On Julija’s and Štukelj’s bridges
New walking and cycling paths.
Since 2023, Novo Mesto can proudly boast two new bridges for cyclists and pedestrians, which significantly complement the city‘s network of walking and cycling paths. At the same time, a beautiful circular route has been created.
The increasingly popular circular route among the locals is suitable for everyone, and the starting point does not necessarily need to be fixed. We will start our 8-kilometer walk near the former Kandija Hotel, once a prominent landmark in the city, but today you can leave your car in the parking lot behind the hotel. From there, you’ll cross the Kandija Bridge, also known as the “old” bridge, which dates back to 1898. Immediately after, you’ll descend along Pugljeva Street into the valley and continue along Župančič’s Promenade, named after the poet, playwright, and translator Oton Župančič, who spent part of his life in the Dolenjska capital.
From Julija Primič to Leon Štukelj
After a few hundred meters, you will be greeted by the first of the two bridges – Julija’s Bridge (in the nearby Neuhof Castle, now home to a hospital, lived Prešeren’s muse Julija Primič, married to Baroness Scheuchenstuel). On your way across it, you will have the opportunity to learn about the fish life of the beautiful Krka River, and then continue on the footpath beneath Neuhof Castle, also known as Julija’s Promenade, to the wooden bridge at Loki.
Here, you don’t turn onto the bridge but head uphill, then turn right towards the Portoval city forest. Before that, especially in summer, you can enjoy a refreshment at the nearby bar Plaža. The beautifully arranged sandy path, with resting spots and four stone sculptures, will take you past the Beehive with the honey garden to Irča vas (passing by Hiša Fink), or to the second new bridge – Štukelj’s Bridge.
The bridge is named after the great Olympian Leon Štukelj, whose statue you will encounter for the first time at the Kandija intersection. 11 meters above the Krka River, you will walk across the unique bridge, which spans the river in a single sweep, to the other side. From there, you will continue along the Krka River back to Župančič’s Promenade, passing by the “Pumpnca” and Gostišče Loka to the starting point.
In the heart of the city, yet surrounded by nature.
The approximately 8-kilometer circular route offers an easy walk in close proximity to the city center, yet it runs almost entirely through nature. It provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and, in all seasons, delights with beautiful views of the green beauty, the city, colorful tree canopies, and the new city bridges. Whether walking, cycling, or running.
