Things To Do
in Selnica ob Dravi

Selnica ob Dravi is a tranquil Slovenian village set along the meandering Drava River, surrounded by forested hills and limestone cliffs. It serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures while offering a relaxed, village-scale charm and easy access to nearby Maribor. The area blends nature, vineyards, and traditional Styrian cuisine, making it a great base for day trips.

Expect warm hospitality, scenic river views, and opportunities for cycling, kayaking, and hillside hikes year-round.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Selnica ob Dravi
morning
:

Upon arriving in Selnica ob Dravi, take some time to settle into your cozy accommodation surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, sampling local delicacies to fuel your adventures ahead. A stroll around the nearby Drava River will give you a taste of the serene beauty of the area.

afternoon
:

Explore the historical heart of Selnica with a visit to its quaint church and traditional architecture. Engage with locals at a small café, sampling homemade pastries while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the town. As the sun brightens the day, consider a bike ride along the scenic routes that highlight the stunning countryside.

evening
:

Wind down your day with a dinner at a family-owned restaurant, where you can savor homemade Slovenian dishes. As night falls, take a peaceful walk by the river, where the gentle sounds of water and evening serenity create a perfect ending to your first day. Alternatively, enjoy a cozy night in, reflecting on your travels so far.

day 2
Nature Exploration
morning
:

Start the day with breakfast in a local bakery, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee before heading into nature. Begin your exploration of the surrounding woods and hills, immersing yourself in the local flora and fauna. A guided hike will offer insight into the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

afternoon
:

After your hike, have a picnic lunch in one of the scenic spots, savoring local cheeses and meats while taking in stunning views. The afternoon can be spent further exploring other parts of the region, such as visiting nearby Lake Dravograd for some kayaking or paddleboarding. This is a great opportunity to engage with local recreational activities and enjoy the fresh air.

evening
:

Return to Selnica for dinner at a traditional eatery, where you can enjoy more authentic Slovenian cuisine. As evening approaches, consider joining a local cultural event or performance if available. This allows for a deeper understanding of the local customs and community spirit.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee in a cafe$3-5
🥗Lunch for one$12-20
🧀Local cheese or snack$4-7
🍷Glass of wine$4-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful river setting and access to nature
  • Relaxed pace of life and safety
  • Limited nightlife within the village
  • Limited direct international flight connections from the village
  • "Dober dan" - Good day / Hello
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Kje je najbližja postaja?" - Where is the nearest station?
  • "Koliko stane?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Lep pozdrav" - Best regards / Goodbye

Places to Visit in Selnica ob Dravi

Visit one of these nice places.

Drava River Gorge Lookouts

Scenic viewpoints along the Drava with lush riverbanks, cliffs, and reflections on calm days.

Maribor Old Town from the Drava Promenade

Capture historic façades, bridges, and the river’s shimmering reflections across the skyline.

Pohorje Foothills at Sunrise

Golden light over forested hills just outside town, ideal for landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Selnica ob Dravi

The region favors hearty Styrian and Slovenian classics, seasonal produce, and regional wines. Expect rustic taverns, cafés along the river, and markets where fresh ingredients define daily menus.

Selnica ob Dravi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Jota (bean and sauerkraut stew)

A hearty Styrian stew combining beans, sauerkraut, potatoes, and smoked meat or sausage.

Must-Try!

Žganci with milk or cheese

A traditional cornmeal mush served with milk or grated cheese; a comforting staple.

Idrija žlikrofi

Dumplings filled with herbed potato dough, typically served with sauce and often a pork or mushroom accompaniment.

Potica

A classic Slovenian rolled pastry, available with various fillings like nuts or prayers.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Maribor Central Market

Vibrant stalls with seasonal produce, dairy, breads, and local specialties, especially lively on market days.

Climate Guide

Weather

Selnica ob Dravi experiences a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Rain is spread across the year, with spring and autumn typically being the wetter seasons. Microclimates near the Drava can yield foggy mornings in transitional seasons. Overall, plan for four distinct seasons with occasional weather variability.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A simple 'Dober dan' (good day) goes a long way; handshake is common when meeting someone new.

Dress and behavior

Dress modestly for religious sites; speak softly in public spaces; respect queues and local etiquette in markets.

Safety Guide

Safety

Selnica ob Dravi is generally very safe. Standard travel safety applies: secure valuables, especially in crowded areas; follow road safety rules, particularly in winter conditions; wear life jackets for water activities; dial 112 for emergencies.

Tipping in Selnica ob Dravi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in Slovenia; not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants.

Payment Methods

Cash and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; ATMs are available in Maribor and larger villages.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming meadows; variable rain; great for hikes and city photography.

Summer

Warm to hot days; lively river activities; long evenings for strolls and outdoor dining; stay hydrated.

Autumn

Cooler days with colorful foliage; grape harvests in nearby vineyards; perfect for scenic drives and photos.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; quieter streets; cozy cafés and indoor cultural events; daylight is shorter.

Nightlife Guide

Selnica ob Dravi at Night

The nightlife in Selnica ob Dravi is low-key with riverside bars and small cafés. In nearby Maribor, you’ll find more options including wine bars along Lent, casual pubs, and occasional live music venues offering a relaxed or lively night out depending on the venue.

Hiking in Selnica ob Dravi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Pohorje Mountain Range Walks

Forested trails with viewpoints and varying difficulty near Maribor; popular in all seasons.

Vinogradar and Vineyards Trails

Scenic hikes through vineyards and rural landscapes in the Drava Valley.

Airports

How to reach Selnica ob Dravi by plane.

Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport (MBX)

Regional airport near Maribor with short-haul connections; rental cars and taxis available to Selnica.

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)

Main international airport of Slovenia, about 1.5-2 hours by road from Selnica.

Graz Airport (GRZ)

Closest international airport in Austria, useful for broader connections; drive or train to Slovenia.

Getting Around

Walkability

Selnica ob Dravi is a compact village that is fairly walkable, with most basic amenities reachable on foot. For longer trips or exploring surrounding hills and vineyards, a short drive or local transport to nearby Maribor is convenient, which offers excellent walkability in the old town area.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in the area, with strong community ties and local schools.

Local workers and commuters

Residents who work in Maribor or nearby industries; commute by car or bus.

Tourists

Visiting hikers and cyclists who explore the Drava river region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular team sport; local clubs participate in regional leagues.

Cycling

Growing interest in road and mountain biking; scenic routes along the Drava.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Seasonal sport in nearby Pohorje and other mountain areas.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Selnica ob Dravi is light; in Maribor, expect reasonable traffic with peak times. Public transport is reliable: bus services connect to Maribor and surrounding towns; car rental and cycling are common ways to move around; roads along the Drava are scenic but can be busy during harvest and festival seasons.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Selnica ob Dravi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available in most places; ask for jota without meat, grilled vegetables, cheeses, and salads. Many menus can accommodate or suggest meat-free soups and mains.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Slovenia is high-quality. In Selnica ob Dravi, residents typically rely on nearby clinics, with the larger hospital network in Maribor (General Hospital of Maribor) serving more complex needs. For emergencies, dial 112; Slovenian healthcare is funded through compulsory health insurance.

Discover Slovenia

Read more in our Slovenia 2025 Travel Guide.

Slovenia Travel Guide