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Drava Bike Named a Finalist for the ECTN Awards 2026

The Drava Cycling Route – Drava Bike has been selected as a finalist for the ECTN Awards 2026, European awards in the field of cultural and sustainable tourism.

This achievement is even more significant as only 19 finalists were selected from 72 applications from 23 countries, including 19 EU Member States. Drava Bike is also one of three Slovenian entries to reach the finals.

The Drava Cycling Route – Drava Bike is an international cycling route along the Drava River, connecting Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. The Slovenian section runs through Koroška and Štajerska, offering visitors an active way to explore natural and cultural heritage, local stories, towns, castles, wine-growing areas and experiences along the Drava River.

The application “Drava Bike: A Sustainable Cycling Journey Through the Cultural Heritage of the Drava River” was selected as a finalist in the category Active, Slow and Accessible Cultural Tourism. It presents the Drava Cycling Route as an example of successful integration of sustainable mobility, cultural and natural heritage, and local communities along the Drava River.

Today, Drava Bike connects 20 municipalities along the Drava River and includes a network of more than 60 tourism providers, 20 rest areas, over 500 directional and information signs, and 16 interpretation units that bring the rich heritage of the Drava River closer to visitors in a modern way. More than EUR 25 million has been invested in the development of the corridor through 24 projects, and the route is used by approximately 90,000 cyclists annually.

Reaching the finals confirms that Drava Bike is not merely a cycling route, but a comprehensive sustainable tourism experience that connects places, people, stories and heritage along the Drava River.

Being selected among the European finalists represents an important international recognition for all partners, municipalities, tourism organisations, providers and individuals who have been co-creating the story of the Drava Cycling Route – Drava Bike for many years, proving that cooperation, sustainability and a shared vision can create a project of European significance.

The application for the ECTN Awards 2026 was prepared by the Regional Development Agency for Podravje - Maribor, which, together with its partners, is responsible for the development, networking and promotion of Drava Bike and its visibility in the international arena.

The winners will be announced on 24 September 2026 at the annual conference of the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) on the Greek island of Skiathos.

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