| The Mura Valley is famous for its excellent black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
foraging ground, and beekeepers from various parts of
Slovenia transport their bees to this region. Some large bee farms have
been established here and there are several active Carniolan queen-mating
stations in this area. The first Slovenian bee farm open
to tourists was established years ago in Serdica near Rogaševci; its
owner is Herman Kisilak, an experienced beekeeper and a great nature
lover. Peter Dajnko, a priest and beekeeper from Radgona, who
wrote the first Slovenian book on bees in the first half of the 19th century, also came from this region. |
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We have named the honey route running through the Mura Valley
after Dajnko. This is a region full of extensive fields, winegrowing hills,
thermal springs and mineral waters, floating mills,
traditional handicrafts, and thatched cottages with storks flying overhead.
The best bograč stew is made here, and the heavenly aroma
of traditional layered pastries and sweet braided breads baked in wood-fired ovens fills the air.
Apitherapy has become an internationally recognized branch of
alternative medicine. Even though it originated in what is now Slovenia,
Slovenian beekeepers did not establish their first apitherapy section
until 2007, when several physicians and enthusiastic beekeepers met at the seat of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association.
They named the committee after their role model, Dr.
Filip Terč, and there are plans to place a commemorative
marker at his grave. Their goal is to use the results of their work
to convince established
medicine of the beneficial effects of bee products
on health. They also plan to organize an annual professional conference
– first one in the fall, and thereafter on 30 March, the birthday of Filip Terč.
Two members of the committee bear living testimony to the healing
powers of bee products, having used them regularly during their own illnesses. |
BEEKEEPING POINTS OF INTEREST
Bee Castle in Serdica near Rogaševci: beekeeping presentation for all generations;
* The Kapun Bee Farm in Mirna near Murska Sobota with
a painted bee house, a neatly arranged bed of medicinal
plants, and queen rearing;
* The Sinic Bee Farm in Petanjci;
* The Kozic Bee Farm in Ivanjševci, where visitors can view traditional beekeeping methods;
* Celec Lebkuchen Production in Ratkovci, known for its
production of honey-based pastries and lebkuchen hearts. |
HIGHLY RECCOMENDED
Veržej: the only floating mill on
the Mura River, where grain is still ground today;
Bogojina: the parish church is a masterpiece by the internationally
renowned Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik;
Filovci: visit a potter and observing the art of making pots, plates,
and other ceramic objects;
Castle: one of the largest Slovenian
castles, which is said to
have 365 rooms. Today it houses an interesting museum, and its
garden is known for its positive energy points;
Lendava: the picturesque Lendava Hills above the town are home
to the protected old vineyard cottages and the Chapel of the Holy
Trinity, where an ancient mummy is kept. |
