Ljutomer Between Wine Routes, Film History and Crafts

Wine routes, museums and a long-standing craft tradition give Ljutomer a varied character. You can explore the area along different routes while also delving into its history of film, horses and viticulture. For planning, there are some clear differences: some routes are designated for hikers, others for cyclists; starting points, loops and distances also vary.

Culture and History in Ljutomer

In generala Maistra Park stands the only monument in Slovenia depicting Rudolf Maister as a cultural figure, poet and bibliophile. The Ljutomer Museum introduces visitors to Karol Grossmann, who filmed the first Slovenian film, “Odhod od maše,” in Ljutomer in 1905. Three permanent collections present the past of the town and its surroundings through stories, objects and memories. Together, these topics offer different ways to explore local history: the monument recalls Maister’s cultural side, while the museum covers film history and the wider past of the town.

Horse breeding is also part of the region’s history: the first Slovenian trotting races were held in the area around Ljutomer in 1874; the region is considered the cradle of Slovenian horse breeding.

Crafts and Viticulture

At Lončarstvo Žuman, the pottery craft has been passed down through five generations since 1874. A small museum displays products made by five generations of the family. If you would like to visit with a larger group, prior confirmation may be required, so arrange your visit in advance.

The Pristava Viticulture and Farming Museum presents more than 300 years of farming and viticulture in the life of the Pavličič family. The extended program includes a farmhouse snack with wine from the family’s own cellar, available by prior reservation. A reservation is required for this specific program option, so plan ahead if you would like to take advantage of it.

Routes by Distance and Mode of Travel

Cyclists can choose between two routes of similar length but with different itineraries. The Vinska kolesarska pot is 16.3 kilometers long and starts at Glavni trg. The Vardova pot is a 15.5-kilometer circular cycling route: it passes through Ljutomer, by the former Vardov grad, to the Ljutomer ponds and back to Ljutomer. This distinguishes a route with a specified starting point in town from a described loop that returns to Ljutomer. Check the route conditions on the Vardova pot before setting out.

The 7.9-kilometer Jeruzalemska vinska pot is described as a hike through terraced vineyards. By contrast, the 8.1-kilometer Grossmannova pohodna pot is a circular route through Mala Nedelja that passes by the Grossmannova domačija. The routes are similar in length, so their distinguishing features can help you choose: vineyard scenery on one route, and a loop with a stop at the Grossmannova domačija on the other. Check the conditions on both routes before setting out.

The Vinska kolesarska pot, which starts at Glavni trg, offers another point of reference; its 16.3-kilometer length can be compared directly with those of the two shorter hiking routes. If you are looking for a landmark along the way rather than a stated distance, the Pot razgledov has a natural spring and a vineyard well near Rinčetova graba. A section of the Slovenian-Croatian branch of the Prekmursko-Štajerska Way of St. James also runs through the Municipality of Ljutomer.

Surrounding Landscape

A 1,345-hectare landscape park encompasses the Jeruzalem Hills and six ponds in the village of Podgradje, near Ljutomer. This adds further landscape features to the terraced vineyards along the hiking route.

Discover more destinations: Veržej, Ljutomer, Mala Nedelja, Banovci, Velenje, Gornja Radgona, Ptuj, Šentjur Pri Celju.

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