Zalec Beer Fountain: Beer fountain attraction

Zalec Beer Fountain, also known as the Green Gold Fountain, is a one-of-a-kind attraction located in the town of Žalec in central Slovenia. It’s the first beer fountain in Europe, celebrating the region’s long tradition of hop growing and beer brewing. The town is part of the Lower Savinja Valley, often referred to as the "Valley of Green Gold" due to its fertile hop fields.

Visitor Fees

• To taste beer from the fountain, visitors need to purchase a specially designed beer mug with a built-in chip.
• Price: ~8 EUR, which includes 6 samples of different local craft beers.

Transportation

• By Car – Žalec is about 70 km from Ljubljana and easily accessible via the highway.
• By Train/Bus – Regular trains and buses run from major cities like Celje and Ljubljana to Žalec.

Things to See & Do

• Taste Slovenian Craft Beers – Sample a variety of beers from local breweries.
• Visit the Eco-Museum of Hop Growing and Brewing Industry – Learn about the region’s hop-growing history.
• Stroll through Žalec Park – Relax in the green spaces surrounding the fountain.
• Explore nearby hop fields – Discover the agricultural roots of the region.

Why People Enjoy Visiting

Visitors are drawn to Žalec for its unique beer fountain experience, the opportunity to taste regional craft beers, and to learn about Slovenia’s hop-growing tradition. The combination of innovation, tradition, and local flavor makes it a standout attraction for beer lovers and curious travelers alike.

How Old is the Beer Fountain?

• The Žalec Beer Fountain was officially opened in 2016.

List of Activities

• Sample beers at the fountain
• Visit the hop-growing museum
• Enjoy a picnic in the park
• Take photos with the fountain’s artistic design
• Learn about brewing heritage

Additional Nearby Attractions

• Celje – A historic town with a medieval castle and charming old town.
• Laško Brewery – One of Slovenia’s largest and most famous breweries.
• Savinja River – Ideal for kayaking, fishing, or riverside walks.
• Rinka Waterfall – Located in the nearby Logar Valley, a scenic natural spot.

Zalec Beer Fountain offers a fun, cultural, and flavorful experience, perfect for those wanting to enjoy Slovenia’s beer culture in a creative and relaxed setting.