Partnership for the Drava Cycling Route

Together for the Development of the Drava River Area

The Partnership for the Drava Cycling Route was established in June 2016 with the aim of connecting municipalities, development institutions and other key stakeholders along the Drava River in the joint development of one of Slovenia's most important cycling routes.

The Partnership was established in response to the need for the coordinated development of the Drava Cycling Route, which extends beyond the administrative boundaries of individual municipalities and requires close cooperation in infrastructure planning, tourism development, joint market positioning and the long-term management of the area.

Today, the Partnership represents an important development platform that brings together municipalities, regional development agencies, the Slovenian Infrastructure Agency, tourism organisations and other partners. Through joint action, it contributes to the sustainable development of the Drava River area while creating the conditions for a high quality of life for local residents and attractive experiences for visitors.

Mission of the Partnership

The mission of the Partnership is the coordinated development of the Drava River area, with a particular focus on the development of the Drava Cycling Route, sustainable mobility, tourism and cooperation between local communities.

Through the collaboration of municipalities, development institutions, tourism organisations, service providers and other stakeholders, the Partnership creates the conditions for the long-term, coordinated and sustainable development of the area.

In pursuing its mission, the Partnership focuses on the following objectives:

• the coordinated development and continuous improvement of the Drava Cycling Route as one of Slovenia's most important long-distance cycling routes;
• planning, developing and upgrading cycling infrastructure, including the coordination of project documentation, spatial planning, property ownership arrangements, financing, route signage and maintenance;
• the development, management, marketing and promotion of the Drava Bike tourism product;
• connecting municipalities, development institutions, tourism organisations, service providers and other stakeholders along the Drava River;
• joint planning, development and promotion of the Drava River area;
• promoting sustainable mobility, active lifestyles and healthy living;
• supporting the development of navigation on the Drava River and other sustainable forms of recreation and tourism;
• participating in activities related to the establishment and development of the Drava Regional Park and other initiatives aimed at the protection and sustainable management of the Drava River area;
• preparing and implementing joint development projects and identifying suitable funding opportunities;
• improving the quality of life of local residents and creating new development opportunities;
• strengthening intermunicipal, interregional and cross-border cooperation.

Organisation of the Partnership

The Partnership is based on the cooperation of all its members, with individual development tasks carried out by the relevant institutions according to their responsibilities and areas of expertise.

The overall coordination of the Partnership is provided by RRA Koroška.

In the field of cycling infrastructure development and maintenance, activities are carried out by the municipalities along the Drava River in cooperation with the Slovenian Infrastructure Agency, while professional coordination is ensured by RRA Koroška. It also coordinates the majority of activities related to the development of the Drava Waterway.

The development of the Drava Bike tourism product is coordinated by RRA Podravje – Maribor, which is responsible for product development and management, cooperation with tourism providers, the preparation of development activities, marketing and promotion, as well as the management of the Drava Bike website and communication channels. RRA Podravje – Maribor also coordinates activities related to the Drava Regional Park and participates in activities concerning the Drava Waterway.

This division of responsibilities enables the coordinated development of cycling infrastructure, the Drava Bike tourism product, the Drava Waterway and the Drava Regional Park, contributing to the comprehensive and sustainable development of the Drava River area.

Members of the Partnership

The Partnership consists of municipalities along the Drava River, regional development agencies, the Slovenian Infrastructure Agency, as well as other development and tourism partners.

Leadership of the Partnership

Upon the establishment of the Partnership in 2016, its leadership was assumed by Leo Kremžar, then Mayor of the Municipality of Miklavž na Dravskem polju. He played an important role in bringing together municipalities, development institutions and other stakeholders and in establishing long-term cooperation along the Drava Cycling Route. He successfully led the Partnership for almost a decade and made a significant contribution to its development.

In 2025, the Assembly of the Partnership for the Drava Cycling Route elected Dr Alan Bukovnik, Mayor of the Municipality of Radlje ob Dravi, as its President. Under his leadership, the Partnership continues to pursue its strategic development objectives while strengthening cooperation among partners in the fields of infrastructure development, sustainable mobility, tourism, navigation on the Drava River and other joint development initiatives.

Drava Bike – The Partnership's Joint Tourism Product

One of the most significant results of the Partnership's long-standing cooperation is the development of the Drava Bike tourism product, which today connects Koroška, Štajerska and northern Croatia into a single cross-border cycling destination.

Drava Bike enables visitors to explore the natural and cultural heritage, local gastronomy, outdoor experiences and authentic hospitality of the Drava River area. The product is continuously enhanced through the involvement of local tourism providers, the improvement of services, the development of new experiences and joint promotional activities on both domestic and international markets.

The Partnership for the Drava Cycling Route therefore represents the foundation for the long-term development of the Drava River area and serves as an example of successful intermunicipal, interregional and cross-border cooperation.

Contact: info@dravabike.si