DRAVA NATURA 2000 Educational Trail Šturmovec

Human impact on nature: Do we harm or protect it?

A new 4-kilometer-long educational trail in the Šturmovec Landscape Park

The Šturmovec Landscape Park has unveiled a new educational trail that takes you through the natural beauty and history of the area. Stretching over four kilometers, the trail can be completed in just two hours. And that’s not all – it’s also suitable for cycling, making it a perfect adventure for the whole family!

Your journey begins at the entry point, located near the Markovci dam along the local Markovci–Videm road. Along the way, you’ll explore the extensive mown floodplain forests and the characteristic riverine and riparian habitats that are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are listed as rare and endangered. The trail features six interpretive stops, each offering insights into one of Slovenia’s most widespread grassland types – a crucial ecosystem with extraordinary biodiversity. The trail concludes at newly created ponds, a project by the Slovenian Water Agency designed to ensure the long-term conservation and improvement of populations of the Great Crested Newt and Yellow-bellied Toad in the Šturmovec Landscape Park.

Take the time to marvel at the plant wonders unique to the park, such as wild orchids like the Pyramidal Orchid, Helmet Orchid, Early Marsh Orchid, and Hairy Violet. The path leads you through a variety of habitats, including flood meadows, forested wetlands, cultural landscapes, overgrown woodlands, and gravel bars.

And let’s not forget the wildlife that makes this park special. A specially designed concealed observation platform offers a chance to rest while observing birds, butterflies, small mammals, and other animals in the mown forests, meadows, and fields of the park.

You’ll also gain insight into the real challenges the park faces, such as endangered species, pollution of backwaters and lagoons, annual flooding from the Drava and Dravinja rivers, and even the problem of illegal waste dumping by irresponsible individuals.

A walk along this stunning trail will teach you the importance of nature conservation and show how each of us can contribute to protecting the environment. This is more than just a stroll in nature – it’s an opportunity to experience peace, silence, and respect for the living world. The Drava Natura 2000 Šturmovec Educational Trail is a place where you can find inner peace and reconnect with nature.

Join us on this trail to make a difference for the future of nature, the environment, and ourselves. Leave the park with a sense of calm, tolerance, and a commitment to preserving our precious Šturmovec Landscape Park together.