Ptuj is an old town of new experiences. The castle above the town with the oldest wine cellars dominates over the streets with one of the most colourful carnivals in the world and the Kurenti masks, the exceptional character of which has also been recognised by UNESCO. The Terme Ptuj Spa is nearby.
A charming, undiscovered gem in Central Europe that offers everything that your heart desires.
DESTINATION AWARDS
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Ptuj swears by the green strategy and prides itself on having obtained the Slovenia Green label. |
Thermal Pannonian Slovenia
Ptuj
Lonely Planet ranked the Kurentovanje celebration among the top ten most interesting carnivals in the world.
TOP 5 sights
Every step you take, you will be surprised by Slovenia’s natural and cultural gems. Are you interested in what you need to see in Ptuj
TOP 5 experiences
Ptuj is a true experience of history. Learn about it on guided tours, and don’t miss the interesting events that will bring history closer to you. The town is surrounded by a wine-growing landscape worth exploring and worth tasting its greatest treasure – a number of great white wines.
Oenological time travel
Visit the oldest wine cellar in Slovenia, which has stored the best wine from the Haloze Hills and the Slovenske Gorice Hills for 700 years. Join a guided tour of the Ptuj Wine Cellar to taste the best vintages. At the wine archive, you will see the treasures of this cellar, such as the oldest Slovenian vintage from 1917 – the Golden Vine, and the largest wooden barrel, which can store more than 22,115 litres of wine.
MorePtuj, a town of wine and poetry
Ptuj, a town of wine and poetry
In addition to the Ptuj Wine Cellar, you can also taste the wines of Ptuj and its surrounding area at the Osterberger Wine Cellar and the Kobal Wine Bar. In Ptuj, wine intertwines excellently with poetry, which can be experienced at the Days of Poetry and Wine, and don’t miss the Salon Sauvignon festival either. Enjoy some relaxing moments in town cafés, such as Kipert with its house coffee brand or Muzikafe, where there is a book exchange programme.
MoreIn the footsteps of hedonistic Romans
In the footsteps of hedonistic Romans
Experience the traces of Roman history in a very special way. Walk to the Panorama outdoor archaeological museum and see the temple of the god Mithras. You can go back to the time of the Romans at the Roman Games. The wellness programmes at the Terme Ptuj Spa, where ladies can be pampered like the Empress Flavia, and gentlemen as the Emperor Vespasian, also have a Roman theme. Have a Roman dinner at the Grand Hotel Primus.
MoreKurentovanje celebration in Ptuj
Kurentovanje celebration in Ptuj
When winter says goodbye and spring is on the doorstep, the streets of Ptuj transform into a true carnival town. Pust (Shrovetide) time is known for numerous events, culminating in the traditional ethnographic parade ruled by the Kurenti. Also learn about them by touring the ethnographic collection at Ptuj Castle and by visiting Kurent mask workshops.
MoreAn old town, yet young at heart
An old town, yet young at heart
Even though Ptuj is Slovenia’s oldest town, it has a young heart. Feel its pulse by visiting the Art Stays festival of modern art. Visit the Ptuj City Gallery and see colourful graffiti in the old town centre. Have a coffee under the Orpheus Monument and try local beer varieties at the Bodi Café. Satisfy your shopping needs at fashionable boutiques in the old town centre.
MoreTake a walk among vineyards and orchards
Learn about the picturesque Ptuj countryside and explore the brinks of Slovenia's most extensive rolling hill landscape, the Slovenske Gorice Hills. The Ptuj Hiking Trail begins just a stone’s throw from the town centre, and it takes you through an idyllic landscape of rolling hills with vineyards and orchards. On this trail, you can try excellent local white wines and other culinary specialities.
MoreHead to the heart of the Haloze Hills on foot or by bicycle
Head to the heart of the Haloze Hills on foot or by bicycle
Walking or cycling on the gentle hills of Haloze on the right bank of the River Drava is a special experience, as travellers can only rarely have such a broad selection of trails. These trails take you amongst small hills and valleys and provide you with exquisite panoramic views of landscape covered in vineyards, old orchards, and forests. If you wish to experience a truly wonderful view of the Haloze Hills, Ptuj, and the Pohorje Hills, climb up to the Church of St Anna.
MoreThe mysterious Middle Ages
The mysterious Middle Ages
Climb up to Ptuj Castle and see museum collections of national significance at the Regional Museum. Learn about the mightiest monuments of the past as you take a guided tour of the town. Take your time machine back and relive the Middle Ages at the Ptuj Castle Games. At the end of the day, have a medieval dinner at the castle and have some rest in the boutique accommodation called “A Little House under the Castle.”
MoreThermal getaway at the Terme Ptuj Spa
Treat yourself to a relaxing stay at the Terme Ptuj Spa. The Flavia World of Saunas and Imperium Wellness await you at the Valens Augusta Wellness Centre, where they will see to your regeneration and youthful appearance. Listen to your body and be re-energised at the Fortuna Park with the Pinwheel of Health, or have a relaxing walk at the former temple of the god Mithras.
MoreWine and wellness
Wine and wellness
Did you know that wine can also have a beneficial effect on your body? Have a detoxicating wine bath or a relaxing massage with wine oil at the Grand Hotel Primus at the Terme Ptuj Spa. Your getaway can even have a twist – stay in unique wine barrels. You can also pamper yourself at the Venera Wellness Centre at the Mitra Hotel, where you can also visit a wine cellar.
MoreIn the green embrace of the River Drava
In the green embrace of the River Drava
Find relaxing moments along the River Drava. Visit the Šturmovec Landscape Park by Lake Ptuj and watch protected bird species living in this area. Take a walk along the river to the viewing platform next to the Terme Ptuj Spa. You can also relax by visiting the castle park at Turnišče Castle.
MoreGreen Facts
The door-to-door rounds of the Kurenti have been inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The door-to-door rounds of the Kurenti have been inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Environmentally friendly transport around Ptuj's town centre is provided by the Zapeljivec (Seducer) electric vehicle and a free town bus.
In the summer, you can rent city bikes at the Ptuj Tourist Information Centre for free.
Lake Ptuj is the largest Slovenian permanent lake, on the shores of which more than 230 species of birds nest. They also include endangered and rare species.
Haloze layer cake (gibanica)
The Haloze layer cake or gibanica is a traditional cake made of leavened dough, topped with skuta curd cheese, egg yolks, and sour cream. Originally, it was made in a wood-burning oven. It is best right after it is baked, and it goes great with world-class white wines from Ptuj.
Kurentovanje – say hi to spring
A parade with a presentation of ethnographic characters is a true feast for the eyes. In addition to the well-known Kurenti, the streets and squares are occupied by numerous traditional Shrovetide characters, such as kopjaši (spearsmen), cigani (gypsies), orači (ploughmen), rusas, piceki (cockerels), and bears (medvedi).
Experience a pleasant getaway and have some rest
Would you like to stay a little longer and see and experience as much as possible? Then select suitable accommodation that is ideal for you in the nearby area.
Nearby destinations
Visit some other interesting places in the vicinity too. You can follow the River Drava upstream and you will reach Maribor, a city 30 km away, known for having the oldest grapevine in the world. Enjoy some thermal pampering at one of the many spas in Pomurje, located 60 km from Ptuj. This is also the distance to another historical town, Celje, which is connected to Ptuj by its archaeological heritage of the ancient Romans. Also, don't miss the Old Castle. Make sure to also visit Rogaška Slatina, located 43 km from Ptuj. There, you can enjoy thermal water, drink a glass of the therapeutic mineral water Donat Mg, and admire world-class crystal masterpieces.
Maribor – Pohorje
The Styrian capital at the base of the green Pohorje Mountains
Pomurje
The world of unique water sources and dreamy romance along the River Mura.
Celje
The town of princes with rich archaeological treasures, a modern urban vibe, and a green soul.
Rogaška Slatina
A health resort with 400 years of tradition and the unique Donat Mg mineral water
