Murska Sobota: Art, Park and History

Murska Sobota can be explored through several distinct themes: contemporary art, architectural history, a historic city park and activities at Soboško jezero. There are also museums, traditional autumn markets and the culture of Pomurje. Depending on your interests, you can focus your stay on exhibitions, architecture, landscapes or water activities.

Art, Museums and Architectural History

A distinctive building stands at Slovenska ulica 41: built in 1907 to designs by architect Ladislav Takač, it is considered the finest Art Nouveau building in Pomurje. The Murska Sobota Gallery organizes exhibitions of contemporary Slovenian artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. It offers guided tours and talks alongside the exhibitions; if a particular program interests you, check the current schedule. The permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and artistic photographs.

At the Pokrajinski muzej Murska Sobota, a permanent exhibition is devoted to the lives of people along the Mura—from the earliest settlements to the present day. The museum also includes Kološe’s Cabinet of Artistic Photography, which houses the estate of photographer Jože Kološe-Kološa. Together, these offer different ways of exploring the region: fine art, photography and the history of life along the Mura.

St. Nicholas Cathedral was first mentioned in a written record in 1297. Its late Romanesque core dates from the late 13th century, and its bell tower is 60 meters high. Murska Sobota Castle and its park form an important center of the city’s cultural and social life. The castle’s present appearance dates from the first half of the 18th century. At that time, arcades were added around the courtyard wings, the façades were redesigned and both portals were created.

Rakičan Manor was first mentioned in 1431 as a fortified estate and was later converted into a rural manor in the Baroque style. It is surrounded by a well-preserved English landscape park. A nature trail through the park ends at a chapel and crypt built in 1880.

Parkland and Activities on the Water

The historic Mestni park covers 9.5 hectares. Its character is shaped by old trees, a small artificial lake and lawns typical of English landscape parks. Trubarjev drevored runs through the park from the Protestant church to the castle. The park is also home to 19 stone litopunctures by sculptor Marko Pogačnik.

At Soboško jezero, visitors can rent a boat or kayak, try stand-up paddleboarding or surf on the water. Check the current availability of these activities before you travel. EXPANO presents Pomurje’s tourism, nature, traditional crafts and cultural heritage in an interactive, technology-enhanced exhibition. It also features a GigaPan panorama of Pomurje’s sights.

Autumn Markets and Practical Information

In autumn, the traditional trade and craft fairs TREJZINO SENJE take place in October and MIKLOŠEVO SENJE in November. Exact dates vary from year to year, so if a market is the reason for your trip, check the dates for the year in question. Sočna Vilica is a street-food festival featuring dishes, local wines, beer and other drinks.

A park-and-ride system is available in Murska Sobota. You can leave your car in the municipal car park by Rakičan General Hospital or in the car park by the EXPANO experience park. For onward travel, you can use a regional bus, bicycle or e-scooter, or continue on foot. As transport arrangements can change, check the latest information before setting off. Soboški biciklin is a bike-sharing system that has expanded from Murska Sobota into the surrounding countryside; if you plan to use it, check its current coverage in advance.

Discover more destinations: Moravske-Toplice, Rogašovci, Murska Sobota, Puconci, Gornji Petrovci, Martjanci, Grad, Beltinci, Hodoš, Melinci, Šalovci, Križevci.

For the main travel overview: Slovenia.