Zgornja Polskava: History and Hiking Trails

The manor’s history and the hiking trails offer two distinct points of interest for a trip to Zgornja Polskava. For your planning, you can consider architectural history and hiking as separate focuses: the manor spans several historical periods, while the trails have their own destinations, dates, and walking-time information.

Manor History and Architecture

A manor belonging to the Polskava knights of the Maribor family already stood at the site of Zgornja Polskava in the 12th century. The original manor, built mainly of wood, was completely burned down by Ottoman troops in 1532. The manor was later renovated in the Baroque style, from 1744 to 1756, based on plans by the architect Jožef Hoffer. The contrast between the original wooden building and the later Baroque renovation makes the changes to the estate easy to follow.

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Zgornja Polskava offers a different architectural point of reference. Its bell tower stands in front of the west wall of the rectangular nave. The building also has two square chapels of equal height and a lower, semicircular apse. For an architectural overview, it is helpful to note the difference between the square chapels and the rounded apse. At the manor, the sequence of historical events takes center stage; at the church, it is the arrangement of the building’s parts. The nave is the church’s elongated main space.

Hiking on Different Trails

The Polskavska planinska pot consists of several connected trails through the Slovenjebistriško Pohorje. It leads to the destinations Trije Kralji and Areh; all the trails are rated easy. Traditional hikes are also part of this route: they take place every year in March from Zgornja Polskava toward Trije Kralji and in November from Zgornja Polskava toward Areh. If you plan to join one of these hikes, check the specific date in advance.

Another trail option is the Zajčkova educational trail. Its circular route runs above Zgornja Polskava as far as the village of Kočno. Along the way, there are several points of interest for children and adults, as well as beautiful views. The loop takes about two hours. It is suitable for children aged around three and older to walk independently; parents can also carry children in baby carriers or backpacks. The trail is not suitable for strollers.

The routes therefore differ in the planning information available: the Polskavska planinska pot focuses on connected trails, destinations, and recurring hikes. The Zajčkova educational trail gives an approximate walking time and specific guidance on walking with children. Which details matter most for your planning depends on whether you are focusing on hiking destinations and dates or on the duration and the stroller restriction.

Discover more destinations: Slovenska Bistrica, Oplotnica, Makole, Zgornja Ložnica, Kebelj, Leskovec.

Go to the main travel overview: Slovenska Bistrica.