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Slovenia the long way — Bled, Piran, the Julian Alps and Ljubljana. Hotels, restaurants and tours tested by editors who stayed, ate and hiked.

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Slovenia the long way — Bled, Piran, the Julian Alps and Ljubljana. Hotels, restaurants and tours tested by editors who stayed, ate and hiked.
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    Lower Styria

    Lower Styria

    1. Home
    2. Regions
    3. Lower Styria
    1. Home
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    3. Regions
    4. Lower Styria

    A vibrant region known for its wine country, the city of Maribor, and the scenic Pohorje Mountains.

    Lower Styria

    Nestled in northeastern Slovenia, the Lower Styria region is a tapestry of rolling vineyards, lush forests, and charming towns that blend harmoniously into a landscape rich with history and natural beauty. This area is often overshadowed by more famous destinations, yet it offers a serene and authentic slice of Slovenia, perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with the country’s rural heart and culinary delights.

    The region’s crown jewel is Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city, where the Drava River meanders through a historic core that dates back to the 12th century. Here, the Old Vine, believed to be the oldest in the world, stands proudly, symbolizing the region’s deep-rooted wine tradition. Just outside the city, the Pohorje Mountains offer a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts, with trails that lead through dense forests and to panoramic viewpoints. For a dose of cultural history, the Ptuj Castle, one of the oldest in Slovenia, provides a glimpse into medieval life, while the town of Štjerlj boasts a unique blend of architectural styles and a picturesque main square.

    Lower Styria is a paradise for nature lovers and foodies alike. Hiking and cycling are popular activities, with routes that wind through the vineyards and along the riverbanks, offering both physical challenge and scenic beauty. Wine tasting is a must, with numerous wineries and vineyards open to visitors, each offering a chance to sample the region’s renowned white wines, such as Laško and Cviček. Local cuisine is a delightful mix of traditional and innovative, with hearty dishes like žlikrofi (dumplings filled with potato and meat) and štruklji (rolled pasta dough filled with various ingredients) that can be enjoyed in cozy taverns and farmhouses.

    Lower Styria is a destination that rewards the curious traveler with its unspoiled beauty, warm hospitality, and rich cultural tapestry. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the vineyards are at their most picturesque. Whether you’re looking to unwind in nature, explore medieval towns, or savor the flavors of Slovenia, Lower Styria promises an unforgettable journey through one of Europe’s hidden gems.

    Latest Travel Guides

    Vineyard rows leading to a hilltop castle at sunset with rolling green hills and a church tower
    Heritage and Culture
    Ptuj and Jeruzalem: Slovenia's Wine Region Guide
    8 min read

    Ptuj, Slovenia's oldest town, features a 15th-century castle overlooking the Drava River. The Jeruzalem wine region, located about 40 km away, is known for its Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, with wine tastings priced between €10 and €15. Average summer temperatures reach 30°C, making it a good time for vineyard visits.

    Read Article →
    Skiers descend a snowy slope surrounded by snow-covered pine trees with mountain peaks in the background at sunset
    Outdoor Adventures
    Pohorje Mountains: Where Skiing Thrills Meet Alpine Nature
    8 min read

    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.

    Read Article →
    Evening view of Maribor city with illuminated buildings, a stone bridge, and river reflections under a blue sky
    Places of Interest
    Maribor Travel Guide: Slovenia's Second-Largest City
    9 min read

    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.

    Read Article →
    View all travel guides →

    Cities & Towns in Lower Styria

    Maribor
    Maribor

    University city of wine, festivals, and four-season mountain adventures.

    112,000 people
    46.5547, 15.6459
    Ptuj
    Ptuj

    Ancient town of carnival traditions, Roman history, and thermal wellness.

    18,000 people
    46.4206, 15.8697
    Celje
    Celje

    Historic city of medieval counts with a hilltop castle and Roman roots.

    38,000 people
    46.2310, 15.2678
    Velenje
    Velenje

    Socialist-era planned city with surprising green spaces and a lakeside castle.

    25,000 people
    46.3594, 15.1116

    Popular Tours in Lower Styria

    woman in scarf holding a cup with eyes closed in snowy festive market with lights
    Cultural Tours
    Viator
    (2 reviews)
    Magic Christmas tour in Ptuj

    The exclusive tour only in the Christmas period! This special time brings magic in Ptuj. Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most beautifully decorated places in Ptuj. You will feel spellbound with the charming atmosphere, which you can feel only this time of the year! What is the story of the Christmas tree? Who was the first to decorate it in the world? What magical things can happen during the Christmas period? Have you heard about Christmas spells? You will hear miraculous Christmas legends about Ptuj. You will visit the magical decorations above the streets of the old city centre. What makes it so popular? What local products must taste at Christmas? Fill your heart with the joy and experience magic of Ptuj.

    From
    €614.36
    per person
    View →
    town with red-roofed buildings and a castle on a hill reflected in a calm river under a partly cloudy sky
    Cultural Tours
    Viator
    (3 reviews)
    The best of Ptuj walking tour

    Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. We will see the oldest Orpheus monument in Slovenia. You will have a chance to explore the city, while hearing fascinating facts and legends. Did you know that this city is the oldest in Slovenia? You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings and corners of Ptuj. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

    From
    €409.24
    per person
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    five people stand on a terrace overlooking a calm lake at sunset with mountains in the distance
    Cultural Tours
    Viator
    (1 review)
    Half-Day Mysteries of Submerged Villages from Velenje with Lunch

    Authentic tour of The Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia in Velenje with heirs of mining – Sailing on Velenje lake and virtual dive into the past – A culinary experience on the new overlook Vista, just above the water surface. Help a descendant of the Velenje miners, who mined one of the thickest layers of coal in the world and turned fertile fields into lakes, find a precious item under the water surface! Where once were villages, now are lakes. What happened to the houses, schools, and churches? Why did they sink, and where did the villagers go? What secrets can be uncovered in the depth of the lake? Discover the bitter-sweet life stories of the villagers, miners, and Velenje people. For their bright future, they mined coal but sank their past.

    From
    €275.00
    per person
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    Outdoor wooden chairs with green cushions around a table set with drinks and desserts on a porch overlooking grass
    Cultural Tours
    Viator
    (4 reviews)
    Private Aroma-Tasting Experience in Vida′s Garden, Maribor

    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

    From
    €89.00
    per person
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    Interior of a beige Mercedes car showing steering wheel, dashboard, and front seats with city street visible through windshield
    Private Tours
    Viator
    (3 reviews)
    Private Transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana Airport (LJU)

    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.

    From
    €408.00
    per person
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    Five cars parked in a row in a parking lot with green bushes and trees behind them on a partly cloudy day
    Private Tours
    Viator
    (2 reviews)
    Private transfer from Velenje to airport Ljubljana

    We value your comfort above everything else and make sure that our vehicles are sparkly clean and in great technical condition. We’ll also be happy to offer you a small range of soft drinks and free Wi-Fi.

    From
    €148.00
    per person
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    More great tours and activities in Slovenia →
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