frederick’s Tower from around 1400 is also preserved.
Is Celje good for families with children?
It is — the climb to the fortress and the summer knightly programmes are interesting for children, and for a full-day excursion there are the Logar Valley and the nearby thermal centres with pools.
How far is Celje from Belgrade?
About 510 km, a drive of 6–7 hours. With a night departure from Belgrade (around 23:00h) via the Bregana crossing, you arrive early in the morning.
When is the best time for Celje?
The town is toured throughout the year; summer is best for the knightly programmes in the fortress and trips to the Logar Valley and the Savinja Alps.
