Sporting activities

Cycling

A 5-day exploration of Ptuj and its surroundings by bike

Have you always wanted to discover Styria by bike? We have prepared some suggestions on how you can best explore the idyllic area of the Haloze and Slovenske Gorice vineyards, the oldest Slovenian city of Ptuj and the largest city in Styria - Maribor.

Well-maintained trails
Beautiful views of the picturesque hilly landscape
Excellent cuisine
Unique cultural heritage

Tour by days

A couple cycling on mountain bikes along a grassy path between green vineyards in the rolling hills of Haloze near Terme Ptuj.

A couple in cycling clothes sitting at a wooden table beneath a pergola, enjoying a break with views of the green rolling hills of Haloze, with two bicycles parked nearby.

Day 1: Drava cycling route (Ruše – Maribor – Ptuj)

The first cycling stage takes you along the Drava cycling route. We start our journey in Maribor, a city that will impress you with its idyllic location along the Drava River, with beautiful squares, medieval defence towers, a large cathedral and the House of the Old Vine with the oldest grapevine in the world, which still miraculously thrives to this day. We then continue towards the city of Ptuj, which lies along the Drava River and is surrounded by vineyards. Stage length: 50 km. Difficulty: medium difficulty.

Day 2: Ptuj - Ptujska gora - Ptuj

For the second day, we suggest cycling along a circular route to the foothills of the Haloze region, where grapes have been continuously grown on the sunny slopes for more than two thousand years, to Ptujska Gora, a well-known Slovenian pilgrimage centre. The only ascent of the route leads to the Basilica of the Virgin of Mercy, built in the 14th century. You can return to Ptuj on the path alongside Ptuj lake, and let your sore muscles relax in the thermal waters of Terme Ptuj. Stage length: approx. 48 km. Difficulty: medium difficulty.

Day 3: Ptuj - Haloze - Ptuj

Colles or Halonga - it doesn't really matter which of these words was the origin of today's name "Halozes". Both are names for hilly land where vines were being grown on sunny slopes for at least two thousand years. Even today, the typical image of the hilly landscape of Haloze is complemented by images of untouched nature, which give the region a completely different vibe. And every time we return to nature, time flows in the rhythm of a relaxing song. This cycling tour takes you through the idyllic wine-growing region of Haloze, which is sure to leave a lasting impression. Stage length: approx. 50 km. Difficulty: medium difficulty.

Day 4 - Slovenian Styria

The cycling tour starts off in Sveta Trojica, first to the idyllic Lake Blaguš and the town of Stara Gora, where, among other attractions, you’ll cycle through a "tunnel" of old linden trees. Your route then continues to the church with a view of the vineyards of Slovenske Gorice and then all the way to the oldest Slovenian city of Ptuj, which lies between the vineyards and the Drava river. After the fourth day of cycling, you will certainly enjoy some time relaxing and swimming in Terme Ptuj. Stage length: approx. 45 km. Difficulty: medium difficulty.

Day 5: Ptuj - Ormož - Kog wine road

On the fifth day, start your cycling adventure at Slovenia's largest permanent lake, the so-called Ptuj sea, which also serves as a nesting ground for more than 230 species of birds. You can then press on to the town of Ormož, where you can visit Ormož castle, dating back to the 13th century. There, in the castle park, you can see an extensive selection of exotic trees, one of the most beautiful and varied collections of such flora in Slovenia. You can finally return to Ptuj via the Kog wine road, through the vineyards, all the way to the wine cellar! And the rest of the afternoon? Spend it relaxing in the thermal park and wellness centre of Terme Ptuj, of course! Stage length: approx. 60 km. Difficulty: medium difficulty.

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Aerial view of Grand Hotel Primus at Terme Ptuj

Highlights of the cycling tour

The idyllic vineyards of Haloze and Slovenske Gorice, the oldest Slovenian city of Ptuj, the metropolis of Slovenian Styria - Maribor, Terme Ptuj with the Grand Hotel Primus, the thermal park and Wellness Valens Augusta.