Things To Do
in Rače

Rače is a tranquil Slovenian village in the Styria region, part of the Rače–Fram municipality. It sits on gentle hills with vineyards, orchards, and forested slopes that roll toward the Drava River valley. The area blends traditional farm life with easy access to the larger city of Maribor and its cultural offerings.

Visitors come for scenic walks, historic ruins, and a welcoming, rural atmosphere just a short drive from northeast Slovenia's cities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Rače
morning
:

Arrive in Rače and check into your cozy accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Slovenian pastries and coffee. Take a short stroll around the charming village to soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearby vineyards and embark on a guided wine-tasting tour to learn about the region's famous wine production. Engage with local winemakers and sample exquisite wines paired with regional delicacies. Explore the stunning views of the rolling hills covered in grapevines as you move from one vineyard to another.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring seasonal ingredients and classic dishes. As the sun sets, take a relaxing walk along the River Drava, taking in the tranquil sounds of nature. Wind down the evening with a glass of wine on your accommodation's terrace, reflecting on the day’s adventures.

day 2
Explore Maribor
morning
:

Take a short drive to Maribor, Slovenia's second-largest city, and start your day with breakfast at a café overlooking the Drava River. Afterward, wander through Maribor's quaint old town, marveling at the historic architecture and the iconic Lent area. Don't miss the oldest grapevine in the world, which is a symbol of the city.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon visiting the Maribor Castle and the regional museum it houses, which showcases creative exhibitions and local history. Enjoy lunch at a popular bistro before continuing with a stroll through the stunning parks along the riverbank. Discover the vibrant street art and local shops, perfect for finding unique souvenirs.

evening
:

Dine at one of Maribor's fine restaurants, where you can indulge in more local culinary delights. After dinner, experience the city’s nightlife by visiting a bar with live music to connect with locals and other travelers. Cap off your evening with a scenic night walk by the river, illuminated by city lights.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee in a cafe$3-5
🧀Grocery basket (weekly for 1 person)$40-70
🚌Public transport monthly pass$40-60
🏠Rent (1-bedroom apartment)$420-800

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful rural setting with easy access to Maribor
  • Beautiful views, vineyards, and easy hikes
  • Limited nightlife within Rače itself
  • Public transport options may be less frequent than in bigger cities
  • "Dober dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Prosim" - Please
  • "Kje je WC?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Koliko stane?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Govoriš angleško?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Živjo!" - Hi!

Places to Visit in Rače

Visit one of these nice places.

Rače Castle Ruins

Hilltop ruins offering panoramic views over vineyards and the Drava valley, especially striking at sunrise and sunset.

Vineyard Terraces of Slovenske Gorice

Terraced hillsides with seasonal colors and winding lanes ideal for landscape and lifestyle photography.

Drava Valley Lookout near Fram

Wide river views and distant towns; a simple spot for golden hour photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Rače

Slovenian Styrian cuisine in this area emphasizes rustic, heartwarming dishes, fresh seasonal produce, and regional wines. Expect hearty soups, meat dishes, dairy and mushroom-forward plates, and good bread with cheese. You’ll also find modern cafes offering pastries, coffee, and light bites that pair well with local wines.

Rače Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Potica (nut roll)

A classic Slovenian dessert bread roll, often walnut-filled, served with coffee or tea in bakeries across the region.

Must-Try!

Jota

A hearty stew of beans, sauerkraut, potatoes, and smoked meat or bacon, a staple in Styrian cooking.

Štajerska župa

A rustic soup from the Styrian region made with barley or corn, vegetables, and sometimes smoked meat.

Žganci with dairy or cracklings

A traditional cornmeal dish served with dairy or crispy pork cracklings; comforting and filling.

Local cheese and cured meats

From nearby farms, paired with fresh bread and regional wines.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Maribor Central Market (Lent area)

Seasonal produce, cheeses, honey, baked goods, and ready-to-eat snacks; great for a sample of regional flavors.

Local farm stalls

Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and preserves along country roads around Rače; ideal for a picnic.

Street snacks

Fresh pretzels, sausages, grilled veggies, and pastries available in market streets in nearby towns.

Climate Guide

Weather

Rače enjoys a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with drier late spring and early autumn; the hills can be cooler than the valley floor.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite 'Dober dan' (Good day) and use formal addressing with strangers until invited to be casual.

Respect for traditions

Respect local customs, especially when visiting churches or family homes; dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Punctuality

Being on time is appreciated in meetings and tours; plan travel with some buffer for late buses.

Safety Guide

Safety

Rače is generally safe with low crime; usual countryside caution applies: personal belongings in view in crowded places and road awareness when hiking on rural roads. Emergency numbers for Slovenia (112) work nationwide.

Tipping in Rače

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common.

Payment Methods

Cash (EUR) and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments common; ATMs available in larger villages and Maribor.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with long daylight; occasional afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains. Bring sunscreen, hats, and water; evening temperatures cool off.

Autumn

Harvest season with grape picking and wine festivals in the surrounding Dolji hills; vibrant foliage mid- to late-October.

Winter

Cold, with possible snow in the hills; quieter village atmosphere; layers and good footwear recommended.

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming orchards and vineyards; great for hikes and outdoor photography.

Nightlife Guide

Rače at Night

Rače itself is quiet with limited nightlife; nearby Maribor offers bars, pubs, and clubs, plus lively restaurant teraces in the warm months. Expect relaxed evenings, live music in some venues during weekends, and wine bars focusing on regional Styrian varieties.

Hiking in Rače

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Slovenske Gorice ridge trails

Gentle to moderate hikes along vine-covered hills with scenic viewpoints.

Kozjanski Park trails

Forest trails with wildlife and streams in a regional park near Ptuj and Rače.

Drava riverbank paths

Easy riverside walks suitable for all ages, ideal for sunsets.

Airports

How to reach Rače by plane.

Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport (MBX)

Closest international-friendly airport to Rače; roughly a 20–40 minute drive to Maribor and Rače area.

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)

Major international airport about 110–130 km southwest; good access via highway or train to the northeast region.

Graz Airport (GRZ)

In nearby Austria, around 120–150 km away; convenient for some connections and day trips to the Styrian region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Rače is a compact village with a walkable core; you can easily reach the church, castle ruins, and local taverns on foot. For longer trips to nearby towns and vineyards, a bike or car is convenient; some roads are hilly but scenic.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Mostly Slovene; small international presence in nearby Maribor due to students and workers; tight-knit community feel.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular among locals; local clubs and school leagues are common in the region.

Cycling

Widely enjoyed on country roads through vineyards and hills; part of many local training routes.

Hiking and cross-country skiing

Access to Pohorje and nearby hills makes hiking in summer and winter sports possible.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light outside Maribor; public buses connect Rače with Fram and Maribor; main roads are well maintained, with typical rural speeds; car rental and taxi services are available in nearby towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Rače.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in local gostilnas; look for mushroom dishes, cheese-and-egg dishes, salads, and dumplings. When ordering, ask for no meat stock, and request meatless versions of stews or soups.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare services are centered in nearby Maribor with clinics and the University Medical Centre; Rače has basic primary care options and pharmacies; for emergencies call 112.

Discover Slovenia

Read more in our Slovenia 2025 Travel Guide.

Slovenia Travel Guide