For nearly 20 years, I have led photography workshops in Slovenia and extensively photographed all the classic and popular locations. This experience has deepened my appreciation for less familiar photography spots. Each year, I explore new places in my tiny country and discover exciting new sites to photograph. Dolenjske Toplice is one of these hidden gems. The charming villages and pristine wild forests are among my favorite areas to explore here. This post showcases some of my best photos from various visits, and I am dividing it into two parts for clarity. You will find beautiful images and photography inspiration here.
Dolenjske Toplice and its Villages
Dolenjske Toplice has a well-established tourism industry. Its spa is popular among Slovenians, and there are plenty of places to stay, including large hotels. My choice is small family-run establishments and farmhouses. This makes it a perfect place to stay and explore the surrounding area. My favorite place to eat and stay is Oštarija Herbelier. The rooms are clean and cozy, the parking is free, and the location is conveniently situated in the city center. Their restaurant offers wonderful and creative local cuisine, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Highly recommended!
Dolenjske Toplice Photos
You can walk around Dolenjske Toplice with a camera and capture beautiful photos. Above, I took a picture of the small chapel Lukčeva kapelica and the town’s cemetery. The morning mists contributed to a lovely atmosphere.
Cerovec and Gorica Villages
I have always wanted to photograph cerkev Marije Pomočnice (Church of Mary Help of Christians), a historic church in the hamlet of Gorica. I’ve passed by it many times on my way to the Kolpa River or the Croatian coast. Its unique architecture and picturesque surroundings always caught my eye. The ideal vantage point for photography is from another church, Holy Trinity Church in Cerovec.
St Martin Church at Loška Vas
This little church looks like it’s from a fairytale! It is tiny and features a cemetery surrounded by a circular wall. It is situated in the middle of farmland, creating a beautiful setting. The best way to photograph it and highlight its unique beauty is from the air. A drone is the ideal tool for the job.
Hudičev Turn (Devil’s Tower) at Soteska
Hudičev Turn (Devil’s Tower) was once part of a larger castle and its gardens. Although the castle is in ruins today, the tower still stands. It has become a popular landmark in the area and a favored spot for wedding photography. It’s an enjoyable subject for photographers; I’ve seen many stunning photos. I loved photographing it in the morning light and mist, but I especially like the tree shots.
Forests of Kočevski Rog
The next, and my favorite, place to photograph in this part of Slovenia is definitely a forest. There is an expansive stretch of forest between Dolenjske Toplice, Kočevje, and Črnomelj, rich with amazing trees, wildlife, and history. I visit it regularly during different seasons of the year. Most of the time, I am the only person in the woods, immersed in photography. Some of my favorite nature spots include Veliki Rog, the Rajhenau primeval forest, Gače, Mirna Gora, and various Karst caves.
Besides the beautiful nature, there are many historical sights, mostly from the World War II era. Some of these sights include Baza 20, the Partisan hospital Jelendol, cemeteries, and grim execution sites.
Dolenjske Toplice – Conclusion
Dolenjske Toplice is a fantastic destination if you appreciate Slovenia and enjoy discovering lesser-known spots. Photographers will find plenty of subjects here and can savor peace and quiet, especially during sunrise. I hope you found this article helpful—let me know your thoughts in the comments. Thank you for reading!
