Plizio Visual Lab
Turjak Castle
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
castle
Turjak Castle, located about 20 kilometers south of Ljubljana, is one of Slovenia's most historically significant fortresses and the ancestral home of the powerful Counts of Auersperg. First documented in the 13th century, the castle served as a vital stronghold during the Ottoman wars, its defenses continuously upgraded to withstand numerous sieges. Beyond its military importance, Turjak was a cradle of the Slovenian Reformation; the Auersperg family were major patrons of Protestantism, sheltering influential figures like Primož Trubar, the author of the first printed Slovene books. The castle's architecture, featuring imposing round towers and a spacious inner courtyard, reflects its transition from a medieval stronghold to a grand Renaissance residence following the 1511 earthquake. In September 1943, Turjak was the site of a major battle during World War II between Partisan forces and local anti-communist units, leading to significant destruction of the site. Following decades of meticulous restoration, the castle now functions as a museum and cultural venue, offering exhibitions on the Auersperg lineage, the Turkish incursions, and the history of printing in Slovenia.
- Location: Slovenia
- Top sights: Grad Turjak · Stari grad Turjak · Grobišče padlih borcev NOB
- Nearby: Grosuplje (10 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 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 73 | 71 | 73 | 96 | 88 | 83 | 94 | 118 | 104 | 109 | 85 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Turjak Castle is open for visits; access includes the courtyard, the armoury, and the living quarters. Admission is charged, guided tours are usually available.
Typical hours
The castle is usually open seasonally from April to October, often from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed in winter; check current times on the official website.
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed in the interior rooms. In the armoury and living quarters, you can capture impressive details of the medieval furnishings.
Time needed
A tour of the castle rooms and courtyard takes about one hour. With a guided tour, the time extends to about one and a half hours due to detailed explanations.
Combine with
Turjak is near Grosuplje and easily reachable by car. Combine the visit with a hike up nearby Mount St. Joseph or a trip to the Križna jama caves.
Getting there
Turjak is reachable by car from Grosuplje towards Šmarje‑Sap; there is a parking lot in front of the castle. Public transport connections are scarce - consider a taxi from Grosuplje.
Insider tip
Ask at the entrance about the legend of the Auersperg family - the guides often tell exciting stories. Combine the castle with a visit to the nearby Rakitna landscape park for a full day out.
Geography
Facts
- The castle was first mentioned in 1220 as 'Castrum Ursperch'.
- The Auersperg family was one of the wealthiest noble houses in the Habsburg Empire.
- Turjak was a sanctuary for Primož Trubar and Jurij Dalmatin.
- The castle is famous for its legendary 'Ox of Turjak' symbol.
- It was one of the first castles in Slovenia to be equipped with modern artillery.
- The site is a popular venue for historical reenactments and medieval festivals.
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.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Turjak Castle (5)
Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja
Church in Slovenia, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is Turjak Castle open?
Usually open from April to October on weekends and holidays, 10 AM to 6 PM. Winter visits require pre-booking.
How much is the entrance fee?
Adults pay about 8 EUR, with discounts for children and students. Parking is usually free of charge.
Are dogs allowed inside the castle?
Dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas on a leash, but generally not inside the exhibition rooms.
What is the historical significance of Turjak?
It was the ancestral seat of the Counts of Auersperg and a vital fortress during the Ottoman wars.
Is there a restaurant nearby?
Yes, there are inns serving local Slovenian cuisine directly below the castle or in the village of Turjak.
Turjak Castle: where is it located?
Turjak Castle is located in Slovenia.
Turjak Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Grad Turjak, Stari grad Turjak, Grobišče padlih borcev NOB.
Turjak Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Turjak Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Turjak Castle, located about 20 kilometers south of Ljubljana, is one of Slovenia's most historically significant fortresses and the ancestral home of the powerful Counts of Auersperg.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Slovenia →
Nearby cities
Novo Mesto
Novo Mesto is the economic and cultural center of the Dolenjska region.
Velenje
Velenje is located in the Savinja Valley and is one of Slovenia's major industrial centers.
Trbovlje
Trbovlje is an industrial city in the Sava Valley known for its long mining tradition.
Kamnik
Kamnik is a historic town at the foot of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.
Domžale
Domžale is located north of Ljubljana at the foothills of the Kamnik Alps.
Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Slovenia.
Škofja Loka Medieval Town
Škofja Loka is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Slovenia and boasts a history of over a thousand years.
Logatec
Logatec is located on a strategic route between Ljubljana and the Adriatic coast.
Vrhnika
Vrhnika is located at the western edge of the Ljubljana Marshes and is best known as the birthplace of the writer Ivan Cankar.
Kočevje
Kočevje is located in the heart of Slovenia's most extensive forest area.
Grosuplje
Grosuplje is located in the Lower Carniola region.
Krško
Krško is an industrial city in eastern Slovenia on the Sava River.
Ajdovščina
Ajdovščina is located in the center of the Vipava Valley and is known for its strong Bora winds and Roman remains.
Litija
Litija is located on the Sava river.
Idrija
Idrija is known for its former mercury mine, once the second largest in the world, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
History & landmarks
Ljubljana Town Hall
The Town Hall on Town Square in Ljubljana is the seat of the city municipality.
BTC City Ljubljana
BTC City is one of the largest business, shopping, and entertainment centers in Europe.
Postojna
Postojna is a strategically important town in the Slovenian Karst region, globally famous as the gateway to one of Europe's largest and m…
Postojna Cave
Postojna Cave is a breathtaking 24 km long system of karst passages and chambers, famously explored via a unique underground electric train.
Vipava Valley
A fertile valley between the Karst and the mountains, known for the strong Burja wind and indigenous wines.
Bela Krajina
A picturesque border region in southeastern Slovenia, known for its white birches, the green Kolpa River, and rich folklore.
Metlika
The historic center of Bela Krajina, famous for its castle, winemaking tradition, and the first Slovenian fire brigade museum.
Škocjan Caves
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Europe's largest underground canyon and massive caverns.