Prekmurje visit
Prekmurje is a province in the northeast of Slovenia, between Hungary (the biggest influence), Austria, Croatia, and the Mura river, which separates it from the rest of Slovenia. This is a predominantly flat landscape with hills in Goričko. Here they are known for their specific dialect, culinary delicacies, castles, spas, and river mills.
After trying an example of the Intercontinental in Ljubljana and taking my mother on another dose of the vaccine, I went to Prekmurje. For a start, I was stuck in a traffic jam on the ring road due to work on the Golovec tunnel for almost half an hour.
At 17:30 I arrived at the renaissance castle Rakičan in SE from Murska Sobota. Here I meet Gregor, Teja, and Sven. We had a drink and watched the horses from the equestrian club at the castle. The main reason we got here is the escape room. Another room from the Enigmariuma. We solved the room without major problems, we had 17 minutes left and we didn’t need any help. However, the room is very similar to the first escape room, where we were also together.
We drove to Šulinci (less than half an hour), where they rented a nice house, eco, with a garden. After eating dinner (bread and butter) it was time to play cards. While the toddler is still up we played One (Uno) and I started very bad but slowly picked up. So before the last game, we were all tied, but in the end, I won. Then Gregor and I play bridge and I was desperate. Teja came along and we started again, I finished then in the middle. We were left alone again, chat with wine from Sevnica Castle. We tried one game of chess, we both played really badly but in the end, I won. I fell asleep on days around half-past two.
The next morning is slow, we woke up after nine. Gregor prepared an omelet for breakfast, bread is a sought-after good. While Gregor and Teja tried to use the knowledge of Tetris for packing all the things in the car, Sven and I kicked the ball.
The first stop was at Grad Castle. This is the largest castle complex in Slovenia with more than 800 years of history. The castle is currently partially renovated, the entrance is 4 €, where we also took an audio guide (handset with an explanation of individual rooms). We probably stayed at the castle for 2 hours and took a walk around the exhibitions in individual rooms (wine cellar, knight’s room, blacksmith, wheelwrights, ….). Finally, treat ourselves to coffee, ice cream, and a couple of souvenirs (€ 30).
The next stop was at the Mala Rosa estate in the village of Stanjevci within the Goričko landscape park. Aronia, edible roses and lavender, and herbs are grown on this farm. They pay special attention to the tall meadow orchard. We stopped because of the roses. We ordered juice from edible rose syrup, a drink that comes from the east like sherbet. It is refreshing and delicious with a wonderful scent. We also tried homemade pies with apples, pears, and plums (still warm). In the end, we bought a couple of bottles for home (€ 30).
I am always happy to see Plečnik’s masterpieces. This time it is the Church of the Ascension in Bogojina. Renovation of the church began according to Plečnik’s plans in 1925, and the last pieces of equipment were designed in 1956. This church includes the remains of the old church, an interesting flat ceiling in a single-nave church decorated with local ceramics, and a round bell tower with a flat roof.
When we are already at the churches, we decide to visit the Rotunda or the church of St. Nicholas in the village of Selo. This 13th-century church is a unique example of a circular Romanesque brick church in Slovenia. In addition to age, the interior painting is also interesting. The oldest painting is the Gift of the Three Kings from the 14th century. 100 years later a fresco of the Passion was painted over. In the dome is the best-preserved painting of the Holy Trinity. There, a local guide explained the history and paintings for € 2 per person.
While we were still in Bogojna, we stopped at the Camplin farm, where we bought some pumpkin oil (€ 25). They tried to sell us other delicacies they produce, but there is really no room in the car. Interestingly, they also have a nest of storks there. We actually caught one at her home.
Now we drove to Lendava to see the view from the Vinarium tower. This is a tower over 50 meters high, where you can climb 240 steps or take the elevator. From there, there is a view of 4 countries (Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. After buying tickets (7 €) we took the elevator because the stairs are not allowed during the epidemic. At the top the view is OK, but it was the experience I was most disappointed with on that day.
We forgot a little about the time and found that we will have to hurry if we want to eat in any inn. In the end, the decision was the Pri Lujzi inn in Dobrovnik. We arrive just in time and parked in reverse. There we ate local delicacies (beef and pumpkin soup, chicken and gypsy steak; dödöle – a kind of mashed potatoes, …) with desserts (gibanica, pumpkin ice cream) for 65 €. They also have a wine fountain there, € 9 for 6 different wines.
We also thought about visiting the mill on the Mura, but we were tired, full and there is no will for another visit. Let something be left for the next visit. We drove again to Rakičan Castle, where I left my car. Now a good two hours drive to home, where I arrived tired but satisfied.
