Starše: Drava Landscape and Cycling Route

Starše lies on the right bank of the Drava. The river landscape, a cycling route through the municipality, historical connections and regional traditions give the area many different facets. When choosing where to stay, consider whether you are most interested in nature around the Drava, a cycling tour, the history of Starše or local products.

Drava Landscape and Birdlife

Part of the Starše area lies on Drava terraces, while another part is on the lowland beside the river. The municipality includes part of Drava Landscape Park. The landscape park associated with Starše is included in the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas.

The landscape park encompasses oxbow lakes, river terraces, numerous gravel bars, floodplain forests and marshy meadows. Floodplains are inundated in rainy weather. In the old course of the Drava, with its side channels, oxbow lakes, floodplain forests and meadows in the Starše area, 250 bird species find a habitat; 38 of them are considered to be of European importance. If you are interested in nature and diverse birdlife, this is a central feature of the landscape around Starše.

Cycling Through the Municipality

The D5 Drava Cycling Route passes through the municipality of Starše. The section there mostly follows existing local roads and, in places, farm and forest tracks. The route therefore connects different types of paths within the municipality. For your specific tour, you can consult the latest route information maintained by Drava Bike.

Church, Local History and Events

The Church of St John the Baptist in Starše was consecrated in 1833; its bell tower dates from 1861. It belongs to the parish of Št. Janž na Dravskem Polju. Earlier names also tell the story of the area: Starše was formerly known as Stara vas, while the entire parish was called Šentjanž. This name comes from a manor farm named after St John, dating from the period of the Ravno polje lordship.

Three traditional events are held in the municipality in May and September. One dated example is the Mirko Dobnik Memorial Tournament: in 2023, the Starše Sports Association held it for the 37th consecutive time. On 2 May 2023, the Zlatoličje Volunteer Fire Brigade organised a traditional cycling tour through the municipality for its members and residents. If you are planning your trip around an event, check the dates in advance.

Wine Tradition and Regional Products

In Starše, the traditional practice of training grapevines over house walls, known as brajde, is preserved. The protected wine brand “La brajde” was also created. Those interested in regional products can explore both the local wine tradition and a brand created specifically for it.

At Kmetija Selinšek in Starše, farm tours and tastings of the farm’s own products are available by prior arrangement. The farm shop sells homemade yoghurts, curd cheese, curd cheese spreads and several types of cheese. Remember to book in advance for a tour or tasting.

A Hut by the Drava

The Tejek fishing hut, managed by the Starše branch of the Ptuj Fishing Association, is located by the Drava and can be rented for picnics and celebrations. Confirm current availability before making plans based on it. This option differs from a visit to Kmetija Selinšek: Tejek is a hut for hire for an occasion, while Selinšek offers a booked farm visit with a tasting.

Discover more destinations: Miklavž na Dravskem Polju, Kamnica, Hočko Pohorje, Maribor, Fram, Bresternica, Dobrovce, Loka.

Return to the main travel overview: Maribor.