Semič

Semič se ponaša z obsežnimi gozdovi in plitvim, a čarobnim kraškim svetom, ki ga zaznamujejo steljniki, travniki ter vinograd zasajen na Semiški gori. Za tiste, ki iščejo umik od množic in vsakodnevnega vrveža, je Semiški konec kot nalašč. Prijaznost, mir in avtentične dogodivščine ter običaji bogatijo turistično ponudbo tega kraja.

Semič more than a market town

It’s best to arrive at the picturesque Semič through the Bela Krajina “gates” and through the Črmošnjice Valley. The view of the vineyard cottages amidst vineyards and the karstic Bela Krajina flatland conjures up a true surprise. In the mornings, the countryside is often encased in mystical mists, and it seems as if Semič is floating amidst vineyards and birches. Semič has vast forests and majestic shallow karst, dotted with birch forests with bracken undergrowth, meadows, and vineyard cottages situated on Semiška Gora. Semič and its surroundings are perfect for those who seek peace. Friendliness, serenity, authentic adventures, and customs enrich the tourist offer of Semič.

The turbulent history of Semič

In prehistoric times, the karst cave Judovska Hiša on the left bank of the Krupa River was inhabited and is the only Paleolithic site in Bela Krajina. In Moverna Vas Village remnants of an unfortified settlement from the early stone and bronze age were found.

Semič received its name from the castle located below Semenič Hill. The owners of the castle were the Semenič family. The castle, supposedly built in the 12th century, was destroyed in 1547 by the Ottomans, therefore the Semenič family relocated to Smuk Castle. Three more castles were located around Semič: Krupa Castle built in the 13th century was destroyed in 1942, Siemitsch Manor, the Smuk Mannor, and Podturn Castle. What remains of their castles are the ruins on Semenič Hill and Smuk Hill, and the granary of Krupa Castle.

The peculiar history of the ruined villages of the Gottschee Germans is hidden in the Kočevski Rog Forests. In the 14th century, the Counts of Ortenburg settled the Gottschee Germans on the edge of the Kočevski Rog, where they lived for more than six hundred years and had an impact on the development of Semič. Testimony is the abandoned Gottscheer Villages, vineyard cottages on Semiška Gora, and cemetery remains in Planina Village and Blatnik Village.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Semič also experienced the Ottoman incursions. Especially fierce was the attack on Semič in 1547, when the Ottomans devastated Bela Krajina and enslaved hundreds of people. To protect themselves the inhabitants of Semič erected a wall around the Parish Church. For protection two more anti-Ottoman fortifications were built: Stari Tabor Village and Novi Tabor Village near Črmošnjice Village.

Krupa Spring

When you are in Semič, you need to visit the majestic Krupa Spring. The karst spring surfaces beneath the 30-meter-tall fractured rocky cliff.
Semič has a lot of hiking trails that lead you in all directions. Embark on the Lebica - Krupa Educational Trail. The trail encompasses the natural landmarks of Semič with the typical karst phenomena.

Three smaller karst caves are a curiosity among the natural landmarks of Semič. The caves are: Lebica Water Cave, Malikovec Cave and Judovska Hiša Karst Cave. Judovska Hiša is the only confirmed paleolithic cave in Bela Krajina. The shallow karst landscape is affirmed through the 47-meter deep Vodenica Sinkhole with a permanent spring and the Medvednica Sinkhole. The trail also includes interesting cultural heritage: St. Michael‘s Church the plague column in Trata, and the Holy Trinity Baroque Church in Vinji Vrh.

Multiple mills and sawmills operated on the Krupa River. The feature of the educational trail is the footbridge, that was built in 2019. The footbridge connects the left and right banks and leads to the habitat of the Jalžić Congeria cave shell, the only cave shell in the world.

Outdoor destination Semič

Mountaineers and hikers are invited to climb the eight 1000-meter-high peaks that Semič has to offer. The diverse terrain provides you with several hiking trails that will fascinate you. Hike through the forests, enjoy the vistas, and let your mind rest.
Since Semič is an excellent starting point for various cycling routes, and also for the long-distance cycling route Via Bela krajina, cyclists can discover every part of Bela Krajina.

If you are an adrenaline type try paragliding and motocross. The motocross track in Stranska Vas pri Semiču is regarded as one the most difficult tracks in Slovenia.
One of the main points of the outdoor segment of Bela Krajina is RTC Gače. Ski in winter, when the sun is shining try the new Adventure Park, rent e-bikes, and discover the abandoned Gottscheer Villages, and the Ponikve Karst Plateau or have lunch at Mirna Gora.
Semič has many possibilities to spend your days in nature.

Bela Krajina‘s cultural center

Besides natural attractions and outdoor activities, Semič is also a cultural treasure trove. Kulturni Center Semič offers year-round cultural programs and various temporary exhibitions in two lobbies. Kulturni Center with its spacious auditorium, that allows more than 350 people, is the center of Bela Krajina culture.
Semič Museum House offers the treasures of Bela Krajina nature, the progression, and alerts to the fragility of the karst ecosystem. Hike through the cava and meet Polde and Biserko.

The educational permanent exhibition The Nature Center of Bela Krajina is suitable for families, and individual visitors. The educational permanent exhibition The Nature Center of Bela Krajina is suitable for families, and individual visitors. Learn about the history of Semič its surroundings and viticulture.

TOP 3 events in Semič:

After the year-round events in Kulturni Center Semič and various spring and Friday events, Semič invites you to Zaključek poletja na semiškem placu in autumn come to the traditional Autumn celebrations and St. Martin‘s festivities. The most beautiful event happens after Christmas. The horse exhibition on St. Stephen‘s Day attracts horse breeders from the surrounding area.
Prav tako pa vsako leto v božinem lasu postavijo ob Krupi jaslice in lučke.