ZgodoVikend is the largest event at the Park of Military History, traditionally held on the third weekend of September – this year on 19, 20, and 21 September 2025.

The rich programme of ZgodoVikend will already begin on Friday with the traditional Vestirnga 2025. As part of the event, the Defence Administration will introduce military conscripts of the 2007 generation, who will – just like in the past – arrive decorated on recruitment wagons.

The Saturday programme starts with a hike to Primož, accompanied by a thematic lecture in the former Italian underground fortress of the Alpine Line and a guided tour of the fort’s interior. As part of the extended programme, visitors can join various guided tours of the collections and exhibitions, while the youngest will enjoy a range of children’s workshops.

As part of the accompanying programme, an open day at the Stanislav Požar Barracks will also take place, where you can experience a tank ride and learn what life in the uniform of the Slovenian Armed Forces is like.

Sunday’s museum pulse will be enriched with numerous expert-guided tours of permanent and temporary exhibitions, giving participants a deeper insight into the content and background of individual exhibits and collections. In cooperation with partner museums, a varied set of workshops and activities will also be organised, through which selected chapters of history will be presented to children educationally and entertainingly.

The programme will be further enhanced by film screenings, a small fair of military-historical literature, an exhibition of vintage vehicles, and static and dynamic presentations by the Slovenian Armed Forces, Civil Protection, Fire Brigades, and Police. One of the highlights of ZgodoVikend will be demonstration rides of vehicles from the operational collection of the Military Museum of the Slovenian Armed Forces and the Park of Military History.

PROGRAMME of ZgodoVikend:
Friday, 19 Sept 2025
10:00 – Introduction of the 2007 generation of conscripts and presentation of recruitment wagons and the Slovenian Armed Forces – Vestirnga 2025

Saturday, 20 Sept 2025, 9:00–18:00
10:00–17:00 – Open Day at Stanislav Požar Barracks in Pivka
12:00–15:00 – Children’s workshops
9:00 – Hike to Primož and tour of the Alpine Line fort interior
10:30 – Guided tour of exhibitions and collections in pavilions A, B, and C in Slovenian sign language (for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors) (Command Building, ground floor)
10:30 – Guided tour of the exhibition “War Until the End”
13:30 – Guided tour of exhibitions and collections in pavilions A, B, and C
15:00 – Guided tour of the “Enigma” exhibition

Sunday, 21 Sept 2025, 9:00–18:00
9:30 – Hike to Primož and tour of the Alpine Line fort interior
10:00 – Demonstration ride of the “Association of Slovenian Militiamen” with legendary vehicles of the former Militia
11:00 – Dynamic presentation by the Police
12:30 – Performance of vintage firefighters PGD Studeno with a fire extinguishing demonstration
13:00 – Dynamic presentation of PGD Postojna
14:00 – Demonstration rides of the operational collection vehicles of the Military Museum of the Slovenian Armed Forces and the Park of Military History
15:00 – Dynamic presentation by the Slovenian Armed Forces
16:30 – Guided tour of the exhibition “Saving Lives Together” (photographic exhibition about Civil Protection, guided by Srečko Šestan, Commander of Civil Protection of the Republic of Slovenia)
17:00 – Guided tour of the new exhibition “War Until the End”
11:00–13:00 – Chess simultaneous exhibition
10:00–17:00 – Static presentations by the Slovenian Armed Forces, Police, Fire Brigades, Civil Protection, Association of Slovenian Militiamen (legendary vehicles of the former Militia), Association of Vintage Firefighters PGD Studeno, airsoft association H.A.S. team, and the Rescue Dog Handlers Club Postojna
10:00–16:00 – CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS (Park of Military History, Notranjska Museum Postojna, Dina Large Carnivore Centre, Ecomuseum of the Disappearing Lakes of Pivka)

TICKETS
During the event, the regular price list of the Park of Military History – Price List 2025 applies.

TOUR OF THE SUBMARINE OR POLICE BOAT
A tour of the submarine or police boat interior is possible only with a prior reservation of time slots at tel. +386 (0)31 775 002 or e-mail [email protected].

ACCESS AND PARKING – Sunday, 21 Sept 2025
Sustainable arrival by train is recommended – the Pivka railway station is just a 15-minute walk from the Park.
If arriving by car:

free parking is available at designated car parks,
between 11:00 and 17:00, a free shuttle bus will operate between the parking areas and the Park.
We recommend arriving on time, as the programme starts in the morning!

NOTICE
The event will be photographed and recorded. Photos and videos will be used for promotional purposes of the Park of Military History. Visitors agree that they may appear in audio or video material.
The organiser is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Visitors must follow the instructions of the organiser’s security service.

Note:
Stanislav Požar Barracks, Kolodvorska 59, 6257 Pivka (1 km from the Park in the direction of Ilirska Bistrica).
The hike is suitable for all generations; participation fee is 5 EUR, children up to 6 years join free of charge. For the fort tour, bring a flashlight. Proper footwear and clothing are recommended. Parking is available at the Park of Military History. Participation is at your own risk. In case of bad weather, the hike will be cancelled.

The summer archaeological school Wolves and Caesars returned for the third time to explore the archaeological site at Baba Hill above Slavina. A team of six students from the University of Oshkosh, Wisconsin (USA), led by Professors Dr. Adrienne Frie and Dr. Kevin Gartski, in cooperation with the National Museum of Slovenia, the Institute of Archaeology at the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU), and with the support of the Park of Military History, carried out archaeological excavations and analyzed lidar terrain scans in an effort to identify the function of a structure currently under investigation.

The archaeological site at Baba Hill is notable for the remains of a large fortified settlement, dated from the end of the Bronze Age to the Roman period. The significant local importance of this prehistoric settlement is evidenced by the still-visible remains of a massive stone wall, which included what appears to have been a defensive tower at its westernmost point. Based on field assessments, the stone fortification measured between three and four meters in width, and two possible entrances to the settlement remain discernible today. The interior was densely populated and divided into residential and industrial areas.

This year’s excavations revealed almost the entire structure, which was likely used by prehistoric inhabitants of the hilltop settlement as a workshop. The building underwent at least one major reconstruction during its period of use, though the exact function and continuity of the structure will be determined through further laboratory analysis of archaeological finds and stratigraphic layers. Among the notable discoveries this year were large quantities of animal bones, remains of fibulae (bronze brooches), and various fragments of metal objects, including a Roman hobnail from military sandals. The American students were especially excited by the discovery of Celtic silver coins and larger fragments of elaborately crafted Roman tableware and amphorae. The variety of finds confirms contact between the local prehistoric population and the Roman Republic, while also raising new questions regarding the fate of the settlement and its inhabitants at the threshold between prehistory and antiquity. The historical developments in this region were undoubtedly complex.

Based on current findings, two scenarios are proposed regarding the end of the settlement above Slavina. In the 1st century BCE, Gaius Julius Caesar, during his proconsulship in Gaul, was responsible for the administration and defense of northern Italy and for recruiting auxiliary troops, including from the area of present-day western Slovenia. Caesar established his operational headquarters for the Gallic campaigns in Aquileia. It is highly plausible that the local population resisted conscription into Caesar’s legions, which may have prompted a Roman military intervention and the subsequent destruction of rebellious hillforts. An alternative interpretation places the event several decades later, during the military campaign of Octavian—Caesar’s successor and the first Roman emperor Augustus—who led a large-scale military operation against Illyricum through this region.

The summer archaeological school is also strongly embedded in the local community, with valuable support provided by the Slavina Local Community and the Slavina Cultural Society. As in previous years, a public presentation of the school’s work and research findings was organized on June 20 at the Cultural Centre in Slavina. Dr. Boštjan Laharnar from the National Museum of Slovenia presented this year’s discoveries and insights to local residents. On this occasion, a small exhibition was also opened, informing the public about the archaeologists’ work and findings, placing them within the broader context of the group of hillforts surrounding Slavina and the region’s historical developments.

The Park of Military History will be open every day from 9:00 to 18:00 in August.

In the largest museum complex in Slovenia, is hom,e to the country`s richest collection of military and historical heritage, providing an unparalleled insight into both national and world history.

At the Park of Military History, you can see a diverse array of exhibits, including a Stone Age bow as well as jet aircraft. In addition to the extensive tank, artillery, and aircraft collections, the museum’s “XXL” exhibits that include a German World War II steam locomotive from , the P-111 police boat, and the P-913 submarine, which you can also explore from the inside, are particularly noteworthy for their impressive size and the stories they tell.
The exhibition The Road to Independence offers a facinating glimpse into the pivotal period of the formation of the Slovenian state, while the exhibition Enigma – The Mysterious Behind the Scenes of War illustrates the role of the German and Allied cryptologic services in the course and outcome of the Second World War.

As a modern museum centre, the Park of Military History has much more to offer – you can enjoy a meal at the museum restaurant, shop at the well-stocked museum shop, relax at the motorhome stopover site, and explore several pleasant walking and hiking trails.

To visit the interior of the submarine or the police boat P-111, as part of the additional museum offer, prior reservation of a time slot is required by phone at +386 (0)31 775 002 or by email at [email protected].

The main museum exhibition “Road to Independence” at the Park of Military History presents the formation of the Slovenian state, with a special focus on the war for the defense of sovereignty in 1991. It was from here, on June 26, 1991, that the first tanks drove onto the roads, launching the aggression against the newly independent Slovenia.

To mark Statehood Day on June 25, 2025, which also coincides with the beginning of school holidays, the Park is organizing a Family Day – an event for the whole family.

With a focus on children and youth, we will showcase the importance of national defense, protection, and security services in a fun, educational, and interactive way. Visitors can expect numerous children’s workshops and entertainment activities by all participating organizations. A highlight of the day will be the performance of the music group Čuki, featuring a special children’s entertainment program.

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PROGRAMME

9:00 – Walk Through History – Hike to the Alpine Wall Fortress on Primož Hill
11:00–11:40 – Performance by the Pristava Folklore Group
12:00 – Magic Show with Magician Rado
13:00–13:45 – Concert by The Rhine River Ramblers
14:00 – Presentation of the Slovenian Armed Forces Museum and the Park of Military History vehicle collection
15:00 – Magician Rado performs again
16:00–18:00 – Concert by ČUKI

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9:00–18:00 – FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME

• Slovenian Armed Forces
• Police
• Postojna Fire Department
• AMZS Superheroes
• Water Sprite Vodko (Kovod Postojna)
• PGD Studeno Vintage Fire Truck Society
• Postojna Rescue Dog Handlers Club
• Survival School – instructor Tomaž Polanec
• Airsoft Association “H.A.S. team”

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10:00–16:00 – CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS

• Park of Military History
• Notranjska Museum Postojna
• Dina Centre – Large Carnivore Visitor Centre
• Ecomuseum of the Pivka Intermittent Lakes
• Family Centre Brlog Postojna
• Face painting
• Special Surprise – a visit from Slovenian folks tales hero Martin Krpan!

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NOTE:

The hike is suitable for all generations. The registration fee is 5 EUR. Children under the age of 6 may participate free of charge. If you plan to enter the underground fortress on Primož Hill, bring a flashlight. Hiking shoes and clothing are recommended. Parking is available at the Park of Military History. Participation is at your own risk. In case of bad weather, the hike will be canceled.

The organizer reserves the right to modify the programme.

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ADMISSION:

Regular ticket prices according to the 2025 price list of the Park of Military History apply on the day of the event.

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TOUR OF THE SUBMARINE OR POLICE PATROL BOAT

Advance reservation is MANDATORY for tours of the submarine or the police patrol boat.
Please book your time slot by calling +386 31 775 002 or emailing [email protected].

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PARKING – Wednesday, June 25, 2025

We encourage visitors to consider arriving in Pivka by train.
For those arriving by car, free parking will be provided at designated parking areas.
A free shuttle service will operate between the parking lots and the Park from 11:00 to 19:00.
We recommend arriving early.

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CATERING

Food and drinks will be available throughout the day.
You will be able to enjoy offerings from:
Kantina Pivka, Domača marenda, Gostilna pri Zotlarju, Okrepčevalnica Kiosk, Sweet Point, and Waffle to go.

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NOTICE

The event will be photographed and filmed. Photos and video recordings may be used for promotional purposes by the Park of Military History. By attending, visitors acknowledge that they may be photographed or recorded.

The organizer is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.
Visitors are required to follow the instructions of the event’s security staff.

CONTACT:

Park of Military History, Kolodvorska 51, 6257 Pivka

T: +386 (0)31 775 002

E: [email protected]

The Park of Military History will be open in June from Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 16:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 and 18:00.

On Statehood Day, 25 June 2025, which coincides with the start of the school holidays, the Park will host a Family Day – an event for the whole family.

With a focus on children and youth, the event will present the importance of national services for defence, protection, and safety in a fun, educational, and interactive way. You can look forward to numerous children’s workshops and animation programmes provided by all participating institutions. The highlight of the day will surely be the performance by the group Čuki, featuring an animated programme for children.

To visit the interior of the submarine or the police boat P-111 as part of the additional museum offer, prior reservation is required by phone at +386 (0)31 775 002 or by email at [email protected].

On Saturday, 24 May, the Park of Military History hosted the 17. International Miniature Festival World in Miniature, a traditional gathering of model makers and scale modellers organised by the association Svet v malem (The world in miniature). The event was held at the Park for the fourth consecutive year and once again attracted numerous participants from both Slovenia and abroad.

A total of 146 competitors entered the contest, presenting 487 models across various categories. Among them were 35 young modellers who competed in junior categories featuring aircraft, ships, and vehicles.

The festival had a distinctly international character, with participants arriving from Italy, Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Czech Republic. Alongside traditional military vehicle, ship, and diorama models, visitors could also admire remote-controlled aircraft models, fantasy creations, and racing track dioramas.

The exhibition drew a large audience, who enthusiastically explored the highly detailed and skillfully crafted models on display. The event was further enriched by creative workshops led by the Back to Basics Society, where young participants had the opportunity to build their own tank scale models and learn about advanced modelling techniques.

In parallel with the competition, a model fair was held, offering a wide selection of kits from various manufacturers, military and modelling literature, and a presentation of the activities of the Svet v malem Association. The event also featured a presentation by the reenactment society DTI – Society for Tactical Games, together with the reenactment unit Regiment, which showcased the equipment of the Partisans and the Yugoslav People’s Army at two dedicated exhibition stands.

The event was further enhanced by the participation of the 45th Armoured Battalion of the Slovenian Armed Forces and the Slovenian Armed Forces Recruitment Unit from Postojna. In addition, a selection of operational armoured vehicles from the Park’s collection and the Slovenian Armed Forces Museum were showcased in live demonstration runs on the museum’s driving range.

On the day of the festival, the Park of Military History received two significant donations. Mr Maurizio Bressan generously donated two original Royal Air Force flight suits—complete kits representing pilots of the British Harrier and Tornado aircraft. These valuable additions will significantly enrich the museum’s collection, and we extend our sincere gratitude to Mr Bressan, who has contributed several items to the Park in the past.

The second donation came from Mr Iztok Kočevar, a former tank crewman and expert in armoured military technology, currently active at the model-making company Triglav Models. He donated a detailed scale model of the T-55 tank, which will be a valuable enhancement to the museum’s display.