A castle with a museum, a synagogue used as an exhibition and event space, and the glazed observation point of the Vinarium give Lendava a range of cultural and scenic highlights. When planning your trip, you can decide how much to focus on history, views, local offerings and trails based on what interests you most.
Castle, Collections and Historic Buildings
Lendava Castle was first mentioned in a deed of donation in 1192. The Galerija-Muzej Lendava is based in the castle. The gallery preserves the artistic heritage of artists from Lendava, as well as a collection of artworks from traditional international artists’ colonies. The Museum of Bourgeois Culture, Printing and Umbrella Making focuses on different subjects: it presents the development of Lendava’s bourgeoisie, 19th-century pharmacy fittings from Lendava, old printing presses, and documents and newspapers printed in Dolnja Lendava. Together, the art collection and the town’s history of printing and umbrella making represent different themes within the cultural offering.
Construction of the Lendava Synagogue began in 1866. Along with the Maribor Synagogue, it is one of only two surviving synagogues in Slovenia. Today it serves as an exhibition and event space. The Church of St. Catherine also offers a distinctive historical connection: the present-day building was constructed between 1749 and 1751. Beneath its presbytery is a crypt where members of the Esterházy family are buried.
If you are interested in the performing and visual arts, the Gledališka in koncertna dvorana Lendava is another cultural venue in the town. Its programme includes theatre, music, visual arts and film.
Views, Local Offerings and Fair Traditions
The glazed observation point of Vinarium Lendava offers views of the landscapes of Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia and Austria. You can reach the top by climbing more than 240 prefabricated stairs or by taking an elevator. You can therefore decide in advance how you would like to get to the top. Next to Vinarium, huts offer local culinary and wine experiences.
The Terme Lendava complex includes a floating mill on the Mura River, a press, a wooden granary, a fossil oak and a dugout canoe. The thermal water at Terme Lendava is used for recreation and relaxation. These attractions differ from the art collections and historic buildings and can add to the range of things you choose to focus on.
Every year on 25 November, the Katarinin sejem revives Lendava’s historic fair tradition. The 2023 edition featured handicrafts and local culinary products such as cheese, honey and meat products, lángos and cakes. The date gives you a specific seasonal reference for planning; the products mentioned relate to that edition.
Compare Trails by Length and Difficulty
The Pot Vode in Nafte route starts at Terme Lendava and offers two options: an easy 3.2 km route and a 6.2 km route. The moderately difficult Esterházyjeva pot also starts at Terme Lendava and is 7.7 km long. At 9.1 km, the Dolinska pot is the longest of the three options and offers an easy hiking or cycling experience.
The routes can therefore be compared by both distance and stated difficulty. Pot Vode in Nafte offers two easy distance options; Esterházyjeva pot is rated as moderate, while Dolinska pot can be used for hiking or cycling. This lets you choose a route based on the type of outing you want, without combining them into a single circular route.
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