Things To Do
in Apače

Apače is a small riverside municipality in northeastern Slovenia near the Austrian border, set along the Mura River and surrounded by gentle agricultural hills. The town is quiet and rural, with a strong local identity, historic churches, vineyards in the surrounding hills, and easy access to nature reserves such as Goričko. Apače is a good base for relaxed countryside activities—cycling, birdwatching along the Mura, and sampling Prekmurje and Styrian cuisine.

While services are limited compared with larger towns, its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to cross-border attractions make it attractive for a short rural escape.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Apače
morning
:

Acclimatize to the charming town of Apače as you arrive and check into your cozy accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, indulging in traditional Slovenian pastries and fresh coffee. Take a stroll around the town square to absorb the tranquil atmosphere and friendly locals.

afternoon
:

Explore the nearby vineyards and lush landscapes on a guided wine tour, learning about the local grape varieties that put this region on the map. Delight in tastings of exquisite wines, accompanied by local cheese and cured meats. Capture the stunning scenery with your camera and share a laugh with fellow travelers during this tasting adventure.

evening
:

Savor dinner at a traditional Slovenian restaurant, where you can try dishes like jota or štruklji. Gather around the table with new friends, sharing stories and toasting to the start of your Slovenian adventure. Wind down your first night with a leisurely walk, marveling at the starry sky above the serene countryside.

day 2
Cultural Day
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the local museum, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of Apače and the surrounding area. Engage with interactive exhibits that tell the story of the town's evolution through the ages. After exploring, grab brunch at a nearby eatery known for its hearty local fare.

afternoon
:

Join a guided tour to visit the stunning nearby castle, steeped in history and scenic views. Wander through the lush gardens and enjoy panoramic vistas of the rolling hills that characterize this beautiful region. Take your time to explore every nook and cranny of the castle grounds, capturing photographs along the way.

evening
:

After returning to town, unwind by attending a cultural performance or local music event. Allow the sounds of Slovenian folk music to envelop you as you experience the town's rich artistic heritage. End your day with a warm drink on a terrace, reminiscing about all the sights and sounds you have discovered.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-60
Coffee$1.50-3
🚌Local bus fare / short regional ride$1.50-5
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful rural setting with strong nature access (Mura River, Goričko).
  • Authentic regional cuisine and local wine culture.
  • Close to Austria, making cross-border day trips easy.
  • Good for low-key relaxation, cycling and birdwatching.
  • Limited nightlife and few tourist services in the town itself.
  • Public transport options are sparse—a car is helpful.
  • Fewer dining and accommodation options compared with larger towns.
  • Seasonal businesses may close in winter.
  • "Dober dan" - Good day / Hello
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Prosim" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Koliko stane?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Kje je ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Govorite angleško?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Kje je najbližja lekarna?" - Where is the nearest pharmacy?

Places to Visit in Apače

Visit one of these nice places.

Mura River banks

Peaceful river vistas, reflections at sunrise and sunset, reed beds and birdlife—ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.

Goričko Landscape Park

Rolling hills, traditional farmsteads and panoramic viewpoints offering wide countryside shots and seasonal colors.

Local churches and village streets

Picturesque historic churches, simple village architecture and pastoral scenes that capture traditional Slovenian rural life.

Vineyards and hilltop viewpoints (Jeruzalem area nearby)

Terraced vineyards and lookout points give scenic shots of vine rows, misty mornings and sunset over rolling hills.

Culinary Guide

Food in Apače

Apače sits on the culinary crossroads of Prekmurje and Štajerska (Styria), so expect hearty, rustic dishes, freshwater fish from the Mura, and simple home-style cooking enriched with local dairy and pork. Local wines and fruit brandies complement meals, and seasonal produce figures strongly in menus.

Apače Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Prekmurska gibanica

A layered cake with poppy seed, walnut, apple and quark layers; a regional specialty often found in local bakeries and family-run inns.

Must-Try!

Štruklji

Rolled dumplings filled with various fillings (e.g., cottage cheese, tarragon, or nuts); served as a side or dessert in traditional households and guesthouses.

Mura carp and other freshwater fish

Locally caught fish from the Mura River, often pan-fried or served with rustic sides at regional restaurants and fish taverns.

Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage)

A classic Slovenian sausage commonly available in taverns and markets; paired with bread, mustard and sauerkraut.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local weekend markets (nearby towns)

Small markets in neighboring towns or villages sell seasonal produce, homemade cheeses, sausages and pastries; try fresh farmhouse cheeses and regional bread.

Food stalls at regional events

Occasional fairs and village festivals offer grilled sausages, pancakes and local sweets—check municipal event calendars for dates.

Climate Guide

Weather

Apače has a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are transitional with variable weather and decent rainfall; summers can be warm and pleasantly sunny, while winters bring frost and occasional snow, especially in surrounding hills.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness and formality

Slovenians are polite and reserved; greet with a friendly 'Dober dan' (good day) or handshake in formal settings. Respect personal space and avoid loud behavior in villages.

Respect for nature and property

Keep nature areas clean and follow local rules for trails and fishing. Ask permission before entering private farmland or photographing people’s property.

Punctuality

Punctuality is appreciated for meetings and tours—arrive on time or notify in advance if delayed.

Safety Guide

Safety

Apače and the surrounding region are generally very safe with low crime rates. Usual precautions apply: secure valuables, be cautious near riverbanks (currents and slippery banks), and check local weather and river conditions before engaging in water activities. In winter, watch for icy roads and sidewalks.

Tipping in Apače

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Slovenia. In restaurants rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is common. For taxis, rounding up or adding a small amount is fine; tip hotel porters and guides modestly.

Payment Methods

Cards are widely accepted in towns and larger businesses, but small inns, markets and rural vendors may be cash-only. ATMs are available in larger nearby towns—carry some euros for the countryside.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Fields and orchards bloom, temperatures are mild, and bird migration along the Mura makes it great for nature watching. Expect occasional rain—pack a light waterproof jacket and layers.

Summer

Warm, sometimes hot weather with long daylight hours—ideal for cycling, river activities and outdoor dining. Peak season can bring local events; bring sun protection and breathable clothing.

Autumn

Harvest and wine season with colorful foliage, mild days and cool nights—excellent for winery visits and photography. Be prepared for wetter days as the season progresses.

Winter

Cold and occasionally snowy, especially in higher nearby hills; many rural businesses have reduced hours. Good for quiet countryside walks and trying hearty local dishes—pack warm clothing.

Nightlife Guide

Apače at Night

Nightlife in Apače is very low-key—expect quiet evenings at local inns or guesthouses rather than clubs or late-night bars. For a livelier evening with pubs, cultural events and bars, head to larger nearby towns such as Gornja Radgona or Murska Sobota where seasonal festivals and wine bars appear more frequently.

Hiking in Apače

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Goričko Landscape Park trails

A network of trails through wooded hills, meadows and scattered traditional farms—good for day hikes, wildlife watching and panoramic views.

Mura River walking and cycling paths

Flat trails along the river ideal for easy hikes, birdwatching and long-distance cycling routes following the river corridor.

Jeruzalem hill trails (nearby wine region)

Hilly vineyard paths popular for short hikes, scenic views and winery visits; combine walking with wine tasting.

Local village loops

Short circular walks around Apače and neighboring villages that showcase rural architecture, fields and local churches—suitable for casual walkers and families.

Airports

How to reach Apače by plane.

Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport (MBX)

Closest regional airport (limited commercial flights); useful for seasonal or charter flights. Ground transport by car or taxi to Apače takes around 30–60 minutes depending on route.

Graz Airport (GRZ), Austria

International airport about 60–90 minutes by car across the border; offers more regular flights to European destinations and is a practical airport for reaching Apače by rental car or bus.

Jože Pučnik Ljubljana Airport (LJU)

Slovenia’s main international airport near Ljubljana, roughly 2–3 hours’ drive from Apače; good for long-haul or many international connections.

Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG), Croatia

Larger international airport roughly 2–3 hours by car depending on route and border crossings; an alternative when flight options are better via Zagreb.

Getting Around

Walkability

Apače is compact and easy to explore on foot within the village center and along the riverbanks. For wider exploration (vineyards, Goričko, nearby towns) walking is possible on marked trails but cycling or driving makes reaching more distant sites far easier.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Slovenes

Majority of the population; traditional rural families and farmers form the backbone of local life.

Cross-border communities

Proximity to Austria fosters cross-border ties—Austrian residents and Slovenians commute or visit for trade, family and events.

Older demographic

Like many rural European areas, the municipality has an aging population, though younger residents are present and maintain local cultural life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport locally with village clubs and youth teams; community matches and amateur leagues are common.

Cycling

Both recreational and competitive cycling are popular due to flat to rolling terrain and scenic rural roads.

Handball and skiing (seasonal in wider region)

Handball enjoys local interest in schools and clubs; in winter, residents travel to nearby hills for cross-country or alpine skiing.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic within Apače is light and roads are generally quiet; narrow rural roads require cautious driving. Public transport is limited to regional bus lines with infrequent schedules, so a car or bicycle is the most convenient way to get around. For connections to larger towns, plan schedules in advance and consider car rental for flexible travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Apače.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited in rural inns—look for štruklji, salads, cheese plates, and vegetable sides. In larger nearby towns you’ll find more vegetarian-friendly menus; communicate restrictions in Slovenian or English to ensure meals are prepared accordingly.

Vegan and gluten-free

Strict vegan and gluten-free options can be scarce in small villages; plan ahead by visiting supermarkets in larger towns or calling restaurants in advance. Bigger towns (e.g., Murska Sobota, Maribor) have more choices.

Allergies

Restaurants generally understand common allergies if you explain them clearly. Carry translation cards for specific allergens when in small rural establishments.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in larger nearby towns; for routine care and pharmacies visit towns like Gornja Radgona or Murska Sobota. For major medical needs, regional hospitals in Maribor or national hospitals in Ljubljana provide comprehensive services. Bring travel insurance and any regular medications; emergency number in Slovenia is 112.

Discover Slovenia

Read more in our Slovenia 2025 Travel Guide.

Slovenia Travel Guide