Those who choose Loka as a destination will encounter a Drava landscape, a distinctive archaeological site and regional folklore. The village lies along the regional road between Maribor and Ptuj. Its special features can be explored at several scales: from the meadows, pastures and fields in the surrounding area to Drava Landscape Park, as well as through the history of the burial mound and the work of the cultural association. Nature, cultural history and tradition thus stand side by side as different facets of Loka.

Meadows, river landscape and protected area

The name Loka derives from meadows and pastures dotted with small groves locally called “loka”. The place name thus brings together open spaces and small groves. Fields stretch behind the houses towards the Drava Canal. Drava Landscape Park lies in the direction of the old course of the Drava near Loka. The fields and river landscape create different landscape settings around the village.

Drava Landscape Park stretches along the Drava between Maribor and Ptuj; flooding shaped its formation over centuries. Former river channels, terraces, numerous gravel banks, riparian forests and marshy meadows are among its landscape features. The area is part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Rare and endangered birds nest around the river channels, eroded banks and gravel banks, including common sandpipers, little ringed plovers and kingfishers. Species and populations may vary seasonally. The park is therefore also a water-shaped natural area with a range of habitats.

Drava Cycling Route and fishing

The Loka–Rošnja section of the Drava Cycling Route runs directly alongside the Drava. The Municipality of Starše renovated it; the works were completed in June 2024. If you plan to take the route, check the route information before setting off. Fishing is also possible in the old channel of the Drava near Loka. A permit is required; check the current permit arrangements locally before fishing. Cycling and fishing therefore involve different planning considerations: route information for the ride and a permit for fishing.

Archaeology and folklore

A freestanding burial mound stands in Loka beside the road to Ptuj. It includes a burial chamber and a chapel; the vaulted burial chamber was discovered in 1891. The site is listed as archaeological heritage in Slovenia’s Register of Cultural Heritage under the name Loka pri Staršah – Gomila. The burial mound brings together a specific architectural and funerary monument with a dated archaeological discovery.

The KUD Franc Ilec Loka–Rošnja cultural association includes a folk singing group. The association’s folklore group presents stage performances featuring elements of dance and other traditions from eastern Slovenia. Singing and staged folklore are two distinct aspects of the association’s cultural work, drawing on the traditions of eastern Slovenia. The cultural perspective thus complements the archaeological history of the burial mound with another form of regional heritage.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Dobrovce, Maribor, Miklavž na Dravskem Polju, Bresternica, Pernica, Hočko Pohorje, Limbuš, Malečnik.

For the main travel overview: Maribor.