Štrekna and the Drava Cycling Trail among the finalists of the prestigious European ECTN Awards 2026

The expert jury selected 19 finalists from 72 applications from 23 countries , including our cycling routes – recognized as an exemplary example of connecting active, slow and accessible cultural tourism.

Being among the finalists is an important recognition for Koroško, the Šaleška and Štajerska regions. It indicates the development of the Štrekna and Drava Cycling Trails as a sustainable tourism product, connecting the former railway route with green mobility, cultural heritage, local stories and experiences along the way.

It's more than just a cycling route - it's a story of connecting places, providers and visitors, and an important part of the recognition of Koroške, Šaleška and Štajerska as active and sustainable destinations.

The winners of the ECTN Awards 2026 will be announced in September in Greece.

About ECTN Awards

The awards are organised by ECTN in partnership with prominent European organisations including Europa Nostra, the European Travel Commission – ETC and NECSTouR . The 2026 edition is also supported by Europeana and other partners.

The ECTN Awards highlight destinations, projects and tourism products that connect cultural heritage with sustainable development, local community, quality visitor experience, innovation, accessibility and responsible tourism management. The aim of the awards is to increase the visibility of European destinations, enable the exchange of good practices and enable networking between destinations.