Attractions along the DravaBike Cycling Route

August 3 - 9, 2024

HIKING
LOCAL CUISINE
CYCLING
UNSPOILED NATURE
TRADITION
IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCES

The cycling route along the Drava river – DravaBike – has been alive in the Austrian part since quite a long time, though in Slovenia it came to life only a few years ago. Caught between the slopes of mountains Pohorje and Kozjak, the narrow valley was passable only along a narrow, winding and to cyclists very unfriendly road.

Now it is different – an uninterrupted long-distance cycling connection runs all the way to the confluence with the Mura River in Legrad, Croatia. It is recognizable by beautiful nature, excellent cuisine and many attractions

From the shady forests of the Pohorje mountain massif to the fertile plains and the hills, overgrown with vineyards and orchards, it keeps us delighted all the time. The add-on is delicious autochthonous cuisine based on local ingredients and of course, excellent white Styrian wines. Moreover, many ethnological customs are still alive in there, from rafting to carnivals with typical characters as famous “Kurent” is. Many important cities emerged along the Drava River, from Maribor, the second largest Slovenian city and the so-called “Styrian metropolis”, to Ptuj, Dravograd, Varaždin, Ormož,… While cycling along the Drava cycling route you will experience them all!
Lenght:7 days
Total distance:257 km
Avg. distance:38 km
Total height:1.254 m
Bicycle type:trekking or gravel, e-support recommended
Countries:Slovenia, Croatia
Begin/End:Maribor train station
Price (guided / self-guided):1,320 € /570 €

Highlights:

  • Indigenous cuisine
  • Rafting on a wooden raft
  • Swimming in a natural pool
  • Lovrenška lakes Nature Reserve
  • Chocolate paradise by the Drava river
  • The towns of Dravograd, Radlje ob Dravi, Maribor, Ptuj and Varaždin
  • Ormož Lagoon Nature Reserve…

Self-guided tour includes::

  • 7 days
  • 6 nights’ accommodation
  • 6 breakfasts
  • transport from Maribor train station to begin of the trip and back from the end of it
  • rafting with traditional wooden raft
  • entrance fees to attractions during the programe

Overall Tour Level

DayDistance / Gain Terrain Surfaace Day Level
126 km / 392 masphalt / gravel
230  km / 943 masphalt / gravel
344 km / 1587 masphalt / gravel
433 km / 356 masphalt / gravel
525 km/  284 masphalt / gravel
634 km / 95 masphalt / gravel
766 km / 259 masphalt / gravel
853 km / 51 masphalt / gravel

The trips are planned very carefully, but we cannot predict unforeseen events or road works, so minor deviations or adjustments of routes are also possible..

DAY 1:

From Local Tradition to the Local Cuisine

Highlights:

  • Revived century-old tradition of rafting on wooden rafts, indigenous Carinthian cuisine

The first cycling day will start with a short visit of the charming town of Dravograd. We will start the journey very slowly and stop for the first time after a few kilometers already, to visit the charming baroque mansion Bukovje, which boasts a very original history. Nowadays it is beautifully restored and surrounded with park where members of the Biodynamic Horticulture Society have found space for the learning center. Until next attraction – a wooden raft, which will take us to a “cognitive encounter” with the Drava River and centuries-old traditions of rafting and forestry, there are only a few kilometers of gentle hills. We will spend the evening in the charming village named Muta.

Distance:20 km
Gain: 562 m 
Terrain: 
Surface:asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:
Accommodation:Muta

DAY 2:

From the River to the Forests

Highlights:

  • Swimming in a natural swimming pool, cycling into the heart of the Pohorje forests, pilgrimage church in Puščava

In the morning, we will start with a swim in the natural swimming pool near Radlje ob Dravi. Water Park is hidden in the greenery near the Drava river and the purifying plants clean the water in pools, so we will look in vain for traces of chlorine. Refreshed, we will first stop in a pleasant restaurant where home-brewed beer is served, too. Until Radlje ob Dravi we cycle through the fields of “sky-high” hop plants. After a visit of the town, we cross the river and start a gentle ascent along the lively stream into the heart of the Pohorje mountain range. We will pass through the former climatic health resort Lovrenc na Pohorju  and descend to the town Ruše near Drava River, where we will have our accommodation.

Distance:28 km
Gain:940 m
Terrain: 
Surface:asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:breakfast
Accommodation:Ruše

DAY 3:

Past the Chocolate Paradise to Maribor

Highlights:

  • Fala – the oldest power plant on the Drava river, a chocolade tasting in the “chocolate paradise”

After breakfast, we will cycle to the oldest Drava power plant Fala, There is a museum showing the story of electricity production with the waterpower, but the surplus are the building of the power plant and the interior as a technical heritage. For lunch, we will cycle to the pleasant Drava bay, which once housed one of the many Drava boathouses. Some of the spirit of boating is still preserved, but the meadow, where families used to had on Sundays and holidays “pique-niques”, is now occupied by chocolate glamping. In the premises of his pleasant cafe with a confectionery, we will get to know the sweets of the “chocolate paradise”. Towards the end of the day, we will continue cycling along a pleasant Drava embankment to our accommodation in the “Styrian metropolis” of Maribor.

Distance:33 km
Gain:356 m
Terrain: 
Surface:asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:breakfast
Accommodation:Maribor

DAY 4:

Styrian “Metropolis”

Highlights:

  • experiences and attractions of the second largest city in Slovenia (the oldest vine in the world, old wine cellar, City Castle and Regional Museum, Lent, city park, Three Ponds, Pyramid, Hall of the Nation, Cathedral, the building of a former military school Kadetnica,…)

This day will be entirely dedicated to sightseeing of the attractions of Maribor. We will have to do a part of our route by bikes, since there are so many. However, to the inner city center and the medieval quartier Lent we will walk on foot. To a deeper insight and a touch of some of the spiciest details from the history of the city will introduce us “experts” of a very original local agency, who add fragments from the lives of the residents to the buildings they are representing..

Distance:25 km
Gain:284 m 
Terrain: 
Surface:asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:breakfast
Accommodation:Maribor

DAY 5:

Ancient and Joyful Ptuj

Highlights:

  • Ptuj (Mitre’s Shrines from the Roman Empire, Ptuj Castle, Minorite and Dominican Monastery, Church of St. George, Orpheus Monument, Kurent’s Room, City Tower and Town Hall, guided tasting in the wine cellar)

In the morning, we will enjoy cycling with a pleasant ride through meadowss, moist forests and rural settlements on the plain, where the river Drava meanders lazily. Upon arrival in Ptuj, we will first turn to Mitre’s shrines on the right bank of the river, where the Roman castrum Poetovio was located almost 2000 years ago. The medieval town is squeezed under the town hill, where Ptuj Castle now reigns. Beneath it, a small town raised up, rich in historical sights, as well as the ethnological heritage. The culmination of the city events is the annual carnival. His central figure – the timeless and majestic Kurent, remains alive and present here throughout the year. The city of Ptuj is, also, significantly marked by a wine cellar with a centuries-old tradition of producing top quality wines, which will be presented to us at a guided tasting.

Distance:34 km
Gain:95 m
Terrain:
Surface:asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:breakfast
Accommodation:Ptuj

DAY 6:

Ptuj Sea and Ormož Lagoons

Highlights:

  • Drava Lake – so called “Ptuj Sea” with bird nests, mythical Borl Castle, Ormož Lagoon Nature Reserve with bird nests and water buffaloes, historic town of Varaždi

After breakfast, we will cycle along the embankments of the accumulation lake, by domestic people jokingly called “Ptuj Sea”. There, we will enjoy watching the birds that have found their refuge there. Along the dam, our path separates from the artificial reservoir of the river and takes us across the fields to the “old” Drava riverbed and the bridge over it. We will pass on another side and climb to a nearby hill, dominated by Borl Castle. The secrets of this pearl of Baroque architecture will present us representatives of the society, which is committed to reviving of the castle. We will continue towards the town of Ormož passing by its charming castle. After lunch, we will head to the Ormož lagoons – a natural reserve and an important resting place for many migratory birds. The water buffaloes are their natural companions … Only a few kilometers will separate us now to the state border between Slovenia and Croatia. We will finish our day in Varaždin, called by its inhabitants as the city of baroque, music and flowers, or even the “city of angels”

Distance:66 km
Gain: 259 m
Terrain:
Surface:asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:breakfast
Accommodation:Varaždin

DAY 7:

Across the Međimurje Plain

Highlights:

  • the cities of Varaždin and Prelog, Lake Varaždin – the largest artificial lake in Croatia

The last morning we will start with a walking tour of Varaždin. By the end, we will return to our bikes and cycle along the embankments of the largest artificial lake in Croatia to the confluence, where the Drava and Mura rivers meet. This is where our socializing will end; we will only have a joint trip with van to the starting point in Maribor

Distance:53 km
Gain:46 m
Terrain:
Surface:asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:breakfast
DON'T FORGET BEFORE YOU LEAVE TO TRAVEL:

Upon registration:

  • pay the mandatory 30% of advance payment at the time of booking
  • Check the contents of the confirmation email
  • Meet any requirements from the confirmation email

At least one month before the trip:

  • arrange insurance (Coris or similar)
  • carefully read the travel confirmation email, as it may contain very important information
  • pay the last installment

PRICE IN DETAILS

A guided trip with an accompanying vehicle is suitable for everyone who wants his trip to be as carefree and relaxing as possible: we take care of your accommodation, we accompany you from the start of the cycle and bring you back to the starting point, we transport your luggage, provide you a suitable bike and we come to the rescue in case of technical problems with the bike or other equipment.


The price of a guided trip with GoGreenway includes:

  • 7 days of cycling
  • 6 nights in 3 star hotels or accommodation of same quality
  • 6 breakfasts
  • rafting with traditional wooden raft
  • guided culinary and oenological tasting
  • entrance fees according to the program
  • luggage transport
  • accompanying vehicle for technical and fittness level issues
  • digital travel guide

The price of the trip is valid for 1 person in a double room in a group of 4 people and for a predetermined departure date.

If you would like to travel at a different time, change the length of the daily cycling sections or add a day or more for additional sightseeing or rest, please contact us for a customized offer.


Surcharges:

  • rental of bicycles or other equipment (on request)

Not included in the price:

  • accident insurance and travel cancellation insurance
  • personal safety and cycling equipment
  • anything else that is not stated to be included

We recommend self-guided tours for travelers who know how to navigate a route based on a map or GPS track and already have experience with self-guided travel. If the above description does not apply to you, a guided tour is likely to be more enjoyable and relaxing. 

The prices of self-guided tours depend on the number of travelers traveling together in the same time slot and at the same destination. The prices listed below base on the calculation of prices for sleeping of two people in double room – for all other wishes, contact us for your appropriate offer. We can also arrange luggage transportation between destinations for you, so that your travels will be more relaxed and carefree.

The price of a self-guided trip "Attractions of the DravaBike Cycling Route" s:  865 €


The price includes

  • 7 days of cycling
  • 6 nights in accommodations ***
  • 6 breakfasts
  • digital travel guide

The price of the trip is valid for 1 person in a double room in a group of 4 people and for a predetermined departure date.

If you would like to travel at a different time, change the length of the daily cycling sections or add a day or more for additional sightseeing or rest, please contact us for a customized offer.


Surcharges:

  • rental of bicycles or other equipment (on request)

Not included in the price:

  • accident insurance and travel cancellation insurance
  • personal safety and cycling equipment
  • anything else that is not stated to be included

Do you want a trip tailored to your capabilities and desires?

Would you like to choose another starting point or the end of the route; are you worried that your fitness routine is not sufficient?

Send us an inquiry to our e-mail address or via the website and we will do our best to meet your wishes and expectations. 


    Would you join us on the trip?

    Sign up now or send us a message. We will be happy to meet all your wishes and expectations.


    Legend of symbols
    Mostly flat terrain, only shorter lower hills are possible
    Slightly hilly terrain, ascents and descents are shorter and technically and fitness-wise undemanding
    Hilly terrain, ascents and descents can be longer and steeper
    Hilly terrain, ascents and descents can be very long and technically demanding
     Mountainous terrain, very demanding ascents and descents on single tracks, tows or otherwise demanding trails that require a high level of fitness and technical skills

    EASY: Relaxed cycling, suitable for beginners and families who want cycling experiences. There is a lot of time and opportunities on the way to stop and relax, and the terrain is undemanding in terms of altitude – mostly flat or with gentle slopes. The road surfaces are also undemanding – asphalt or well-paved and smooth gravel. As a rule, the lengths of daily sections do not exceed 35 kilometers.

    MEDIUM EASY: Suitable for occasional cyclists – mostly undemanding cycling, but some days can also contain longer easy ascents or descents or shorter more demanding ascents or descents. The lengths of the daily sections are on average between 25 and 55 kilometers per day.

    MEDIUM DEMANDING: Suitable for cyclists with an active lifestyle who cycle regularly. The cycling sections are longer and more demanding in terms of fitness. Medium-demanding terrain can also contain longer and steeper ascents and descents. The lengths of daily sections of mostly road-cycling tours are on average between 45 and 75 kilometers, and touring-cycling tours more than 30 kilometers.

    DEMANDING: Suitable for very active and well-prepared cyclists who want more demanding cycling challenges. Medium to very demanding terrains can also contain longer and steeper ascents and descents. The lengths of daily road and cycling sections are on average between 65 and 85 kilometers, while touring cycling sections are correspondingly shorter, but at least more than 40 km.

    VERY DIFFICULT: The most demanding cycling challenges. Suitable for excellent cyclists with high fitness level for longer cycling tours. These can be either typical road-cycling tours with daily sections longer than 85 kilometers or cycling tours on demanding terrains where the daily sections are shorter, but in any case longer than 50 kilometers and demanding both in height gain and surfaces.

    DATE

    August 3 - 9, 2024


    PRICE:
    Deadline for applicationsa::

    at least one month before the planned trip

    Would you rather travel alone or in the company of friends?

    Call or write to us for an individual offer for the custom travel option and self-guided tours for individuals or closed groups.

    Mobile: + 386 (0)40 26 44 33
    E-mail:  info@gogreenway.eu