On the Drava’s Riverbanks

What to do between the banks of the Drava?

The Drava valley presents a safe place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and helps you unwind and get some fresh air. The numerous forest trails invite you to experience nature either on foot or by bike, and you can also take a break in the tranquillity of the Drava valley. The unique natural habitat of the Drava is home to more than 150 species of birds and about 40 species of fish. If you’re lucky, you can even spot a beaver on the riverbanks. And while visiting the Drava, you definitely shouldn’t miss the Radlje ob Dravi Water Park, the first natural swimming pool in Slovenia.

Cycle path along the Drava

The Drava Cycle Path is one of the most beautiful cycle paths in Europe and runs through four countries. The 710-kilometre path starts near a river source in Toblach, Italy, and then continues through Carinthia in Austria all the way to the Drava valley in Slovenia and finishing at the confluence of the Mur and Drava near Legrad, Croatia. The cycle path along the Drava is the perfect way to explore the places situated on the riverbanks, as you can visit numerous landmarks along the way, and the climbs will always be rewarded with gorgeous views of the Drava valley. The Slovenian part of the Drava Cycle Path runs mostly on busy local roads and designated cycle paths. The path is marked with red signs that are equipped with the Drava Cycle Path logo. You can learn more about the path and the experiences it offers at www.dravabike.si, where you can also find a map with the path’s description and all the latest news and information. You can also order the physical version of the cycling map.

Timber rafting on the Drava

The Drava valley is strongly tied to the timber rafting tradition, since log rafts used to present the only possible means of transport of load on the river. You can now experience a piece of the past and the timber-rafting tradition with the Raftsmen of Koroška at the raft wharf in Gortina near Muta or with the Raftsmen of the Drava at the raft wharf in Javnik near Podvelka. You can head off on an unforgettable adventure on log rafts – logs that were once used to transport timber along the Drava. The raftsmen take their guests on rafts along the river, which offers incredible views of the surrounding hills. Along with an entertaining programme and a lunch consisting of culinary treats of Koroška, you’ll also learn about the tradition and life of raftsmen.

You can also travel down the Drava on a paddle board, which can be rented at Alpaka Adventures that was founded by two brothers from Radlje ob Dravi.

Hiking and nature trails

The Drava valley and the surrounding places as well as the locals cultural and natural heritage are best explored on foot. The places on the banks of the Drava are a perfect starting point for hiking experiences that are suitable for both young people and families as well as hikers. You can learn about the region’s colourful history on numerous forest nature trails where you can visit the ruins of the old castles in Dravograd, Vuzenica, Radlje and Muta. You can also enjoy the peace and quiet and get some fresh air on the Dobrava water nature trail or the scenic trail running through Kapla na Kozjaku.

The landscape’s diversity can be experienced by climbing the numerous peaks, such as the Košenjak, Pernice, Bricnik and Sveti Jernej, but you can also head to Kope, which offers something that will appeal to all ages and tastes – from hiking and mountain biking to winter joy in Kope ski resort. Koroška will also appeal to more serious hikers and they can climb the region’s most famous peaks – Uršlja gora, Peca, Raduha, Olševa and Smrekovec. These five peaks are also linked by an 80-kilometre-long and challenging K24 trail. You can also hit the long-distance Koroška Mountain Trail or hike part of Ciglar’s Trail from the Drava to the Adriatic. You can rest along the way and have something to eat in any of the numerous huts, or stop by at one of the tourist farms that abound in the area.

A culinary experience

After all these activities one could certainly do with some delicious food that fills you with energy and gives you the strength to keep on exploring. The hosts in the Drava valley will prepare home-made dishes for you, such as žganci, štruklji and mežerli, and you can quench that thirst with some must, a traditional alcoholic drink made from apples. You can enjoy a true gastronomic experience at the Carinthian house Pri lipi or head to one of the tourist farms.

Where to stay in Koroška?

There are numerous mountain huts and tourist farms in the Drava valley, where you can not only taste the culinary treats, but also sleep in traditionally designed accommodation. There are also two HI hostels located nearby, namely the Youth Hostel Slovenj Gradec and Youth Hostel Punkl in Ravne na Koroškem. The hostels are an excellent starting point if you want to actively explore Koroška.

If you want to get away from all the hubbub of the city, get some fresh air in the tranquil and pristine nature, and enjoy an unforgettable experience, then you should give Koroška a chance and explore the region and its hidden places on the banks of the Drava.