Murska Sobota: Culture, Castle Park and Cycling Routes

Murska Sobota offers a variety of options for your trip, from the castle park and the collections of the Pomurje Museum to cycling routes and activities at Soboško jezero. You can focus on the things that interest you without having to commit to just one type of stay.

City Park and Cultural History

The 9.5-hectare City Park is a castle park surrounding the former Szapary Castle. The park is also home to 19 stone lithopunctures by artist Marko Pogačnik. The Pomurje Museum is housed in a Renaissance castle in the city park. If you are planning a museum visit, it is best to check the current visitor information in advance.

The museum’s permanent exhibition explores various themes from the region. It features archaeological finds related to prehistoric communities, Pomurje during the Roman Empire and Slavic settlement. Other exhibition themes include the Mur River and its mills, mineral waters and various agricultural methods. A visit to the museum therefore covers both the region’s long history of settlement and its landscape and work.

The religious buildings also offer specific historical points of reference. St. Nicholas Church is first mentioned in historical sources in 1297. The central Protestant complex, including the church, was built between 1907 and 1910 in the Neo-Gothic style, based on plans by Ernő Gerey.

The Murska Sobota Theatre Park hosts numerous theatre, music, dance, film and other events for a range of audiences throughout the year. As programme details can change, it is worth checking the current schedule before planning a visit.

Cycling and Green Routes

The cycling routes vary in terms of their starting points and suitability. The Pot užitka starts in Murska Sobota and is suitable for a family or group cycling trip. The cycling tour from Murska Sobota to Goričko is different: it is moderately difficult, follows paved roads and compacted gravel roads, and is unsuitable for families with small children. This information can help you choose a route that suits your group.

Another option is the 20-kilometre international European Amazon Cycling Route. It follows the Mur River past Murska Sobota and Lendava. The route descriptions therefore vary: the Pot užitka is described as suitable for families or groups; for the tour to Goričko, its difficulty, surface and unsuitability for families with small children are important; and the European Amazon Cycling Route is characterised by its length and its route along the Mur River.

You can also explore Fazanerija Recreation Park on foot. It has walking and hiking trails that are also suitable for Nordic walking, as well as a fitness trail with 18 stations. As the facilities may be renovated, it is advisable to check the current status of the trail before your visit.

EXPANO, the Lake and Outdoor Activities

EXPANO is located on Soboško jezero, on the outskirts of Murska Sobota. In a unique exhibition featuring innovative technology, the pavilion showcases Pomurje’s tourism, nature, crafts and cultural heritage. There is also an outdoor fitness park right next to the pavilion. This brings together an exhibition about the region and opportunities for outdoor exercise; check current visitor information and the availability of the facilities before your visit.

For more outdoor activities, PANEXFUN offers Archery Tag, disc golf, footgolf and paintball. You should confirm current availability before your trip. In summer, the Štrk Windsurfing Club offers windsurfing courses for beginners and advanced participants. As the courses are scheduled seasonally, check the dates if you are planning this activity.

The local culinary scene includes the Sočna vilica street food festival on Slovenska ulica. It offers dishes, wines from local winemakers, beer and sweet treats. As event dates and vendors can change, it is a good idea to check the details before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Puconci, Šalovci, Gornji Petrovci, Hodoš, Moravske-Toplice, Beltinci, Martjanci, Melinci.

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