Clay soils that retain surface water for long periods shape the valley of the Pavlovski potok in Ivanjkovci. The area is also home to Petovarjevo, a historic agricultural building complex, the Church of All Saints in Svetinje and wine-related experiences. This offers several options for a stay: scenery, cultural heritage, outdoor activities or regional cuisine.
The Valley, Village Centre and Countryside
The way water behaves is part of the valley’s landscape: the clay soils do not simply drain surface water away from the meadows; from time to time, the meadows turn into marshes and lakes. Pavlovski vrh rises above the valley. The compact village centre of Ivanjkovci lies in the valley near the railway station. The village’s location is also shaped by its convenient transport connection between Mursko polje and Ptujsko polje.
Petovarjevo and the Church in Svetinje
Petovarjevo is a large agricultural building complex in the village centre. Its main residence was built in 1865. The complex preserves part of a former large estate that once played an important role both locally and regionally. Much of its historic architectural fabric has also been preserved. At Petovarjevo, the history of a specific building is thus connected with the former importance of the estate.
At the Church of All Saints in Svetinje, its exceptional setting in the landscape is particularly striking. Its construction history can also be clearly dated: the present-day church replaced a chapel that had stood there since 1603 in 1730. For visitors interested in cultural history, this offers a different perspective from Petovarjevo: here, the focus is on the development of a religious building, while there it is on an agricultural estate.
Walking and Cycling Routes
The “Ivanjkovci–Jeruzalem” walking route starts in Ivanjkovci. A description dated September 2022 leads from an intersection near the post office, across a meadow and over a small bridge into a wooded area. It describes the trail as easy and marked, with an estimated walking time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes and 117 metres of elevation gain. Since the description dates from September 2022, check local conditions before setting out.
For a cycling trip, the official “Jeruzalem” route is another option: it is 26 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and has 270 metres of elevation gain. Along the way, it offers views of Svetinje and the pilgrimage church of Jeruzalem across terraced vineyards. The walking route description gives an approximate walking time, while the cycling route information focuses on distance, difficulty and elevation gain. This makes it easy to compare the routes based on your preferred activity and the details provided for each.
Wine Tastings and Regional Cuisine
At Herga, the tasting includes seven samples and a visit to the wine cellar. It features fresh and aged wines, as well as samples from barrels. Another tasting option combines wine with a walk that introduces visitors to the vineyard sites. Herga offers tastings in the Jeruzalem Slovenija wine region.
Kmetija Ratek also pairs wine with regional products. Prlekija specialities are served, including bread from a wood-fired oven, meat and lard preserved in tünka, and gibanica. Expert-guided tastings of high-quality wines are also available. During a walk around the estate, visitors can see Scottish Highland cattle and a preserved traditional wooden wine press. For an overview of what the region has to offer, the TIC and the Jeruzalem wine shop provide tourist information and insights into the region’s natural, cultural and culinary heritage.
Choose Accommodation Based on Your Travel Interests
When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: local history, a walk, cycling or tastings. The different experiences provide concrete ideas to help you decide, without prescribing a set itinerary. Choose your accommodation based on the experiences you want to put at the heart of your trip.
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