Zalec and its surroundings are known for their many cultural and natural attractions, which attract many domestic and foreign visitors. Among them, the old town of Zalec with the Green Gold Fountain, the Eco-Learning Path Vrbje, the Pekel Cave and Sempeter in the Savinja valley stand out the most.
The town of Zalec is the administrative, cultural and economic center of the Lower Savinja Valley. Since the end of the 19th century, it has been considered the center of Slovenian hop growing. In the Ecomuseum of Hop Growing and Brewing in Slovenia, an interesting experience awaits the visitors, which enriches them with knowledge about hops, hop growing and brewing. The latest tourist acquisition of Zalec is the Green Gold Beer Fountain, which attracts many visitors. It stands in a city park, in the heart of the city, next to the market. The fountain has eight taps and is a real top pleasure for beer lovers. The beer mug is the work of a renowned industrial designer and honorary citizen of the Municipality of Zalec, Oskar Kogoj. The Vrbje pond is located south of Zalec and belongs to the Natura 2000 area. Around the pond there is an ecological learning trail about three kilometers long, which is suitable for all age groups and is passable throughout the year. The learning path takes place in the area between Struga and Savinja, where living spaces have been preserved, such as a river with gravel pits, borders with meadows and more. Pekel Cave is marked by a rich historical past. The Karst Cave, which is about 3 million years old, is located in the Ponikvan Karst, near Sempeter in the Savinja Valley. The cave was dug by the stream Ponikvica. There is a 1200 meter long path along it, which visitors can see with a guide at every full hour. Sempeter in the Savinja Valley is located on the outskirts of Zalec. In Roman times, the Roman road Aquileia - Emona - Celeia - Petovio led through the place. The settlement is best known for the Roman Necropolis, which is the best preserved monument of the Roman era in Slovenia. Among the most beautiful tombs are large tombs made of Pohorje marble and decorated with embossed statues of buried families.
Each tomb tells the story of Roman life and describes ancient mythology. Opposite the necropolis stands the Romanesque church of Saint Peter, in which the most valuable are a statue of the Virgin Mary and a Broll fresco. In a small square stands a statue of Saint Peter, which is a replacement for the demolished chapel.