Ivanjkovci: Valley, Heritage and Wine

Ivanjkovci lies in the Pavlovski potok valley; the compact village centre is in the valley near the railway station. The clay soils retain surface water for a long time. As a result, meadows shape the valley, occasionally turning into marshes and lakes. Pavlovski vrh rises above the valley. In Ivanjkovci, the Pavlovski potok also meets its tributaries, the Lahonščica from Lahonce and the Sirotka from Veličane. The valley, watercourse and rising hills shape the landscape of the village.

Architectural History and Heritage

Petovarjevo is a large agricultural complex of buildings in the centre of Ivanjkovci. The main residential building was constructed in 1865. Petovarjevo preserves part of a former large estate that once played an important role both locally and regionally. Much of its historic architectural fittings have also been preserved. Petovarjevo thus brings together a specific construction date, preserved historic fittings and the estate’s former importance.

In Svetinje, the present-day Church of All Saints replaced a chapel dating from 1603 in 1730. It is notable above all for its exceptional position in the landscape.

Hiking and Cycling Routes

The Ivanjkovci–Jeruzalem hiking route starts in Ivanjkovci. From an intersection near the post office, it leads across a meadow and over a small bridge into a wooded area. It is described as an easy, marked trail; the stated walking time is about one hour and 20 minutes, with an elevation difference of 117 metres. The route description and the conditions mentioned in it refer to September 2022; check local conditions before setting out.

The official Jeruzalem cycling route is 26 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and has 270 metres of ascent. It offers views of Svetinje and the pilgrimage church of Jeruzalem across terraced vineyards. There are different tours to choose from on foot and by bike: the hiking route lists walking time and elevation difference, while the cycling route lists distance, difficulty and ascent.

Wine Tastings and Regional Cuisine

At Herga, a tasting includes seven samples and a tour of the wine cellar, with fresh and aged wines as well as samples from barrels. Herga offers wine tastings in the Jeruzalem Slovenija wine region. Guided tastings of its premium wines take place at a winery overlooking the vineyards. Another option combines a tasting with a walk during which Herga introduces its vineyard sites.

Kmetija Ratek serves Prlekija specialities such as wood-fired bread, meat and lard preserved in a tunka, and gibanica. It also offers expert-led tastings of high-quality wines. During a walk around the estate, visitors can see Scottish Highland cattle and a preserved traditional wooden wine press.

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