Maribor & Eastern Slovenia
Sunny hills, thermal pools, and ancient stories 🍇
Maribor & Eastern Slovenia offers a distinct flavor from the alpine west, characterized by rolling wine hills, vast Pannonian plains, and a rich tradition of thermal spas. This region is generally sunnier and drier than the west, and the prices are often more wallet-friendly. It is an area where tourism feels less crowded, allowing for authentic interactions and a slower, stress-free holiday pace ideal for families.
Maribor, Slovenia's second-largest city, sits on the banks of the Drava River. The city's riverside district, Lent, is home to the Old Vine, the oldest fruit-bearing vine in the world—a fascinating record for kids to grasp. Just above the city rises the Pohorje Massif, a green playground accessible by city bus and cable car. In winter, it boasts the largest night skiing area in Slovenia; in summer, it transforms into an adventure center with a bike park, hiking trails through peat bogs, and the adrenaline-pumping "PohorJet" summer toboggan.
A short drive away is Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia. It is famous for Kurentovanje, a carnival festival featuring the sheepskin-clad "Kurenti" monsters, designed to scare away winter. Children are often fascinated by the Kurenti costumes displayed in the Ptuj Castle museum. However, the biggest draw for families in Eastern Slovenia is the abundance of thermal spas (Toplice). Resorts like Terme Ptuj and Terme 3000 in Moravske Toplice are effectively massive water parks with thermal water, featuring loop-the-loop slides, wave pools, and dedicated play areas for toddlers. These are perfect for relaxation after days of sightseeing.
The region of Prekmurje, in the far east, offers a unique flat landscape perfect for easy family cycling. You can visit the Ocean Orchids tropical garden or the Vulkanija Adventure Park, where an interactive mole character teaches kids about volcanoes. The cuisine here is distinct, featuring pumpkin seed oil and prekmurska gibanica, a rich layer cake that rivals the cream cakes of Bled.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Features the UNESCO-listed Kurentovanje in Ptuj, one of Europe's most authentic ethnographic carnivals, and the Old Vine Festival celebrating the world's oldest grapevine. February is peak for traditional carnival culture, while September offers world-class harvest celebrations; winter months provide high-quality traditional Christmas markets.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
While Rogaška Slatina and Terme Olimia are high-quality thermal spas, 'excellent' wellness ratings should be reserved for internationally iconic destinations (Baden-Baden, Budapest, Japanese onsen). Slovenia has a strong spa tradition but lacks the global brand recognition for 'excellent'. Once thermal spa attractions are verified in database, 'very_good' is more appropriate.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
The Pohorje mountains provide a pristine environment for family hiking and forest exploration among ancient peat bogs and waterfalls. Summer offers ideal temperatures for outdoor exploration, though winter and late autumn bring mud and snow that make trails less accessible for families.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Ptuj, Slovenia's oldest city, and Maribor's historic center offer deep Roman and medieval history with a sophisticated, uncrowded atmosphere. The warm months (May-Sep) are ideal for exploring open-air museums and historic squares, whereas winter temperatures often drop below freezing, limiting the urban experience.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The region features the scenic Jeruzalem wine road and the rolling hills of Haloze, offering sophisticated driving routes through authentic rural landscapes. May, June, and September provide the best visibility and lush foliage, while the heavy rainfall in July and August can occasionally impact mountain driving conditions.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Excellent infrastructure for cycling along the Drava River and extensive mountain biking trails on Pohorje. The mild spring and summer climate (16-21°C) is perfect for active families, but high rainfall in June and August requires flexibility in planning.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Strong educational value in the region's Roman archaeological sites and viticulture heritage. Peak months align with active guided tour seasons and the best weather for outdoor historic site visits, though it lacks the sheer density of world-class museums found in major European capitals.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
Mariborsko Pohorje hosts the Alpine Ski World Cup, offering professional-grade infrastructure, though its low altitude makes it less reliable than the High Alps. Peak snow conditions occur in Jan-Feb, but sophisticated travelers may find the terrain limited compared to major global ski destinations.
Attractions (82 total)
Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Aqualuna Thermal Park
Podčetrtek
One of Slovenia's most popular summer family destinations, famous for its massive King Kobra slide and numerous themed water attractions.
Visit website →Terme 3000 Thermal Park
Moravske Toplice
A massive water complex in the Prekmurje plains known for its unique 'black' thermal water and high-adrenaline slides like the 360-degree Aqualoop.
Visit website →Bioterme Mala Nedelja
Mala Nedelja
An eco-friendly thermal park offering healthy bathing in pure mineral water amidst the peaceful, rolling hills of the Prlekija countryside.
Visit website →Mariborski Otok Aquatic Centre
Maribor
A unique outdoor swimming complex located on a scenic island in the Drava River, blending historic 1930s architecture with modern family pools.
Visit website →Terme Ptuj Thermal Park
Ptuj
A large Roman-themed water park featuring the largest water slide system in Slovenia and an Olympic-size pool near the country's oldest town.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Drava Cycling Route
Dravograd
A 145km segment of the international R1 route through Slovenia, following the Drava River. Moderate difficulty with some climbs between Dravograd and Maribor, becoming easier/flatter towards Ptuj and Ormož. Typical duration: 3-4 days. Total elevation gain: ~800m. Bike rental: Bike Center Maribor (bike-center.si) or Dravabike (dravabike.si).
Visit website →Pohorje Trail
Maribor
A 45km mountain hiking trail traversing the Pohorje Massif from Maribor to Slovenj Gradec. Moderate difficulty, typically completed in 2 days. Elevation gain: ~1,500m. Passes primeval forests, peat bogs, and the Lovrenc Lakes. Mountain bike rental available at Bike Park Pohorje (bikeparkpohorje.si).
Visit website →Slovenian Mountain Trail (Segment 1)
Maribor
The starting section of Europe's oldest transversal trail. This 20km day hike from Maribor to the Ruše mountain hut is challenging, with an elevation gain of 1,000m. It offers panoramic views of the Drava Valley and Maribor. Typical duration: 6-7 hours. Difficulty: Challenging.
Visit website →Jeruzalem Vineyard Trail
Ljutomer
An 18km scenic hiking and cycling loop through the rolling hills of the Prlekija wine region. Easy to moderate difficulty, typical duration: 5 hours walking. Features steep terraced vineyards and panoramic views. Elevation gain: ~400m. Bike rental: Tourist Information Center Ljutomer.
Visit website →Iron Curtain Trail (EuroVelo 13)
Hodoš
A notable section of the EuroVelo 13 route passing through the Prekmurje region along the Hungarian border. Approximately 60km in the Slovenian sector. Easy difficulty, mostly paved and flat. Typical duration: 1 day. Significant for historical interest and the Goričko Landscape Park. Bike rental: Local centers in Moravske Toplice.
Visit website →Mura Cycling Route
Trate
The Slovenian section of the famous R2 Murradweg, stretching approximately 100km through the Prekmurje and Prlekija regions. Easy difficulty, mostly flat, following the Mura River through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Typical duration: 2 days. Bike rental: Ride Goričko (ridegoricko.com).
Visit website →Via Pomurje (Pomurje Mountain Trail)
Gornja Radgona
A long-distance hiking trail circling the entire Pomurje region, covering 320km in total. The route is mostly easy/moderate, crossing the Goričko hills and the Pannonian plains. Can be broken into many day stages. Elevation gain varies by stage. Key highlights include Grad Castle and the Three Borders stone.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Expano Regional Pavilion
Murska Sobota
A high-tech discovery center using virtual reality and interactive exhibits to showcase the natural and cultural heritage of the Pannonian plains.
Visit website →Experiment Center Maribor
Maribor
A hands-on science discovery center located in the city center where children and adults can engage with interactive physics and chemistry experiments.
Visit website →Center Noordung
Vitanje
A futuristic space technology center dedicated to Herman Potočnik Noordung, featuring exhibits on space exploration and satellite technologies.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Jeruzalem Hills
Ljutomer
A breathtaking landscape of terraced vineyards and rolling hills offering panoramic views and world-class wine tasting opportunities in a serene setting.
Visit website →Mariborsko Pohorje
Maribor
A vast green mountain range offering family-friendly hiking, cycling, and a panoramic cable car ride with views over the city of Maribor.
Visit website →Bukovnica Lake
Dobrovnik
A tranquil lake nestled in the Goričko forests, famous for its relaxing atmosphere, forest park, and natural healing energy points.
Visit website →Piramida Hill
Maribor
An easily accessible hill above Maribor covered in vineyards, providing the city's most iconic panoramic viewpoint from its hilltop chapel.
Visit website →Lovrenc Lakes
Zreče
A unique high-altitude peat bog featuring nineteen small dark lakes connected by wooden boardwalks through a serene forest environment.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Jeruzalem Ormož Landscape Park
Ljutomer
A stunning protected landscape famous for its terraced vineyards, hilltop church, and panoramic views of the Pannonian plains.
Visit website →Lovrenška jezera (Lovrenc Lakes)
Zreče
An easy and scenic hike along wooden boardwalks over unique peat bogs, offering a fun outdoor adventure for families in the Pohorje mountains.
Visit website →Goričko Nature Park
Grad
A vast landscape of rolling hills and traditional farms featuring the massive Grad Castle as its cultural and natural centerpiece.
Visit website →Kozjansko Regional Park
Podsreda
One of the oldest and largest protected areas in Slovenia, featuring the well-preserved Podsreda Castle and beautiful traditional meadow orchards.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Jeruzalem Wine Road
Ljutomer
40km paved scenic route (2-3 hours) through the Prlekija region, often called the 'Slovenian Jerusalem.' Key highlights include the terraced vineyards of Jeruzalem village, the 17th-century Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, and the historic Malek vineyard cottage with panoramic views of the Pannonian plains.
Visit website →Goričko Nature Park Scenic Route
Grad
50km paved circular route (3 hours) exploring the volcanic landscape of Prekmurje. Highlights include the 365-room Grad Castle (the largest in Slovenia), the Sotinski Breg viewpoint overlooking three countries, and the unique Pannonian architecture of roadside villages and orchards.
Visit website →Haloze Wine Road
Ptuj
45km paved ridge-top route (2 hours) starting from Slovenia's oldest town. This drive traverses the exceptionally steep and narrow ridges of the Haloze hills, visiting the Ptujska Gora pilgrimage basilica and Borl Castle, with views across the Drava River valley.
Visit website →Heart of the Vineyards (Svečina Scenic Drive)
Svečina
15km paved loop (1 hour) near the Austrian border, famous for the iconic heart-shaped road winding through the vineyards at Špičnik. The route features extremely steep, narrow roads through some of Slovenia's oldest vineyard hills, traditional 'klopotec' wind-rattles, and hilltop farmsteads.
Visit website →Rogla Pass Panoramic Road
Slovenske Konjice
65km paved mountain route (2 hours) ascending from the Dravinja Valley to the 1,517m Rogla plateau. The drive passes through the spa town of Zreče, the 'Tree Top Walk' in the Pohorje canopy, and dense ancient spruce forests before descending towards Maribor.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Maribor Art Gallery (UGM)
Maribor
Slovenia's second-largest art museum features a vast collection of modern and contemporary works in a striking central venue.
Visit website →Regional Museum Ptuj-Ormož (Ptuj Castle)
Ptuj
The oldest town's hilltop castle houses an extensive gallery of Gothic and Baroque art and the most comprehensive portrait collection in Slovenia.
Visit website →Murska Sobota Gallery
Murska Sobota
A regional hub for contemporary art showcasing works from the Pannonian basin and hosting the International Ceramics Triennial.
Visit website →Lendava Castle Museum and Gallery
Lendava
A historic fortress hosting world-class rotating exhibitions by masters like Picasso and Dalí alongside local Hungarian-Slovenian art.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Maribor Castle
Maribor
An elegant baroque and renaissance urban castle in the heart of the city, now home to the Regional Museum of Maribor.
Visit website →Old Castle Celje
Celje
Slovenia's largest medieval fortress, once home to the powerful Counts of Celje, offering panoramic views of the Savinja Valley.
Visit website →Ptuj Castle
Ptuj
The oldest town's dominant hilltop fortress houses an extensive museum collection of musical instruments, tapestries, and traditional carnival masks.
Visit website →Murska Sobota Castle
Murska Sobota
A renaissance castle located in a lush city park, housing the Pomurje Museum's ethnographic and historical exhibits.
Visit website →Orpheus Monument
Ptuj
A nearly 5-meter-high Roman marble stele from the 2nd century AD, standing in its original location in the town square.
Slovenska Bistrica Castle
Slovenska Bistrica
A beautifully preserved fortress with a park, featuring a baroque staircase and specialized exhibitions on local history.
Visit website →Grad Castle
Grad
The largest castle complex in Slovenia by room count, situated in the hilly Goričko landscape of Prekmurje.
Visit website →Old Vine House
Maribor
A historic riverside building housing the world's oldest productive grapevine, certified by Guinness World Records.
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Maribor Pohorje Ski Resort
Maribor
325-1,327m elevation, 21 runs, 41.5km pistes, Dec-Mar season. Largest ski resort in Slovenia, featuring 7km of illuminated trails for the longest night skiing in the country and direct urban access via cable car.
Visit website →Rogla Ski Resort
Zreče
1,050-1,517m elevation, 13 runs, 12km pistes, 24km cross-country trails, Dec-Apr season. Known for its reliable snow conditions, sunny plateau terrain, family-friendly atmosphere, and high-altitude Olympic training center.
Visit website →Trije Kralji Ski Resort
Slovenska Bistrica
1,200-1,400m elevation, 4 runs, 3km pistes, 4km cross-country trails, Dec-Mar season. An intimate, family-oriented winter center on South-Western Pohorje with beginner-friendly slopes and artificial snowmaking support.
Visit website →Golte Ski Resort
Mozirje
1,280-1,576m elevation, 10 runs, 12km pistes, Dec-Mar season. Accessible via a panoramic gondola ride, this alpine resort offers diverse slopes with views of the Savinja Valley and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
Visit website →Kope Ski Resort
Slovenj Gradec
1,010-1,542m elevation, 8 runs, 8km pistes, Dec-Mar season. Located on the western part of the Pohorje massif, offering a variety of trails, modern lift infrastructure, and a vibrant après-ski scene for recreational skiers.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Mariborski otok
Maribor
A unique natural island in the Drava River featuring a historic outdoor swimming complex and scenic forest walking trails.
Visit website →Ptujsko jezero (Lake Ptuj)
Ptuj
Slovenia's largest artificial lake offers a vibrant recreation area known as Ranca Park for sailing, surfing, and beachside relaxation.
Visit website →Soboško jezero (Lake Sobota)
Murska Sobota
A modern lakeside destination featuring an active park with water sports, a swimming area, and the interactive Expano regional pavilion.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Mozirski gaj Flower Park
Mozirje
A renowned botanical park featuring stunning floral arrangements, traditional Slovenian ethnographic buildings, and themed gardens along the Savinja River.
Visit website →University Botanic Garden Maribor
Maribor
A beautiful 20-hectare collection of local and exotic flora located on the slopes of the Pohorje Massif, offering peaceful walking trails and educational plant displays.
Visit website →Ocean Orchids Tropical Garden
Dobrovnik
A unique 1,500-square-meter tropical greenhouse showcasing over 400 species of tropical plants and a massive production facility for orchids.
Visit website →Rogaška Slatina Health Resort Park
Rogaška Slatina
A classic European formal garden and park complex surrounded by historic neoclassical architecture, famous for its flower beds and peaceful promenades.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Pot med krošnjami Pohorje (Tree Top Walk)
Rogla
An elevated wooden walkway offering breathtaking views above the pine forest canopy with an integrated spiral slide for a thrilling descent.
Visit website →Pustolovski park Bukovniško jezero
Dobrovnik
An outdoor adventure center nestled in the woods by Bukovnica Lake, famous for its climbing paths and proximity to energetic healing points.
Visit website →Expano Regional Experience Centre
Murska Sobota
A modern activity hub featuring an outdoor motor park, water sports on Lake Sobota, and interactive exhibits showcasing the Prekmurje region.
Visit website →Pustolovski park Betnava
Maribor
A forest-based adventure park featuring diverse climbing courses and zip lines suitable for all difficulty levels near the city center.
Visit website →Vulkanija Adventure Park
Grad
An interactive educational theme park where families explore the world of volcanoes through 4D simulations and underground adventures.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Ptuj Old Town and Castle
Ptuj
The oldest city in Slovenia features a medieval hilltop castle and charming red-roofed streets perfect for a family stroll.
Visit website →Lendava Castle and Museum
Lendava
A historic fortress overlooking the Pannonian plains that houses galleries and exhibits on the local Hungarian-Slovenian cultural mix.
Visit website →Jeruzalem Hilltop Village
Ljutomer
A picturesque cultural landscape known as 'Slovenian Tuscany' featuring a pilgrimage church and breathtaking terraced vineyard views.
Visit website →Žiče Charterhouse
Slovenske Konjice
A stunning 12th-century former Carthusian monastery nestled in a quiet valley, offering peaceful grounds and a herbal pharmacy.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Thermal Park Aqualuna
Podčetrtek
A popular themed water amusement park featuring high-adrenaline slides like the King Kobra and dedicated children's adventure zones.
Visit website →Tree Top Walk Pohorje
Zreče
A massive wooden observation tower and canopy walkway that offers families an educational stroll through the tops of a spruce forest.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Wellness Orhidelia
Podčetrtek
30-32°C thermal mineral water within a world-renowned architectural landmark. This standalone thermal complex features undulating purple-hued structures, an indoor-outdoor pool flow, underwater music basins, and light-reflecting glass walls designed to blend into the surrounding hills.
Visit website →Health Resort Radenci Thermal Park
Radenci
33-34°C thermal pools and world-famous CO2-rich mineral water springs. The public thermal park includes ten interconnected pools, while the historic drinking hall offers access to the naturally carbonated 'Radenska' water straight from the source. Specializes in CO2 mineral baths.
Visit website →Terme Lendava Thermal Park
Lendava
Unique green-colored paraffin-rich thermal water at 32-38°C. This specialized mineral water is known for its high paraffin content, which is rare in Europe. The facility includes indoor and outdoor pools, a separate hydrotherapy area, and a large summer park near the Hungarian border.
Visit website →The Spa House (Terme Dobrna)
Dobrna
35-36°C acratothermal water in the oldest operating thermal spa in Slovenia, established in 1403. The standalone historic Spa House features original 19th-century marble baths and indoor pools set within a centuries-old chestnut park, emphasizing mineral water healing without modern additives.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Domačija Firbas
Cerkvenjak
An award-winning organic tourist farm offering authentic rural experiences including animal feeding, tractor rides, and traditional Styrian hospitality.
Visit website →Mini Zoo Land
Slovenske Konjice
A themed animal park featuring various world regions, offering close encounters with animals and expansive playgrounds for children.
Visit website →Sikalu ZOO
Radenci
An interactive petting zoo and park featuring over 50 species of exotic and domestic animals in a natural forest setting.
Visit website →Jelenov Greben
Olimje
A famous tourist farm where visitors can walk among and feed hundreds of free-roaming fallow deer on a scenic hillside.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Plague Column
Maribor
An ornate 17th-century marble monument standing in Maribor's Main Square, serving as a powerful symbol of the city's history.
Town Tower Ptuj
Ptuj
An iconic city tower with a unique onion-shaped dome and a Roman monument embedded in its base, defining the Ptuj skyline.
Expano Pavilion
Murska Sobota
A futuristic architectural landmark and interactive exhibition center that showcases the Prekmurje region through cutting-edge technology.
Visit website →Maribor Cathedral
Maribor
A historic Gothic cathedral featuring a 57-meter bell tower that serves as one of Maribor's most prominent urban landmarks.
Visit website →Vinarium Tower
Lendava
A striking 53.5-meter modern lookout tower offering a 360-degree view across the rolling hills of four different countries.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Sikalu Zoo
Radenci
A family-friendly park in the Prekmurje countryside home to exotic and domestic animals, from kangaroos to camels.
Visit website →Akvarij-terarij Maribor
Maribor
A long-standing city park attraction featuring over 120 species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians in a historic pavilion.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Festival Lent
Maribor
Late June to early July, 9-day multi-genre arts festival, one of Europe's largest open-air cultural events with approximately 500,000 annual visitors. Features international music, opera, jazz, and street theater across the Drava River waterfront. Very family-friendly with dedicated puppet shows and creative workshops in Art Park.
Visit website →Kurentovanje
Ptuj
February (ends on Shrove Tuesday), 11-day ethnographic carnival and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. Attracts over 100,000 visitors for processions of 'Kurents' (masked figures in sheepskins and bells). Highly family-friendly with colorful parades, folk music, and traditional Slovenian carnival treats like 'krofi' doughnuts.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Maribor Aquarium-Terrarium
Maribor
Located in the scenic City Park, this attraction features over 120 species of fish and a diverse range of reptiles, making it a favorite for families exploring the region.
Visit website →