Železniki - Slovenian Alps

IRON AND LACE

What was once a centre of iron smelting is today a town of technical heritage. The city holds a great number of preserved ironworker’s houses and the only example of a blast furnace to be preserved in Europe - a special source of pride for local inhabitants. This rich cultural heritage echoes in the collections of the Železniki Museum within the Plavec House and in the churches.

The Parish Church of St. Anton located in the town centre is worthy of special attention. The renowned Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik also left his mark in nearby Dolenja Vas and Selca. Železniki also boast a wealth of natural heritage. There is plenty to enjoy in the surroundings, including the Biškova Skala in Dražgoše and the Davča waterfalls.

Lace and flax

When the last blast furnace was shut down, the making and selling of lace bloomed in this former ironworking town. Every July this tradition is revived during the Lacemaking Days. Another important cultural and ethnographic event is the Day of Flax Dressers in Davča that features demonstrations of flax production.

Dražgoški kruhek

The most known cottage industry in Dražgoše is the baking of honey pastries called Dražgoše ‘little bread’. They are handmade from honey dough and each is uniquely decorated with typical ornaments. The making of these ‘little breads’ is a tradition that dates back over 200 years.

OLD BOROUGH CENTRE

Comprises listed buildings from the 17th century: the Plnada – the oldest house in Železniki, churches and Eger’s garden.

BLAST FURNACE

The oldest preserved blast furnace and kilns with a pyramidal core and square chimney stack – the only one of its kind in Slovenia.

MUSEUM ŽELEZNIKI

Collections of iron-making, woodworking and lace-making heritage, all housed in a typical 17th century ironworker’s house. Nearby Davča hosts an ethnographical museum of flax production.

Information

TIC Škofja Loka
T: +386 (0)4 517 06 00
E: [email protected]
W: www.visitskofjaloka.en