Podvelka

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Podvelka comprises the village communities of Kapla, Ožbalt, Brezno, Podvelka, and Lehen. Here, surrounded by Kozjak and Pohorje, along the Drava River, the untarnished nature and the cultural heritage represent the Slovenian gem that we wish to present to tourists and, at the same time, preserve for future generations.

The settlement of Podvelka lies on the right or Pohorje-side of the Drava River, at the confluence of Drava and stream Velka. The memories of the past take us to the Blacksmith "Kovačija pri Kovaču” in Janževski Vrh and on a trip with a raft in the tourist village Javnik.

www.podvelka.si

Cultural heritage

Monument to lost soldiers

In Urbančič's Hunting Lodge on Vrelenko - which is the property of the Union of the Podvelka soldiers - the first Partisan unit on Pohorje was established in 1941. Close to it a Partisan Hospital was in operation in 1944.

Turkish cemetery

Turkish cemetery lies on a small clearing along the Corinthian mountain route, 10 minutes from Kapla village, where, according to the oral tradition, a large number of Turkish soldiers who were killed in a battle with the locals during one of the conquests are buried.

Javnik Tourist Village

Javnik Tourist Village stretches directly along the river Drava (Crest Javnik). The name tourist village was formed on the basis of a project that was set up in the Podvelka municipality in 1997. If you really want to get to know the charm of the Drava Valley, you must treat yourself to a nostalgic ride with a raft. Join the real rafters and crowds of enthusiastic guests.

Rafting port

It is possible to take the raft from Javnik to Ožbalt. The transport with the raft which can safely transport over 100 people is a pleasant, fun, and unforgettable experience. During the ride the tourists learn of the history of rafting, rafting customs and there is also no shortage of genuine rafting dishes and beverages.

Rafting museum

The rafts were used for transporting wood to Maribor and further to Croatia, all the way to distant Belgrade. The last rafts sailed on Drava at the end of the Second World War, as their sailing was later disabled by the construction of the hydroelectric power plants. The golden period of rafting will be remembered in the rafting museum with a rich collection of photographs and rafting accessories.

Church in Ožbalt

The Church in Ožbalt is the central local sacral and cultural monument. It was built and consecrated in 1813, replacing the previous small chapel. In addition to the altar from the beginning of the last century, the church interior is adorned with sculptures dedicated to the saints` intercessors for the health of cattle: St. Ožbalt, St. Leonard, and St. Anton the Hermit.

Church of St. John

The end of the path, towards Janževski Vrh, hosts the church of St. John. It is an example of late Gothic architecture with equipment from the 17th century, and an early Baroque construction with a wooden, flat, and coffered ceiling. The special feature of the church is the extraordinary strong positive energy that heals.

Pri Kovaču Forge

In Janževski Vrh, just next to the road towards Ribnica na Pohorju, there is a 200 years old forge called Pri Kovaču. The forge is at the same time a museum where you can use forging tools to make a souvenir by yourself, and it also offers accommodation for travellers. The yard consists of an idyllic space for socializing, which often hosts artists of art colonies. For groups of visitors, thematic guided programs are prepared.

Tarjenko's Chapel

A little farther away from the main road, in the direction towards Ribnica na Pohorju, the Pogačnik villa, built in English style, can be found. On the lower part of the estate there stands the Tarjenko’s chapel.

Natural heritage

The oldest linden

Quite close, only about 15km from Srešenov vrh in Zgornja Kapla, in the yard of the Špon farm, one can see a mighty, 300-year-old linden of extraordinary powerful growth. The Corinthian mountain trail leads along it.

Spruce at Hartman

On the edge of forests of Pohorje grows the widest spruce in Slovenia, and a few kilometres higher even the highest spruce in Europe!

Tavžič peč

The very old Tavžič peč is a large rock that could be used for free climbing.

Sightseeing path

The path is rich and attractive for recreation. It begins in the village centre, where there is a panoramic board with the marked path and sightseeing points, dedicated to the memory of the attainment of independence, standing on small greenery next to the linden. The path is accompanied by signs and markings, so you cannot miss your way. It offers wonderful views of Pohorje, Peca, Raduha, Uršlja and Obir, of the Austrian, Lipniška and Graška Valleys, and of the near and far farms standing between the forests. Along the path, a bunch of local attractions can be found. The path is circular, which means that you return to the other side of the village after approximately two and a half hours of moderate walking.

Odomovo Lake

In the silence, caught in the rooftops, between Kapla and the state border at the beginning of Potočnik's Ditch, we can find Odomovo Lake. Due to the owner's idea, it slowly changed its size and content. Next to it a hunting lodge with a shooting range was built, fish were settled in the water, benches were placed, etc. In 2000, with the municipal help, the shore and the dam were cleaned and tidied.