Velenja

City of opportunities

Velenja is the center of the Šaleška dolina valley. Archeological excavations in nearby Huda luknja gorge prove the area was inhabited from the Stone Age on, and the site of the city was first mentioned in 1250.

The history of the city is linked to mining: since a blacksmith named Zajc discovered coal here in 1767, coal has been shipped to distant destinations. The city grew with the expansion of the coal mine, today one of the most modern in the world.

Velenje’s tourist and recreation offer is also linked to mining: three huge depressions caused by the excavation of coal developed into lakes that the coal company systematically beautified. Around the lakes are promenades and bicycling trails, bridle paths, tennis courts, mini-golf courses, beach volleyball and basketball courts, a modern children’s playground, a boathouse where visitors can rent boats, and a campground.

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