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Visit Gorice - Lenart, Vurberk Castle
Cycling route · Štajerska (Slovenian Styria) · Gravel, Trekking, Road
- Length
- 32 km
- Elevation gain
- 460 m
- Duration
- ~2 h
- Difficulty
- easy
- Region
- Štajerska (Slovenian Styria)
- Route type
- Gravel, Trekking, Road
- Surface
- asphalt 32 km
- Suitable for
- E-bike, MTB, Gravel, Trekking, Road bike
A route connecting the hills around Lenart that delivers a satisfying mix of challenge and views. The climb to Vurberk Castle is one of the highlights — from the hilltop, the Drava valley spreads out far below. A lively descent follows, and the route wraps up past Hrastovec Castle, where a grand tree-lined avenue greets you just before the finish. The course balances easy flat stretches with livelier climbs, making it a good fit for a relaxed day out or a quicker road bike workout.
Points along the route
Lenart in Slovenske gorice
0 km
Start
We begin at the Slovenske gorice Tourist Information Centre (TIC), where we can quickly take a look at the old town centre. From there, the cycling route leads us south towards Spodnja Voličina. The ride is pleasant, as most of the path runs separately from the main road.
Climb toward Zgornja Korena
Here, the road becomes steeper, and the climbs are rewarded at the top with beautiful views over the Slovenske gorice region.
Toward Vurberk
The route continues through partly shaded forest before arriving at Vurberk.
Vurberk Castle
14 km
Vurberk Castle
This is followed by a steep climb to the castle, which stands on a scenic hill above the Drava River. The castle was first mentioned in sources around the year 1200. Although it was damaged in the 20th century, the remaining ruins still bear witness to its former grandeur. At the top, a small café offers a place to enjoy a cold drink while taking in the views over the Drava Valley.
Descent toward Duplek
A fast descent brings you down to Spodnji Duplek, then the route loops back toward Zgornja Korena, this time approached from the other side.
Past Hrastovec Castle
The route continues along the cycling path past Hrastovec Castle, one of the largest Baroque castles in the country, surrounded by a park and forested areas. From there, the final section leads us back to Lenart along the main road.
The route brings us back to Lenart, where our journey began. From here, we can continue exploring the Slovenske gorice region.
Along the way
Towns and villages
Lenart (0 km), Spodnja Voličina (4 km), Zgornja Voličina (6 km), Žikarce (8 km), Vurberk (13 km), Ciglence (16 km), Dvorjane (17 km), Spodnji Duplek (19 km), Spodnja Korena (20 km), Zgornja Korena (22 km), Jablance (23 km), Zamarkova (28 km)
Food and drink
- Gostilna pizzerija Vinska trta (4 km from the start): Vinska trta inn and pizzeria in Spodnja Voličina is a family-run spot with a long tradition of hospitality and home cooking. The name is no coincidence, as a descendant of the world's oldest grapevine climbs beside the inn. They are renowned for their wood-fired pizzas, with juicy ribs and crispy chicken wings standing out among the house specialities.
- Huda Liza (14 km from the start): Huda Liza is a brewpub set in the ruins of Vurberk Castle, with breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape. The castle has an amphitheatre that hosts concerts, film festivals, theatre performances and exhibitions, so there is always something new to see.
- Gostilna Valerija (19 km from the start): Gostilna Valerija is a family-run inn in the centre of Spodnji Duplek, in a peaceful setting not far from Maribor. It serves classic Slovenian dishes from starters to desserts made in its own pastry kitchen, with pizzas and seafood also on the menu.
- Gostilna Šiker (27 km from the start): Šiker is an inn and hotel steeped in tradition, set in the heart of Slovenske gorice on the shores of Lake Pristava. The family welcomed its first travellers here as far back as 1870, and today, six generations on, it remains true to that tradition. Guests are also welcome to stay overnight.
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 (4 km from the start): E-bike charging station where you can recharge your battery during a stop.
- E-bike charging station (9 km from the start): E-bike charging station where you can recharge your battery during a stop.
- E-bike charging station (13 km from the start): E-bike charging station where you can recharge your battery during a stop.
- E-bike charging station (19 km from the start): E-bike charging station where you can recharge your battery during a stop.
Sights
- Voličina (4 km from the start): Voličina is a settlement in the Slovenske gorice, first mentioned in 1265, recognisable for its parish Church of St. Rupert from the first half of the 16th century, which is regarded as the village's main landmark.
- Vurberk Castle (14 km from the start): Vurberk Castle once even had its own underground passage leading to the Drava River. Today, it is mainly known as a venue for various cultural events and concerts. From the castle hill, there is a beautiful panoramic view of the Drava Valley and the surrounding landscape.
- Korena (22 km from the start): Korena is a settlement in the Duplek municipality, where the parish Church of St. Barbara from the late 18th century stands on a ridge, built on the site of an earlier church. The village is also enriched by a triangular plague monument from 1710–1712 and a stone statue of St. Richard from 1856 at Ferkov gradič.
- Hrastovec Castle (27 km from the start): Hrastovec Castle stands on a hill overlooking the Pesnica Valley near Lenart. First mentioned in historical records in the 13th century, it acquired its present Baroque appearance in the 17th century. As the castle currently houses a social care institution, visits are only possible by prior arrangement.