Rifnik is a 568-meter-high hill south of Šentjur. It is recognizable by its conical shape, with the ruins of a medieval castle on its northern slope, and at the top an archaeological park and exceptional viewpoints.
Rifnik is popular among locals for recreation. At the top, there are several outstanding viewpoints. The main viewpoint is on the northern edge, where you can rest on the “bench of love.” Here you will also find a visitor logbook and a hiking stamp. It is worth taking a walk through the archaeological park of the largest Late Antiquity settlement in Slovenia. This is especially interesting for children, as it allows them to explore the remains of the settlement by playing a treasure hunt game. On the southern slope, you can also visit the Rifnik Garden by prior arrangement. On the northern slope of Rifnik hill stand the ruins of the medieval Rifnik Castle. The castle is freely accessible, but great caution is required, as it is an active ruin without maintained paths for visitors.
Trail Šentjur–Rifnik
The hike can start either at the bus station or the railway station in Šentjur.
If you start at the bus station, cross the bridge over the Pešnica stream, pass the parking lot at the health center, then turn right onto Leona Dobrotinška Street. Walk through the underpass of the Šentjur–Celje main road and the Maribor–Zidani Most railway line.
If you start from the Šentjur railway station, follow the road past the Southern Railway Museum and the locomotive. The road ends with stairs leading into the underpass, where you turn left.
Cross the Voglajna River and continue straight along the road to the roundabout, where you take the exit for Rifnik. Follow the trail markers to the foot of Rifnik Hill, cross the road, and climb the stairs. The trail leads across a meadow and into the forest, where it joins a paved road. This road climbs steeply to an intersection, where you’ll see a sign for Rifnik Archaeological Park. From here, continue on the forest path following the hiking signs. You’ll know you’re at the top when you reach the stone walls – the remains of a Late Antiquity settlement. Return along the same path.
Short summary: Šentjur–Rifnik
- Easy marked hiking trail
- Duration: about 1 hour (in one direction)
- Suitable for families with children and for baby carriers
- Starting points:
- Šentjur bus station
- Šentjur railway station
- Roadside parking along the Šentjur–Šentrupert–Laško main road (near the Ferlež Mill Museum; shortens the hike by about 30 minutes)
- Forest parking near the ruins of Rifnik Castle (Rifnik Road; about 30 minutes to the top)
Trail Jakob pri Šentjurju–Rifnik
The trail starts in the village Jakob pri Šentjurju. Parking is available along the Šentjur–Šentrupert–Laško main road. You can park the car on the widened roadside. Follow the marked path and signs to Rifnik. Hiking signs lead up the road. At the first junction, turn left onto the asphalt road. Watch for trail markings directing you onto a marked path, which ends at a small chapel and parking lot. Turn left uphill past houses. The road becomes steep and ends on a plateau, where the markings guide you right. Follow the signs along a gravel road, then turn left across a pasture into the forest. At a junction, turn right and soon you will reach the stone walls of the Late Antiquity settlement. Return along the same path.
Short summary: Jakob pri Šentjurju–Rifnik
- Easy marked hiking trail
- Duration: about 1 hour (in one way)
- Suitable for families with children and for baby carriers
- Starting points:
- Jakob pri Šentjurju (parking along the main road)
- Parking at the chapel (shortens the hike to about 30 minutes)
Trail Gorica pri Slivnici–Rifnik
The trail starts in Gorica pri Slivnici. Free parking is available at the bus station, where you will find the hiking trail markers. Cross the main road Šentjur–Kozje at the pedestrian crossing and walk toward Šentjur. Take the first left turn up a steep slope. After a few minutes, you’ll reach Slivnica pri Celju Primary School. Follow the markers past St. Urban’s Church and onto the slopes of Gaj Hill. The trail continues along the road past houses, with views south toward Slivnica pri Celju hill and Kalobje hill. At a crossroads, follow the trail signs left past a house. The road descends through the settlement, past a chapel, and into the valley. Cross the Voglajna River and turn right onto the main road Šentjur–Planina pri Sevnici. Rifnik Hill is now directly on your left. At the first houses, turn left and follow the signs uphill. The road turns into a cart track, which you follow until reaching an asphalt road below the top, where the trail joins the path from Jakob pri Šentjurju. From here, continue uphill on the marked trail to the stone walls of the Late Antiquity settlement.
Short summary: Gorica pri Slivnici–Rifnik
- Easy marked hiking trail
- Duration: about 1 hour 30 minutes (in one direction)
- Suitable for families with children and for baby carriers
- Starting point: Gorica pri Slivnici (parking at the bus station on the Šentjur–Kozje road). If full, you can also park at Slivnica pri Celju Primary School (shortens the hike by 5 minutes).
- At the bus station: Lesjak Inn; at the roundabout: self-service store and café Aurea
- Grasseli Park is located at the roundabout, a nice resting place after your hike
- Lake Slivniško jezero is about 1 km away, along the road to Loka pri Žusmu
