Štore: Hiking Trails, Churches and Regional History

The Po Štorah hiking trail network leads through the natural features of the surrounding area and combines nature with recreation. It comprises eight routes of varying length and difficulty for walkers, hikers, nature lovers, groups, families and individual visitors. Numbered signposts and 53 orientation boards guide visitors along the way; benches and five rest areas are also provided.

Nature and Exercise

The Športna dvorana Štore Green Steel sports hall further expands the opportunities available locally with three playing courts and an eleven-metre-high climbing wall. Badminton, handball, football, volleyball, basketball and sport climbing are available in the hall. In a natural setting, the Kozolec Pečovje–Laška vas provides space for picnics and social events.

For cyclists, the Kolesarska povezava Celje–Štore–Šentjur is 11.6 kilometres long and runs alongside the Voglajna for almost its entire length. The state cycling connection also includes four new bridges over the Hudinja and Voglajna rivers and the Žikovski potok.

Culture and History

In Svetina stands the Church of Marije Snežne, a Gothic fortified church from the late 15th century. Inside are a Late Gothic painting of Mary and Jesus, a Marian throne from 1700, a painting of the Nativity of Mary and a Baroque organ. On the edge of the village of Kompole stands the Church of sv. Lovrenca, surrounded by a cemetery. The noble Saiffner family had it built in the second half of the 14th century; it was first mentioned in writing in 1525.

The Church of sv. Janeza Krstnika stands on a hill in Šentjanž nad Štorami, near the local road to Svetina. The preserved tower of the former Prežin manor serves as its bell tower. Svetina itself is a compact settlement in the hills at an elevation of 683 metres. Written records date back to the Middle Ages, and the first entry in the Celje land register dates from 1480.

Svetina’s šentoščeva nedelja preserves customs such as gathering greenery, weaving wreaths, erecting a maypole, baking potica and other pastries, as well as a procession with the Marian throne. The cemetery in Svetina is also home to the grave of the writer and world traveller Alma Karlin. Almini dnevi in Svetina are held as a gathering of world travellers.

Crafts and Farming Traditions

Lončarstvo Buser has a 220-year tradition of producing pottery. Visitors can tour the pottery workshop and kiln, see the entire production process and watch clay vessels being made on the potter’s wheel. The visit also includes a shop and a permanent collection of ethnological heritage.

At the Kmetija »Pri starem mlinu«, visitors can use a forest trail, a Kneipp trail and an energy trail. They can also watch grain being milled using a water wheel or a horse-powered Gepl. The fully renovated Kmetija preserves its traditional style and, in addition to the house and stables, includes an old kozolec from 1891 and a mill with a water wheel.

Industry and Local Events

The Železarski muzej Štore museum in Teharje presents the development of Štore and the surrounding settlements from the second half of the 19th century to the present day. The preserved industrial heritage of the ironworks includes documents, photographs, plans and objects.

The Domačija and organic farm Artišek in Ogorevc offers a designated pitch for motorhomes and a space for social gatherings. Tastings and goulash are part of the programme at the Občinski bazar društev. Štore also hosts an annual event for collecting wild garlic, organised by the Turistično društvo Štore.

For the higher-level travel overview: City Municipality of Celje.