Zgornja Kungota is a picturesque rural paradise hidden in the rolling hills of Slovenian Styria (Štajerska), situated just minutes from the Austrian border and the historic city of Maribor. Internationally renowned for the iconic heart-shaped road amidst the vineyards of Špičnik, this idyllic village offers an unmatched blend of natural beauty, world-class gastronomy, and tranquil luxury. It is the ultimate retreat for discerning travelers searching for exclusive boutique hotels, luxury wine estates, and historic countryside stays.

Curated Recommendations from Our Local Travel Designers

• The Heart-Shaped Vineyard Road (Špičnik) – Our destination specialists recommend visiting the Špičnik viewpoint in the late afternoon: sip a glass of crisp regional white wine while watching the sunset over the famous heart road.
• Historic Watermills of the Pesnica River – Take a peaceful walk along the Pesnica River banks to discover beautifully preserved wooden watermills that reflect the area's rich agricultural heritage.
• Svečina Castle (Svečinski Grad) – A scenic stroll leads to this historic hilltop manor, perfect to combine with an exclusive wine-tasting tour in nearby family-run cellars.
• E-Bike Vineyard Tours – Rent an e-bike to cross the undulating hills between Zgornja Kungota and Svečina, stopping at boutique wineries to sample organic Sauvignon Blanc.

Regional Culinary Delights & Terroir

• Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil (Bučno Olje) – The prized "black gold" of Northeastern Slovenia, known for its rich nutty flavor, drizzled over fresh salads, soups, or artisan ice cream.
• Premium Štajerska White Wines – Elegant Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Rhine Riesling characterized by vibrant acidity, minerality, and floral aromas.
• Traditional Kvasenica and Gibanica – Authentic oven-baked pastries filled with fresh cottage cheese, sour cream, and walnuts, perfect for an afternoon tea break.
• Artisanal Cured Meats & Farmhouse Cheeses – Locally produced cold cuts, including smoked mountain ham paired with aged raw milk cheeses.

Outdoor Activities & Scenic Trails

• Cross-Border Cycling Routes – Well-marked cycling paths connecting Zgornja Kungota to Austria's South Styrian Wine Road (Südsteirische Weinstraße).
• Panoramas of Svečina Hiking Trail – Gentle hiking routes offering sweeping panoramic views over pristine vineyards and forest groves.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Kungota
• Official Maribor & Surroundings Tourism Board
• Official Slovenian Tourism Portal

Top 3 Accommodations Recommended by Our Experts

• Hiša Denk Boutique Hotel – A sophisticated design hotel combining modern architectural elegance, high-end comfort, and an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Vina & Posestvo Valdhuber – A stylish boutique wine estate offering contemporary suites surrounded by vineyards and breathtaking valley views.
• Turistična Kmetija Lešnik – A charming countryside retreat offering authentic hospitality, tranquil surroundings, and organic farm-to-table breakfasts.

Top 3 Recommended Fine Dining Restaurants

• Hiša Denk – A acclaimed 1-Michelin-starred restaurant where Chef Gregor Vračko crafts creative, avant-garde dishes using the finest local ingredients.
• Vina & Kmetija Vino Gaube – An authentic winery restaurant offering refined traditional Styrian cuisine paired with award-winning estate wines.
• Gostišče Vračko – A historic family-run restaurant renowned for warm hospitality and hearty regional meat and game specialties.