The Prlekija region and the Ormož Castle Reuse Centre – 1 day tour

Slovenia has many fascinating places, some of them are rarely talked about, let alone visited. One such area is the Prlekija, although it has much to offer. Nature, cuisine, excuisite wines and  other attractions will grab everyone’s attention.

In the morning we depart from Ljubljana and make the first stop at Središče ob Dravi oil mill with over a hundred-year-old tradition of pumpkin seed oil producion. Distinctive smell and characteristic flavour of pumpkin seed oil, which may be further processed into spreads or used in bakery for succulent desserts made according to original or modern recipes, will impress even those who were not eager for the aroma of the pumpkin seed oil before.   

Quite different is the following stop, the Ormož basins nature reserve, an outstanding wildlife sanctuary.  A wetland consisting of shallow pools, sorrounded by flooded forests is ideal nesting site or a resting point for migratory birds. The location is essential for conservation of a number of waterbirds, including rare and endangered bird species.  Well known to ornithologists and bird watchers is the western marsh harrier.

Next, we visit the Ormož Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. Today, the castle is a cultural centre. In the castle cafeteria there is a reuse centre, also a place of preserving the hand skills which have been dying out. We will be given the opportunity to sew, crochet, knit, and try out our skills in social games of the past. Another peculiarity is home-made coffee, brewed manually in sand baths by ourselves.

After a stroll through the Ormož castle park we pay a visit to an apartment arranged in a 1970s style. It feels like walking four decades back into our recent history. Also, lunch is made accordingly, the menu and the manner in which it is served follow that style, there is no plastics or packaging. A reflection of an economic and political era goneby. Unforgettable!

In the afternoon we return to Ljubljana.

Slovenia has many fascinating places, some of them are rarely talked about, let alone visited. One such area is the Prlekija, although it has much to offer. Nature, cuisine, excuisite wines and  other attractions will grab everyone’s attention.

In the morning we depart from Ljubljana and make the first stop at Središče ob Dravi oil mill with over a hundred-year-old tradition of pumpkin seed oil producion. Distinctive smell and characteristic flavour of pumpkin seed oil, which may be further processed into spreads or used in bakery for succulent desserts made according to original or modern recipes, will impress even those who were not eager for the aroma of the pumpkin seed oil before.   

Quite different is the following stop, the Ormož basins nature reserve, an outstanding wildlife sanctuary.  A wetland consisting of shallow pools, sorrounded by flooded forests is ideal nesting site or a resting point for migratory birds. The location is essential for conservation of a number of waterbirds, including rare and endangered bird species.  Well known to ornithologists and bird watchers is the western marsh harrier.

Next, we visit the Ormož Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. Today, the castle is a cultural centre. In the castle cafeteria there is a reuse centre, also a place of preserving the hand skills which have been dying out. We will be given the opportunity to sew, crochet, knit, and try out our skills in social games of the past. Another peculiarity is home-made coffee, brewed manually in sand baths by ourselves.

After a stroll through the Ormož castle park we pay a visit to an apartment arranged in a 1970s style. It feels like walking four decades back into our recent history. Also, lunch is made accordingly, the menu and the manner in which it is served follow that style, there is no plastics or packaging. A reflection of an economic and political era goneby. Unforgettable!

In the afternoon we return to Ljubljana.