Koroška

General information

• Slovenia tourist information
• Koroška Wikipedia
• Koroška tourist information
• Climate
• Wind, waves, weather
  

Paddleboarding

The rustic Koroška region is defined primarily by the Drava River and the surrounding mountains. The Drava is also the only body of water where paddling tours are always possible if there is no high water. While that may not sound like much, it amounts to about 40 km of flowing water with countless route options. Since the calm water often pools, loop courses are also possible on suitable days. There are plenty of spots to start and end tours, but you’ll need to check in advance where you can park your car or where public transportation stops. You can explore the whole region well with the half-day tours from Dravograd-Vuzenica and Vuzenica-Ožbalt.

In Dravograd, the rivers Meža and Mislinja flow into the Drava from the south. Both are heavily regulated and are likely navigable by SUP only when water levels reach at least 100 cm at all monitoring stations. It is important to note that both rivers have many riffles and boulders in the water, which is why only a fairly high water level makes continuous paddling possible at all.

Swimming

The Drava has calm water conditions along its entire course through the region. While a slightly stronger current can be expected in the west, the water may feel completely still in some sections past Vuzenica. Anyone wishing to cool off in the summer at their own risk when water temperatures are below 20°C should wear a life jacket and/or attach themselves to the paddleboard with a leash. During high water, after periods of rain, or during the snowmelt, the river must be strictly avoided.

Upstream, near Dravograd, you’ll find the Ravne na Koroškem Swimming Pool as well as the swimming pool complex Aqualatio Slovenj Gradec, which features both indoor and outdoor pools. And then there is the Radlje ob Dravi Water Park. It features Slovenia’s first public bio-swimming pool, where microorganisms keep the water clean instead of chemicals.

Worth seeing

The Slovenian region of Koroška is compact, meaning that all towns are within a 20–40-minute drive. Slovenj Gradec charms visitors with its medieval center, galleries, and museums and serves as an ideal starting point for cycling tours. In Ravne na Koroškem, the Forma Viva Sculpture Park and the castle park are well worth a visit. Mežica is a must-see for its impressive Petzen Caves (allow 2–3 hours), and Dravograd is a great spot for a stop by the river and the beautiful lake, while Radlje ob Dravi with its eco-friendly water park, is particularly appealing to families in the summer.

The former lead mine beneath Mount Petzen (Peca) is one of Europe’s most impressive underground attractions, with over 1,000 kilometers of tunnels. Visitors can ride the original mine train, bike through the tunnels, or even paddle a kayak on the underground lake.

The cross-border Karawanks UNESCO Global Geopark impresses with its unique geology, rare minerals, and stalactite caves. Numerous themed hiking trails wind through the park and the Topla Regional Park. It is a particular highlight for hikers and those interested in geology.

St. Ursula Church on Mt. Uršlja Gora is the highest church in Slovenia and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape. The mountain is a popular and easily accessible hiking destination for families and pilgrims.

The approximately 800-year-old Najevnik-linden tree is considered the “mother of all Slovenian linden trees” and symbolizes the region’s deep connection to nature. It is an impressive natural monument that can easily be combined with hikes in the Topla Valley or visits to other ancient trees and energy spots.

Extra Tips

Every June, the Medieval Festival in Slovenj Gradec transforms the town into a lively scene featuring historical costumes, knights, competitions, and traditional crafts.

Since 1993, the popular Snow Castle Competition has been held every January in Črna na Koroškem — a magical winter event centered around the legend of King Matjaž.

The water park in Radlje ob Dravi is Slovenia’s first biological outdoor pool, where natural organisms purify the water. In addition to a refreshing swim, there is an adventure park and glamping options. Accommodations are available on-site at the Green Resort Glamping.

The Drava Cycle Path is one of Europe’s most beautiful cycling routes, stretching 145 kilometers along the Drava River through Slovenia. It winds through picturesque countryside with little traffic, and along the way, stops in charming towns like Slovenj Gradec or traditional rafting experiences invite you to linger.

The Štrekna Cycle Path is a 35-kilometer-long, paved, family-friendly bike path following a former railway line. It winds through the Mislinja Valley, offering beautiful viewpoints, rest areas, and historic railway relics.

A traditional rafting trip on the Drava isn’t just a great way to scout out paddling routes in advance; it also brings the old tradition of rafting back to life. Accordion music, culinary delights, and local stories are all part of the experience.

Overnight Stay

Green Resort Glamping
Zgornja Vižinga, 2360 Radlje ob Dravi
Phone +386 (0)41 77 11 78

Koroska hisa Pri lipi Boutique Hotel
Mariborska cesta 12, 2366 Muta
Phone +386 (0)41 722 091

Turistična kmetija Sušek
Sv. Primož nad Muto 13 2, 2366 Muta
Phone +386 (0)41 427 124

Počitniška hiša Koča Dobnik
Rdeči breg 33, 2344 Lovrenc na Pohorju
Phone +386 (0)41 555 363

Kovačija pri Kovaču
Janževski Vrh 74, 2363 Janzevski
Phone +386 (0)51 635 171

Gastronomy

Pizzerija Monini
Mladinska ulica 4b, 2366 Vuzenica
Phone +386 (0)2444 3512

Bar Huta
Splavarska ulica 34, 2367 Vuzenica

Time Brewery
Dobrava 47, 2360 Radlje ob Dravi
Phone +386 (0)2320 7370

Bar Mitnica Muta
Mariborska cesta 14, 2366 Muta

Gold Restavracija & pub
Koroška cesta 61, 2360 Radlje ob Dravi
Phone +386 (0)41674 745

The River
Ribiška pot 11, 2370 Dravograd
Phone +386 (0)70427 199

Punkt – Bistro und Café
Kotlje 3A, 2394 Kotlje
Phone +386 (0)820 53177