Have a beer in the hops fields and test your skills in the escape room

Two world firsts: a beer fountain and a beer-themed escape room

Somewhere halfway between Ljubljana and Maribor lies a mecca for those who enjoy the bitter taste of hops and all its derivatives. We are talking about beer, of course.

With countless hop fields as far as the eye can see, the Celje basin looks and feels like a region with a strong brewing tradition. Beer brewing in this corner of Slovenia has a long and rich history, while at the same time offering visitors a modern and innovative experience, for example by visiting the beer fountain and beer escape room.

Simon Kukec in Žalec and Laško

Both attractions can be found in places with a rich brewing tradition – the fountain in Žalec, and the escape room in Laško. What, or should we say who, these places have in common is Simon Kukec, also called the father of Laško beer and the most important brewer in the region. In the latter half of the 19th century he moved from Primorska to Žalec, bought a large hops estate and opened his first brewery. His business quickly flourished, so he ended up buying a brewery in Laško just a few years later.

Beer fountain

The first beer fountain was created by sheer luck, when a winning lottery ticket made its way into a traditional brewing environment. You see, when a citizen wins the lottery, his home municipality, in this case Žalec, also receives part of the winnings. And so, with the money received, they decided to erect a monument of flowing beer. In Žalec, a town surrounded by hop fields, there is a city park. This particular park is full of structures that reflect the tradition of hop growing in the region. Along with statues of traditional hops related motifs, such as the “štangar”, “hmeljevka”, “maček” and “hmeljska kopica”, stands the first beer fountain in the world.

The Green Gold beer fountain is open from April to the end of October. Once you purchase a beer glass designed by renowned Slovenian designer Oskar Kogoj, you can try up to six different kinds of beer. The beers on offer are regularly changed, some more often than others, while all are brewed with Styrian hops. Next to the fountain you will also find information boards where each beer is presented in detail. While tasting, you can relax in one of the loungers set up in the shade of the trees.

Escape room

Experience the story of beer-making in nearby Laško. This time in a fun and playful way. By playing a game! The first brewing-themed escape room in the world was set up by the experienced team of Enigmarium. It is located in the building where the first glass of the legendary Laško beer was brewed and not far from where the Laško brewery is today.

Escape room is an exciting reality game for two to five players who have to complete a mission by working together for 60 minutes. They must uncover secret objects and clues, decode ciphers, solve puzzles, and above all, think logically and cooperate. The game is suitable for everyone. Children must be accompanied by adults. It is open every day from morning to evening, with prior reservation required.

Your task will be to find the brewer’s gold, with the path to it being closely connected with the true history of brewing in the region and, of course, with beer. If we had to give you a hint, let us tell you that during the game all of your senses will be put to the test.

Leisure by the fountain in Žalec and playfulness in Laško, accompanied by traditions, stories and the taste of one of the world’s most popular drinks.