Island Of Love On The Mura River (Ižakovci)

The Mura is the river of Pomurje, the north-eastern region of Slovenia, and it is one of the most natural large rivers left in Central Europe. It rises in the Austrian Alps, flows through Styria and forms part of the border between Slovenia and Austria, and then between Slovenia and Croatia, before it joins the Drava. In Slovenia, it runs through a wide, flat plain, and it has the character of a lowland river: it meanders, forms gravel banks, braids around islands and changes its course after floods, and along its banks are alluvial forests of willow, poplar and alder. Together with the Drava and the Danube, the Mura is part of a large transboundary biosphere reserve recognised by UNESCO, a measure of the importance of its wetlands for birds and other wildlife.

The Island of Love, at the village of Ižakovci, is a small island in the river reached by a bridge, and it is a quiet spot for a stroll or a rest beside the water. The name speaks of romance, and the setting, with trees overhanging the water, the sound of the current and the sense of being surrounded by the river, is a natural one for couples, though families and anyone who enjoys a peaceful place will also find it appealing. The island and its surroundings are generally open to the public without charge, and visits can be spontaneous, with no need to book or buy a ticket. Details of facilities and events vary, so it is wise to ask locally.

The area has a long tradition of life on the river. For centuries, floating mills, which were wooden boats anchored in the current and driven by a paddle wheel, ground grain along the Mura, and a few have been preserved or rebuilt as heritage attractions. Časar's Mill is one of the sights associated with this tradition in the area, and visiting a mill gives a sense of how people used the river. Fishermen, ferrymen and rafters also depended on the water, and the Mura has shaped the culture and economy of the region.

The island can be combined with other things to do in Pomurje. Cycling routes run along the riverbanks and across the plain, and the Steirer Bridge, a pedestrian bridge across the Mur, links Slovenia with Austria. The Banovci Thermal Spa, the Banovci Natural Bathing Sites and Hotel Bioterme Mala Nedelja offer thermal bathing, the Otter Centre AQUALUTRA in Križevci na Goričkem presents the life of otters, Fine Lušt Homestead offers local food, and Gornja Radgona has tastings of wines and sparkling wines. Razkrižje holds a Slovenia Green Destination label. Late spring and early autumn are good times for a visit.