Hike: Novo mesto Encircled by Barbed Wire
In 2026, 85 years will have passed since the establishment of the Liberation Front, the central resistance and political organisation of the Slovenes during the Second World War. It led the Slovenian national liberation struggle and, together with the Allies, defeated the Nazi-Fascist occupiers, laying the foundations of Slovenian statehood.
The public holiday, Resistance Day Against the Occupier, will once again be marked by the traditional commemorative hike Novo mesto Encircled by Barbed Wire (Novo mesto v žici), organised by the KO ZB NOB Drska.
The route follows part of the line along which the occupiers surrounded Novo mesto during the Second World War, building fortified bunkers, digging firing trenches, and restricting the movement of residents with barbed wire.
The hike will take place on Monday, 27 April 2026, starting from three locations in Novo mesto:
- 7:30 am – Žabja vas (NOB monument on Drejčeva pot),
- 8:00 am – Drska (bunker),
- 9:00 am – Ločna (near the cemetery).
The hike will conclude at 11:00 am at Pumpnca (Župančič Promenade, Novo mesto), where the Resistance Day Against the Occupier will also be commemorated.
The memorial-recreational trail Novo mesto Encircled by Barbed Wire was established in remembrance of the period of occupation during the Second World War, and in honour of all fallen fighters, executed hostages, and other deceased residents.
Participation is at one’s own risk.
The event will be held in Slovene.
