Maribor is a cultural and industrial city of Slovenia. Maribor, Slovenia - Tourist Statue of St. Florian - erected in the 13th century
The bulk of tourists are familiar with the capital of Slovenia - Ljubljana, and the famous resort on Lake Bled. What will a trip to?
The weather in Maribor is very mild, in winter the temperature rarely drops below -2°C, in summer it rarely rises above +25°C, which is very comfortable for walking around the city, which dates back to the 12th century.
Old city
You can explore Maribor on your own or with a guide. The city is small, it is easy to get around on foot, going to cafes, tea houses and shops, of which there are a great many. The city park is very beautiful.
The oldest district of Maribor is adjacent to the left bank of the Drava River. Some Lenta streets are over 700 years old! They are named after the traditional occupations of Maribor residents from the 13th to the 19th centuries - for example, Tanning, Slesarnaya. The buildings where the artisans' workshops were located are still intact.
Maribor is surrounded by hills with magnificent panoramic views! In summer, you can also travel around the city and its surroundings by rented bicycle, on a traditional raft and modern motor ships on the Drava, on the cheerful Jurček tourist train (Jurček is a white mushroom!) and in a horse-drawn carriage.
Wine culture
The oldest grapevine in the world grows in Maribor - Stara trta, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. She is officially 400 years old and still bears fruit. In her honor, the main cultural event of Maribor is held - the Old Vine Festival, during which the harvest is ceremoniously harvested from it. The Old Vine House is a real temple of winemaking; rituals of acquaintance, tasting and trading take place here.
Wine cellar Vinag, the underground kingdom of Maribor - one of the largest and oldest classical wine cellars in Europe. The best wines from the Štajerska region are collected here, which, of course, can be purchased for collection or direct consumption.
A walk around Maribor can become quite exciting if you focus on the wine bars and vinotheques scattered throughout the city and its surroundings. And some choose to walk through the picturesque hills to tourist farms and wine shops. After all, the combination of local cuisine and local wine is something!
Cuisine of Maribor
The cuisine of the Steierska region incorporates elements of Austrian, German and French cuisines, so it is not surprising to find apple strudel, sausages with sauerkraut or cheese dumplings on the traditional menu. There is even an analogue of the Austrian sweet omelette Kaiserschmarrn - Pohorsky omelette!
More localized dishes - a variety of soups, meat and vegetables baked in pots, salads based on potatoes (for example, with dandelions). Mushrooms are a favorite delicacy of Maribor residents, wherever they are added! Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, honey, walnuts and hazelnuts are widely used in desserts. All this can be tasted in Maribor restaurants or in guest houses located on the wine roads.
Guest houses (gostilne) or tourist farms are usually family run businesses, some with centuries of tradition, so you can expect a warm, friendly welcome and service. You will certainly be fed something special, homemade, environmentally friendly, because you are on a farm!
Baths of Maribor
In Maribor and Pohorje you can improve your health and well-being with thermal waters and relaxation treatments. This can be done at any time of the year. Outdoor and indoor swimming pools, Jacuzzis with thermal water, gyms, saunas, steam baths, solariums and massages await you.
It is important that the cost of spa treatments in Maribor is negligible compared to the average price level in Europe! And the level is the most European.
Maribor is very close!
You can come to Maribor by anything - by train, bus, car. Transport links to major cities in Slovenia, Austria, Germany and Haratia are excellent. Wherever you are, Maribor is just a stone's throw away.
For example:
From Graz Airport in Austria - 60 km, 30 minutes by car on the autobahn.
From Jože Pučnik Airport in Ljubljana - 150 km, about 90 minutes by car.
From the airport in Zagreb (Croatia) - 130 km, also about 90 minutes.
Are you still thinking?
The second largest Slovenian city, Maribor, offers its guests a variety of winter and summer entertainment, quiet relaxation and an adrenaline rush. The only thing you can’t find here at all is nightlife; at nine in the evening the city seems to fall asleep. Although, perhaps we were just looking poorly, because during the day there are plenty of activities and entertainment here.
Skiing on the ski slopes of Maribor Pohorje
The first thing people go to Maribor for in the winter season is to conquer the slopes of Mount Pohorje, located in the vicinity of Maribor. It’s not for nothing that Pohorje is one of the main ski resorts in Slovenia. Here you can snowboard, alpine ski, sled, cross-country ski, and there are schools for beginners to ski. Prices are very low compared to neighboring Austria, and the trails are designed for both beginners and experienced athletes. The season here lasts just over three months, and in case of little snow in the winter, snow cannons are used. Maribor Pohorje is also known for its longest illuminated track, where stages of international championships are held.
Hiking and cycling
Those who come in summer will enjoy hiking in the vicinity of Maribor Pohorje. The nature here is of amazing beauty, there are mountains, hills, forests, lakes, gorges and waterfalls, and tourist routes are laid along all this splendor. You can also rent bicycles; in the vicinity of Maribor there are many asphalt and dirt paths for cyclists.
Maribor Baths
The thermal springs of Maribor will allow you to improve your health and just have a good time. In the Maribor Baths there is a whole complex of thermal pools with a temperature of 33 to 37 degrees with iodine and fluoride-containing water, saunas and a Turkish bath, wellness and spa center. This pleasure center is located in the five-star Habakuk Hotel at the very foot of Mount Pohorje.
Boat ride on the Drava or rafting
The Drava is a very beautiful river, stretching past houses with red brick roofs, green embankments and along picturesque bridges. Those who like a relaxing pastime will enjoy boat trips along the Drava. And the more athletic ones will enjoy rafting.
Extreme Adventure Park
In Pohorje, five kilometers from Maribor, there is an extreme adventure park. Various obstacles are combined here, you can walk across suspension bridges, go rock climbing, climb rope ladders, in general, go through tests that increase adrenaline in the blood.
Slovenian evening
For those who want to get to know the culture and traditions of Slovenia better, it will be interesting to attend the Slovenian National Evening. Here you can listen to ancient Slovenian songs, see local dances, and try national cuisine.
Botanical Garden of Pivola
The Botanical Garden of Maribor has collected a rich collection of plants that can be found in the vicinity of Maribor and on Mount Pohorje, as well as in the northeast of the country. There are also exotic plants here, for example, magnolias, larches, cypresses, fir, and sequoia. It is especially good to walk around the garden in late spring or summer, when nature is in full bloom.
The second largest city in Slovenia is located in the northeast, in a region called Podravska, near Mount Pogorje. The Drava River flows through the city. Maribor is the center of the historical region of Lower Styria. from here it is 1080 km.
Currently, Maribor, despite its status as a large city, is a calm and quiet place where it makes sense to come on vacation. Here you can go skiing in Maribor Pohorje, improve your health at thermal springs, admire the picturesque nature and ancient architectural monuments, and plunge into the atmosphere of a medieval European city.
Prices for travelers in Maribor
There are dozens of hotels in Maribor, whose doors are hospitably open to tourists. The main advantage of many of them is stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the city itself. Each hotel has its own personality, but everywhere there is high-quality service, friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere. Therefore, choosing housing in Maribor to suit your taste is not a problem; it all depends on preferences and financial capabilities.
Among the most popular hotels in Maribor are the following: Habakuk - Wellness Hotel (from 5,550 rubles), Hotel City Maribor (from 3,030 rubles), Best Western Plus Hotel Piramida (from 2,470 rubles), Gozdna Villa Mari (from 1,800 RUR), Hotel Tabor (from 2,270 RUR), Garni Hotel Milena (from 2,020 RUR), Hotel Orel (from 2,270 RUR), Hotel Uni (from 1,260 RUR), Guest House Pikapolonca (from RUB 2,020).
What's the best way to get to Maribor?
This can be done in different ways. The easiest way is by train, since trains from Ljubljana, Budapest, Zagreb, Sarajevo, and Vienna pass through Maribor. The journey from the capital of Slovenia takes approximately 2 hours, the ticket costs about 15 euros.
Maribor has its own small airport that accepts passenger flights. Distance to Ljubljana - 140 km, Vienna - 270 km, Graz - 73 km, Zagreb - 100 km.
Bus services connect Maribor with cities in Croatia, Austria, England, Germany, the Netherlands and France.
If you wish, you can get to Maribor by car. The A1/E57 highway connects Maribor with Ljubljana, the A9/E57/E59 highway connects with Austria, and the 1/E59 highway connects with Zagreb.
What to see in Maribor
The historical center of the city is considered to be the Main Square, where in 1743, after the end of the plague epidemic, a memorial column was erected. At its top is a statue of the Virgin Mary, around the column is an altar made of white marble and six sculptures that create an expressive ensemble (Baroque style).
The ensemble of the square itself includes the Church of St. Eloisius (XVIII century, Baroque) and the City Hall. A distinctive feature and main decoration of the Town Hall is a stone balcony on which the city coat of arms is depicted: a dove flying over the gates of the fortress. The impressions will remain for a long time.
The unique appearance of the city is given by the Church of St. Barbara (17th century), the Minorite monastery, which appeared in these places long before Maribor received the status of a city, and the chapel of the Salesian sisters.
One of the main architectural attractions is Maribor Castle, which was built by Frederick III in the 15th century. Due to the fact that the castle was rebuilt several times, it is difficult to attribute it to any specific style. The castle is surrounded by squares - General Maistre, Castle Square, and Freedom Square. It is always crowded here, because it is not only a historical area, but also a concentration of shops, souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes.
Maribor is home to Staratrta, the oldest vineyards in Europe, more than four centuries old.
Terme Maribor
People come to Maribor who want not only to relax, but also to improve their health. There are all conditions for this, because in the vicinity of the city there are natural springs with hot mineral water (26-32°C). The composition of the water is so unique that people with various diseases experience significant improvement.
The local medical institutions are equipped with the latest medical technology, so undergoing treatment is a pleasure. Therapeutic procedures are combined with educational excursions, and the proximity of the city makes staying in the centers interesting and enjoyable.
Maribor Pohorje
The Maribor Pohorje ski center located in its vicinity, one of the largest in the country, also plays a significant role in the popularity of Maribor. Not only amateurs, but also professionals come here. Every year one of the stages of the World Alpine Skiing Cup is held here. There are tracks for snowboarders and lugers, and the infrastructure of the center is so well thought out that visitors can indulge not only in sports, but also in entertainment and relaxation. Thanks to the presence of this ski resort, Maribor was awarded the status of an Alpine city in 2000.
A special 4.5 kilometer long track is equipped for night skiing. This is the longest illuminated track in all of Europe. Every year it hosts the stage of the “Golden Fox” - the world women's championship.
The resort has a snowboard and ski school, and you can rent ski equipment.
Ski pass price for the day (adult/child) - 29.5/17 euros, from 12.00 - 26/15 euros; for 2 days - 576/29 euros; for 5 days - 135/64 euros.
The resort is located 6 kilometers from Maribor (10 minutes).
Maribor With almost one hundred thousand inhabitants, it is the second largest city in Slovenia after the country's capital Ljubljana.
Location and history
Maribor located in the northeast of the country, in the Podravska region. The city stands on the picturesque Drava River, at the foot of the Pohorje mountain range.
The first mention of Marburg Castle dates back to the mid-12th century. City status was obtained in 1254. Under the rule of the Habsburg dynasty, Marburg became the trading center of the region.
Before the First World War, the city had a predominantly German population. After joining Yugoslavia, many Germans emigrated from Maribor to neighboring Austria.
During the Second World War, the city was captured by German troops. Moreover, Hitler himself once visited Maribor. At the end of the war, the city was subjected to brutal bombing by Allied aircraft.
Subsequently, Maribor for a long time was a major transport and industrial center of the Federal Yugoslavia. Maribor has been part of independent Slovenia since 1991.
Excursions to Maribor
Tourist groups usually come to Maribor either during excursion tours around the country, or come here from resorts in Slovenia. By the way, not far from Maribor (just 45 kilometers) there is a therapeutic thermal resort Rogaska Slatina, very popular among both Europeans and Russians.
In summer, excursions to Maribor are organized from the Adriatic coast of Slovenia, from the resort of Portorož, as well as from Lake Bled.
Sights of Maribor
The architectural dominant of Maribor is, of course, a magnificent gothic cathedral John the Baptist, built in the 12th century. Discerning connoisseurs of European architecture will certainly be interested in the city hall building, which was built in the Renaissance style. Worth a visit also Maribor Castle, which has retained its appearance since the 15th century.
Museum lovers can check out the local history museum, which is housed in a former synagogue that is more than five centuries old.
Mountains and thermal baths
When you go to Maribor, you can easily combine different types of recreation. Fans of alpine skiing, for example, will probably visit the Maribor Pohorje complex. Of course, this center is not as large and ambitious as Kranjska Gora, but still there are many trails for both skiers and snowboarders.
By the way, it was thanks to this high-mountain complex that Maribor received the status of an Alpine city at the beginning of the new century.
After a day filled with extreme sports on the mountain slopes, it will be very pleasant to plunge into the healing baths of the Terme Maribor complex. By the way, many Europeans come here purposefully to improve their health.
The travel agency "Samaraintour" - a tour operator in Slovenia - invites you to this wonderful country, which has absolutely everything for a pleasant, comfortable and, very importantly, healthy holiday!..
