Domžale is a town that builds its identity on the interplay of history, natural surroundings, and a modern urban rhythm. It lies on the Kamnik–Bistrica Plain, on the right bank of the Kamniška Bistrica River, at the meeting point between the urban and rural worlds. Its location between Kamnik and Ljubljana, just a few kilometres from the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, gives it a special character—it is close enough to the capital to be connected to its developmental pulse, yet far enough to preserve its own distinctiveness and its bond with nature.
Today, Domžale is a lively economic centre where small businesses, agriculture, and light industry intertwine. Its position within the so-called "green axis of the region" adds another dimension to the town—Domžale is also a place of recreation, sport, and leisure. The banks of the Kamniška Bistrica, numerous walking paths, parks, and sports facilities create an environment where quality of life is highly valued.
Although Domžale is a modern town today, its history reaches far back. It was first mentioned in written sources between 1200 and 1230 as Domsselsdorf. But the true turning point in its development came in the second half of the 19th century, when straw-hat making became the driving force of economic growth. Domžale developed into one of the wealthiest areas of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and its products were valued around the world. The straw-hat industry left a lasting mark on the town—one of entrepreneurship, innovation, and openness to the wider world.
In 1891, the construction of the railway line between Kamnik and Ljubljana brought Domžale even greater economic importance. It became a transport hub and assumed a leading role in the wider region. In 1952, it was formally granted town status, confirming its role as an urban centre that grows and adapts to the needs of its time.
