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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Golden rows of vines in autumn, sunrise over misty valleys and classic Styrian rural scenes — excellent for landscape and wine-country shots.
Lookouts on nearby hills offer sweeping views of the Drava River, river islands and distant Maribor — great at dawn or sunset.
The parish church and traditional farmhouses provide charming architectural details and cultural context for portrait and village-life photography.
Forested slopes, peat bogs and panoramic ridgelines near Maribor — photogenic in snow or summer greenery.
Food in Zgornja Kungota
Zgornja Kungota Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rolled dumplings often filled with cottage cheese, walnut, or savory fillings; commonly found in traditional inns and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
Slow-roasted meats served with potatoes or sauerkraut; typical of countryside gostilnas.
A traditional Slovenian rolled pastry filled with walnut, honey or tarragon — popular in bakeries and for festive occasions.
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
A lively market where local producers sell seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, honey and baked goods — great for picnic supplies.
Smaller weekly markets and roadside stands selling homemade preserves, wine and fresh produce — ideal to sample local specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Dober dan' (Good day) or 'Pozdravljeni' when entering shops and small establishments; a smile and brief handshake are common.
Respect private vineyards and fields — stick to marked trails and ask permission before entering private property or taking photos of people's homes.
Wear modest clothing in churches and religious sites and be quiet and respectful during services.
For appointments, tours and tastings, punctuality is appreciated; small social events can be a bit more relaxed.
Safety
Tipping in Zgornja Kungota
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
Mild temperatures, blossoming vineyards and fewer tourists; some walking trails can be muddy after rains — great for birdwatching and early wine tastings.
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.
Harvest season with spectacular foliage and active winery events — excellent time for photography, food-and-wine experiences and local festivals.
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.
Zgornja Kungota at Night
Hiking in Zgornja Kungota
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
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.
Rolling vineyard trails through the Haloze hills with viewpoints, cellar stops and moderate ascents — ideal for combining hiking with wine tastings.
Flatter riverside paths good for easy walks, cycling and birdwatching along the Drava floodplain between Maribor and surrounding villages.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are ethnic Slovenes, many engaged in agriculture, viticulture and local services.
A segment of residents commute to Maribor for work or education; younger families and older farming households form the local community mix.
Proximity to Austria brings occasional cross-border visitors and influences, especially in commerce and tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular team sport across Slovenia with active local clubs; community matches are common in nearby towns.
Pohorje near Maribor is a regional center for alpine skiing, cross-country and winter activities.
Road and mountain cycling are popular due to varied terrain — organized rides and wine-route cycling are common in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zgornja Kungota.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 choices are growing but not ubiquitous in rural areas; bring snacks when exploring and seek cafes or restaurants in Maribor for more options.
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.