Maribor (Slovenia) is the second largest and largest city in the country. This is the transport, industrial and wine-making center of Slovenia. In 2012, the city was named the Cultural Capital of Europe, and in 2013 – the Youth Capital of Europe. If a photo of Slovenian Maribor has long attracted your attention, then it’s time to go on a virtual trip to this European city.
General information
Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia, located in the north-east of the country at the very foot of Mount Pohorje and surrounded by the Drava River. The population is 112,000.
The city was founded in the 12th century, and was called the Duchy of Styria, which was first part of the Roman Empire, and then to Yugoslavia. According to written sources, starting from the 13th century, the city developed very intensively, and was one of the centers of trade and crafts. Over its long history, he withstood the siege of the Turks and other enemies.
An interesting fact is that before the First World War, 80% of the city’s population were Germans, and only 20% were Slovenes. However, after the end of World War II, the situation changed: the Germans were forced to leave the city, because in 1941 fascist Germany announced the annexation of Lower Styria and built many factories and plants in Maribor that provided the German army with everything necessary.
Today, the Slovenian city of Maribor is one of the most beautiful and largest cities in the country, which is visited annually by several thousand tourists.
What to see in Maribor
The sights of Slovenian Maribor are very diverse, and every traveler will find something interesting for himself.
The pyramid is not only a mountain that rises above Maribor, but also a popular observation platform. This is really a very beautiful place: from the hill the city is visible at a glance. Churches and colorful houses from a height look even more picturesque, and thanks to a large number of city parks, Maribor looks like an eternally green city. It also offers spectacular views of the Drava River from above.
Tourists note that the climb to one of the main attractions of Maribor will take about 20 minutes, and you will enjoy the beautiful view of the city much longer. Finding and climbing the Pyramid is not at all difficult – there is a white church at the top, and green vineyards grow on the slopes of the mountain. It is impossible to go astray!
Maribor winery is one of the oldest in Europe, and the vine growing nearby is completely the oldest in the world. Today the building of the old winery has been converted into a museum: interesting exhibits are displayed here, and Slovenian guides will be happy to tell you about the difficult fate of the winery.
There is also a special hall in the museum where people can taste a range of drinks. The restaurant employees do not bring everyone the same wines, but are interested in your taste preferences, and only after they pick up a drink just for you.
This place is of interest not only for tourists, but also for collectors – Slovenian wines are considered one of the best in the world, and some drinks cost more than a million euros. However, there are more budget options, which, by the way, can be purchased in a special section of the winery.
- Location of Attractions: Vojashnishka ulica 8, Maribor 2000, Slovenia
- Schedule: 9.00 – 19.00
- Cost: 4 euros + wine tasting (the price depends on the type of wine)
City Square is the tourist center of Maribor. It is here that the majority of the city’s sights are collected: Maribor Castle (Maribor Museum of Local Lore), city hall, plague column (in memory of the plague epidemic, which claimed the lives of almost a third of the city’s population), the ancient cathedral. There are also a number of monuments: a statue of St. Florian (the patron saint of the city) and a monument symbolizing the independence of Maribor.
City Square is a great place for unhurried walks in the summer and cozy gatherings in a cafe in the winter. In the warm season, it is good to sit on benches near flowering flower beds and admire the city fountain, visit the local market. And in winter it is better to go to one of the old coffee houses and feel like a local.
“Three Ponds” – the largest, and, at the same time, the oldest park in Maribor. We can safely say that this is not even a park, but rather a small town with playgrounds, a terrarium, an aquarium (the collection contains about 120 species of fish) and three ponds. Due to the fact that local authorities take care of park plants, it is always clean and comfortable, many pink flower beds bloom and fountains operate in the summer.
Park “Three Ponds” is a favorite vacation spot of citizens. Here they often sunbathe in the sun, arrange small picnics or just go for a walk after a hard working day. By the way, Russian tourists often compare Maribor Park with Sokolniki, because various festivals and concerts are also held here.
This is a museum, the exposition of which presents the historical and archaeological values of Slovenia (in most of the Podravsk region), as well as a number of paintings by famous painters. This place is perfect for those who are interested in studying history and want to see “from the inside” the life and life of the ancient Mariborites.
It is also worth noting that the regional museum is not located anywhere, but in the old Maribor castle, built in the Middle Ages. It is not difficult to find it – it is located in the central square of the city.
- Location: Grajska ulica 2, Maribor 2000, Slovenia
- Open timings: 9.00 – 19.00;
- Ticket price: 3 Euros
The 57-meter Maribor bell tower is located in the very center of the city, and is part of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The temple was created in the 12th century, and the church tower was added a little later. At first it was an ordinary bell tower, but a little later it was turned into a small room where city firemen were on duty and, thanks to such a convenient location, they could quickly put out the fire.
By the way, this place can be seen today, climbing to the very top of the tower. Here is a museum and there are lots of interesting photos and ancient exhibits. The bell tower will be interesting to lovers of nature and architecture: it offers an impressive view of the city and surroundings.
- Location: Slomskov trg, Maribor 2000, Slovenia;
- Open times: 8.00 – 21.00;
- Cost to visit: 1.5 евро.
Rest in the city
Slovenian Maribor is a fairly popular city among tourists, so you should prepare for the trip in advance. Firstly, you need to book a hotel (there are only about 100 of them). The cheapest room in the guest house will cost you 15 € per day, and the most expensive in the hotel – about 200 €. The average price per day in a room is approximately 30 – 40 €.
Since there are relatively few hotels in Maribor, most of them are located either in the very center of the city or in the suburbs. By the way, if you are going on a trip in the winter, it is better to prefer the second option and stay in the suburbs of Maribor, because such hotels offer skiing and relaxation in the mountains as entertainment. And if your goal is excursions, it makes sense to choose an inexpensive guest house or hostel in the center.
Secondly, before the trip you need to find out the order of food prices.
Let’s start with sweets – travelers say that it was in Maribor that they tasted the most delicious ice cream in the world, and therefore it’s worth buying it. One serving of goodies will cost you 1 €. As for other products, it makes sense to purchase them in the local market, and the cost will be as follows:
- Liter of milk – 1€
- Bread – 1.8 €
- A dozen eggs – 2.3€
- A kilo of tomatoes – 1.8€
- Potato (1 kg) – 0.50€
However, you can eat in Slovenian cafes. The average bill for a dinner for two in an inexpensive restaurant will be 12-15 €, and a lunch for two of three dishes will cost about 30 €. Remember that in the tourist areas of the city the prices are much higher, so it makes sense to take a little walk and find a good cafe away from the center of Maribor.
Things to do in Maribor and its suburbs
The city of Maribor is located in the mountainous part of Slovenia, so you can immediately add a few more to the “classic” tourist attractions – hiking in the mountains, skiing in winter and rock climbing. However, let’s better understand than to do in Maribor.
Slovenia is very fond of winter sports, which is why there are many ski resorts here. The closest to Maribor is the Maribor Pohorje, located a 10-minute drive from the city center. The tracks of this resort are suitable for both beginners and professionals. This place is especially good for children – wide roads are laid here, and it will not be difficult to teach a child to ski or snowboard. By the way, it is at this resort that the annual stage of the World Championship “Golden Fox” (Zlata lisica) is held annually, and therefore there is no need to talk about equipping the tracks.
In general, the Pohorje resort is a very leisurely and quiet place in Slovenia with a lot of restaurants and cafes. There are also ski lifts, and there are several small hotels nearby.
If you are bored with the usual walks in the mountains, then look at the interesting programs that the resort staff conduct:
- Sleigh night riding
- Romantic walk for two
- Giant slalom
- Huge swing
- Football XXL
- Treasure hunt
- Snowshoeing
It is in Maribor that the longest track in Europe, designed for night skiing, is located. Its length is 7 km, and the elevation is 1000 meters. Do not miss the opportunity to see the mesmerizing mountain scenery at night.
If you came to the resort with your loved one, then it is worth paying attention to this excursion. In 40 minutes you will be taken on a sleigh along the most picturesque slopes of the resort – Bellevue and Areh, as well as a glass of mulled wine or blueberry brandy.
If you have long felt like an athlete, then you should take part in downhill competitions. The rules are simple: you need to move out of the mountain faster than your rivals. Races are held on the slopes of Mount Poštela or Cojzerica, and anyone can take part in them.
Huge swings – perhaps the only type of relaxation in the resort of Pohorje, which does not require physical costs. Everything is very simple – you sit on a giant swing and admire the snowy Maribor. Driving time – 15 minutes.
Winter football is a great entertainment option for large companies. The rules are simple: in each team there are 6 people who are connected to each other and move in a limited space. Have fun!
Treasure hunt – one of the best types of vacations for children and adults. Everything is quite simple: the curator of your group hides treasures in the most unexpected places, and you are looking for them. By the way, when making a plan, the guide takes into account your wishes.
If you are bored of walking along the usual routes, then rent snowshoes, and go for a walk through the quiet funeral forests.
In addition to skiing, Maribor can offer you relaxation at the thermal springs. One of the best thermal complexes in Slovenia is located on the territory of the city. The water temperature here is 44 ° C, and it is delivered from a depth of 1200-1500 meters.
The Maribor thermal complex has everything for a good rest: pools, saunas, Turkish baths, a solarium, as well as various medical equipment. Pay attention to this complex is for those who want to return to their youth or improve their health – the center employs specialists who will select the necessary procedures for you and make up a full-fledged complex.
Visiting wineries is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Maribor. And not in vain – there really is something to see and try.
There are several wineries in the city, and the largest are Ramsak and Vinogradi Horvat. They have the same work plan: first you come to the wine museum, where they tell you the history of wineries and a particular brand. Then you go to the tasting room (some wineries accept guests only if seats have been booked in advance) and sample various wines. Typically, the hosts suggest choosing a few drinks at your discretion. After that, most visitors go to the store to purchase their favorite sort of wine.
Ramsak winery makes sense to visit if you want to see the largest grape press for wine in Europe, as well as sit in a cozy gazebo under the vine. And the Vinogradi Horvat winery will appeal to those who want to see a real wine cellar and have a delicious lunch. The owners of the wineries are very friendly, so you have no chance to leave Maribor without making friends with them.
The average temperature in Maribor in the summer ranges from 22 to 24 ° C. Heat, which is rare, is easily tolerated. As for winter, the average temperature is 1-2 ° C. Severe frosts are also rare. The rainiest month is May and the sunniest is August.
It is necessary to choose a month for the trip, focusing on your interests: if your goal is ski resorts, it is better to go to Slovenia from December to February. And for an excursion tour, any time of the year is suitable.
How to get there
To get to Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia, you can from most major cities: Budapest, Ljubljana, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Vienna. However, let’s take a closer look at travel options from the Slovenian capital to Maribor.
Take the Slovenian Railways (SŽ) train at Ljubljana station and get off at Maribor station. Ticket price – 12-17 €. Travel time is 1 hour 52 minutes.
In order to get to Maribor from Ljubljana, you need to take the Izletnik bus or Avtobusni Promet Murska Sobota at the Ljubljana stop (city center) and get to the Maribor station. The fare is 11-14 €. Travel time – about 2 hours.
Maribor has a small airport named after Edward Rusyan, and it daily takes several flights from nearby major cities. However, keep in mind that in some months airplanes from Ljubljana do not fly here (due to lack of demand). You will have to pay 35-40 euros for a ticket with the message Ljubljana – Maribor, and the travel time is 2 hours 20 minutes.
As you can see, getting from Maribor to Ljubljana is much more profitable by train or bus. The plane loses on all counts.
If you have not yet decided where to spend your vacation, then be sure to pay attention to the wonderful city of Maribor (Slovenia).
