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Visit Gorice - Lenart, Cerkvenjak, Benedikt
Cycling route · Štajerska (Slovenian Styria) · Gravel, Trekking
- Length
- 41 km
- Elevation gain
- 620 m
- Duration
- ~3 h
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Region
- Štajerska (Slovenian Styria)
- Route type
- Gravel, Trekking
- Surface
- asphalt 39 km · gravel 2 km
- Suitable for
- E-bike, MTB, Gravel, Trekking
A varied loop combining quiet cycling paths, pleasant wooded sections, and a short gravel stretch between fields. Along the way, views open across the vine-covered hills of Slovenske gorice, and a stop at Maister Tower rewards with a panorama stretching far into the distance. The route is just varied enough to stay interesting, while still being perfectly suited for a relaxed day out.
Points along the route
Lenart in Slovenske gorice
0 km
Lenart
The ride begins at TIC Slovenske gorice in the old town centre. Lenart was once an important market town on the road between Maribor and Ptuj — today it is the heart of Slovenske gorice. From the centre, head west along a well-maintained cycling path.
Hrastovec Castle
The route arrives at Hrastovec, where a tree-lined avenue leads up to the castle. One of the largest Baroque castles in Slovenia, it takes its name from the oak trees that once dominated the surrounding forests. First mentioned in the 13th century, the castle has changed hands many times throughout history. Today it houses a social care institution, while the exterior still speaks to its imposing past.
Spodnja Voličina
8 km
Zavrh
The route continues toward Spodnja Voličina and on to Zavrh, where Maister Tower awaits. The tower offers sweeping 360-degree views across Slovenske gorice and is dedicated to General Rudolf Maister, one of the key figures in securing Slovenia's northern border after World War I. Next to the tower is Maistrova klet café — a good spot to stop for a glass of local wine and take in the view.
Descent to Trnovska vas
From Zavrh, descend to Trnovska vas, then continue along a pleasant cycling path toward Vitomarce.
Vitomarci
20 km
Cerkvenjak
Passing through Cerkvenjak, the route reaches the village of Osek, where a short but enjoyable gravel section runs between open fields — a welcome change of pace that adds a little extra character to the ride.
Benedikt
The route continues towards Benedikt, home to the Church of the Holy Three Kings, one of the largest Late Gothic churches in the Slovenske gorice region. Its distinctive bell tower makes it easily recognizable from afar.
From Benedikt, a cycling path leads back to Lenart, completing the loop. From here you can continue exploring Slovenske gorice.
Along the way
Towns and villages
Lenart (0 km), Zgornja Voličina (7 km), Spodnja Voličina (9 km), Zavrh (11 km), Biš (16 km), Trnovska vas (17 km), Drbetinci (20 km), Cogetinci (26 km), Brengova (27 km), Osek (29 km), Benedikt (34 km), Spodnji Porčič (38 km)
Food and drink
- Šiker gostilna & hotel (4 km from the start): Gostilna Šiker is located in the heart of the Slovenske gorice hills and boasts a rich tradition. Situated on the shores of Lake Pristava, it has been in operation since 1870 and is now run by the sixth generation of the Šiker family. In addition to the restaurant, there is a hotel nestled in unspoiled nature, as well as attractions including a farm museum and a wine cellar.
- Gostilna pizzerija Vinska trta (8 km from the start): Gostilna and pizzeria Vinska trta in Spodnja Voličina is renowned for its wood-fired pizzas, alongside which it also serves ribs, chicken wings and other homemade specialities. The family tradition reaches back to 1970, and the name comes from the old grapevine growing beside the pizzeria.
- Maistrova Klet Café & Wine Bar (11 km from the start): The café and wine bar Maistrova klet is located in the cellar of Štupič Villa in Zavrh, a place closely tied to General Rudolf Maister. Alongside coffee and a selection of local wines, it offers homemade products and souvenirs, making it a pleasant stop for visitors to this scenic spot in the Slovenske gorice hills.
- Gostišče pri Antonu (26 km from the start): Gostišče Pri Antonu is a family-run inn in Cerkvenjak, in the Slovenske gorice hills. It serves tasty, freshly prepared home-style cooking and offers accommodation. Pri Antonu also hosts weddings, celebrations and catering, while on Saturdays the cellar disco keeps the party going.
- Pizzeria Trsek (34 km from the start): Trsek Pizzeria is located in the centre of Benedikt and is well known for its delicious pizzas. Baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, the pizzas are prepared with fresh ingredients and excellent dough. In addition to a wide selection of pizzas, the menu also includes wood-fired specialties, grilled dishes, burgers, salads, and desserts.
Water and rest
- TIC Slovenske gorice (0 km from the start): The route starts in front of the Slovenske gorice Tourist Information Centre (TIC Lenart), where visitors can rent bikes or get useful tips and information about exploring the surrounding area.
- E-bike charging station (21 km from the start): E-bike charging station where you can recharge your battery during a stop.
- E-bike charging station (25 km from the start): E-bike charging station where you can recharge your battery during a stop.
- E-bike charging station (26 km from the start): E-bike charging station where you can recharge your battery during a stop.
- E-bike charging station (34 km from the start): E-bike charging station where you can recharge your battery during a stop.
Parking and trains
- Parking (0 km from the start): Space for approximately 30 cars.
Sights
- Hrastovec Castle (5 km from the start): Hrastovec Castle is one of the largest preserved castles in Štajerska. It got its name from the oaks that once dominated the surrounding forests. Today it houses the Hrastovec Social Welfare Institution.
- Maister Tower (11 km from the start): Maister Tower in Zavrh is dedicated to General Rudolf Maister, who, after the First World War, played a decisive role in ensuring that Maribor remained part of Slovenia.
- Vitomarci (21 km from the start): Vitomarci is a settlement in the heart of the Slovenske gorice region, first mentioned in historical records as early as the 13th century. Today, it is known for the Parish Church of St. Andrew and its idyllic landscape of vineyards and orchards.
- Cerkvenjak (26 km from the start): Cerkvenjak is renowned for its rich winemaking tradition and events associated with the Johanez Vine, including vine pruning, the raising of the traditional klopotec, grape harvesting, and St. Martin’s Day celebrations. The village is also defined by the Late Gothic Church of St. Anthony the Hermit, which stands on a scenic hilltop and offers beautiful views of the rolling landscape of the Slovenske gorice.
- Church of the Three Kings (32 km from the start): The Church of the Three Kings stands on a 305-metre-high hill above Benedikt; it was built in the 16th century as a filial pilgrimage church. It is a late-Gothic three-nave structure with richly articulated portals and a remarkable interior vault.