Drava Bike
The Drava Cycling Route is considered one of the most beautiful cycling paths in Europe due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity.
Route Description
The route, with a total length of 510 km, leads from the source of the Drava River near Toblach in Italy through Austria to Slovenia and on to Croatia, where it ends at the confluence of the Mura and Drava rivers near Legrad. The 145 km section in Slovenia runs mostly along low-traffic local roads and well-maintained cycling paths. Due to the various types of road surfaces and the more demanding ascent between Podvelka and Lovrenc na Pohorju, the Slovenian part of the route is suitable for better-prepared cyclists. The use of trekking and electric bikes is recommended. One of the more interesting adventures to experience while cycling is traditional rafting on the Drava River. Due to its quality, safety, and accessibility, the Drava Cycling Route in Austria is certified with 5 out of 5 stars according to ADFC criteria.
Stages through Slovenia
The Drava Bike, or the Drava Cycling Route, runs in its Slovenian section from Dravograd towards Ormož and then continues towards Croatia. In Slovenia and Croatia, it is divided into 6 marked stages, totaling approximately 210 km. Stages through Slovenia:
1. Dravograd–Radlje ob Dravi: The first Slovenian stage leads through the Drava Valley, along the Drava River, past castles, nature, and stories of former rafting. Variants via Muta or Vuzenica are available.
2. Radlje ob Dravi–Maribor: This longer stage connects Koroška with Styria, leading along the Drava, past the Fala Hydroelectric Power Plant and towards Maribor, the city of the oldest vine in the world.
3. Maribor–Ptuj: This stage connects two important cities along the Drava; from Maribor, there are different route options, including via Starše or Duplek.
4. Ptuj–Ormož: The route continues through the wine-growing and culturally rich landscape between Ptuj and Ormož, with characteristic views along the river and surrounding hills.
Detailed descriptions
Koroška Stages of Drava Bike
1. Dravograd–Radlje ob Dravi: The first Slovenian stage of the Drava Cycling Route takes cyclists through the picturesque Drava Valley, in the immediate vicinity of the emerald Drava. The path leads along renovated and well-maintained sections of the cycling connection, between green slopes, river views, and places with a rich rafting heritage. The stage can be completed via the Muta or Vuzenica variants, both of which offer an authentic experience of nature, peace, and life by the river.
2. Radlje ob Dravi–Maribor: The second stage connects Koroška with Styria and continues along the flow of the Drava through a dynamic landscape where forests, river bends, views, and well-maintained sections of the path intertwine. Cyclists enjoy the proximity of the river, which creates a special backdrop for relaxed cycling with its characteristic emerald color.
Explore more
The entire Drava Bike cycling route along the emerald river leads from the Vič border crossing all the way to the vineyards of Ormož.
Cycling Train
The cycling train on the Koroška line is an excellent option for sustainable exploration of the Drava Valley and the wider Koroška region by bike. The train, adapted for transporting a large number of bicycles, allows for the easy combination of cycling and public transport and is particularly useful for one-way trips along the Drava Cycling Route, Štrekna, and other connected cycling routes. Cyclists can complete part of the journey along the picturesque cycling connections by the Drava, through the towns of Koroška and on towards Maribor, and use the train for the return or to continue their journey. This makes trip planning more relaxed, accessible, and environmentally friendly, without the need to organize additional transport.
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