Kavčnikova domačija

About the museum

The Kavčnik homestead, known locally as “pri Kaučelu”, stands in the hamlet of Zavodnje above Šoštanj at about 800 metres above sea level. The core of the house is the dimnica (smoke house), a single-room building with an open hearth, which served as kitchen, bedroom, workshop and shelter for small animals. From the construction of its small windows and wooden door hinges, it is presumed to date from the 17th century. Later, a white house with a bread oven, a barn, a stable and a pigsty were added.

The last owner, Ferdinand Kavčnik, lived modestly, without electricity or running water, and lived in the white house until 1983. After his death the house was extensively renovated between 1986 and 1993 and opened to the public in 1993. A year later the homestead was nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) as the best Slovenian museum project. In recent years the shingle roofs were renewed, and in 2022 the foundations and facade.

Today the homestead is one unit of the Velenje Museum. Almost all of the original furnishings have survived, so the house gives the impression that it is still lived in. A herb garden grows next to the house, tended by the last resident.

Highlights

• Smoke house with open hearth, the southernmost preserved alpine smoke house in Europe
• Almost entirely preserved original furnishings of the house
• White house with bread oven and “Ponk” (outbuilding) displaying carpentry, wheelwright and cooperage tools
• Herb garden beside the house
• Guided tour for registered groups

Founded

1993

Operated by

Muzej Velenje

Admission & discounts

On its website the Velenje Museum publishes only guided tour prices for the homestead; individual admission prices are not stated. Free admission applies to pre-school children accompanied by adults, group escorts, all groups of disabled persons (except people with work-related disability) and their companions, holders of ICOM, SMD, SED and PRESS cards, and unemployed persons with a certificate from the Zavod za zaposlovanje (Employment Service). A favourable joint ticket is available with the other Velenje Museum units and the Slovenian Mining Museum.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The homestead is not accessible to people with reduced mobility or wheelchair users. A car park suitable for buses is located directly by the main road towards Slemen; from there it is about 300 metres' descent along a forest path to the homestead. The museum displays the “Psom dostopen muzej” (dog-friendly museum) sign.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

There is no food service at the homestead.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit