Drau Cycle Route, Stage 6: Lavamünd–Maribor/Slovenian Drau Valley

The section between Dravograd and Maribor is one of the most picturesque parts of the Drava Cycle Route in Slovenia. Near Dravograd, the Drava narrows into a forested valley, where the route largely follows the river’s course through a region rich in natural and cultural heritage. A large part of the area is part of the Drava Natura 2000 protected area, which preserves valuable river habitats, riparian forests, and numerous animal species.

In Dravograd, where three valleys and three rivers converge, the old town and the castle ruins—which bear witness to the town’s strategic importance throughout history—are a delight to explore. The bike path continues past Bukovje Castle through the picturesque Drava Valley to Vuzenica, one of the oldest settlements in the valley, which was once known for its rafting and river transport on the Drava.

On the other side of the river lies Muta, home to the Rotunda of St. John the Baptist—one of the oldest churches in Slovenia. An important stop along the route is Radlje ob Dravi, a town between Pohorje and Kozjak, known for its monastic heritage, well-maintained town center, and popular water park on the Drava River.

The route largely follows the course of the Drau River to Podvelka before tackling the only challenging climb in the Slovenian section of the route: over Janževski vrh (Lehen) toward Lovrenc na Pohorju, where the landscape opens up to the tranquil forests of Pohorje and traditional farms. The climb can be bypassed by taking the train on the Podvelka–Fala line, making the stage suitable for cyclists of varying skill levels.

In Fala, the Fala hydroelectric power plant stands out as one of the oldest hydroelectric power plants on the Drava River and an important piece of technical cultural heritage. The route continues to Ruše, a village with a long history on the Drava River and an important starting point for exploring the Pohorje Mountains, which are characterized by cultural traditions, industrial heritage, and proximity to nature reserves.

Before arriving in Maribor, the route passes by the Mariborsko jezero Landscape Park, where the river forms a distinctive aquatic landscape featuring a unique river island. The area is a popular recreational destination and an important natural habitat for numerous plant and animal species.

The stage ends in Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city and the center of the Štajerska wine region. The city is home to the world’s oldest grapevine, which has been growing on the Lend embankment along the Drava River for over 400 years and serves as a symbol of the region’s rich winemaking tradition. Maribor also holds the title of European Best Wine Capital 2026. The city combines a historic center, a vibrant cultural scene, and numerous experiences along the Drava River—from strolls along the Lend to wine and culinary delights.