This calm northeastern Slovenian town has preserved its medieval center, with a cobblestone square lined by colorful buildings, local restaurants, and historic churches.
Murska Sobota, the regional capital of Prekmurje in northeastern Slovenia, sits near the Mura River. You can walk through the 18th-century Renaissance castle, cycle along the Mura River paths, or join locals at cafes in the main square. The town's architecture reflects its location between Slovenia, Hungary, and Austria, while restaurants serve distinctive local dishes like Prekmurska gibanica - a multi-layered cake that has become the symbol of regional cooking.
Castle and Museum
The Renaissance-style Murska Sobota Castle stands in the town center, within an English landscape park filled with 200-year-old oak and maple trees. The Regional Museum inside tells the story of Prekmurje through archaeological finds, traditional costumes, and everyday objects. Look for the 1760s frescoes in the festival hall, particularly the allegory of Peace by Johannes Pockel.
Local Food Scene
Try Prekmurska gibanica, a cake with eight layers including poppy seeds, walnuts, cottage cheese, and apple filling. Gostilna Rajh and Gostilna Kuzman serve traditional dishes like bujta repa (sour turnip stew) and dödöli (potato dumplings). Local farms produce ingredients like air-dried Prekmurje ham, pumpkin seed oil, and seasonal vegetables.
Cultural Events
Each August, dancers and choreographers gather for the Front@ Contemporary Dance Festival. From December through March, you can see works by European sculptors at the Murska Sobota Gallery's Triennial of Small Sculpture. MIKK Youth Information Cultural Club hosts concerts, exhibitions, and workshops throughout the year.
Jewish History
A 2010 memorial at the railway station marks the deportation of the local Jewish community during World War II. While the 1908 synagogue and Jewish cemetery no longer exist, you can find a memorial plaque at the former Jewish quarter location.
Day Trips
Several destinations lie within an hour's drive. The thermal pools at Moravske Toplice are 10 kilometers away, with water temperatures reaching 38°C. You can visit the Austrian city of Graz (72 kilometers north) or Croatia's Varaždin (40 kilometers south), known for its baroque buildings and music festivals.
Getting Around
Rent a bike through the Soboški Bikilin system to explore the town and countryside. Two park-and-ride facilities make it easy to switch between car and bicycle or e-scooter. Seniors can use free public transportation, and regular buses connect the center with suburban areas. Cycling paths follow the Mura River and connect to neighboring villages.
