Bogenšperk Castle, a cultural monument of national importance, is one of the most important Renaissance castles in Slovenia and the home of one of the most important men of our past, Johann Weichard Valvasor. It lies practically in the center of Slovenia, on the northern slopes of the Dolenjska Hills, next to the main road connection between Dolenjska and Zasavje. It was built before 1522 and is first attested in known written sources in 1533. The name Bogenšperk, first recorded by Valvasor as Bogensperg, developed from the German name Wagensperg, which comes from the surname of the builders of the castle, i.e. of the Wagen family. After the death of Juri Wagn in 1630, the manor changed several owners, and from 1634 it was united with the neighbouring manor of Lihtenberk. Both were bought by Johann Weichard Valvasor (1641–1693) in September 1672 and he kept them until the fall of 1692. During this period, Bogenšperk reached the peak of its importance, as it became an important scientific and creative center. The polymath collected a large library there, founded a graphic company with a copperplate printing press and created the first known museum collections in Slovenia. He crowned his rich scientific work with membership in the English Royal Society (1687) and the publication of the Slava of the Duchy of Carniola (1689). Thanks to Valvasor, Bogenšperk made a deep and permanent impression on the Slovenian national consciousness and secured its place among the most famous castles. 

It was followed by several more owners who did not leave many traces, and in 1853 the Windisch-Graetz family bought it and kept it until the end of the Second World War. During this period, Bogenšperk regained its importance, as it served as the temporary home of archaeologist Duchess Marie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin  (1856–1929). Tens of thousands of excavations, objects of priceless cultural heritage, were stored in the castle premises, and many local and foreign experts came to see them.

After 1945, Bogenšperk reached the lowest point in its history. It saw the end of the war unscathed, but completely looted. It first served as a military hospital for four years, then Jesuits expelled from Ljubljana moved into it for fifteen years. After their departure, the empty castle began to deteriorate faster, and plans to convert it into a hotel fell through. In 1972, the dilapidated building was taken over by the Municipality of Litija and gradually systematically renovated. Soon, museum, wedding and catering activities came to life, which stimulated the development of tourism in the area. In 1998, the Municipality of Litija founded the Public Institution Bogenšperk for the needs of managing the castle, and in 2002 ownership passed to the Municipality of Šmartno pri Litiji.

With its geographical location, the unspoiled nature that surrounds it and the variety of contents it offers, the castle is a popular excursion point, an important protocol facility and event space.

The Museum at Bogenšperk Castle remains the leading institution in Slovenia in promoting the heritage of Janez Vajkard Valvasor. The museum exhibitions in the castle tell the visitor the story of Valvasor's life, intertwined with research, the creation of books, graphics, records about our land and the life of a Carniolan man in the 17th century. With the opening of the central exhibition on Witchcraft and Superstition in Slovenia in 2023, an important milestone in the development of the museum's own modern presentation was achieved. On a walk through the castle, in addition to the museum exhibitions, you will also see the stylishly decorated castle rooms, such as Valvasor's study with original Valvasor books, the castle library, the salon, the Hidden Room and the chapel. The Bogenšperk Castle Gallery and the Smallest Castle Gallery in the World invite art lovers to visit with occasional exhibitions.

The central set of events is connected to the Bogenšperk Festival, which will mark its tenth performance in 2024. The programme follows the vision of various artistic fields: music - classical and non-classical, visual art, performing arts, cuisine, programmes for children and youth. The festival is designed so that visitors can enjoy it and co-create at the same time. The festival takes place in the castle premises and a nearby park, while some events take place in the municipal center of Šmartno pri Litija.

In the Bogenšperk Castle Wine Cellar, we have been writing a noble story of selected wines since 2020. We are enriching it in partnership with Krčma at Bogenšperk Castle, Slovenian winemakers, and a local butcher, who has a modern ripening room in the cellar. The selection of strawberries from the best Slovenian vineyard areas is joined in the cellar by the Wagen castle line with wines and unique house sparkling wine Wagensperg. The Bogenšperk wine cellar thus offers visitors an authentic taste of the most prestigious wines of Slovenian winemakers, accompanied by cheeses and meats from local producers, and at the same time a range of excellent wine accompaniments to high cuisine, prepared in the Krčma at Bogenšperk Castle.