Rafting

Rafting or “Flosarska rajša”, as they used to call the transportation of wood in Drava valley, was also the only possible way, because the roads and railroads were not yet build.

Wood, as the main raw material in these areas, was also the main source of income. For those forest owners, who sold it, and for rafters, who transported it. Every young boy in those times, the 18th and the beginning of 19th century, wanted to become a rafter (“Flosar”). He also got a very good payment for his hard and meticulous work. He was able to discover the world, people and cultures – far away from home.

Flosarska rajša (rafting trip) lasted two, three weeks or a month – mostly from Dravograd and as far as to Beograd and the Black Sea in Romania. It started on the Drava River and continued on the Danube River.

One raft was loaded with 100, also 130m3 of wood, mostly construction in the form of boards, battens and remaining wood for rafter. Other raw material was also transported by rafts. The diocese of Anton Martin Slomšek also moved with rafts from St. Andraž in Austria to Maribor, where is still the seat of the diocese.

Today, rafting trips with us - the young generation of Drava rafters - presents one of main attractions and experiences in this part of Europe. Our grandfathers were mischievous and playful – as are we today.

CHECK OUT OUR PROGRAM OF SUCH RAFTING TRIP: CLICK HERE OR THE PICTURE BELOW