Slovenia 2: Drava Cycle Path

Route: Maribor - Slovenj Gradec

Cycled Kilometers: 80
Elevation Gain: approx. 900

Sunday, August 22, 2021

On the first real day of cycling, we started in Maribor. We rode along the Drava River for a short distance, then uphill for the first time. The hills would accompany us throughout this stage of the journey.

We cycled uphill and downhill, enjoying many great views of the Drava River. We took our first rest at a bus stop. On the plateau, we passed through beautiful villages. They could only be distinguished from Austrian locations by their unpronounceable names. Everything was in top condition, with large houses, beautiful gardens, and well-developed bike paths and side roads, some of which even had special traffic signs for cyclists! We cycled through forests under bright sunshine and heat, as well as across open fields.

At one point, we took a break at a church with an outdoor altar, standing on a hill in the shade of trees. Another time, we stopped at a village where there was a drinking water tap. Several life-sized wooden figures decorated the area.

All in all, our route was quite challenging, but the scenery was captivating. As we got closer to our destination in the afternoon, the sky became cloudy and we feared a thunderstorm. But we were lucky: it didn't come until overnight.

Until then, we checked into our accommodation, where we had a dormitory for 10 people. Everything was brand new and beautiful. For dinner, we went to the city, although the city center turned out to be just one street and quite dull. However, the food at the restaurant was divine! I had Cevapcici and rarely have I eaten so well. The others felt the same, except Max, who despite the huge portion, was still hungry and got a kebab on the way back. In the communal room of our accommodation, we ended the day with a cozy game night.