Slovenian Styria is bursting with lush green forests, sunny wine-growing hills, a rich heritage and a remarkable viticultural tradition, the symbol of which is the oldest vine in the world, which grows in Maribor, the centre of the region. The numerous trails in the region are attractive at all times of the year and as well as unique gastronomic experiences the region offers natural and cultural sights of interest that ensure unforgettable hiking experiences. Set off on a hike through the silence of the virgin forest of Pohorje, among waterfalls and peat moors, where you might encounter the giant peacock moth, the largest European moth; on Boč you can admire the beautiful flowers of the extremely rare pasque flower, or follow one of the picturesque wine routes and stop at an tourist farm; you might bump into Ovtar, the guardian of the Slovenske Gorice hills, and you will certainly encounter hospital locals! Combine all of this with the excitement of the European Capital of Culture 2012 and the enormous range of cultural activities in Maribor and its partner towns!

Trail 24


ALONG THE POHORJE TRAIL

From Bolfenk across Areh and Žigartov Vrh,
through the Šumik primeval forest
and along the Lobnica to Ruše
Passing the church dedicated to St Bolfenk on Pohorje, we set off to a
viewpoint from where the view stretches far over the Drava Valley and the
wine-growing hills all the way to Austria. Continue through fragrant pine
forests across Areh and Žigartov Vrh to Bajgot, where three rivulets of Pohorje
meet and many forest paths cross. Take a deep breath and embark on
the short and wild walk past Veliki Šumik, the largest waterfall of Pohorje,
and then follow the Lobnica to Ruše.

GPS Sled



Trail 25


KOZJAK TRAIL

Over the wine-growing hills
to Urban, Gaj and Tojzlov Vrh
This is a trail of amazing experiences that takes us from the Maribor City
Park through a varied landscape of wine-growing hills and forests to the
viewpoints on the eastern slopes of the Kozjak range. After a pause at the
summit, with the church dedicated to St Urban, we continue through a forested
landscape with its isolated farms to the mountain hut below Tojzlov
Vrh (703m). Farms and vineyards along the way offer genuine hospitality
and open the door to a world of local gastronomic pleasures.

GPS Sled



Trail 26


THE BISTRIŠKI VINTGAR GORGE

The picturesque gorge of the Bistrica stream
The trail begins by the waterworks in Zgornja Bistrica and continues along
the crystal-clear Bistrica stream, which rushes and roars over the obstacles
in its course. Past the Roman quarry, the Šum waterfall and the abandoned
watermills and sawmills, we come to Močnik, where the path along the
gorge ends. From here we can follow the trail markers through the forest as
far as Trije Kralji (another 1.5 hrs) or make our way back by the same route.
We can also return through the little village of Urh, past the ancient settlement
of Ančnikovo Gradišče in Jurišna Vas, and then on towards Veliko
Tinje and Visole, from where a path leads us towards Slovenska Bistrica.

GPS Sled



Trail 27


TRAIL TO BOČ

The Triglav of Slovenian Styria
At the start of our hike, a signpost indicates \"Detičkova pot\", also designated
Forest Nature Trail No 1, which will be our path on the way up, and the path
over Baba (\"čez Babo\"), which we will take on our way down. Boč, or the
\"Triglav of Slovenian Styria\" as the locals call it, is in fact the best-known
peak of the southernmost extension of the Karavanke, before the mountains
give way, via Donačka Gora and Macelj, to the Pannonian Plain. Boč has two
peaks of roughly the same height that are just five minutes\' walk apart. One
peak is topped by transmitters and the other, which is accessible to visitors,
by a 20-metre observation tower offering a fine view over the greater part of
eastern Slovenia. Boč is covered by thick forest and other vegetation and the
area is protected as a natural park. The extremely rare greater pasque flower
(Pulsatilla grandis) can be found growing near the mountain hut.

GPS Sled



Trail 29


AGATA\'S TRAIL AND FRANC\'S TRAIL

Nature trail/footpath from Hrastovec Castle
to Črni Križ and around the Komarnik lake
Franc\'s Trail is named after Franc Breznik, who loved the countryside of
the Slovenske Gorice region. It is a trail of experiences running along the
restored ramblers\' path around the Komarnik lake, an important sanctuary
and home to many endangered species of plants and animals. Ovtar, the
legendary guardian of Slovenske Gorice, will be your constant companion
during the hike, giving you hints and advice and instructing you. Franc\'s
Trail then joins Agata\'s Trail, which leads from Hrastovec past Komarnik to
Črni Križ (Black Cross), the subject of an interesting legend.

GPS Sled