Plizio Visual Lab
Drava River
The Drava River is a significant Central European waterway that originates in South Tyrol and flows through northern Slovenia for approximately 117 kilometers. Within Slovenia, it passes through key urban centers such as Dravograd, Maribor, and Ptuj, navigating through deep alpine valleys and broad alluvial plains. Historically, the river served as a vital trade artery for timber rafting, connecting the forested Alps with the markets of the Pannonian Basin. Today, the Drava is a powerhouse for renewable energy, featuring a cascade of hydroelectric plants that provide a substantial portion of Slovenia's electricity. Ecologically, the river corridor is a sanctuary for diverse fish populations and migratory birds, particularly within its protected oxbow lakes and riparian forests. The riverbanks also support a growing tourism industry, highlighted by the trans-border Drava Cycling Route which attracts thousands of visitors annually.
- Location: Slovenia
- Top sights: Cathedral of St. John the Baptist · Maribor Town Hall · artKIT
- Nearby: Miklavž na Dravskem polju (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 42 | 55 | 55 | 63 | 97 | 99 | 101 | 102 | 110 | 80 | 75 | 56 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Total length of the river is approximately 710 kilometers
- The Slovenian section spans about 117 kilometers
- Flows through Maribor, Slovenia's second largest city
- Home to the country's oldest hydroelectric plant in Fala
- Part of the UNESCO Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve
- Provides habitat for more than 150 species of birds
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Drava River (10)
Slomškov trg🌳 park
Square in Maribor, Slovenia. A central square with green areas.
Slovensko narodno gledališče Maribor
Theatre in Maribor, northeastern Slovenia. The Slovenian National Theatre.
UGM Studio
Gallery in Maribor, Slovenia. An exhibition space of the Maribor Art Gallery.
Cerkev sv. Alojzija
Church building in Maribor City Municipality, Slovenia. A place of worship.
Florijanovo znamenje
Monument-protected object in Maribor, Slovenia. A column or statue.
Radijski muzej Radio City🏛 museum
Museum in Maribor, Slovenia. Displays the history of radio.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Through which countries does the Drava flow?
Is there a cycle path?
Which Slovenian city does it pass?
Can you sail on the Drava?
How long is it in Slovenia?
Drava River: where is it located?
Drava River: what is there to see?
Drava River: when is the best time to visit?
Drava River: why is it worth visiting?























