One of the finest attractions in the entire region, the 13th century Snežnik Castle comes complete with a most fascinating history. For centuries it passed through the hands of many owners, all of whose coats of arms can be seen on the walls upon entering the castle (including a most peculiar painting of a goat whose ears appear to be on fire). Arguably the most notorious of the owners was count Jurij Gotfrid Lichtenberg. Deep in debt, Lichtenberg was forced to accept a lottery loan and put the castle (or 250,000 florins) up as the prize. As befitting a lottery, the winner was a Hungarian blacksmith, who took the money.

In 1853 the castle was purchased by the Schoenburg-Waldenburg estate from near Dresden (Germany), although most of the family had no idea about this is. It was the third son of the head who would leave the biggest handprint on the castle though. Prince Jurij Schoenburg-Waldenburg had big plans for the castle, and on his watch the interior was upgraded and a gorgeous English-style park established around the castle. Jurij primarily used Snežnik as a summer home and hunting lodge.
The remarkable history doesn’t end with the end of the empires however, and arguably the most interesting part explains Snežnik’s preserved state. As World War Two came to a close and socialism took over Slovenia (as part of Yugoslavia), the castles of the nation were seen as a sign of the noble oppressors, and most of them were subsequently burned and looted. Snežnik survived however, thanks to the dedication of its caretaker, who guarded the castle and managed to resist any potential looters, appeasing and using his way with words to keep Snežnik as impressive today as it has been through its 800 years of history.

And impressive it is, as inside we find multiple storeys of lavish rooms, opulent furniture and a myriad of antiques and rich artefacts, truly showcasing the lifestyles of the rich and famous. More so than most castles, Snežnik really gives an impression of the magnificent lives lived by noblemen throughout European history, whilst also giving glimpses into the lives of the servants who waited on them throughout their lives.