Discover Dravograd: lake, trails and history

Lake Dravograd combines an artificial origin with a diverse wetland landscape: the reservoir has become an area of islands and reed beds. As an ornithological reserve and part of the European Natura 2000 network, it provides shelter and breeding grounds for more than 150 species of waterbirds. Fish also spawn here, while amphibians, reptiles, aquatic molluscs and aquatic insects find a habitat in the lake. Košenjak–Velka Landscape Park is another protected natural area. Check current information about possible access rules at the lake before your visit.

Walking trails: stations or a loop

The marked Dravograd–Grad forest educational trail is a loop of about two kilometres. The route is estimated to take around two hours and has 15 themed stations along the way. If you like to plan your time around an approximate duration, this trail offers a specific guide. Route details may change, so it is worth checking the local signs. The Boberček Trail adds another option in Dravograd as an educational and experiential route.

Pot za srce offers a different setting: this five-kilometre loop goes around the centre of Dravograd and starts and ends at the health centre. Coloured signposts and information boards mark the route. The information given for each trail can help you plan in different ways: the forest educational trail lists an approximate walking time and number of stations, while Pot za srce gives its length and start and end points.

Cycling route and rafting history

The Drava Cycling Route passes through Dravograd: it runs from the Vič border crossing through the town and via Bukovje towards Trbonje. Check current information about the route before setting out. Štrekna is another cycling route between Velenje and Dravograd. It is 35 kilometres long, fully paved and separated from other traffic; temporary infrastructure works may be taking place.

At the rafting harbour near Trbonje, Koroški splavarji introduce visitors in an entertaining way to the former economic importance of rafting in the Drava region. If you would like to include this presentation of the region’s rafting history in your plans, confirm availability before travelling.

Museums, memorial sites and architecture

The Gestapo Prison Museum in Dravograd features five prison cells with prisoners’ final messages before their execution, accounts by survivors, and a memorial room dedicated to events in the Dravograd region during the Second World War. As access and opening hours need to be confirmed, check visiting arrangements before you arrive.

In Libeliče, visitors can see the Carinthian Plebiscite Museum, a black kitchen and a former school classroom. Here too, confirm access and any guided tours in advance. The Fishing Hall at Lake Dravograd houses a natural history collection about life in the Drava, Meža and Mislinja rivers; check visitor access before your visit.

The Pukštajn Castle ruins on the former Bukovje noble estate house a permanent exhibition on the 1991 Slovenian War of Independence and a learning centre with a biodynamic garden. You should confirm the exhibition’s availability before travelling. The Church of the Holy Spirit below Ojstrica dates from the early 17th century; one of its distinctive features is Slovenia’s largest surviving painted wooden ceiling. Access to the interior may vary. The Church of St. Peter on Kronska Gora has two bell towers.

Discover more destinations: Dravograd, Vič, Koper, Ljubljana, Sevnica, Brežice, Žalec, Zagorje ob Savi.

For the full travel overview: Slovenia.