Hill Sveta Helena (528 m) is well known for its excellent wine-growing area. The southern slopes are covered with vineyards and vineyard cottages, while the northern ones are mostly forested. From the hill, there are fantastic views of the Kozjansko and the distinctive Boč and Donačka Gora can also be seen clearly.
Trail Gorica pri Slivnici – Sveta Helena
The starting point of the trail is the bus station in Gorica pri Slivnici (276 m), where free parking is available. If the parking lot is full, you can park at the Slivnica pri Celju Primary School, about 200 meters away. At the bus station, you will notice hiking signposts—follow the one for Gradišče, Sveta Helena, Col, and Žusem, which leads left onto the main road Šentjur–Kozje.
First, cross the Voglajna River, then reach the roundabout. Pass a large building with a self-service shop and continue along the road towards Loka pri Žusmu and Sodna vas. The road takes you through a settlement, with residential houses on the left and two apartment blocks on the right. Halfway up the slope, a hiking signpost for Peseke and Sveta Helena directs you to the right. Cross the road and continue on the side road leading to a cluster of houses near the forest. At the last house, the trail markings guide you right onto a gravel road, which takes you into the woods. After a fairly steep ascent, you will reach the Peseke viewpoint (428 m), where a bench is located—part of the From Bench to Bench hiking trail. Here, you will also find a trail logbook and a hiking stamp. From this point, there is a panoramic view of Lake Slivniško jezero.
Continue along the road leading higher up the hill. The road ends at a solitary homestead; carefully follow the markings that lead onto a forest cart track. On the forest path, turn right, and after a few minutes, you will arrive to a vineyard cottage. Descend along the road to a chapel at a crossroads, then turn left. You have now entered the village of Javorje. Follow the markings up the road. A short ascent through the forest follows, then the terrain opens, offering views of the rolling Kozjansko Hills. On the ridge of Hill Sveta Helena (528 m), where vineyards and vineyard cottages cover the southern slopes, you will come to another bench, also part of the From Bench to Bench hiking trail. Here, too, you will find a trail logbook and a stamp. Nearby stands the Church of St. Helena.
To return follow the same route.
Short summary: Trail Gorica pri Slivnici – Sveta Helena
- Easy marked hiking trail
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (one way)
- Suitable for families with children, also suitable for baby carriers
- Starting point: parking lot at the bus station in Gorica pri Slivnici (free parking available)
- Nearby: self-service shop, Inn Ana Lesjak, and Café Aurea
- About 1 km away, along the road to Loka pri Žusmu and Sodna vas, lies Lake Slivniško jezero with Café Ramna Slivniško jezero
- At the roundabout in Gorica pri Slivnici, you can also rest in Grasseli Park after returning from the hike
Martin’s Trail (Tourist Farm Žurej – Sveta Helena)
The trail begins at the Žurej Tourist Farm (313 m) in the hamlet of Ječovo (Javorje 32, 3263 Gorica pri Slivnici), where free parking is available. Return to the road and turn left towards village Hrastje. The trail passes the bus stop and a recycling point. After a few minutes, you will reach a crossroads with hiking signposts. Follow the markings for Sveta Helena.
This is where the climb on the hill Sveta Helena begins. The road gradually ascends, later offering a few shorter but steeper climbs. It leads through a scattered settlement. At the crossroads, pay attention to the trail markings. For a few minutes, the path passes through the forest, then vineyards and vineyard cottages appear, with the Church of St. Helena visible in the distance. From here, the road winds uphill until it reaches the ridge of the hill. Along the way, enjoy views of the rolling Kozjansko Hills, with Boč and Donačka Gora clearly visible to the northeast.
The destination is a bench, part of the From Bench to Bench hiking trail. Here, too, you will find a trail logbook and a hiking stamp. Nearby is the Church of St. Helena. On the top of Hill Sveta Helena (528 m), a traditional event called St. Martin’s Day the Old Way at Saint Helen takes place every year on St. Martin’s Sunday.
To return follow the same route.
Short summary: Martin's Trail (Tourist Farm Žurej – Sveta Helena)
- Easy marked hiking trail
- Duration: about 1 hour (one way)
- Suitable for families with children, also suitable for baby carriers
- Starting point: Žurej Tourist Farm (Javorje 32, 3263 Gorica pri Slivnici), with free parking available
- About 1.5 km away, along the road to Gorica pri Slivnici, lies Lake Slivniško jezero with Café Ramna Slivniško jezero
