Lower Styria, Slovenia
University city of wine, festivals, and four-season mountain adventures.
Find tours, hotels, restaurants, and guides in Maribor
Maribor's history and culture unfold against the backdrop of the Drava River, a vital artery for trade and transportation since ancient times. The city’s origins trace back to the 12th century when it established itself as a defensive fortress against invasions from the east. Over the centuries, Maribor grew in significance, becoming a crucial hub in Lower Styria. Its strategic location contributed to its development as a center for commerce and culture. Today, remnants of its past appear in the architecture that lines the cobblestone streets of its old town, where medieval buildings stand beside Renaissance and Baroque structures, creating an atmosphere that invites exploration.
One of Maribor's notable landmarks is the Lent district, which hugs the banks of the Drava River. This area comes alive during the summer months for the Lent Festival, celebrating music, culture, and gastronomy. The festival attracts attendees from Slovenia and beyond, showcasing the region's spirited nature. Lent also hosts the oldest grapevine in the world, a symbol of the city’s long-standing wine culture dating back to Roman times. The vine, over 400 years old and still producing grapes, can be seen at the Old Vine House, where wine enthusiasts learn about local viticulture and sample wines from the surrounding vineyards.
Maribor excels in wine production, particularly the rich varieties of white wine that flourish in the sunny hills of the surrounding countryside. The wine route, winding through vineyards, offers tastings at family-run wineries that still employ traditional winemaking techniques. The nearby Pohorje Mountain range features skiing and snowboarding in winter, along with hiking and mountain biking in summer, making Maribor a year-round destination for outdoor activities.
The city’s cultural scene includes the Maribor Art Gallery, which houses an extensive collection of Slovenian art, and the Slovene National Theatre, featuring performances from opera to contemporary drama. The annual Maribor Theatre Festival attracts local and international talent, further enriching the city’s artistic landscape. Each year, Maribor hosts events that celebrate its diverse heritage, including the Day of the Dead and various folk festivals reflecting local traditions.
Maribor lies approximately 120 kilometers from the capital city of Ljubljana, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway. Public transportation serves the city well, with a railway station connecting it to other major Slovenian cities and international routes. The atmosphere remains friendly and welcoming, with accommodations ranging from cozy guesthouses to upscale hotels catering to different budgets.
The best times to visit Maribor are during spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and the vineyards buzz with activity. The city’s parks and waterfront promenades come alive, inviting strolls, relaxation, and views of the surrounding hills. Whether savoring local cuisine in a traditional tavern, participating in a wine tasting, or enjoying the scenery of Pohorje, Maribor blends history, culture, and natural beauty that appeals to all. It stands as a testament to Slovenia's past and a thriving center for contemporary life.
The Pohorje Mountains, located just 15 km from Maribor, offer over 41 kilometers of ski slopes. Ski passes range from €35 for a half-day to €60 for full-day access during peak season. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, so dressing in layers is advisable for comfort on the slopes.
Maribor, Slovenia's second-largest city, features the Drava River, which runs 220 kilometers through the region. The city's annual Lent Festival, established in 1993, attracts around 200,000 visitors each summer. For wine lovers, a glass of local wine costs approximately €3-5 at various wine cellars, particularly in the Old Town area.
This is the only scent experience workshop in Slovenia, held in a beautiful herb plantation above the city of Maribor. We have connected traditional herbs, their fragrance and modern scientific knowledge about the sense of smell. You will walk through the winding paths of the garden and be introduced to our herbs and scents of their essential oils. We will tell you stories about their origins, history and interesting ways of using them. We grow 12 traditional herbs, all by our hands, without chemicals and machine work. You will be surprised to find out that the scents of essential oils are not always the same as those of plants. In an open wooden pavillion you will learn hands-on different methods of smelling and test your ability to identify different scents. Science has discovered amazing things about smell that are unknown to most people. You will actively test the link between taste and smell by tasting flavoured food and drinks and choose your own little scented gift
Take the worry out of your departure to Ljubljana Airport (LJU) and pre-book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 8 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis at the hotel, and travel in the comfort of a Sedan car or minivan.
Glow in the Dark mini-Golf was designed by professional designers just to give you the best 'neon' experience ever. There are 15 wholes available with different difficulty levels and each one is unique. You will be able to shoot amazing pictures and create unforgettable memories. The game is perfect for children above 6 years old, for family fun, for your first date, or just for a group of friends who want to compete and have some fun.
4-star hotel in Maribor’s Tezno area with air-conditioned rooms, private balconies or terraces, free WiFi, and secure parking. Rated 9.9/10 by guests.
4-star villa in Maribor’s Koroska Vrata area with pet-friendly rooms and free parking. High guest rating of 9.9/10.
5-star apartments in Maribor with balconies or terraces and convenient parking. High guest rating of 9.7/10 ensures quality accommodations.
4-star hotel in central Maribor with a 9.7/10 guest rating, featuring parking, hot tub, sauna, and an on-site bar.
4-star apartment in Maribor with guest rating 9.6/10. Features include air conditioning, complimentary WiFi, on-site parking, and a game room for relaxation.
Enjoy luxury at Apartment Selih in Maribor, Slovenia. With a 9.5/10 rating, enjoy modern amenities, a pet-friendly environment, and close proximity to attractions and dining.
Maribor's food scene is a delightful blend of tradition and modernity, showcasing the culinary heritage of the Lower Styria region. One of the local specialties not to miss is "Štruklji," a type of rolled pastry that can be filled with various ingredients, ranging from sweet to savory. Another stapl...
Maribor, Slovenia's second-largest city, is brimming with attractions that reflect its rich history and stunning natural landscapes. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Maribor Castle, a historic fortress dating back to the 15th century. Situated in the city center, the castle houses the Regiona...
One of Maribor's notable landmarks is the Lent district, which hugs the banks of the Drava River. This area comes alive during the summer months for the Lent Festival, celebrating music, culture, and gastronomy. The festival attracts attendees from Slovenia and beyond, showcasing the region's spirit...
