The Varda route

Route description

The Main Square is the starting point of this route. Nearby, you can visit the city hall museum, where you will find the collection of rich history of the locals or take a closer look at the 1st Slovenian Camp Park, which is a mass union that reminds us of times, when residents demanded the use of Slovenian language in public institutions already in 1868. You can also walk to Saint John the Baptist Church. The route begins in the direction towards the Žuman Pottery that have a strong tradition of almost 150 years of work. You’ll continue your way on the main road and turn left in the crossroads towards Stročja vas settlement. After crossing the railway track, we continue our way for about 500 metres and then turn right. We drive through Stročja vas and enjoy the ride among neatly organised farmyards. When we arrive to the first interception, we continue towards Varda Castle and stick to the left side of the road, where we will gradually start pedalling upwards. At the top, you’ll be greeted by the Varda Castle (previously known as the Lower Castle), which was firstly mentioned already in 1242 and was built by archbishops of Solnograd to protect themselves against Hungarians. You’ll also be delighted by the wonderful views over the vineyards and across the whole Panonnian plain. In the distance, you’ll be able to see the outlines of Pohorje and Austrian mountains. We continue our way across the gravel road, accompanied by vineyards on both sides. When we arrive to the asphalt road in Ilovci settlement with the war victim’s monument from 1945, we turn to the right and admire the view over the Varda Castle. After we arrive at the beginning of the forest, we turn left and come across Ljutomer’s fishponds and experience the pristine nature and heavenly peace. Nearby is Frank Ozmec’s tourist farm, where you’ll get a chance to regain your energy. Next, we stick to the right part of the road until we reach the main road. We cross the road straight ahead and continue our journey on the cycling path. We connect to the main road and reach the end of our route.

This route is suitable for a shorter half-day trip.

The tour takes place along this route: Ljutomer – Stročja vas – Ilovci – Slamnjak – Podgradje – Gresovščak – Ljutomer