Things To Do
in Nova Vas
Nova Vas is a quaint Slovenian village nestled in the eastern part of the country among gentle hills and vineyards. Its traditional stone houses, a small church, and a central square give the village a timeless rural charm. Surrounded by scenic countryside, it offers peaceful walks, small farms, and easy access to nearby towns for day trips.
As a convenient base in the Dolenjska region, it provides authentic Slovenian village life away from the crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey in Nova Vas with a walk along the narrow streets, admiring pastel-colored houses and local stone churches. Pop into a family-run bakery to sample fresh kremna rezina and locally roasted coffee. Chat with friendly shopkeepers to learn about traditional Karst customs and local lore.
Head to a nearby gostilna for a leisurely lunch featuring štruklji and seasonal vegetables from the village garden. Pair your meal with a glass of local white Rebula or red Teran from a nearby micro-winery. Stroll through the village square, watching locals play chess or sip afternoon tea under ancient linden trees.
Join a hands-on cooking workshop in a rustic farmhouse kitchen, learning to roll homemade pasta or prepare štruklji dumplings. Enjoy your creations family-style around a long wooden table lit by candlelight and filled with laughter. Cap the night with a moonlit stroll, absorbing the soft glow of lanterns along cobblestone lanes.
Cycle out to rolling vineyards surrounding Nova Vas, passing neat rows of Rebula vines and sun-drenched karst stone walls. Meet a local vigneron for a guided tour of the vineyards and cellar, learning about ancient winemaking traditions passed down through generations. Sample fresh must and grape varieties straight off the vine under the morning sun.
Settle in at a hilltop winery terrace for a multi-course lunch paired with estate-bottled wines, each dish inspired by regional produce. Wander through barrel rooms, breathing in oak and aged Teran, while your host recounts tales of family harvest festivals. Finish with a tasting of rare fortified wines alongside local honey and dried figs.
Return to Nova Vas as dusk falls and savor an outdoor vineyard concert featuring local folk musicians. Tap your feet to tamburica melodies beneath a canopy of stars. Top off the evening with a nightcap of homemade brandy and homemade biscuits in a candlelit cellar nook.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🧀Local cheese (1 kg) | $8-12 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel/guesthouse per night | $60-100 |
| 🚆Public transport ticket (one-way) | $2-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Tranquil countryside with authentic Slovenian village life
- Good value for money and easy access to wine country
- Pleasant day trips to Trebnje and Novo Mesto
- Well-connected by road with scenic landscapes
- Limited nightlife within the village itself
- Public transport to very remote spots is less frequent
- Some services require driving to nearby towns
- "Dober dan" - Good day
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Prosim" - Please / You're welcome
- "Kje je ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Govoriš angleško?" - Do you speak English?
- "Koliko stane?" - How much does it cost?
- "Meni, prosim" - Menu, please
Places to Visit in Nova Vas
Visit one of these nice places.
The old chapel and stone houses frame a timeless village scene, especially beautiful at sunset when warm light softens textures.
Terraced fields and narrow roads lined with vines offer classic Slovenian countryside imagery—perfect for wide landscapes and detail shots.
Forested hills with open clearings provide sweeping panoramic views over the Dolenjska region, ideal for sunset silhouettes.
Long avenues of lime trees and rustic farmsteads create quiet, evocative rural portraits and still-life compositions.
Food in Nova Vas
Nova Vas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rustic flatbread from the Bela Krajina area, often baked with toppings like sesame and salt; enjoy with cheese, soup, or a glass of local wine.
Must-Try!
A traditional Slovenian rolled pastry filled with walnuts, poppy seeds, or other fillings; a staple at celebrations and family meals.
A hearty, comforting stew made with beans, sauerkraut, potatoes, and pork or smoked meat—perfect for cooler days.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal markets where you can taste and buy local cheeses, honey, fresh berries, bread, and homemade pastries. Try locally produced wines and olive oil if available.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting such as ‘Dober dan’ (Good day) is appreciated. Keep noise modest in residential areas and churches, and return any borrowed items with care. In churches, dress modestly and speak softly.
Safety
Tipping in Nova Vas
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. If service charge isn’t included, leaving around 5-10% for good service is common; rounding up is also fine.
Cash and cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and hotels. Contactless payments are common, and ATMs are available in larger towns nearby.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long daylight hours; occasional thunderstorms. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and enjoy long evenings on shaded terraces.
Harvest time and wine festivals in nearby towns; crisp air, colorful countryside, and seasonal produce at markets.
Cool to cold, with possible snow. Shorter days; cozy inns and cafes are perfect for relaxation and regional comfort foods.
Mild temperatures and blooming orchards; great for hiking and early-season vineyard and farm visits.
Nova Vas at Night
Hiking in Nova Vas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with viewpoints over the Dolenjska region; suitable for day hikes and sunset vistas.
Riverside trails and easy to moderate hikes with scenic river panoramas, especially pleasant in warm weather.
Gentle climbs through vineyards and farmland offering photo-worthy panoramas of the countryside.
Airports
How to reach Nova Vas by plane.
Major international gateway to Slovenia; accessible by car or shuttle and connected to major European cities. From Nova Vas, expect a scenic drive of roughly 1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic and routes.
Another international option in the northeast; typically farther from Nova Vas but useful for certain itineraries and regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Rural families living in villages and nearby towns; often engaged in farming or local trades.
Many residents appreciate a quiet lifestyle with access to nature and community events.
Visitors and locals exploring wine routes, markets, and cultural sites.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Slovenia with active local clubs and casual play among residents.
Widely followed and played; many local games and friendly matches occur in nearby towns.
A favored activity thanks to rolling hills, quiet roads, and vineyard routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nova Vas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes in the region feature cheese, legumes, and seasonal vegetables. Look for jota without pork, or request mushroom or vegetable-forward options at inns. When in doubt, ask for ‘brez mesa’ (without meat) and savor seasonal produce.