Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia, invites you to summer adventures

Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia, is the perfect destination for a holiday for all those who love history, cultural heritage, contemporary art, excellent cuisine and fine wines, thermal or wellness experiences, and escaping to a green and peaceful environment. Numerous festivals and events add to the unforgettable experience like colorful mosaic pebbles.

Meet the kurent, a traditional ethnographic carnival character.

The Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum is a must-visit. You will be amazed by the rich collections of national significance: weapons, musical instruments, traditional carnival masks, a collection of feudal residential culture, glass paintings, castle galleries, and some exceptional exhibits. In the city center, you can visit the Kurent’s House, where a digital presentation of the Kurent and the Kurentovanje tradition awaits you. Through interactive technologies, you can see, hear, and feel the unique energy of the Kurenti and their message throughout the year. While strolling through the old town center, be sure to peek into one of the city’s galleries and relax in one of the boutique cafes. From February 22nd to March 4th, you can experience Slovenia’s largest carnival in the streets of Ptuj. Recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 carnivals in the world, this vibrant celebration is not to be missed.

Discover and Taste Ptuj

Experience local specialties through a modern culinary journey at seven providers in Slovenia’s oldest town. The 3-course “Tastes of Ptuj” menu features traditional dishes from the broader Ptuj tourist destination, uniquely crafted by each chef. The menu can be enhanced with additional courses and wine pairings from top local winemakers. After all, Ptuj is home to Ptujska Klet, Slovenia’s oldest wine cellar with a rich collection of archival wines. The “Tastes of Ptuj” menu is offered by the 2 Gault & Millau toque recipients—Gostilna Grabar and Gostilna Ribič, as well as the restaurant of Grand Hotel Primus, Gostilna Amadeus, Gostišče pri Tonetu, Gostilna pri Ovinku, and Restaurant Pomaranča.

The Tastes of Ptuj culinary menu is offered by 7 Ptuj restaurants, including two with 2 Gault & Millau caps.

Rich festival scene

The Arts Stays Contemporary Art Festival and the Arsana Music Festival continue to enrich the city along the Drava River throughout August as well. Every Saturday morning and Wednesday afternoon until mid-September, vibrant activities will take place in the old town center. You can also choose from selected Summer Experiences, including themed guided tours, wine tastings, escapes to the surrounding countryside, and sports activities. On weekends in August, the outdoor cinema invites you to enjoy films under the stars. The Roman Games bring the city’s Roman past to life through events in the streets and at the Roman camp. At the Days of Poetry and Wine Festival, get to know the poetic diversity of languages and wine. Autumn begins with the Medieval Ptuj Castle Games, showcasing medieval life. Accordion, polka, and waltz enthusiasts should not miss the traditional Ptuj Folk Music Festival in early September. Alongside cultural events, autumn in the city also celebrates culinary delights, with the Open Kitchen market filling the square in front of the Town Hall.

The Art Stays Festival is one of the most important presentations of contemporary art, especially fine art, in Slovenia and this part of Europe.

Activities in nature

Did you know that Lake Ptuj is the largest artificial lake in Slovenia, with a bird observatory? It is also a popular recreational trail for joggers and walkers, and in summer the Čigra tourist boat runs along the lake. On the Drava River, you can try kayaking, canoeing or standup paddleboarding.

Lake Ptuj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia.

For cycling enthusiasts, we recommend cycling along the 3rd or 4th stage of the Drava Cycle Route through Ptuj, or along one of the new themed cycle routes in the surrounding area, starting in Ptuj. The scenic hiking trail to Mestni Vrh invites you to taste local wines and cuisine surrounded by greenery, vineyards, and orchards.

Take the idyllic path to Mestni vrh and discover the Ptuj countryside among vineyards and orchards.

You can also opt for a guided bike tour with a tour guide. One of the nice ways to refresh yourself on hot summer days is to jump into the thermal pools or slide down the new adrenaline slides of the large Terme Ptuj water park. Along with golf, you can also learn about a newer sport discipline in Ptuj: footgolf.