Metlika (pronounced [mɛˈtliːka] ⓘ; German: Möttling[2]) is a town in southeastern Slovenia.

The name is derived from the Slovene common noun metlika 'goosefoot', thus referring to the local flora.

In the 17th century it was afflicted by an earthquake and in 1705 the entire town burned to the ground in a massive fire.

The parish church in the town is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Novo Mesto.

[6] Bishop Frederic Baraga worked here as a curate for several years before he left for the US and Canada.