Sveti Križ is a 730-meter-high hill above Planina pri Sevnici. It is easily recognizable from afar by the prominent Church of St. Cross, which stands at the hilltop.
At the Church of St. Cross, there is an exceptional viewpoint over the Posavje Hills, Bohor, western Kozjansko, and on clear days, about 30 churches can be seen from this spot. Near the last chapel, there is a deep chasm, a natural formation protected by a wooden fence.
In Planina pri Sevnici, you can find a self-service store, bakery, pharmacy, a bar and a snack bar. At Hiša Wambrechtsamer, in addition to drinks, they offer made-to-order meals and desserts. Their services also include rental of apartments and rooms.
Trail: Planina pri Sevnici – Sveti Križ
If you start your hike to Sveti Križ hill from Planina pri Sevnici, it is best to park at the rest area opposite the gas station or at the cemetery parking lot, which is located on the hill above the gas station. During weekdays, you can also reach Planina by bus. The bus stop is less than a 10-minute walk from the intersection near the gas station. From there, follow the signs guiding you up the hill along the road, past a timber yard, through houses, and towards the chapels – the church is clearly visible along the entire route. It takes about half an hour of pleasant, relaxed walking to reach the top. The path past the chapels is steeper in some sections but still easy; however, it is not suitable for strollers or bicycles.
At the Church of St. Cross, there is a “love bench” and a plate showing nearby hills and viewing directions. The return can be made along the same path or via a cart track across the meadow towards a cluster of houses, where you turn left onto the descending asphalt road leading to the timber yard.
Short summary: Trail Planina pri Sevnici – Sveti Križ
- Easy hiking trail
- Duration: approximately 30 minutes (one way)
- Suitable for families with children, suitable for baby carriers
- Trailhead: at the rest area on the main road Šentjur–Planina pri Sevnici, or at the cemetery parking lot in Planina. During weekdays, access is also possible via the public bus line from Celje to Planina pri Sevnici.
- In the town center of Planina pri Sevnici: self-service store, bakery, pharmacy, ATM, a bar and a snack bar. At Hiša Wambrechtsamer, made-to-order meals are available.
Also of interest: Planina – Šmid Ethnological Collection and the permanent exhibition Kozjansko žari, showcasing the WWII period in Kozjansko. Prior arrangements are needed to visit both.
Trail: Šentvid pri Planini – Sveti Križ
Šentvid pri Planini is a village located 5 km east of Planina pri Sevnici. In the village centre stands the Church of St. Vitus. The older parts of the church are medieval, built in the Gothic style, later expanded and given its current Baroque appearance. Local tradition says that count Friderik of Celje and Veronika Deseniška were married in this church.
The starting point of the hike is the parking lot at the cemetery or at the cultural center, both located near the Church of St. Vitus. From there, head to the church and then to the intersection, where you follow the yellow-white trail markers leading to a path up the hill. You then join an asphalt road and follow signs slowly ascending to a cluster of houses. At the crossroads, turn left, pass a larger barn, and continue on the cart track leading to the Church of St. Cross.
At the Church of St. Cross, there is a love bench and a plate indicating nearby hills and viewing directions. The return can be made along the same route or down the Way of the Cross and, at the forest base of the hill, follow trail markers to the left onto a forest path leading to the Planina pri Sevnici–Šentvid pri Planini road. Turn left and follow this road back into the village.
Short summary: Šentvid pri Planini – Sveti Križ
- Easy hiking trail
- Duration: approximately 45 minutes (one way)
- Suitable for families with children, suitable for baby carriers
- Trailhead: at the Šentvid pri Planini cemetery or across the road at the cultural centre, with free parking available
- In the town center of Planina pri Sevnici: self-service store, bakery, pharmacy, ATM, and a bar and a snack bar. At Hiša Wambrechtsamer, made-to-order meals are available.
Also of interest: Planina – Šmid Ethnological Collection and the permanent exhibition Kozjansko žari, showcasing the WWII period in Kozjansko. Prior arrangements are needed to visit both.
