Klopotec – the symbol of the Štajerska hills

Among Vineyards, Tradition, and the Warmth of the Countryside

In Štajerska, summer carries the scent of ripe grapes, the vineyards come alive in lush green, and the characteristic clattering echoes across the hills with the wind. This is the time when the klopotec is erected in the heart of the wine-growing region – not merely a wooden tool for scaring away birds, but a symbol of culture, dedication, and the identity of Štajerska.

Klopotec – More Than Just a Scarecrow

The klopotec is a unique invention of Štajerska, masterfully crafted from various types of wood such as oak, spruce, acacia, and cherry. It consists of as many as 84 wooden parts – without a single metal screw. There are two types: the Haloze (six-bladed) and the Prlekija (two-wind) version, each with its own distinctive character.

Traditionally, the klopotec is erected between July 25 (St. James’s Day) and August 24 (St. Bartholomew’s Day), when the grapes begin to ripen. Later, on St. Martin’s Festival, it is taken down, marking the end of the vineyard season.

An Experience Connecting Town and Countryside

Today, the raising of the klopotec is more than just a tradition – it is a special opportunity for visitors to:

• take part in the ceremonial installation alongside winemakers and local craftsmen,

• discover the meaning of the klopotec as a living piece of heritage (in cooperation with ethnologists and experts),

• taste Štajerska wines and local delicacies,

• enjoy authentic contact with nature, rolling vineyard hills, and warm-hearted locals.

These events take place in destinations such as:

• Maribor (Lent district and the Old Vine House),

• Slovenske gorice and Haloze,

• Jeruzalem, Ptuj, and the surrounding areas.

The Pride of the Štajerska Destination

The klopotec is not only a symbol of the vineyards – it has become a graphic emblem of the Štajerska destination, a spark that connects people, tradition, and nature. It represents a bridge between town and countryside, between modern tourism and authentic local life.

Through a project uniting 41 municipalities across the region, the klopotec stands as a central symbol of cultural heritage promotion – not only for visitors, but for the local community as well.