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Trbovlje Chimney
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Industrial site
The Trbovlje Chimney, standing at 360 meters, is the tallest structure in Slovenia and the tallest industrial chimney in Europe. It was constructed in 1976 for the Trbovlje Power Plant to reduce severe air pollution in the narrow Sava Valley by discharging flue gases into higher atmospheric layers. The construction required immense technical precision and over 11,000 cubic meters of concrete. Although the power plant was decommissioned in 2014, the chimney remains a prominent landmark of the industrial past of the Zasavje region. Today, the structure primarily attracts extreme athletes and industrial climbers seeking the challenge of its dizzying height. The chimney symbolizes the former significance of coal mining and the energy industry for Slovenia, while also representing the difficult structural transition of a former industrial hub.
- Location: Slovenia
- Top sights: Cerkev svetega Križa · Gozdni rezervat Pod Matico · Villa de Seppi
- Nearby: Litija (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 58 | 72 | 68 | 77 | 102 | 94 | 90 | 100 | 124 | 101 | 101 | 77 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The chimney of the former Trbovlje power plant is, at 360 metres, the tallest structure in Slovenia and the tallest industrial chimney in Europe. It is a striking industrial monument and a symbol of coal mining and energy generation in the Zasavje Valley.
Visiting
The chimney itself cannot be climbed, but the surrounding grounds of the former power plant are publicly accessible. Visitors can view the structure up close and read the commemorative plaques about the facility's history.
Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the car park at the base of the chimney, from where the full height of the structure can be appreciated. Also the bridge over the Sava in Trbovlje gives a good perspective of the chimney in the valley.
Local products
In the Zasavje region, the coal industry is historically rooted; today local craft products and mining memorabilia are popular. In Trbovlje, one can buy miner's caps, minerals and regional food items like honey.
Active season
The original activity of the power plant ended with its decommissioning, so the chimney is now purely a monument. The best time to visit is from spring to autumn, when the weather is favorable for photography and sightseeing.
Nearby
A visit to the chimney can be combined with a hike through the Zasavje Valley or a tour of the Mining Museum in Trbovlje. Also recommended is a detour to Bogenšperk Castle or to nearby Zagorje ob Savi.
Geography
Facts
- At 360 meters, the chimney is the tallest structure ever built in Slovenia.
- The construction was completed in 1976 in just 210 days.
- The diameter of the chimney's foundation is 23.2 meters.
- Approximately 11,860 cubic meters of concrete and 1,079 tons of steel were used for its construction.
- The chimney was designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 186 km/h.
- Since the power plant's decommissioning in 2014, it has served as a prominent industrial monument.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Trbovlje Chimney (9)
Gozdni rezervat Pekel
Pekel forest reserve, natural woodland with gorges and streams.
Godbeni dom
Cultural centre in Trbovlje, used for brass band concerts and gatherings.
4. DRITL🏛 museum
Museum in Trbovlje documenting the history of the fourth district.
Delavski dom
Workers' hall in Trbovlje, a traditional cultural and event centre.
Martinov jašek
Monument at the former Martin shaft, commemorating mining in Trbovlje.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Trbovlje Chimney?
At 360 meters, it is the tallest chimney in Europe and the tallest structure in Slovenia.
Is it allowed to climb the chimney?
Climbing is officially not allowed for the public and is very dangerous.
Is the power plant still in operation?
No, the Trbovlje power plant was decommissioned in 2014.
Why was it built so tall?
To discharge emissions above the inversion layers of the deep Sava Valley.
What are the future plans?
There are ideas to use it as an industrial monument for tourism or extreme sports.
Trbovlje Chimney: where is it located?
Trbovlje Chimney is located in Slovenia.
Trbovlje Chimney: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cerkev svetega Križa, Gozdni rezervat Pod Matico, Villa de Seppi.
Trbovlje Chimney: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Trbovlje Chimney: why is it worth visiting?
The Trbovlje Chimney, standing at 360 meters, is the tallest structure in Slovenia and the tallest industrial chimney in Europe.
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