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Ptuj - Haloze
Cycling route · Styria · Gravel, Trekking
- Length
- 55 km
- Elevation gain
- 900 m
- Duration
- ~3h
- Difficulty
- hard
- Region
- Styria
- Route type
- Gravel, Trekking
- Surface
- asphalt 47 km · gravel 8 km
- Suitable for
- E-bike, MTB, Gravel, Trekking
The circular route starts in Ptuj and follows the flatlands along the Drava before climbing into the steep, vineyard-covered hills of Haloze. Along the way, you’ll pass Lake Ptuj, Borl Castle, and villages and vineyards scattered across the ridges. Once the flatlands are behind you, the route becomes more challenging, with a series of short, steep climbs on quiet local roads and gravel tracks winding through the vineyards. With around 900 metres of elevation gain, an e-bike is particularly welcome on this route.
Points along the route
Ptuj
0 km
Ptuj
The tour starts near the centre of Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia. The first part of the route follows the Drava River, with views back towards the castle hill and the town. This section is flat and separated from traffic.
Ptuj Lake
The promenade gives way to a riverside path along Ptuj Lake, the largest artificial lake in Slovenia and an important habitat for waterfowl. Large flocks of birds can often be seen above the water. The route follows the shoreline throughout, making this one of the most relaxed sections of the tour.
Descent from the Embankment
At Zabovci, we leave the embankment and walk our bikes down to a nearby small bridge, from where we continue along the road towards Markovci.
Markovci and Markovci Dam
At the far end of the lake, passing the campsite, we reach the dam and the intake canal of the Formin Hydroelectric Power Plant. Here, the division of the water between the canal and the old course of the Drava is clearly visible.
Bukovci
Through Bukovci, we ride across flat farmland between fields and scattered villages. The local roads are quiet and almost traffic-free. This is the last longer flat section before the route enters the hills.
Drava
Near NK (football club) Stojnci, we cross the Drava once again. On the left, Borl Castle comes into view, also known as Ankenstein. After the bridge, the character of the route changes. The road begins to climb as we enter the hills of Haloze.
Haloze
Haloze is a hilly landscape where vineyards are squeezed onto steep ridges and sunny slopes. This is where the real rhythm of the route begins: a short climb, a descent, then another climb. Although the elevations are modest, the climbing quickly adds up. Villages are scattered across the hillsides, and traffic is light.
Haloze Klopotec
Along the route through Haloze, we encounter numerous klopotci, traditional wooden devices that scare birds away from the vineyards with their rhythmic clattering. Their sound is an almost inseparable part of the traditional vineyard landscape of Haloze.
Dravci Ethnological Collection
In Dravci, the route passes the Od zrna do kruha ethnological collection and a large klopotec, one of the traditional wooden bird scarers found throughout Haloze. The route then continues between vineyards, with views opening towards the Drava Valley.
Dravci
21 km
Haloze Vineyard Workers
From Majski vrh, we continue towards Podlehnik. The final section here follows gravel roads between the vineyards. These very vineyards once played a major role in life in Haloze, as viničarji, traditional vineyard workers, lived among them and tended the vines for landowners in exchange for accommodation and a small plot of land. The viničar system remained in Haloze until 1953. Podlehnik also has a shop where you can replenish your supplies if needed.
Podlehnik Pond
We climb past Podlehnik Pond. At Jablovec, we turn onto a gravel road, briefly return to asphalt and then continue along another gravel section. The route winds between holiday homes and vineyards.
Dolena
At Dolena, the route begins to descend towards the valley. Vineyards gradually give way to forests, meadows and farms. From here onwards, there are fewer climbs.
Trnovec and Sela
Beyond Trnovec, we leave the hills behind and return to the Drava plain. We ride along local roads between the villages, with very little traffic.
Cycling Bridge over the Drava
Before reaching the town, we cross the Drava on a dedicated cycling bridge. From the bridge, there are beautiful views of the river, the surrounding plain and Ptuj Castle.
The loop ends in the centre of Ptuj, where you can take some time to explore the old town before ending the day with a well-deserved lunch or dinner.