Maribor

Maribor (historically German: Marburg an der Drau) is Slovenia's second-largest city (115,000 inhabitants) and the cultural heart of the Štajerska (Styria). Located on the banks of the Drava, at the foot of the Pohorje Mountains, the city combines university life, wine culture, and a surprisingly vibrant art and gastro scene. In 2012, Maribor was the European Capital of Culture — a boost that has sustainably changed the city.

The Oldest Vine in the World

Maribor's most famous attraction is over 450 years old and stands on a house wall on the Drava riverbank: The Stara trta (Old Vine) is the oldest documented grapevine in the world (Guinness Record). The Žametovka vine (Blauer Kölner) still bears grapes — the wine produced from it is given as a state gift to dignitaries in 25-cl miniature bottles. In the house next door: the Old Vine House (Hiša stare trte) with tastings of Slovenian wines and the history of viticulture. Admission: free, tastings from 10€.

Sights

• Lent — The Drava Riverbank: Maribor's historic river district with the old vine, the water tower, the court tower, and restaurants right on the water. In June, the Lent Festival takes place here — Slovenia's largest open-air cultural festival with 500+ events in 2 weeks.
• Glavni trg (Main Square): The central square with the plague column (1743), the Renaissance town hall, and elegant townhouses. Shopping streets radiate from here.
• Cathedral Sv. Janez Krstnik: The Gothic cathedral (12th–14th century) with its distinctive tower dominates the old town. The interior combines Gothic, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic elements.
• Pohorje Cable Car: In 7 minutes from the city to an altitude of 1,050 m. In summer: hiking and mountain biking on the Pohorje ridge. In winter: Mariborsko Pohorje ski resort (40 km of slopes, night skiing). Cable car: 14€ return.
• Maribor Art Gallery (UGM): Slovenia's second-largest art museum with an excellent collection of Slovenian art from the 19th century to today. Admission: 5€.

Wine in Maribor

Maribor lies in the heart of the Podravje wine region (Drava area) — Slovenia's second-largest wine region. The hills south and east of the city are a sea of vineyards. Main grape varieties: Laški Rizling (Welschriesling), Šipon (Furmint), Renski Rizling (Rheinriesling). The wine roads (Vinogradniška pot) around Maribor are ideal for cycling tours with tasting stops — signposted from the old vine.