Five Reasons why Pomurje is a Must-Stop for Culture Lovers
Our little Pomurje may not enjoy the cultural reputation of the big metropolises, but among the picturesque hills, fields and forests it hides cultural treasures that will leave even the most demanding visitors speechless. The old sayings that less is sometimes more, or that even the tiniest attractions can bring about incredible experiences, comes to life here.
You don’t believe us? Let us convince you!
#1 A cultural “menu” for all tastes
Pomurje is not only home of hearty cuisine. Our cultural offer is also rich, but above all, diverse. At the castles of Grad, Beltinci or Negova, you can easily relive the life of their former lords. At Lendava Castle, exhibitions of the greatest artists await – from Picasso to Dali – while the museums in Murska Sobota and Ormož reveal a thousand nuances of life in Pomurje: from the first settlements to almost extinct crafts of previous centuries.
And if you want to spice up your cultural exploration with something really unique, we have more than enough in store! In the Expano pavilion, you can get to know the local places and traditions in an interactive way – even with the help of 3D technology. In Vulkanija Adventure Park, you can experience a volcanic eruption, and if you are drawn to fresh air on your journey, head to one of our open-air museums. In Filovci, Pottery Village awaits, and in Veržej, the Beekeeping Museum readily welcomes you.
#2 Experience unique “specialties”
OK, so this means that in one of the most remote parts of a tiny Central European country you can see things that you would hardly find in big capitals or the most culturally rich regions? Exactly!
Only in the park next to Beltinci Castle can you see, for example, the domed castle ice-house, in which food and drinks were once cooled. It is the only preserved ice-house in all of Central Europe. In Veržej, you will be greeted by the only preserved and operating mill on the Mura River, and the castle courtyard is also something to see. On top of that, the already mentioned Expano Center offers an interactive experience of the Pannonian world that is unmatched by any other.
Another specialty is the Island of Love in Ižakovci, which, with its museum, revives the once extremely important Büjraš craft. The Büjraš workers would prevent floods by maintaining and strengthening the banks of the Mura River, thus protecting people, their properties and fields.
#3 Because here the greatest ones reside!
In the village of Grad, the largest Baroque castle in Slovenia will take you into its magnificent arcaded corridors – we are speaking of Grad Castle, with a unique courtyard and rich museum collections, from natural history to workshops of old crafts, which you can only rarely admire today.
The greatest ones also find their place in the Lendava Gallery-Museum at Lendava Castle, which, in addition to local art collections, regularly hosts art exhibitions of the most renowned international names. Works by Dali, Miró, Goya, Chagall and even Picasso have already shone here.
#4 Combine culture, idyllic scenery and cuisine
On the one hand, imagine stepping out of a castle in the city center and immediately finding yourself in a beautiful castle park, full of mighty, even exotic trees... Or watching a magical scene from the castle hill, as the sun sets behind the clouds beyond the plain. Our cultural attractions are located on and among the picturesque wine-growing hills, vast forests and meadows. Here, a gallery or a museum is never far from the most instagrammable view!
On the other hand, you can try a superb plate of local specialties. From bograč, a type of goulash, and bujta repa, a dish made with sour turnips and pork, to traditional layered pastry Prekmurska gibanica: your cultural break will be accompanied by only the best cuisine – and of course, the best local wines from Jeruzalemske, Lendavske or Slovenske gorice.
#5 Less driving, more sightseeing
Slovenia is a small country where the main attractions are never far. This is even more true in the case of Pomurje, which can easily be traveled from north to south in just over an hour. At the same time, you will not find crowded city roads here, but will enjoy a relaxed ride with idyllic views. You can reach many attractions by bike along traffic-free village roads and marked trails, and combine a cultural break with recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Pomurje a great destination for culture lovers?
Prekmurje and Prlekija are great destinations for lovers of cultural attractions, as they offer a huge number of attractions in a small area – from magnificent castles to excellent museums and galleries, and even interactive experiences, such as the Expano pavilion. The main attractions in our country are never far away and are mostly found surrounded by idyllic landscape or in the charming streets of small towns.
2. What cultural attractions can I see in Pomurje?
Pomurje offers an extremely diverse range of cultural attractions. Among the most important ones are old castles and manors (e.g. Murska Sobota, Rakičan, Beltinci, Lendava, Grad, Negova, Gornja Radgona, Ormož...), which also house numerous museum and art collections. Open-air museums also offer an exceptional experience.
In Pomurje, you can see the only preserved mill on the Mura River and the only castle ice-house in Central Europe.
3. Is Pomurje a very remote region?
Pomurje is a region in the far northeast of Slovenia, but thanks to good motorway connections it can be reached quickly. Murska Sobota, the region’s center, is just under three hours' drive from Budapest and Vienna, and four from Prague. It is also just under two hours from Ljubljana and an hour and a half from Graz.
4. What else does Pomurje offer besides culture?
Pomurje is a region of picturesque contrasts, as it is caught between the vast Pannonian Plain and picturesque wine-growing hills. Here you can enjoy unspoiled nature with idyllic views, which is also wonderful to explore by bike or on foot. And if you bring local culinary delights into the picture, from bograč and dödoli to Prekmurska gibanica, there are more than enough reasons to visit!
