Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Castle · Novo mesto, Jugovzhodna Slovenija
Otočec Castle
Castle on an island in the middle of the Krka River, 7 km from Novo mesto, mentioned in 1252. It is Slovenia’s only water-surrounded castle and is reached by two wooden bridges.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Otočec Castle
Otočec Castle stands on a small island in the middle of the Krka, about 7 km east of Novo mesto. The name means “small island.” It appears in documents from 1252 as the property of the counts of Višnja Gora, and the walls are said to date from that time. It is the only castle in Slovenia surrounded by water.
Among about 30 islets the river forms in this stretch, the castle occupies the largest, which was completed by a channel opened to the south to isolate it. The complex mixes late Gothic and Renaissance elements, with round corner towers, an inner courtyard and arcades.
Two wooden bridges connect the island to the banks, one to the north and one to the south. Around it, the Krka runs wide and calm, with tree-lined banks, and in summer people use the river for swimming and paddling.
The castle is privately used and does not function as a museum, but the island, the bridges and the banks allow good views of the building. The most famous view is the castle reflected in the water.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to an hour to walk around the island and the banks.
Best time
In the late afternoon, with low sun on the towers and the castle’s reflection in the Krka. From spring to autumn the banks are greener.
How to get there
From Novo mesto, drive about 7 km east to Otočec and continue to the castle’s north bridge, where there is parking. The A2 motorway has an exit for Otočec.
Tip
Cross one bridge and return by the other to see the castle from both sides of the river. The banks near the south bridge offer the best angles to photograph the reflection.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Otočec Castle
Where is Otočec Castle?
On an island in the middle of the Krka River, about 7 km east of Novo mesto, connected to the banks by two wooden bridges.
Is it possible to visit the interior of Otočec Castle?
The castle is in private use and does not operate as a museum. The island, the bridges and the banks allow good views of the building.
How old is Otočec Castle?
It appears in documents from 1252 and combines elements of late Gothic and Renaissance. It is the only castle in Slovenia surrounded by water.