The pilgrimage trail is dedicated to the work and life of beatified Anton Martin Slomšek – priest, writer, poet, national awakener, and bishop. It leads through places closely connected with Slomšek.
Description of the Slomšek Pilgrimage Trail
The Slomšek pilgrimage trail begins at the birth house of Anton Martin Slomšek in Uniše at Slom hamlet. The trail leads past five crosses, representing the contemplation of the sad part of the rosary, ahead to the idyllic Church of St. Oswald to the Parish Church of St. Martin in Ponikva.
In Ponikva, the trail continues past the gas station towards the north, and, after walking about two hours along a straight trail also leading through the settlement of Zgornji Zagaj, named after the local Mihael Zagajšek who published the first grammar book written in Slovene, the trail ascends to the Church of St. Ursula.
From the Church of St. Ursula, the trail continues through Vodule and Grušce past the hamlet Špitalič to the Žiče Monastery. This section of the trail takes about two hours to complete. From the Charterhouse, the trail leads to Slemene, through the valley of Brdce, past the place where Slomšek’s mother was born, to the beautiful Gothic church in Črešnjice. Through the village of Bezenškovo Bukovje, the trail continues to Frankolovo, from where it descends to Nova Cerkev along earth tracks and forest roads. From Nova Cerkev you can go to Celje with local or regional public bus and from Celje to Ponikva with local passenger train Zidani Most–Maribor.
Short summary:
- Easy to moderate hiking trail, 30 km long, with an elevation gain of 330 meters
- Duration: 8 to 9 hours (one way)
- Suitable for families with children who are used to longer hikes
- Starting point: the birth house of Anton Martin Slomšek (free parking available) or Ponikva railway station (additional 15 minutes)
- To return to the starting point, we recommended you to take a public bus from Nova Cerkev to Celje, and then a local passenger train from Celje to Ponikva.
- In Ponikva is a self-service store and bar, near primary school is a drinking water fountain.
