Things To Do
in Zgornja Kungota

Zgornja Kungota is a small, picturesque village in northeastern Slovenia located in the wine-growing hills northwest of Maribor, close to the Austrian border. The area is characterized by rolling vineyards, scattered farmsteads and a quiet rural atmosphere with panoramic views over the Drava River valley. It is an excellent base for relaxed wine tourism, scenic drives and short hikes through Styria’s green landscapes.

While tranquil and largely agricultural, it is within easy reach of Maribor’s services and cultural attractions.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Zgornja Kungota
morning
:

Arrive in Zgornja Kungota and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely walk around the quaint village to soak in the stunning natural beauty, lush vineyards, and rolling hills that surround you. Enjoy a traditional Slovenian breakfast at a local café.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearby Jeruzalem wine region to indulge in some wine tasting at local wineries. Experience the rich flavors of Slovenian wines paired with artisanal cheese and cured meats. Stroll through the vineyards, learning about the wine-making process from passionate local vintners.

evening
:

Dine at a charming local restaurant, where you can savor authentic regional dishes. After dinner, take a peaceful evening walk under the stars, enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the countryside. Reflect on the day’s experiences as you unwind in the serene environment.

day 2
Exploring Local Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Zgornja Kungota parish church, a beautiful example of local architecture with breathtaking views from its vicinity. Engage with locals and learn about the village’s traditions and history. Try a homemade breakfast at a nearby bakery, specializing in local pastries.

afternoon
:

Join a guided cultural tour around the village, visiting landmarks and historical sites, and learning about the local customs. Participate in a hands-on workshop where you can experience traditional crafts, such as pottery or weaving. Enjoy lunch at a family-run guesthouse, sampling seasonal dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients.

evening
:

Attend a cultural event or festival if available, showcasing traditional music and dance. Enjoy a hearty meal at a local farm, where you can taste a true farm-to-table experience. Cap off the night with stories shared around a cozy outdoor fire.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee (café)$2-3
🥂Glass of local wine$3-6
🚆Local bus/train ticket (short trip)$1.50-4
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$60-110

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful, quiet wine-country scenery and excellent local wines
  • Close to Maribor for cultural attractions and transport links
  • Good base for hiking, cycling and rural exploration
  • Authentic rural Slovenian hospitality and small family-run cellars
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment within the village
  • Public transport can be infrequent outside of peak times
  • Fewer dining options in the immediate village compared to a city
  • Some attractions and services may close in low season
  • "Dober dan" - Good day / Hello
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Prosim" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Koliko stane?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Kje je ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Govorite angleško?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Račun, prosim" - The bill, please

Places to Visit in Zgornja Kungota

Visit one of these nice places.

Vineyard Terraces around Zgornja Kungota

Golden rows of vines in autumn, sunrise over misty valleys and classic Styrian rural scenes — excellent for landscape and wine-country shots.

Drava River Valley Views

Lookouts on nearby hills offer sweeping views of the Drava River, river islands and distant Maribor — great at dawn or sunset.

Village Church and Rural Architecture

The parish church and traditional farmhouses provide charming architectural details and cultural context for portrait and village-life photography.

Pohorje Hills

Forested slopes, peat bogs and panoramic ridgelines near Maribor — photogenic in snow or summer greenery.

Culinary Guide

Food in Zgornja Kungota

The cuisine around Zgornja Kungota reflects Styrian and broader northeastern Slovenian traditions: honest, seasonal and influenced by viticulture. Expect locally produced wines, home-cured meats, hearty stews, and desserts made with nuts, honey and farmhouse dairy. Fresh produce and small-batch preserves are common at local markets and family farms. Wine is a central part of food culture — tastings at vinoteke and small cellars are a highlight.

Zgornja Kungota Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Štruklji

Rolled dumplings often filled with cottage cheese, walnut, or savory fillings; commonly found in traditional inns and family restaurants.

Must-Try!

Pečenka and rostbif (roast pork/beef)

Slow-roasted meats served with potatoes or sauerkraut; typical of countryside gostilnas.

Potica

A traditional Slovenian rolled pastry filled with walnut, honey or tarragon — popular in bakeries and for festive occasions.

Local Styrian pumpkin seed oil specialties

Used as a finishing oil on salads, cold soups and desserts; look for it at markets and farm shops.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Maribor Central Market

A lively market where local producers sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, honey and baked goods — great for picnic supplies.

Pesnica / Nearby village markets

Smaller weekly markets and roadside stands selling homemade preserves, wine and fresh produce — ideal to sample local specialties.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region has a continental climate: warm summers (averaging mid-20s °C), cool springs and autumns with crisp mornings, and cold winters where temperatures can drop below freezing and snow is common in higher terrain. Rain is reasonably well-distributed through the year, with late spring and autumn sometimes wetter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Basic greetings

Greet with a polite 'Dober dan' (Good day) or 'Pozdravljeni' when entering shops and small establishments; a smile and brief handshake are common.

Respect for nature and property

Respect private vineyards and fields — stick to marked trails and ask permission before entering private property or taking photos of people's homes.

Modest dress in churches

Wear modest clothing in churches and religious sites and be quiet and respectful during services.

Punctuality

For appointments, tours and tastings, punctuality is appreciated; small social events can be a bit more relaxed.

Safety Guide

Safety

Zgornja Kungota and the surrounding area are generally very safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions apply: secure valuables, be cautious on rural roads after dark and watch for cyclists and narrow lanes. In nature, be mindful of ticks in warmer months, take appropriate footwear for trails and check weather before heading into higher terrain. Emergency services are reachable via EU emergency number 112.

Tipping in Zgornja Kungota

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants a 5–10% tip for good service is standard; you can round up small bills in cafes and taxis. Many places include a service charge on larger bills — check before tipping extra.

Payment Methods

Slovenia uses the euro; credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in towns and tourist businesses, but small inns, markets and rural vendors may prefer cash. ATMs are available in Maribor.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blossoming vineyards and fewer tourists; some walking trails can be muddy after rains — great for birdwatching and early wine tastings.

Summer

Warm and sunny with long daylight hours; ideal for hiking, cycling and open-air wine events. Expect busier weekends and higher temperatures in the valley.

Autumn

Harvest season with spectacular foliage and active winery events — excellent time for photography, food-and-wine experiences and local festivals.

Winter

Cold with possible snow, especially on nearby Pohorje; village life is quiet but skiing and winter walks are possible in nearby higher terrain. Some country inns may have reduced hours.

Nightlife Guide

Zgornja Kungota at Night

Zgornja Kungota itself is very quiet after dark, with most evenings spent at local inns or vineyard cellars enjoying wine and conversation. For bars, clubs, concerts and a wider after-dark scene, head to Maribor (15–25 minutes away) where you’ll find riverside bars, live-music venues and seasonal festivals.

Hiking in Zgornja Kungota

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Pohorje Ridge Trails

Extensive marked trails in the Pohorje hills offering forest walks, ridgeline views and access to ski areas in winter — suitable for day hikes and nature spotting.

Haloze Wine Trail

Rolling vineyard trails through the Haloze hills with viewpoints, cellar stops and moderate ascents — ideal for combining hiking with wine tastings.

Drava River Path

Flatter riverside paths good for easy walks, cycling and birdwatching along the Drava floodplain between Maribor and surrounding villages.

Local Vineyard and Ridge Loop

Short local loop trails from Zgornja Kungota that visit nearby vineyards, hamlets and ridge viewpoints — perfect for half-day walks and photography.

Airports

How to reach Zgornja Kungota by plane.

Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport (MBX)

Small regional airport close to Maribor; limited scheduled flights but convenient for private flights and occasional seasonal routes — about 30–40 minutes by car depending on exact location.

Graz Airport (GRZ), Austria

Regional international airport in Austria, roughly 60–90 minutes by car; often convenient for low-cost or regional connections and close enough for cross-border arrivals.

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)

Slovenia’s main international airport near Ljubljana, approximately 1.5–2 hours by car; offers the widest choice of international flights and car rental options.

Getting Around

Walkability

The village itself is compact and pleasant to walk on quiet country lanes and among the vineyards; however, many points of interest (vineyards, viewpoints, wineries) are spread out and easier to reach by bike or car. Pavements may be limited on narrow rural roads, so use caution and wear visible clothing if walking at dusk.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Slovenes

The majority of residents are ethnic Slovenes, many engaged in agriculture, viticulture and local services.

Commuters and families

A segment of residents commute to Maribor for work or education; younger families and older farming households form the local community mix.

Cross-border visitors

Proximity to Austria brings occasional cross-border visitors and influences, especially in commerce and tourism.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular team sport across Slovenia with active local clubs; community matches are common in nearby towns.

Skiing and winter sports

Pohorje near Maribor is a regional center for alpine skiing, cross-country and winter activities.

Cycling

Road and mountain cycling are popular due to varied terrain — organized rides and wine-route cycling are common in the region.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in and around Zgornja Kungota is generally light on local roads but main roads toward Maribor can be busier during rush hours. Rural roads are often narrow and winding; drive cautiously, especially in rain or snow. Public transport consists mainly of regional buses connecting to Maribor and nearby towns — schedules may be limited on weekends. Trains run from Maribor on major routes but not directly through the village.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Zgornja Kungota.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but more limited in small village inns — ask for salads, cheese-based štruklji, vegetable stews and local cheeses; larger towns have better vegetarian/vegan choices.

Vegan

Vegan choices are growing but not ubiquitous in rural areas; bring snacks when exploring and seek cafes or restaurants in Maribor for more options.

Gluten-free

Awareness of gluten-free diets is increasing; tell staff your needs and opt for naturally gluten-free dishes (meat, fish, salads). Bakers and traditional dishes often contain wheat, so ask first.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic primary care and dental services are available in nearby small towns; for hospital-level care and specialized services, the University Medical Centre Maribor (UKC Maribor) is the main regional hospital and is reachable by car or public transport. Pharmacies are in larger nearby settlements; bring any prescription medications with you and carry your health insurance documentation.

Discover Slovenia

Read more in our Slovenia 2025 Travel Guide.

Slovenia Travel Guide