Hiking trails

Along the Lobnica stream lies 19 hectares of pristine Pohorje primeval forest (the steep right slope above Lobnica). The path is not difficult to navigate, as you follow the valley floor, carved out over millions of years by the Lobnica stream and the ice age. The entire 17 km route was once home to Slovenia's longest water slide, called Lobniška Riža, used for transporting wood from 1838 to 1959. The path along Lobnica leads to the Veliki Šumik and Mali Šumik waterfalls. The route between Veliki Šumik and Mali Šumik is considered very challenging.

Distance: 10 km Altitude difference: 510 m Starting point: Smolnik Duration: 2 h 10 min Difficulty: Challenging

Even if the doors to the temples of wine along the Ruška Vinska Pot open only every year on St. Martin’s, the route takes the visitor eager for recreation along a 2.5 km long paved circular path between the sunny wine hills, past 24 wine temples, 6 chapels, a gallery - cellar, an outdoor viticulture museum and many other signs dedicated to the most beautiful flower - the grapevine in all seasons.

From the highest point of the route, there is a beautiful view of Ruše and the wider Drava Valley, the inhabited slopes of Kozjak, and Pohorje. The start of the route is at the 6,000-litter “barrel”, not far from Hotel Veter. The annual christening of must on St. Martin's Day is also held here.

“Our vineyards in Ruška Gorica are small in size, fragmented among more than twenty-five owners. At first glance, we notice how much love is invested in these steep slopes. The varietal composition is mainly mixed with vines that produce white wines. Once upon a time, from the mountains in this part of the Drava Valley, the imperial cellar was filled only with black Burgundy, called “Kronnen Wein”. When reading the old municipal notes, it is surprising how many farmers in Ruše had vineyards and how high their wine duties were. From this, we can conclude that all suitable Pohorje slopes up to Fala were planted with vines.” (Mirko Vovšek, Moje Poti in Moja Domoljubna Razmišljanja, 2008).

Next to the barrel - at the beginning of the path, since 2016, a scion of the oldest noble vine in the world, entered in the Guinness Book of World Records, has been growing and bearing fruit for more than four hundred and fifty years in Lent along the Drava River in Maribor. The vine also has its guardian.  

The forest path begins below Mucova Cliff and ends at Glažuta. It represents a mid-altitude forest with its various components. The path offers enjoyment through the interplay of natural beauty, the history of the area, new insights, and pleasant relaxation in a healthy environment. A walk along the circular path is possible in two variants: a shorter one (1.3 km) or a longer one (3 km) at an altitude of 300-480 meters above sea level. Follow the signs with the elm leaf symbol.

11 stands are equipped with boards where the forest and its components are presented: tree species or trees, undergrowth, medicinal plants, water regime, forest floor, connection between forest and animal life and geological basis.

On the way, you will meet the Lobnica stream, which in the past was of great importance for the development of the economic activity of this place: blacksmithing and glassmaking. There were 23 mills and a sawmill along the creek. Alongside it, a 15.7 km long water chute was constructed for transporting wood down to the valley. Construction began in 1837 at the initiative of a glassmaker Benedikt Vivat. It operated until 1958 when a road replaced it. There was a glass factory next to the Drča - a glass factory that employed up to 200 people. Evidence (preserved names) shows that in the 18th and 19th centuries, 18 glass factories operated in the region.

Duration: 3 hours Recommended time: March-November Route length: 1.3 or 3 km

The footpath starts in Ruše on Areška cesta, and continues via Kalvarija, past Dobnik's cross to the Lovski dom in Pečke. From Bistrica ob Dravi, the route leads to Pečke on the local road through Log. 

Areh is located in Ruško Pohorje. Areh can be visited on foot or by bike in the summer. In the winter, you can enjoy skiing at Areh..

A green path intended for both walking (3 km long footpath) and cycling (6 km long path). The 24-hour charity climb to Martnica is traditionally held here.