Things To Do
in Murska Sobota

Nestled along the Mura River in northeastern Slovenia, Murska Sobota blends small-town charm with regional culture. It serves as the administrative and cultural heart of the Pomurska region, offering a relaxed pace and friendly locals. The town is known for its markets, heritage architecture, and easy access to nearby vineyards and nature reserves.

Visitors can enjoy hearty Prekmurje dishes, picturesque streets, and pleasant riverfront walks.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Murska Sobota
morning
:

Arrive at Murska Sobota, a charming town in northeastern Slovenia, where you can soak in the picturesque landscapes of the Prekmurje region. Take a leisurely stroll to your accommodation and settle in, enjoying the serene atmosphere. Don't forget to try a traditional breakfast at a local café, where you can taste freshly baked bread and local ham.

afternoon
:

Explore the Murska Sobota Castle, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the area. Afterward, visit the nearby Cathedral of St. Nicholas, known for its exquisite architecture and serene ambiance. Treat yourself to lunch at a local restaurant that specializes in Prekmurje cuisine.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing evening walk through the town’s lovely parks and gardens. Stop by one of the cozy taverns to enjoy a glass of local wine or a refreshing beer. Cap off your day with a delicious dinner, featuring local ingredients and a warm atmosphere.

day 2
Nature Exploration
morning
:

Start your day with an invigorating hike at the nearby Goričko Landscape Park, where scenic trails await amid lush forests and hills. Be on the lookout for diverse flora and fauna, as this area is rich in biodiversity. After your hike, enjoy a packed breakfast amidst nature, soaking in the fresh air.

afternoon
:

Visit the charming village of Moravske Toplice, renowned for its thermal baths and wellness centers. Treat yourself to a relaxing experience at the spas, where you can unwind and rejuvenate in thermal waters. Enjoy a light lunch at one of the spa’s restaurants, enjoying healthy options that will fuel your afternoon.

evening
:

Return to Murska Sobota and enjoy a laid-back evening at a local pub or café. Engage with the friendly locals and learn about their traditions and culture. Dinner tonight will be at a traditional Slovenian restaurant where you can taste local specialties while enjoying live music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🧀Milk or dairy products (local)$2-4
Coffee and pastry$3-5
🚆Public transport fare (single ride)$1-3
🏨Budget hotel room per night$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming small-city atmosphere
  • Excellent access to nature and wine regions
  • Friendly locals and good value for money
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options
  • Less English widely spoken in rural areas
  • Can be quiet outside peak tourist season
  • "Dober dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Koliko stane?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Kje je železniška postaja?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Prosil bi sem meni, prosim" - May I have the menu, please

Places to Visit in Murska Sobota

Visit one of these nice places.

Murska Sobota Town Square (Glavni Trg)

A photogenic central square with historic buildings, the town hall, and lively market scenes worth capturing at different times of day.

Mura River Riverside

Gentle river views, tree-lined banks, and reflective surfaces—ideal for golden hour photography.

Rakičan Castle Park and Surroundings

Elegant grounds and ornamental architecture nearby offer classic landscape and architectural shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Murska Sobota

The Pomurska region features hearty, rustic cuisine with influences from neighboring Hungary and Austria. Expect comforting dumplings, pastry specialties, dairy treats, corn-based dishes, and locally produced wines and fruit liqueurs.

Murska Sobota Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Prekmurska gibanica

A famous four-layer cake with poppy seeds, apples, walnuts, and cottage cheese; a must-try pastry found in regional bakeries.

Must-Try!

Ajdovi žganci

Buckwheat dumplings served with cracklings or mushroom sauce; a staple on many traditional menus.

Prekmurje pork and sauerkraut

Hearty pork dish often paired with potatoes and sauerkraut, reflecting local farmstead cooking.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mestna tržnica Murska Sobota

Central market offering fresh produce, dairy, baked goods, and regional specialties; great for sampling local ingredients.

Seasonal street stalls

Occasional street food setups and pastry stalls around the town center, especially on market days and during festivals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Murska Sobota has a temperate continental climate with warm to hot summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn bring mild to moderate weather with variable conditions, while summer can include thunderstorms. Overall, the year-round climate supports outdoor activities for much of the year, with proper layering in cooler months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite handshake is common; addressing people with formal titles (gospod/Gospa) is appreciated, especially with strangers.

Noise and Pace

Maintain a calm, courteous tone in public spaces; tipping and social norms align with broader Slovenian customs.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good in Murska Sobota. Take standard travel precautions: safeguard valuables in crowded markets, use reputable transport options, and have emergency numbers handy (112). The town is well-lit and walkable, but nighttime awareness is still wise, especially on less crowded streets.

Tipping in Murska Sobota

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Rounding up or leaving about 5-10% at dining establishments is common if service is satisfactory; big bills may include service charge, so check the receipt.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in towns and markets; cash is handy for smaller shops and street stalls.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming gardens; great for city strolls, markets, and outdoor cafes.

Summer

Warm to hot days; expect sunshine and occasional storms. River walks and outdoor activities are popular.

Autumn

Harvest season with colorful foliage and seasonal foods; excellent for wine region excursions and photography.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; cozy indoor dining and winter markets create a charming atmosphere.

Nightlife Guide

Murska Sobota at Night

The nightlife in Murska Sobota is localized and relaxed, featuring bars, pubs, and cafes rather than large clubs. Seasonal events, concerts, and festivals contribute to a lively atmosphere, especially in the town center during weekends and market evenings. Expect friendly crowds, live music in smaller venues, and opportunities to sample regional wines and craft beers.

Hiking in Murska Sobota

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Goričko Nature Park Trails

Forest and meadow trails with birdlife, farmland views, and accessible hikes for all levels.

Rimske Fosilie Trails

Local short hikes along the Mura valley with gentle elevation and scenic overlooks.

Airports

How to reach Murska Sobota by plane.

Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport (MBX)

Closest regional airport about 60-70 minutes' drive; connections to several European cities.

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)

Major international gateway about 2.5-3 hours' drive; frequent flights to European destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

Murska Sobota is compact and walkable, with a dense town center where most sights, markets, and eateries are within easy reach on foot or by bike.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Slovenian majority

Predominant population with minority influences from neighboring communities.

Hungarian minority

Historic presence in the Prekmurje region; some bilingual signage and cultural influences in nearby areas.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Widely played and followed; local matches and club events happen in town stadiums.

Handball

Popular in regional clubs and schools; local games draw community crowds.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate. A good bus network serves local travel; cars are common, and the town is easy to navigate on foot or bike. Major highways provide convenient access from larger cities.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Murska Sobota.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for mushroom and cheese dishes, fresh vegetables, and dairy-based meals; many places can accommodate requests with advance notice.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible via Splošna bolnišnica Murska Sobota (General Hospital) with emergency services; pharmacies are widespread in town. International travelers should have health insurance and carry relevant cards if applicable.

Discover Slovenia

Read more in our Slovenia 2025 Travel Guide.

Slovenia Travel Guide