Maribor Top 20 Attractions - You Should Not Miss

Maribor is located on the banks of the Drava, is just over a 1.5-hour drive from the capital, Ljubljana. The city functions as a ski resort in winter and offers many attractions and programs in the summer. So that you do not have to scoop up different sights from different websites, we have done it for you. So you have no choice but to travel and relax.

Are you planning to visit Maribor? Do you want to hike? Maybe ride a bike on the shores of a stunning ink-black lake? Skiing on snow-capped slopes? You are in the right place if you answered yes to any of these questions.

We have compiled a list of 20 attractions and programs in Maribor. The most important sights of Maribor are located around the old town, where you can find many buildings with a historical past.

So, let’s see why it is worth visiting Slovenia’s second-largest city, which relatively few people inhabit. The population in 2012 was 94,984., so you do not have to be afraid. You will not be crowded when you visit Maribor for sightseeing.

The Best Attractions in Maribor

Main Square

The main square, also popular among locals, is in Maribor's Old Town. Cosy cafes in the square await tired tourists. If you arrive here at noon, gathering strength for an afternoon hike can be an excellent point.

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Maribor attractions: The main square

Maribor Castle (Mariborski grad)

The castle, which is visited by all tourists staying in Maribor, is located in the historic Old Town, a few streets away from the Synagogue. Only a few parts of the original Maribor castle remained, and the building currently houses a museum. Opening hours: closed on Monday.

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Maribor castle - Maribor, Slovenia

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Stari Most Bridge

The city of Maribor is divided by the river Drava. Here spans 3 lofty arches of Maribor's most famous bridge, the Stari Most, which means an old bridge in Slovenian. It was completed in 1913, so its history dates back more than 100 years. It was damaged in World War II and some parts had to be rebuilt. It was renovated again in 1990 and in 1998 the bridge took on its present form. Interestingly, in 1941, Adolf Hitler also walked through the Stari Most.

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Stari Most Bridge, Maribor, Slovenia

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Synagogue Maribor (Sinagoga Maribor)

The Synagogue is one of the most notable sights in the center of Maribor, currently operating as a museum. The place is a symbol of Mariborian Jewry, which you should definitely take a look at when you visit Maribor, as it is one of the oldest synagogues in all of Europe.

The synagogue is first mentioned in written records in 1354, and historians date its construction back to the 13th century. It is located next to the city wall and houses a Jewish cemetery, it serves as a residential unit, it is reserved for rabbis, and there is also a Talmud school operating inside.

Franciscan Church

"The youngest and most beautiful". The Franciscan Church in Maribor is built in Gothic style. The building itself is not large, so you can walk in from the outside in a few minutes. The Franciscan Church in Maribor is one of the most recently built historical monuments, which has now become one of the symbols of Maribor. The church itself was built of red brick, which gives a special effect to the already unique masterpiece.

It is 60 meters long and has a monastery next to it. The interiors of the church and the monastery are made beautifully by the work of Ferenc Pruzsinszky. Opening hours: every day (07:30 - 19:30).

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Franciscan Church of St. Mary Mother of Mercy in Maribor, Slovenia

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City Park (Mestni Park)

If you are tired of sightseeing you can visit the beautifully kept city park. The park itself is not far from the Old Town and in addition to plenty of green plants, you can also find fishponds and aquariums here. It is very popular among locals. It is an ideal place for romantic walks and meetings. There are also music events held for adults on Sundays. It is a great stop for those arriving to Maribor with children, as the city park provides an excellent opportunity for recreation for the younger ones as well.

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Mestni Park - City Park, Maribor

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Stolna zupnija Maribor)

You can also find the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Maribor in the Old Town, not far from the Drava River. The history of the cathedral dates back to the 12th century, at least there are written memories of it since then. The cathedral was rebuilt several times in the 14th and 15th centuries, and after a 17th-century reconstruction, the building reached a height of 76 meters. Unfortunately, the bell tower towering into the sky was not spared by lightning, and its height was reduced to 56 meters.

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Cathedral of Maribor

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Pyramid Hill

When hearing the word pyramid, everyone thinks of Egypt, but the Maribor pyramid has nothing to do with it. It is actually a 326-meter high hill and if you are looking for an easy hike, it can be a great destination for you. Climbing Pyramid Hill takes approximately 20-30 minutes. From the top, there is a breathtaking panorama of the city.

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Pyramid mountain, Maribor

Pohorje Mountains

The Pohorje Mountains are very close to Maribor. The mountain is set at 1543 above sea level. Its most famous peaks are Rogla (1517 m), Crni vrh (1543 m), and Velika Kopa (1522 m). It is a great place for hiking, biking, and many other recreational activities in summer. During winter skiing is the most popular activity.

There are many mountain huts here, marked routes with green fields, and accommodation in original Slovenian farms that promise real relaxation. You can also ask for a professional tour guide to help you find the most beautiful parts.

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Pohorje mountains next to Maribor, Slovenia

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Learn more: Maribor-Pohorje ski resort

Bike Park Pohorje

The slopes of Pohorje provide excellent terrain for skiing and snowboarding in winter, but it is also great for biking in summer, for those who are obsessed with speeding. You have to buy tickets to enter the park, it is EUR 12 for adults and EUR 8 for children. Equipment for cycling does not have to be brought from home, as it is possible to rent it on site. Opening hours: summer season only (every day - 09:00 - 17:00).

Plague Monument

One of the outstanding pieces of the Baroque style is the plague monument in the heart of the Old Town, erected in 1681 to commemorate the plague that ended in 1680. The monument was replaced in 1743 and today we can see this masterpiece made of white marble.

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Plaque Monument, Maribor, Slovenia

Black Lake (Crno jezero)

There are many active programs close to the old town of Maribor. Excursions are most popular in the area, as many hiking trails are available. The paths lead through breathtaking forests and countless beautiful waterfalls and lakes during the hike. Perhaps only a few people know that the Black Lake (Crno jezero) is located in a nature reserve around Maribor.

What makes it black? The word black here does not refer to the purity of the water but to the natural sediment accumulated at the bottom of the lake over the millennia. It paints the water of the lake purple or almost black. Address: 2317 Oplotnica, Slovenia

Rafting on the Drava

You can raft on certain sections of the Drava. The rafting begins in Koblar Bay and ends at Lent. You can see Maribor from a very different perspective. The rafting itself costs 25 euros per person.

Lent Festival

The Lent Festival is organized at the end of June at the Narodni dom Cultural Center in Maribor. The festival is mainly about art. Performers and spectators in theatre, opera, ballet, and jazz come here. The official website says the event is not a festival but an experience. What this means will only become clear once you visit “Lent”.

The Old Vine House

The Old Vine House of Maribor awaits wine lovers in the Old Town. The building currently houses a museum. Here, you will be introduced to the essential elements that define wine production in the region. They also offer guided museum tours, and you can try local wine specialities at almost surprisingly low prices.It is open every day from 10 am to 8 pm in the summer months and from 10 am to 6 pm in winter.

Vinag Wine Cellar

(Oozss Vinag vinarstvo sadjkjarstvo Maribor) One of the specialties of the old town is the Vinag Wine Cellar. You can find the cellar under the Old Town. With its tidy, clean interior, it creates a great atmosphere for wine lovers. They started the construction in the middle of the 19th century and is now the cellar is 2.5 km long, going under the old town of Maribor. The guided tours are especially interesting, and of course, you can also have wine tasting here.

Dravska Vila Cruises

You can see Maribor not only from the Old Town but also from the Drava River itself. The ship leaves from Wednesday to Friday at 6 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 6 pm. You can choose the ship's departure time if you are more than ten people. A 30-minute tour costs 4.5 euros, and a 1-hour tour costs 9 euros.

Fala Hydropower Museum

In 1998, one of the oldest hydropower plants in Maribor was converted into a museum to see the tiny, fascinating details of the Maribor energy industry. You can only visit the museum in groups, with at least 5 people.

Maribor Art Gallery (Umetnostna galerija Maribor)

The Maribor Art Gallery is just called UGM. Here, you will find a wide range of paintings, photographs, and other works of art. The gallery also has temporary, permanent, and contemporary exhibitions. If you are lucky, you could also attend sculpture classes. UGM has something exciting in store for everyone!

Museum of Photography (Fotografski muzej Maribor)

The Museum of Photography enriches the cultural values of Maribor, also located in the Old Town. The museum is not too big, so you may not even need an hour to see the exhibition. You can find old photographs, cameras, and materials using old photographic methods here. Admission is free for students. If you visit Maribor with children, visit the Museum of Photography, as they can even take part in classes.

Accommodation in Maribor

In Maribor, you will find great accommodation not only in the old town but also in the outer districts. As Maribor is not a huge city, in terms of value for money, you should also consider hotels located in the suburbs, other pensions, and options on Airbnb. You can book accommodation for two people for about 35 euros per night, in a 3-star hotel. However, even in the case of the most expensive accommodations, it is unlikely that the price per night will rise above 140 euros.

Maribor Ski Resort

In addition to sightseeing in Maribor, and discovering the area, the Pohorje Mountains offer many opportunities for active recreation. Many people come here mainly because of the Maribor ski resort, as in the winter months the weather in Maribor is especially favourable for skiers.

Maribor has a very nearby ski resort. Mariborsko Pohorje is a great little peak with a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding green nature in clear weather. You can enjoy skiing on approximately 40 kilometres of ski slopes in Pohorje and, of course, it serves as a hiking trail in summer.

The nearby pine forests create a magical atmosphere for resting and relaxation. The Pohorje ski slopes have several ski lifts, WiFi connections, and many accommodation options. The level difference of Pohorje varies between 325 meters and 1327 meters, making it an excellent terrain for both beginners and intermediate skiers.

The Pohorje snow report is available on the Internet along with the webcams. We took a closer look at the webcams in January and it really seemed like the skiers were gliding on the slopes without any problems.

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Weather in Maribor

The weather in Maribor is especially pleasant, the summer is not very hot and the winter is not too cold. The average annual average temperature is around 10 degrees, but it can go up to over 30 degrees. In the winter months, when the temperature drops below 0 degrees and the snowing starts, it provides great weather for those who want to ski.