The Snežnik Castle stands on a small rocky slope in the south-western part of the Loška Valley. Its origins likely date back to the 11th century, when secular authority over the valley was granted to the Patriarchs of Aquileia. By building strongholds like this one, they wished to secure important traffic routes leading from Carniola towards Istria and the Kvarner Gulf. The castle was initially a fort and caravans were offered military escort, fresh horses, food and rest here.

The castle is first mentioned in official records from 1269 in connection with the Snežniški or Schneberg nobility. In about 750 years of the castle’s history, it changed hands several times up until the Second World War. A turning point in the history of the Snežnik estate was the year 1853, when it was auctioned off to the last princely family of Schönburg-Waldenburg. The former Renaissance appearance of the castle was renovated, adding the romantic feel of the 19th century. The interior ambiences were refurbished and lavishly decorated, offering all the luxury demanded by the period’s standards of a hunting-holiday countryside chateau.

Today, the Snežnik Castle grounds, its farmstead and the park represent a protected cultural monument and a natural landmark of national importance.