In short: in Maribor it is worth seeing the Old Vine (the oldest noble vine still bearing fruit) and the Old Vine House, the Lent district by the Drava and the Main Square, and above the town the Pohorje ski resort.
Maribor is the second-largest city in Slovenia, on the river Drava in the heart of the wine-growing Styria — with the oldest noble grapevine in the world, a lively old core by the river and the Pohorje ski resort near the centre. In this guide we go through the sights, the excursions and where to eat, and if you are also planning the Belgrade to Maribor minibus transfer, how to get there is at the end.
Lent and the old town by the Drava
Lent is the oldest part of Maribor, right on the bank of the Drava — a former river port turned into a lively promenade with cafés, restaurants and medieval towers (the Water and Judgement Towers). From here the old core is easily toured too, with the Main Square, the town hall (Rotovž) and the Baroque Plague Column, a monument raised after the plague.
What to see in Maribor and nearby
The Old Vine and the Old Vine House
The symbol of the city is the Old Vine in Lent — the oldest noble grapevine in the world that still bears grapes today, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. It is scientifically confirmed to be more than 400 years old, and the variety is called žametovka (modra kavčina). The vine grows on the façade of the Old Vine House museum, where its story is told and Styrian wines are tasted.
Pohorje
Above the city stretches Pohorje, the largest ski resort in Slovenia, reached from the centre by a gondola (the Pohorje cable car). In winter it is a ski centre with dozens of kilometres of runs, and in summer a mountain paradise for walking, cycling and viewpoints, with lakes and waterfalls nearby.
The Pyramid and the Maribor vineyards
Above the old core rises the Pyramid — the hill around which Maribor grew, with the remains of a medieval castle and a vineyard on the slope. The climb takes fifteen to thirty minutes, and from the top opens the loveliest view of the city, the Drava and Pohorje in the background — a favourite spot of locals and visitors alike, especially before sunset.
The Main Square and the Lent festival
Every summer Maribor comes to life with the Lent festival, one of the largest open-air cultural festivals in this part of Europe, with stages by the river and concerts for days on end. Along with it, in the grape-harvest season the traditional Old Vine Festival is held, dedicated to the famous vine.
Maribor with children — Maribor Island and Pohorje
Maribor is pleasant for families too. On the Drava, near the centre, is Maribor Island — a natural island with a landscaped bathing area and pools (swimming here goes back to the late 1920s), a favourite summer destination. In the town park are an aquarium-terrarium and children’s playgrounds, and the gondola to Pohorje leads to a summer adventure park and trails, or winter sledding and skiing. For an excursion there is also nearby Ptuj with its thermal spa, the oldest Slovenian town.
Where to eat in Maribor — Styrian wines
Maribor is the capital of wine-growing Styria, so wine and food are to the fore — white Styrian wines, local cheese, sausages and river fish are served in the wine bars of Lent and the inns of the old core. Along with the Old Vine there is of course a glass of wine from its grapes too, bottled in symbolic little bottles.
When to go to Maribor and how many days
Maribor is easily toured throughout the year: summer is for the Lent festival, Maribor Island and Pohorje, autumn for the harvest and the wine routes of Styria, and winter for skiing on Pohorje. For the old core, Lent and the Old Vine a single day is enough; with Pohorje, the Pyramid and a trip to Ptuj it is nice to set aside two to three days.
How to get to Maribor from Belgrade
For the Belgrade to Maribor minibus transfer we drive door to door, departing from Belgrade. Departure is at night, at around 23:00h, by the route via Croatia and the Bregana border crossing. Maribor is one of the closest Slovenian towns — the journey is about 510 km, a drive of 6–7 hours, so you arrive early in the morning.
The price is fixed and free of hidden costs — see the price for Maribor or the whole price list, and we also drive to the other towns of northern Slovenia (Belgrade to Northern Slovenia transfer). Before the trip, check the border crossings and live cameras, and read about the whole region in the guide northern Slovenia. Nearby are also Ptuj and Celje.
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Maribor?
The Old Vine and the Old Vine House, the old Lent quarter by the Drava, the Main Square with the Plague Column and the Pohorje ski resort with its gondola above the city.
Why is the Old Vine in Maribor famous?
It is the oldest noble grapevine in the world that still bears grapes today, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. It is more than 400 years old, and the variety is žametovka.
What is Pohorje?
The largest ski resort in Slovenia above Maribor, reached from the centre by a gondola. In winter it is a ski centre, and in summer a mountain destination for walking, cycling and viewpoints.
Is Maribor good for children?
It is — in summer there is Maribor Island with its pools, in the town park an aquarium-terrarium and playgrounds, and the gondola to Pohorje leads to a summer adventure park and winter sledding.
What is the Pyramid in Maribor?
The hill above the city around which Maribor grew, with the remains of a medieval castle and a vineyard. The top is reached in fifteen to thirty minutes, with the loveliest view of the city and the Drava.
How far is Maribor from Belgrade?
About 510 km, a drive of 6–7 hours — one of the closest Slovenian towns. With a night departure from Belgrade (around 23:00h) via the Bregana crossing, you arrive early in the morning.
When is the best time for Maribor?
Summer for the Lent festival and Pohorje, autumn for the harvest and the wine routes of Styria, and winter for skiing on Pohorje. The city is easily toured throughout the year.
