Starše – Drava Landscape, Cycling Route and Hotels

Starše lies on the right bank of the Drava. Part of the area is located on Drava terraces, while another part lies on the lowland along the river. The Starše area includes part of Drava Landscape Park. The Drava Landscape Park associated with Starše is included in the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas.

Nature

In Starše, the old Drava channel with its side arms, oxbow lakes, floodplain forests and meadows shapes a natural area that provides a habitat for 250 bird species. Of the 250 bird species found in the Starše area, 38 are considered species of European importance. In the Starše area, Drava Landscape Park includes oxbow lakes, river terraces, numerous gravel bars, floodplain forests and marshy meadows. There are also floodplains that become flooded in rainy weather.

Cycling

The D5 Drava Cycle Route passes through the municipality of Starše. The section there runs mainly along existing local roads, and partly along field and forest tracks. The Drava Cycle Route has been completed within the municipality of Starše. On 2 May 2023, the Zlatoličje Volunteer Fire Brigade organised a traditional cycling tour for members and residents through the municipality of Starše.

Culture and History

Starše is home to the Church of St John the Baptist, belonging to the parish of Št. Janž na Dravskem Polju. The church was consecrated in 1833 and has a bell tower dating from 1861. Starše was formerly known as Stara vas; the entire parish was called Šentjanž. This name derives from a farmstead named after Saint John, dating from the time of the Ravno polje manorial estate.

The municipality of Starše hosts three traditional events, held in May and September. In 2023, the Starše Sports Club organised the traditional Mirko Dobnik Memorial Tournament for the 37th consecutive time.

Regional Traditions

In the municipality of Starše, the traditional training of grapevines along houses, known as brajde, is preserved. The protected wine brand “La brajde” has also been created. At Kmetija Selinšek in Starše, farm tours and tastings of its own products are available by prior arrangement. The Kmetija Selinšek farm shop sells homemade yoghurt, curd, curd spreads and several types of cheese.

A tourism package includes a tour of Zlatoličje with historic tractors, a trip on the Drava in restored traditional boats, an introduction to life on the river, a practical demonstration of gold panning and a tasting of local specialities. The Zlata Drava project preserves the cultural and historical heritage of gold panning in Zlatoličje. This includes historical and field research as well as three workshops for specific target groups.

Other Activities

The Tejek fishing lodge on the Drava, managed by the Starše branch of the Ptuj Angling Club, can be rented for picnics and celebrations. Sports grounds and rooms can be rented at Športni park Starše.

Other Places

In the same destination area, you can also find: Malečnik, Loka, Pernica, Maribor, Miklavž na Dravskem Polju, Hočko Pohorje, Limbuš, Bresternica.

To the higher-level travel overview: Maribor.