Ormož offers a variety of ways to spend your stay: the Ormož Basins are a wetland within the Drava River ecosystem, next to Lake Ormož; there are also prehistoric structures, church art and a castle with a tower. The surrounding wine-growing area is also part of the region’s character. You can focus your time on nature and wildlife or on cultural history—or give each theme a different emphasis during your trip.

Wetlands and wildlife

The Ormož Basins cover 55 hectares and are a wetland and nature reserve within the Drava River ecosystem, directly beside Lake Ormož. Their protected status, river ecosystem and lakeside setting give this nature destination a distinct character. Water buffalo roam freely in the Basins and graze along the riverbanks. Alongside the wetland itself, these animals bring the area’s wildlife into focus.

Archaeology and church art

The Ormož archaeological site is a cultural monument of local significance. Visible prehistoric ramparts and ditches illustrate the town’s defensive history; the area has been almost continuously inhabited for the past 3,000 years. Two historical aspects stand out: the structures that can still be seen and the long history of settlement. Anyone interested in archaeology will find a distinct way to explore Ormož’s history here, alongside the region’s later buildings and works of art.

The oldest frescoes in St James’s Church in Ormož date from around 1400. The north nave also contains Renaissance paintings depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, created after 1632. These two dates bring different periods of church art into focus: frescoes from around 1400 and biblical scenes created considerably later. The church’s art can thus be explored through specific motifs and their dates of creation.

Castle and pilgrimage route

Ormož Castle is a 13th-century fortress; its renovated rooms give visitors an insight into the castle’s history. You can explore on your own or choose a 60-minute guided tour, including a tour with a film. You can also climb the 45.68-metre-high castle tower. From there, you can see Ormož, the Drava River and Prlekija. The castle offers several ways to visit: a self-guided tour, a guided tour of a set duration and views from the tower. The 60-minute duration gives you a specific point of reference when planning your day.

The medieval St Jacob’s Route begins in Ormož. You can follow this pilgrimage route on foot or by bicycle. From there, two options lead either to Ptuj or to Ljutomer, so your choice of route depends above all on your destination. Before your trip, check the route conditions before making firm plans.

Wine growing, a chapel and the market

The Temnar vineyard manor house dates from the mid-18th century and stands at the highest point of the surrounding hills. At an elevation of 235 metres, it overlooks the surrounding wine-growing area. This adds a strong connection to the landscape to the buildings in town.

Vuzmetinci – Kapela Matere Božje is a closed chapel dating from the late 18th century. Inside is a 19th-century Pietà sculpture, considered a high-quality example of folk woodcarving. Grajska Pristava Ormož also has a layered building history: the building combines several farm buildings from different periods, starting in the 18th century. The exhibitions on display there are titled “Od igrače do žare”, “Srednjeveška plastika z ormoškega območja” and “Lonec lončarja hvali”.

Ormož Market is a meeting place for authentic local flavours on Fridays. If you would like to include a visit to the market in your travel plans, check the market details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Ormož, Ivanjkovci, Postojna, Šentjur Pri Celju, Domžale, Slovenska Bistrica, Žalec, Vrhnika

For the main travel overview: Slovenia.