Maribor - a city surrounded by beauty – part III

Don’t worry, this shouldn’t be the case here, for running out of toilet paper in Sladki vrh would be one of the highest ironies possible. The main industry of the village is the Paloma factory which has been producing toilet paper and paper handkerchiefs for well over a century now. But the place has another and much more attractive sight to see.
 
The fare on the river Mura is a special border crossing point, where you can cross from Slovenia into Austria over the river. Ever since crossing the border is more of a symbolic gesture (both countries are the part of the Schengen region with no more customs), both banks have snack-shacks which are flourishing.  But I have to warn you that the one on our side of the border isn’t open all year around. It opens in spring and closes in late autumn. But while it operates you can get excellent fish plates here.
 
And the river itself is very interesting for fishers – fishing itself being one o the most relaxing sports.

But let’s slowly move on – westwards toward Šentilj. After passing the village of Selnica ob Muri you can turn left toward the beekeeping museum, to find out how this sweet fruit of flowers is made. Already the grandfather of the owner started keeping bees and now the grandchildren are also being thought the secrets of the trade.
But if you’re more interested in horses then bees, you should turn right at Ceršak... and don’t be surprised to see a ski jump there as well.
 
Off course you can not overlook the many beautiful views, none the last the one of Šentilj v Slovenskih goricah. One of the first things you’ll see there is the casino Mond, standing along the highway, where you can enjoy the culinary, vinery and gambling pleasures – as well as spoil yourself with excellent music, for they’re hosting many domestic and foreign singers of higher standards performing jazz, gospel, soul, and variations of local folk music.
 
But for all who prefer the mainstream commercial beats I recommend a visit to Yucatan, the biggest discotheque this side of the country.

Naturally, as everywhere in Slovenia, here’s also a lot of natural beauty, so I suggest a short hike toward Brloga with a chapel standing above a cave in which a local eccentric lived, not so many years ago the memory of him would disappear from the minds of older villagers.
 
After walking you’ll feel a bit puckish and there’s many places to chose from. You may go to the casino, as mentioned before they have a great choice so cuisine... or you can go to the guesthouse Belna with excellent local specialities... or you might go down to the old border crossing restaurant Meja... Everywhere you go, you won’t be disappointed. And all of them are near the church of St. Egidio, which cross is the symbol of this municipality.

From Šentilj you can head back to Maribor, which can be reached via highway in a matter of minutes, but I suggest the old road, where – if you’re not in a hurry – I’ll guide you next week.

Borut Jurišič