Maribor, Slovenia. Maribor – cultural and industrial city of Slovenia City breaks

Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia. It is located on both banks of the deep Drava River, just 16 kilometers from the border with Austria. The city has 105 thousand inhabitants and is an important industrial, economic and cultural center of the country. The city is the center of the historical region of Lower Styria.

In the early Middle Ages, here, on a high hill above the Drava, called the Pyramid, the walls of Marburg Castle (literally - Maribor) rose. Later this title was extended to the city that grew up at the foot of the hill. Maribor received city rights in 1254. It was a city of artisans and merchants, thriving on trade routes connecting the interior of Austria and Hungary with the Maritimes and Croatia.

Maribor was well fortified from Turkish invasions: it was protected by three castles and, in addition, a fortress wall with towers, four of which have survived to this day: the Water Tower, which now houses a wine library, the Judicial Tower, the Cheligia Tower and the Jewish Tower. Near the latter, until the end of the 15th century, there was a Jewish quarter. The synagogue also survived; it was later turned into the Church of All Saints. Today the townspeople call this area Lent, and at one time it was called the Drawian Venice - it goes down to the water, where there was once a busy pier, littered with cargo, to which more and more barges, rafts and boats moored. In those days, the Drava was much deeper than it is today, although its bed was replete with stones, which allowed only flat-bottomed vessels to be used. Of the three castles that once defended Maribor, only one has survived, built in the 15th century in the spirit of late Gothic.

Today it houses a local history museum with rich collections. The castle is also interesting as an architectural monument. The most noteworthy attractions are the Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto (1653), the Knights' Hall, richly decorated with carvings and frescoes, and the grand staircase in the late Baroque style. The space in front of the castle is called Castle Square. On it stands the column of St. Florian (XVII century), renewed several years ago. On another square, named after the outstanding Slovenian educator Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek, there is a Gothic column-lamp (1517), which once marked the entrance to the city cemetery, which has long since disappeared.

6 km from the center of Maribor is Pohorje - the largest and most popular ski center in Slovenia. The thermal center of Terme Maribor is also located here, where you can swim in the thermal pools. The Golden Fox Women's Downhill Ski World Cup is held here every year. In addition to alpine skiing, the resort offers 20 km of equipped cross-country trails. The well-developed infrastructure of the resort allows tourists to find something to their liking - in the evening you can visit numerous restaurants, cafes, discos and other entertainment centers. There is a bus to the city center (10 minutes).

Maribor is the second largest city in the Republic of Slovenia located in the historical region of Lower Styria, which is located in the northeast in the valley of the Drava River.

Historical Introduction

This Slovenian city was first mentioned in documents from the 12th century. Then the Frankish tribes built a fortress here, which served as a fortification against frequent raids by Hungarian troops into the Drava valley. The castle was named Marburg, and Maribor bore this name for many years. The city developed rapidly due to its strategically advantageous location. By the middle of the 16th century, it became a major trading center and more than once repelled raids by Ottoman troops.

The main population of Maribor until the beginning of the 20th century were ethnic Germans, until it was annexed to Yugoslavia. The Second World War brought German annexation and destruction, but the city survived, and half a century later it became part of independent Slovenia.

About the city

Today's Maribor is one of the most progressive, beautiful and developed European cities, which is confirmed by the title of the Cultural Capital of the Old World, which it received in 2012. It is loved by tourists and travelers for its amazingly romantic atmosphere and attractive architectural ensemble of old streets. In Maribor the weather is always mild, without sharp temperature disturbances: in winter it rarely drops below 0, and in summer in the hottest weeks it is about +25. Spring comes into its own quite early, and warm autumn allows you to enjoy dry, fine days until mid-November.

There are different categories of hotels where you can stay during your stay in Maribor. It is possible to rent a room in a small inexpensive hostel or indulge in relaxation in a five-star apartment. But always and everywhere guests will be greeted by a delightful view of the mountains and the indispensable hospitality of the hosts. However, hospitality is the main calling card of Slovenia.

Attractions

Old Maribor is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the European Union, in which architectural traditions, cultural customs and universal values ​​of many eras, generations and peoples are closely intertwined. The main historical place is the central square, which is decorated with a column erected in the mid-18th century in honor of the deliverance from the plague epidemic. A magnificent white marble sculptural ensemble surrounds the column, solemnly showing the world the triumph of life.

No less attractive are the church on the main square, the construction of which dates back to the 18th century, and the town hall building. On city streets, every little detail, every touch is important: here everything creates a unique urban ensemble, which has a unique appearance and amazing flavor.

More than four hundred years ago, “Zhemetovka” (one of the noble grape varieties in Slovenia) was planted in Maribor and now it has become the oldest grapevine in the world! Back in the 70s of the last century, scientists established that its age exceeds 400 years. This vine weaves along the Maribor wine house, which houses the Museum of Slovenian Winemaking, which we highly recommend visiting.


The historical district of the city attracts tourists with the opportunity to visit an ancient architectural monument - Maribor Castle, erected by Frederick III in the 15th century. The surrounding squares are full of souvenir shops, shops with authentic Slovenian goods and coffee shops with magical cakes, which leave only a divine aftertaste and regret that everything will end someday.

Active and brave

In the vicinity of Maribor there is an open ski resort where one of the stages of the Alpine Skiing World Cup is held annually. This indicates the high level of the local roads and well-developed infrastructure. The resort allowed the city to receive the respected title of Alpine, and the possibilities of the local slopes annually attract thousands of fans of winter recreation. More than 40 km of slopes of varying difficulty levels, half of which are given to beginners, modern lifts without queues and an artificial snowmaking system make skiing comfortable and relaxation enjoyable. Prices for ski passes, equipment rental and master classes from the best ski instructors add to the resort’s popularity among young people and those who are not used to overpaying.

Students

Maribor is a city of youth. The university located here is the second most important in the country (after Ljubljana). More than 25 thousand students.

It was created in 1975, but its history begins in the mid-19th century, when a theological seminary was opened here. Then secular faculties were added - economics, agronomy, pedagogy. Today, the University of Maribor is rightfully included in the list of the best European educational institutions and is at the top in the field of training specialists in physics. The university's world ranking is also very significant - the university deserves its place in the top five percent on the planet.

Thermal pleasures

There are several thermal springs open in the city, whose healing waters truly work wonders. Medical institutions and thermal baths () built in Maribor are popular both among those who have health problems and among people who prefer a comfortable vacation with benefits for beauty and general well-being. Baths of Maribor- an excellent chance for a vacation or vacation to combine business and pleasure, especially since the prices for all pleasures allow you not to deny yourself either gastronomic pleasures or shopping therapy.

This is how it is, Maribor, ancient and open to everything progressive, bright and cozy, hospitable and romantic. A place that is worth getting your suitcase from the mezzanine right now...

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 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?

Maribor (Slovenia) is the second most important and largest city in the country. It is the transport, industrial and wine-making center of Slovenia. In 2012 the city was named the European Capital of Culture, and in 2013 – the European Youth Capital. If photos of Slovenian Maribor have long attracted your attention, then it’s time to go on a virtual tour of this European city.

General information

Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia, located in the northeast of the country at the very foot of Mount Pohorje and surrounded by the Drava River. The population is 112,000 people.


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 of Yugoslavia. According to written sources, already from the 13th century the city developed very intensively and was one of the centers of trade and crafts. Over its centuries-old history, it has withstood sieges by 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, Nazi Germany announced the annexation of Lower Styria and built many factories and factories 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, visited by several thousand tourists every year.

What to see in Maribor

The attractions of Slovenian Maribor are very diverse, and every traveler will find something interesting for themselves.

Mount Pyramid

The Pyramid is not only a mountain that towers over Maribor, but also a popular observation deck. This is truly a very beautiful place: from the hill the city is visible at a glance. Churches and colorful houses look even more picturesque from above, and thanks to the large number of city parks, Maribor looks like an evergreen city. There is also an impressive view 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 admire the beautiful view of the city for 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!


The Maribor winery is one of the oldest in Europe, and the vine growing nearby is the oldest in the world. Today, the building of the old winery has been converted into a museum: interesting exhibits are on display here, and Slovenian guides will be happy to tell you about the difficult fate of the winery.

The museum also has a special room where those interested can taste a number of drinks. Restaurant workers do not bring the same wines to everyone, but are interested in your taste preferences, and only then select a drink just for you.


This place is of interest not only for tourists, but also for collectors - Slovenian wines are considered among the best in the world, and some drinks cost more than a million euros. However, there are also more budget options, which, by the way, can be purchased in a special section of the winery.

  • Attraction location: Vojashnishka ulica 8, Maribor 2000, Slovenia;
  • Opening hours: 9.00 – 19.00;
  • How much does it cost: 4 euros + wine tasting (price depends on the type of wine).

The town square is the tourist center of Maribor. It is here that most of the city’s attractions are collected: Maribor Castle (Maribor Local History Museum), the city hall, the plague column (in memory of the plague epidemic that killed almost a third of the city’s population), and the ancient cathedral. There are also a number of monuments installed here: a statue of St. Florian (the patron saint of the city) and a monument symbolizing the independence of Maribor.


The city square is a great place for leisurely walks in the summer and cozy gatherings in a cafe in the winter. In the warm season, it’s a good place to sit on benches near the flowering flower beds and admire the city fountain, or visit the local market. In winter, it’s better to go to one of the old coffee shops and feel like a local resident.

“Three Ponds” is 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 includes about 120 species of fish) and three ponds. Thanks to the fact that local authorities take care of the park plants, it is always clean and cozy, many pink flower beds bloom and fountains operate in the summer.


Park “Three Ponds” is a favorite vacation spot for city residents. People often sunbathe here, have small picnics, or just walk after a hard day at work. By the way, Russian tourists often compare the Maribor park with Sokolniki, because various festivals and concerts are also held here.


This is a museum whose exhibition presents the historical and archaeological treasures of Slovenia (in most of the Podravska 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 way of life of the ancient Maribor residents.

It is also worth noting that the regional museum is located not just anywhere, but in the ancient Maribor Castle, built in the Middle Ages. It is not difficult to find - it is located in the central square of the city.

  • Location: Grajska ulica 2, Maribor 2000, Slovenia;
  • Open: 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 back 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 firefighters were on duty and, thanks to such a convenient location, could quickly put out the fire.

By the way, this place can still be seen today by climbing to the very top of the tower. There is a museum here and there are a lot of interesting photos and ancient exhibits. The bell tower will be of interest to nature and architecture lovers: it offers an impressive view of the city and surrounding area.

  • Location: Slomskov trg, Maribor 2000, Slovenia;
  • Opening hours: 8.00 – 21.00;
  • Cost of visit: 1.5 euros.

Rest in the city


Slovenian Maribor is a fairly popular city among tourists, so you should prepare for the trip in advance. First, you need to book a hotel (there are only about 100 of them here). The cheapest room in a guest house will cost you 15 € per day, and the most expensive room in a hotel will cost you about 200 €. The average price per night 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 winter, then it is better to prefer the second option and stay in the suburbs of Maribor, because such hotels offer skiing and recreation in the mountains as entertainment. And if your goal is excursions, it is wise to choose an inexpensive guest house or hostel in the center.


Secondly, before the trip you need to find out the prices for food.

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 is definitely worth buying it. One portion of the treat will cost you 1€. As for other products, it makes sense to purchase them at the local market, and the cost will be as follows:

  • A liter of milk – 1€;
  • Bread – 1.8 €;
  • A dozen eggs – 2.3€;
  • A kilo of tomatoes – 1.8€;
  • Potatoes (1 kg) – 0.50€;

However, you can also eat in Slovenian cafes. The average bill for dinner for two in an inexpensive restaurant will be 12-15 €, and a three-course lunch for two will cost about 30 €. Remember that in the tourist areas of the city prices are much higher, so it makes sense to walk a little and find a good cafe further away from the center of Maribor.

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Entertainment 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 - mountain walking, skiing in winter and rock climbing. However, let’s take a better look at what to do in Maribor.

Skiing

Winter sports are very popular in Slovenia, and therefore there are many ski resorts. The closest to Maribor is Maribsko Pohorje, located 10 minutes drive from the city center. The slopes of this resort are suitable for both beginners and professionals. This place is especially good for children - there are wide roads here, and teaching a child to ski or snowboard will not be difficult. By the way, it is at this resort that the stage of the world women’s championship “Golden Fox” (Zlata lisica) is held annually, and therefore there is no need to talk about the equipment of the tracks.


In general, the resort of Pohorje is a very leisurely and quiet place in Slovenia with a lot of restaurants and cafes. There are also ski lifts here, and there are several small hotels nearby.

If you are bored with regular walks in the mountains, then take a closer look at the interesting programs run by the resort staff:

  1. Night sledding

    2. It is in Maribor that the longest track in Europe is located, designed for night skiing. Its length is 7 km, and the elevation difference is 1000 meters. Don't miss the opportunity to see the stunning mountain scenery at night.

  2. Romantic walk for two

    3. If you come to the resort with your loved one, then you should pay attention to this excursion. In 40 minutes you will be taken by sleigh along the most picturesque slopes of the resort - Bellevue and Areh, and will also be offered 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 down the mountain faster than your opponents. The races are held on the slopes of Mount Poštela or Cojzerica, and anyone can take part in them.

  3. Huge swing

    4. A huge swing is perhaps the only type of recreation in the Pohorje resort that does not require physical effort. It's very simple - you sit on a giant swing and admire the snow-covered Maribor. Riding time is 15 minutes.

  4. Football XXL

    5. Winter football is an excellent entertainment option for large groups. The rules are simple: each team consists of 6 people who are connected to each other and move in a limited space. A fun time is guaranteed!

  5. Treasure Hunt

    6. Treasure hunting is one of the best recreational activities for children and adults. It's quite simple: the curator of your group hides treasures in the most unexpected places, and you look for them. By the way, when drawing up a plan, the guide takes into account your wishes.

    If you are bored with walking along the usual routes, then rent snowshoes and go for a walk through the quiet Pohor forests.


    In addition to skiing, Maribor can also offer you relaxation at thermal springs. One of the best thermal complexes in Slovenia is located in 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: swimming pools, saunas, Turkish baths, a solarium, as well as various medical equipment. Those who want to regain their youth or improve their health should pay attention to this complex - the center employs specialists who will select the procedures you need and create a full-fledged complex.

    Wineries

    Visiting wineries is one of the most popular activities among tourists in Maribor. And for good reason – there really is something to see and try here.


    There are several wineries in the city, and the largest are Ramsak and Vinogradi Horvat. Their work plan is the same: first you come to the wine museum, where they tell you the history of the wineries and a specific brand. Next, you go to the tasting room (some wineries only accept guests if reservations have been made in advance) and taste various wines. Usually the hosts offer to choose several drinks at your discretion. And then most visitors go to the store to buy the type of wine they like.

    The average temperature in Maribor in summer ranges from 22 to 24 °C. The heat, which rarely happens anyway, 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 month is August.

    The month for your trip must be chosen based on your interests: if your goal is ski resorts, it is better to go to Slovenia from December to February. And any time of the year is suitable for an excursion tour.

    How to get there

    You can get to Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia, 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.


    You need to 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.

    By bus

    In order to get to Maribor from Ljubljana, you need to take the Izletnik or Avtobusni Promet Murska Sobota bus at the Ljubljana stop (city center) and get to the Maribor station. The fare is 11-14 €. Travel time is about 2 hours.

    By plane


    The city of Maribor has a small airport named after Edvard Rusyan, and it receives several flights daily from nearby major cities. However, keep in mind that in some months planes from Ljubljana do not fly here (due to lack of demand). For a travel ticket on the Ljubljana – Maribor route you will have to pay 35-40 euros, and the travel time is 2 hours 20 minutes.

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    As you can see, it is much more profitable to get from Maribor to Ljubljana 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).

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