Destination Guide · Prlekija, Slovenia

Jeruzalem, Slovenia: What to See, How to Get There, and How Long to Stay

Jeruzalem is a wine-growing village in northeastern Slovenia, in the Ljutomer-Ormož Hills. It is known for its white wines, especially Šipon, for its views across the rolling ridges of vineyards, and for the pilgrimage church atop the ridge. Below you’ll find all the practical information: how to get there, what to see, how long to stay, and where to stay overnight.

Jeruzalem, Slovenia: A Brief Overview

Jeruzalem is a wine-growing village in the municipality of Ljutomer, in the Prlekija region of northeastern Slovenia. It lies on the ridge of the Ljutomer-Ormož Hills, at an elevation of approximately 345 meters above sea level, and is part of the Podravje wine-growing region. It was named after a legend about crusaders who, in the 13th century, are said to have stopped right here on their way to the Holy Land—and stayed longer than they had intended.

Today, Jeruzalem is primarily a wine and scenic destination: a few kilometers of wine route, family-run wineries, scenic viewpoints, a pilgrimage church, and rolling hills that, on a clear day, offer views stretching all the way to the Pohorje Mountains and the Hungarian Plain.

Region Prlekija, Ljutomer-Ormož Hills, northeastern Slovenia
Wine-growing Region Podravje
Elevation approximately 345 m
Known for Šipon (Furmint), wine route, views, pilgrimage church
Nearest towns Ormož (approx. 10 km), Ljutomer (approx. 9 km)
Recommended length of stay 2–3 days
Best time May–June and September–October

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Days for the Full Experience

How to Get to Jerusalem

The easiest way is by car. Coming from Ljubljana or Maribor, take the A1 highway to Maribor, then the A5 Pomurje highway toward Murska Sobota, where you’ll exit the highway at the Ljutomer exit. From Ptuj, a scenic road through Ormož leads to Jeruzalem.

The roads in the village of Jeruzalem and along the surrounding wine routes are narrow and winding, so expect to drive more slowly—which is actually part of the experience. Parking in the village and at accommodations is free.

Without a car: The nearest train stations are Ormož and Ljutomer, both on the Pragersko–Murska Sobota line. From there, it’s about a 15-minute ride by taxi or with transportation arranged by your accommodation to Jeruzalem. To explore the surrounding area, rent an e-bike.

The road through the vineyards toward the village of Jeruzalem in Slovenia

Distances to Jerusalem (approximate, by road)

Starting Point Distance Travel time
Ormož 10 km 15 min
Ljutomer 9 km 15 min
Ptuj 30 km 35 min
Maribor 60 km 55 min
Zagreb 95 km 1 hr 15 min
Graz 110 km 1 hr 30 min
Ljubljana 200 km 2 h
Vienna 260 km 2 hrs 45 min

What to See and Do in Jerusalem

Jerusalem isn’t the kind of destination where you’d try to check off a list of sights. The six points below cover the essentials—all are within a 20-minute drive of each other.

The Jerusalem Wine Route through the vineyards of Prlekija

1. Jerusalem Wine Route

The region’s main thoroughfare. The road winds along the ridge through vineyards, past vineyard cottages, scenic overlooks, and wineries, where tastings can be arranged by phone. Ideal for a leisurely drive, an e-bike ride, or a long walk.

The Pilgrimage Church of Our Lady of Sorrows in Jerusalem

2. Church of Our Lady of Sorrows

The pilgrimage church at the top of the village is Jerusalem’s most recognizable landmark. Its history is closely tied to the legend of the Crusaders, who gave the town its name. The view from in front of the church is one of the most beautiful in the region.

A glass of Šipon at a wine tasting in Jerusalem

3. Šipon Tasting

Šipon (known internationally as Furmint) is the region’s hallmark: dry, mineral-driven, with pronounced acidity. In addition, Rhine Riesling, Sauvignon, and Pinot Gris thrive here. Try them at the Malek wine cellar or the Herga estate.

Jeruzalem Beach Lookout Point Above the Vineyards

4. Jeruzalem Beach

A lookout point with lounge chairs in the middle of the vineyards—there’s no sea, but the view stretches as far as the horizon. It’s most beautiful at sunset. Learn more about Jeruzalem Beach.

Ormož Castle near Jerusalem

5. Ormož and the Ormož Lagoons

Twenty minutes away: Ormož Castle, with its collections and park, and the Ormož Lagoons Nature Reserve, one of the best places for birdwatching in Slovenia.

Pumpkin seed oil and delicacies from the Prlekija region near Jerusalem

6. Prlekija Cuisine

Pumpkin seed oil from the Jeruzalem SAT oil mill, Prlekija tünka, homemade gibanica, and seasonal vegetables. The flavors here are simple and distinct—just like the wine.

How Long to Stay: A Three-Day Itinerary

One day is enough to get a quick glimpse. To really feel like you’ve been here, you’ll need three.

Day 1

Arrival and Views

Arrival in the afternoon, a walk through the village to the church, and a stop at the lookout point. In the evening, dinner featuring Prlekija specialties and a glass of Šipon as the sun sets.

Day 2

Wine and Vineyards

In the morning, e-bike riding along the wine route or a wine safari; in the afternoon, a wine tasting at a local winery; in the evening, a sauna and a swim.

Day 3

Surroundings

A trip to Ormož and the lagoons, the oil mill, or Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest city. Return for a late lunch and departure—most likely with the feeling that you could have stayed another day.

When to Visit Jerusalem

Spring

March–May. Lush vineyards, pleasant temperatures, few visitors. The best time for biking and walking.

Summer

June–August. Long evenings, the pool, terraces, and wine events. The liveliest time of year in the region.

Fall · Recommended

September–November. The grape harvest, golden vineyards, St. Martin’s Day celebrations. The most beautiful and wine-filled time of the year.

Winter

December–February. A quieter time of year, perfect for wellness, saunas, and leisurely mornings with fog rolling over the valleys.

Sibon Wine & Spa Resort Jeruzalem, featuring a pool overlooking the vineyards

Where to Stay in Jerusalem

Sibon Wine & Spa Resort is a boutique 4-star resort in Jerusalem, designed for adult guests (ages 15 and up). It is nestled right among the vineyards, which means your day begins and ends with the same view.

  • 25 individually designed rooms and suites with a view
  • Heated infinity pool overlooking the vineyards
  • Private sauna sessions, massages, and facials
  • A restaurant serving contemporary Prlekija cuisine
  • E-bike rentals and organized tastings

Practical Tips for Your Visit

  • Please announce tastings in advance. Most wineries are family-owned and open their doors by appointment, not according to a set schedule.
  • Take care of the driver. The roads are winding, and you’ll soon find yourself making more detours than you planned.
  • Bring shoes for a walk. The best views are a few hundred meters away from the parking lots.
  • Cash comes in handy. Smaller farms and market stalls don’t always accept cards.
  • Check the accommodation’s hours of operation. During the winter months, opening hours are limited.
  • Book early for the fall. Events during the grape harvest and St. Martin’s Day celebrations are already sold out by summer.

Plan Your Vacation in Jerusalem

Sibon Wine & Spa Resort · Jeruzalem 18, Ivanjkovci · Reservations: +386 31 379 752 · sales@sibon.si

Frequently Asked Questions About Jerusalem in Slovenia

Where exactly is Jerusalem located in Slovenia?

Jeruzalem is a village in the municipality of Ljutomer, in northeastern Slovenia, between the Drava and Mura rivers. It lies on the ridge of the Ljutomer-Ormož Hills, approximately 10 km from Ormož and 9 km from Ljutomer, at an elevation of about 345 meters above sea level.

According to the most widely accepted explanation, the name dates back to the time of the Crusades. In the 13th century, the Crusaders are said to have stopped on this ridge on their way to the Holy Land and named the place after their destination. The legend also links the name to the statue of the Virgin Mary in the local pilgrimage church.

Take the train to Ormož or Ljutomer (the Pragersko–Murska Sobota line), and from there, it’s about a 15-minute ride by taxi or with transportation arranged by your accommodation. To explore the surrounding area, we recommend renting an e-bike, as public transportation through the vineyards is very infrequent.

One day is enough for the wine route, the church, and one wine tasting. Two to three days also allow for cycling, wellness, and a trip to Ormož or Ptuj. Most visitors opt for a long weekend.

Šipon, known internationally as Furmint, is the region’s most recognizable variety—a dry, fresh, and mineral-rich white wine with lively acidity. In addition to Šipon, Riesling, Welschriesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris also thrive here.

May and June are ideal for green vineyards and pleasant temperatures, while September and October are perfect for the grape harvest and autumn colors. Summer is the liveliest season, while winter is the quietest and best suited for a wellness getaway.

Sibon Wine & Spa Resort is a boutique 4-star resort in Jerusalem with 25 rooms, a heated infinity pool overlooking the vineyards, a wellness center, and a restaurant serving Prlekija cuisine. It is intended for adult guests aged 15 and older. There are also tourist farms and apartments available in the surrounding area.

The region itself is family-friendly—wine routes, cycling, and nature are open to everyone. Sibon Wine & Spa Resort, however, is designed as a peaceful oasis for adults and welcomes guests ages 15 and older, so families with younger children in the area tend to choose other accommodations.

It’s recommended, but not necessary. If you’re staying in Jerusalem, the village, the church, the viewpoints, and several wine cellars are accessible on foot or by bike. For trips to Ormož, Ptuj, or the thermal spas, a car is much more convenient. Parking in the village is free.

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Things to Do in the Area

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