Ljutomer lies in the heart of Prlekija (NE Slovenia), a fertile palm of land on the right bank of the Mura River, generously spreading into vast fields of cereals rising into large waves of hills along which vineyards are captured in a special order. Fond of horse breeding, recognizable by its thermal springs, storks, traditional windmills, exceptional cuisine and witty hospitable people, it is a real treasure for discovering new experiences.
The town has a rich history, as it was right here more than fifty years ago that the first Slovenian camp was organized, at which the idea of a United Slovenia came to life. It was here where the first horse races in Slovenia took place, and where the first racing society in Slovenia and second in Europe was established. It was in Ljutomer where Karel Grossman made the first film recording on Slovenian soil. And it was here where the first self-service store opened in Slovenia.
From Ljutomer, the vineyards make their way to Jerusalem, the pearl of our hills, which with its holy name, energetic strongholds, a wine road where premium white wines flourish, beautiful viewpoints, overlooking Austria, Hungary and Croatia, and the pilgrimage church of Sorrowful Mother of God at the top, rightly bearing the name of a Heavenly Place. There are a number of theories explaining its mystical name, the most likely one being that the crusaders of medieval times felt the power of the place, thus endowing it with a biblical name.
Jerusalem is the most recognizable symbol of the wider wine region of Prlekija and is a place of inspiration for all visitors seeking relaxation while tasting delicious local wines and cuisine.
If you visit Ljutomer during the summer months, you can experience the Grossmann International Film Festival of Fantastic Films and Wines in July, which is dedicated to genre films. It also offers a daily wine program with competitive wine tastings, concerts, outdoor cinemas, performances etc. On the first Saturday of August, you can experience the all-Slovenian Prlek Fair, where the offer of homemade and art crafts, Prlekian wine and cuisine is at the forefront.
Day 1
10.00 – arrival to the town of Ljutomer; a tour with a local guide (historical sites, the Trotter Horse museum, tradition of horse breeding)
11.15 – visit of the Žuman Pottery where the fifth generation of Žuman family digs the clay itself. A chance to prepare your own Prlekija gibanica cake in a clay pot. A tour through the collection of pottery and watching a potter man at work, and your own pottery class.
13.10 – a homemade Prlekija lunch at the Frank-Ozmec Tourist Farm located near the Ljutomer ponds just below Jerusalem.
14.40 – visit to the village of Pristava and a farm museum, where you will learn of its centuries-old history through storytelling, walk through the former farm premises full of work tools and machines, kitchen pots and pans, old fashioned clothes and shoes, and sit on carved chairs and test the comfort of a rustic bed with feathers
16.30 – departure to Bioterme Mala Nedelja thermal spa (two water sources: 2,273m and 1,537m deep; source water temperature 42 °C/51 °C is appropriate for recreational and sports activities, has health benefits). You can spend the night in an eco-friendly hotel or in the glamping Sun Valley (villa or tent)
Day 2
10.00 – visit to the oldest beehive in Slovenia (“Naiser” system) on display at the Tigeli Apiculture Museum in Krapje. You will get to know the fascinating world of bees and their noble mission, make your own candle from beewax and enjoy a variety of honey, gingerbread and honey liqueur.
12.00 – visit to the Jerusalem wine hills. At the top of Jerusalem, you will rest overlooking the beautiful vineyards, the famous Church of the Sorrowful Mother of God, knock on the wish bell and learn many stories from this heavenly place; the tasting of noble Prlekija wines at the Jerusalem Wine Cellar.
13.00 – homemade lunch with your provider in Jerusalem
Contact of the Provider:
TIC Jeruzalem
Jeruzalem 8
2259 Ivanjkovci
T: +386 31 812 620
E: ticjeruzalem@gmail.com
SCOUT REPORT
SCOUTS: Nina and Adam
October 2020 EXPERIENCE LJUTOMER Our first stop was the center of Ljutomer for a guided tour of the city from Andrej, a local teacher. He showed us around the center and introduced us to the history of the region. The town has a very ornate church at the center with a...