Bakovci

Bakovci lies just a few kilometres from Murska Sobota, the main town of Prekmurje, in the flat northeastern corner of Slovenia known as the Pannonian plain. It is a typical Prekmurje village that reflects the region’s agricultural heritage and relaxed pace of life. Its history is rooted in farming, with generations cultivating the fertile soils of the Mura plain. Today Bakovci keeps its rural character, with neat houses, gardens and fields stretching to the horizon, under a sky that feels much larger than in the alpine regions of the west.

The village’s main historic building is St. Anne’s Parish Church, a calm landmark at the centre of the community. Prekmurje has a long tradition of church-centred village life, and the church is a good starting point for a walk through the older streets. The region also has a distinct identity within Slovenia, with its own dialect, a Hungarian minority and architecture that shows Pannonian influence.

One of the main attractions near Bakovci is Terme 3000 in Moravske Toplice, a large thermal spa complex offering pools, saunas, wellness treatments and family facilities. Visitors can spend a day of relaxation or adventure, with water slides, wellness programs and outdoor activities for all ages. The nearby Otok ljubezni (Island of Love) on the Mura River is a romantic spot for boat rides, picnics and folk events, while the Sikalu ZOO is a simple outing for families with children.

Bakovci is also a good starting point for cycling and hiking, with marked trails through the flat landscape. The gentle terrain suits leisurely rides that connect the village to neighbouring towns, riverside parks and farms where visitors can sample homemade delicacies and regional wines. Fishing, birdwatching and riverside picnics are popular along the Mura and its tributaries, and the river’s meadows support storks and other wetland birds in the warmer months.

The village’s community spirit appears in local festivals, markets and events that celebrate Prekmurje’s traditions, music and cuisine. Guesthouses and farm stays offer authentic hospitality, with dishes such as bograč (meat stew), dödöli (potato dumplings) and the famous Prekmurska gibanica, a layered pastry of poppy seed, walnuts, apple and cottage cheese. Local wine producers and pumpkin seed oil mills offer tastings and tours.

Getting to Bakovci is straightforward by car, with good road connections from Murska Sobota (about 5 km), Moravske Toplice and other regional centres. Public buses serve the area, and the village is compact and easily explored by bike or on foot. Parking is available near major attractions and at local farms.

The best time to visit is May to September, when the weather is warm and ideal for cycling, spa visits and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures, blooming fields and fewer crowds, while summer brings lively festivals and a vibrant atmosphere.

With its mix of rural tranquillity, wellness and outdoor adventure, Bakovci offers a genuine taste of Slovenia’s Prekmurje region, and it makes a restful base for several days of spa visits and easy cycling.

A typical day might combine a morning ride along quiet field roads, a long lunch at a farm stay with bograč and gibanica, and an afternoon in the thermal pools at Moravske Toplice. Because the region is flat and distances are short, it works well for families with young children and for older visitors who prefer easy pace and plenty of rest.