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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Peaceful river vistas, reflections at sunrise and sunset, reed beds and birdlife—ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.
Rolling hills, traditional farmsteads and panoramic viewpoints offering wide countryside shots and seasonal colors.
Picturesque historic churches, simple village architecture and pastoral scenes that capture traditional Slovenian rural life.
Terraced vineyards and lookout points give scenic shots of vine rows, misty mornings and sunset over rolling hills.
Food in Apače
Apače Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
Rolled dumplings filled with various fillings (e.g., cottage cheese, tarragon, or nuts); served as a side or dessert in traditional households and guesthouses.
Locally caught fish from the Mura River, often pan-fried or served with rustic sides at regional restaurants and fish taverns.
A classic Slovenian sausage commonly available in taverns and markets; paired with bread, mustard and sauerkraut.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets in neighboring towns or villages sell seasonal produce, homemade cheeses, sausages and pastries; try fresh farmhouse cheeses and regional bread.
Occasional fairs and village festivals offer grilled sausages, pancakes and local sweets—check municipal event calendars for dates.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
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.
Keep nature areas clean and follow local rules for trails and fishing. Ask permission before entering private farmland or photographing people’s property.
Punctuality is appreciated for meetings and tours—arrive on time or notify in advance if delayed.
Safety
Tipping in Apače
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apače at Night
Hiking in Apače
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails through wooded hills, meadows and scattered traditional farms—good for day hikes, wildlife watching and panoramic views.
Flat trails along the river ideal for easy hikes, birdwatching and long-distance cycling routes following the river corridor.
Hilly vineyard paths popular for short hikes, scenic views and winery visits; combine walking with wine tasting.
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.
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.
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.
Slovenia’s main international airport near Ljubljana, roughly 2–3 hours’ drive from Apače; good for long-haul or many international connections.
Larger international airport roughly 2–3 hours by car depending on route and border crossings; an alternative when flight options are better via Zagreb.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of the population; traditional rural families and farmers form the backbone of local life.
Proximity to Austria fosters cross-border ties—Austrian residents and Slovenians commute or visit for trade, family and events.
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.
The most popular sport locally with village clubs and youth teams; community matches and amateur leagues are common.
Both recreational and competitive cycling are popular due to flat to rolling terrain and scenic rural roads.
Handball enjoys local interest in schools and clubs; in winter, residents travel to nearby hills for cross-country or alpine skiing.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Apače.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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.
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.
Restaurants generally understand common allergies if you explain them clearly. Carry translation cards for specific allergens when in small rural establishments.