Lenart lies in northeastern Slovenia and is a centre of the Slovenske gorice, a region shaped by vineyards and orchards. Three main themes can help you plan your trip: historic buildings, nature watching and regional cuisine. The sights and activities offer different highlights, from architectural history to birdwatching and local products.

Architecture and History

The Hrastovec estate dates back to before 1294. The medieval complex was fortified during the Renaissance and later converted into a residence with Baroque elements; the castle contains a Baroque chapel with painted walls. Several building phases are therefore part of the castle’s history. The Črni križ (Black Cross) commemorates Agata from Štralek, the wife of Friderik Herberstein of Hrastovec Castle. The story of Agata and Friderik, the castle, the witch trials in the Slovenske gorice and the literary work “Črni križ pri Hrastovcu” form the basis of the themed tourism offer “Pobeg v zgodovino čarovništva” (Escape into the History of Witchcraft).

St. Lenart Church is first mentioned in 1196. With its high-quality architecture and stone-carved details, it is considered an outstanding example of Gothic architecture in the Slovenske gorice. Trški špital also has a long history of use: it operated from 1626 to 1910. Its Baroque window grilles and a stone portal bearing the Herberstein family coat of arms have been preserved.

In the centre of Lenart stands the Old Primary School, a Neoclassical building dating from 1895. The writer Ožbalt Ilaunig lived and worked in a restored house next to the school. In Voličina, the present-day Church of St. Rupert dates from 1538. Together, these places illustrate different facets of the region’s architectural heritage, from Neoclassical architecture to older churches and castles.

Guided tours in Lenart include the Kranvogl Ethnological Collection, “S čebelo od cveta do medu,” “Nekoč in danes pri Šikerjevih” and “General Maister in njegov Zavrh.” If you are interested in a tour, check current visiting options in advance.

Nature and Views

Waterbirds and their habitats are the focus at Lake Komarnik: the lake is one of Slovenia’s most important breeding areas for waterbirds and an important habitat for rare and endangered plant and animal species. Otters are also found in the streams and ponds around Lake Komarnik. A walking trail with information boards and two observation towers runs around the lake and offers opportunities for birdwatching. Check the visitor facilities before your trip.

The Hrastovec ponds cover 4.2 hectares. Protected as a natural monument since 1992, they provide a habitat for endangered plant and animal species. Hrastovec Landscape Park is also located in the area of the settlements of Hrastovec and Zgornja Voličina. It is known for characteristic plant species and lithothamnion limestone in the Strma gora area, and features both surface and underground karst formations.

In Zavrh stands the 17-metre-high metal Maister observation tower. In clear weather, the view from here reaches Pohorje, Kozjak, Boč, Donačka gora, Croatia and the Hungarian Plain. Check current access arrangements before your visit. The permanent exhibition “Maister po Maistru,” about Rudolf Maister, was set up in the Štupič Villa in Zavrh in 2018; it is also advisable to check visitor access in advance.

Regional Cuisine and Getting Around

The Slovenjegoriška gibanca, also called Plehošnca, is considered Lenart’s symbolic local specialty. It is made with regional ingredients and contains no added yeast. The Center lokalne ponudbe on Trg osvoboditve in Lenart sells products from local farmers and craftspeople. It also serves as a centre for promoting tourism, a sustainable economy and a healthy lifestyle. Check the opening hours before visiting.

The annual Prvomajski pohod (May Day Hike) runs from Lenart to Zavrh and is accompanied by a culinary and cultural programme. Since event dates matter for your travel period, check the latest dates as you plan. For navigating the road network: the A5 motorway forms the east-west connection across the municipality of Lenart and links it to the regional road network via two junctions. The route runs through Maribor, Lenart, Senarska, Vučja vas, Murska Sobota, Lendava and Pince.

For your trip planning, it helps to decide on your main focus first: historic buildings and tours, nature watching and landscapes, or regional products.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cerkvenjak, Lenart V Slov. Goricah, Gočova, Zgornja Senarska, Grosuplje, Kamnik, Ajdovščina, Maribor.

For the broader travel overview: Slovenia.