Hoče–Slivnica

Hoče–Slivnica is a municipality in northeastern Slovenia, lying south of Maribor between the Drava Plain and the wooded eastern foothills of Pohorje. Rather than a single city, it is a collection of villages and settlements with its administrative seat in Spodnje Hoče, functioning as a well-connected green gateway to Slovenia's second-largest city.

The area has a long settlement history, reflected in landmarks such as the Church of St. George in Spodnje Hoče, whose crypt preserves notable Roman and later elements, along with Hompoš Castle, Slivnica Castle and Rogoza Manor. Traditionally part of Lower Styria, the municipality now belongs to the Drava Statistical Region.

The municipality stretches from farmland on the right bank of the Drava River into the forested slopes of Pohorje. This setting supports hiking and cycling, with the Skalca waterfall, the University of Maribor Botanic Garden in Pivola and the Slivnica ponds among its natural highlights.

Transport gives Hoče–Slivnica an outsized regional role: Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport lies within the municipality, and the Ljubljana–Maribor motorway and railway pass through it. Central Maribor is only a few kilometres away, with Ptuj and Celje also within easy driving distance.

For visitors, the municipality works as a practical base combining countryside calm, Pohorje recreation and fast access to Maribor's urban offer, making it relevant for short leisure stays as well as airport-linked business travel.