During the Middle Ages, guards responsible for the provincial border between Carinthia and Styria were stationed in villages in the area; the hamlet of Straže (literally, 'guards') to the northwest reflects this history. A blast furnace operated near Mislinja from 1724 to 1899, reflected in the hamlet name Plavž (literally, 'blast furnace'). The iron ore for the furnace was transported from Vitanje and Šoštanj.
During the Middle Ages, guards were stationed in villages along the border between Carinthia and Styria. The village of Straže, meaning "guards," is a reminder of this historical role. A blast furnace operated near Mislinja from 1724 to 1899, as evidenced by the name Plavž, which means "blast furnace." Iron ore was transported from Vitanje and Šoštanj for the furnace.