Drau Cycle Path in Ruše

The Drau Cycle Path follows the Drava river from the Italian Alps through Austria and Slovenia and on into Croatia, and it is among the most popular long-distance cycling routes in Central Europe. The Slovenian section passes through the northern part of the country, from Dravograd along the river to Maribor, Ptuj and Ormož, and Ruše is one of the stops along it. The town lies on the Drava just west of Maribor, between the river and the forested foothills of Pohorje, and the route here keeps close to the water on level ground.

The riding is gentle and suitable for almost everyone. The path runs on flood-protection embankments, quiet farm roads and short stretches of dedicated cycle track, and it passes through meadows, riverside woods and small settlements. The Drava in Slovenia is a working river with a chain of hydroelectric dams, and the reservoirs behind them are quiet, wide stretches that attract birds, including herons, grebes and winter ducks. In the hills above the river, Pohorje rises to the south, giving a backdrop of dark forest. The path is marked clearly with signs, and there are rest areas and picnic spots at intervals, so you can ride at your own pace.

Ruše has its own character as a small industrial and riverside town. It has a long history, with traces of settlement from Roman times, and its churches, including the parish church dedicated to Mary, stand on the slopes above the main road. The cycle path makes it easy to leave the bikes and explore the town centre on foot, and local inns in the area serve Styrian dishes such as roast pork, dumplings and pumpkin-seed oil salads, often with wine from the hills of Maribor. Pohorje is close for those who want to combine cycling with a walk or a day in the forest.

The path can be ridden at any time of year when the weather is dry, and spring and autumn are especially pleasant, with cool air and fewer people. In summer, mornings are best, before the afternoon heat. Many cyclists ride a section of a few hours and take the train or bus back, while others ride the full length over several days, staying in small guesthouses along the way. Electric bikes are common on the route, and rental shops in Maribor and nearby towns provide them. There are no fees to use the path.