Loka between Maribor and Ptuj: Nature, Culture and Hotels

In the direction of the old course of the Drava River near Loka lies the Drava Landscape Park. The park, which stretches along the Drava between Maribor and Ptuj, was formed over centuries under the influence of flooding. It encompasses abandoned river channels, terraces, numerous gravel bars, riparian forests and marshy meadows. Its area belongs to the European network of Natura 2000 protected areas. Rare and endangered birds breed among the river channels, eroded banks and gravel bars, including the common sandpiper, the little ringed plover and the kingfisher.

Nature

The name of the settlement also refers to the landscape: the name Loka derives from meadows and pastures interspersed with small wooded areas locally known as “loka”. Behind the houses of Loka, fields stretch towards the Drava Canal. Thus, in the surrounding area, open agricultural land lies alongside the landscape park defined by river channels, banks and wet meadows. The various landscape elements remain clearly distinguishable: meadows and pastures help explain the name, while the park is characterised by its river landscape and the bird species that breed there.

Paths and the River Landscape

Loka lies along the regional road between Maribor and Ptuj. The Municipality of Starše renovated the Loka–Rošnja section of the Drava Cycling Route. This section runs directly along the Drava. In the settlement of Loka, a one-sided pavement and a cycle path had already been partially constructed.

History and Culture

Beside the road to Ptuj in Loka stands a free-standing burial mound with a burial chamber and a chapel. The vaulted burial chamber in the Loka burial mound was discovered in 1891. Loka pri Staršah – Gomila is listed as archaeological heritage in the Slovenian Register of Cultural Heritage.

KUD Franc Ilec Loka–Rošnja includes a folk singing group. The folklore group of the KUD Franc Ilec Loka–Rošnja cultural association presents stage performances featuring elements of dance and other traditions from eastern Slovenia. Together with the Municipality of Starše and ZKD Maribor, KUD Franc Ilec Loka–Rošnja organises the international children’s and youth folklore festival “Dandelion Flower”. This festival was held annually in Starše in May or June over a period of twenty years.

Water

Fishing is possible in the old river channel of the Drava near Loka. A permit is required for fishing in the old Drava river channel.

When looking at offers for Loka, travellers can compare various options objectively. The included services, individual price components, and the booking and cancellation conditions are equally important. Comparing these fields makes differences between the listings visible without implying additional features or a particular suitability. This keeps the relevant contractual and pricing information separate from the local details before a specific decision is made.

Other Places

Maribor, Bresternica, Limbuš, Fram, Dobrovce, Malečnik, Hočko Pohorje, Kamnica

To the higher-level travel overview: Maribor.