• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Travel Notes & Beyond logo

The Opinionated Travelogue of a Photo Maniac

  • Home
  • DESTINATIONS
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • South America
    • Pacific Islands
  • FOOD & WINE
  • TRAVEL GUIDES
  • TRAVEL RESOURCES
  • OTHER TOPICS
    • Rants & Raves
    • Reviews
    • Travel Blogger Interviews
  • ABOUT
    • Contact Form
    • Privacy Policy
    • Media Kit
    • Featured Elsewhere
  • Search
  • Home
  • DESTINATIONS
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • South America
    • Pacific Islands
  • FOOD & WINE
  • TRAVEL GUIDES
  • TRAVEL RESOURCES
  • OTHER TOPICS
    • Rants & Raves
    • Reviews
    • Travel Blogger Interviews
  • ABOUT
    • Contact Form
    • Privacy Policy
    • Media Kit
    • Featured Elsewhere
  • Search

Visiting Maribor, Slovenia’s Wine Growing Symbol

Home » DESTINATIONS » Europe » Slovenia » Visiting Maribor, Slovenia’s Wine Growing Symbol

Last Modified: September 22, 2021 //  by Anda //  15 Comments

Maribor was the first stop on our Balkan road trip itinerary. Although it is Slovenia’s second largest city, Maribor can easily be explored on a day trip from Ljubljana. One day in Maribor will give you plenty of time to explore the city’s attractions. You can also stop to admire the romantic river bank.

If you travel across Slovenia’s diverse landscapes you’ll come across many medieval towns with interesting historical sites and local curiosities. That’s how we discovered Maribor, a city with a rich Slovenian wine tradition, located on the banks of the Drava River.

Slovenia is one of the most beautiful Eastern European countries. Unfortunately, most visitors only devote one or two days to the beautiful Slovenia, which is a shame. Even worse, some will only use it as a refueling stop on their way to Croatia. But there is so much more to Slovenia than just Ljubljana and Lake Bled.

Day trip to Maribor, Slovenia
The tranquil banks of the Drava River in Maribor

What to See on a Day Trip to Maribor

During the Nazi occupation, the Allies bombed Maribor heavily, but the city has been rebuilt after the war. As a result, as you walk around the city today, you’ll notice that much of its center is very modern.

There are still see many old buildings in the heart of the historic Old Town, however. Like the Gothic cathedral, a section of the 15th-century castle (which now contains the Regional Museum), or the remains of the city walls and medieval towers.

In the main square you can admire the beautiful building of the Town Hall that dates back to the 16th century. Just a short walk away you will find the colorful Vodnikov Square that holds an open air market.

The Old Vine of Maribor

But the pride of Maribor doesn’t lie in its landmarks, medieval buildings, or picturesque hills. Surprisingly, the city’s most famous attraction is a plant – the oldest vine in the world (according to Guinness World Records), which has been producing grapes for over 450 years. The Old Vine has survived wars, fires, plagues and diseases and it still grows in front of the Old Vine House in Lent, the oldest part of the city center. Experts on vine genetics from Paris confirmed the age of the vine.

the Old Vine in Maribor growing in front of the Old Vine House
The Old Vine still grows in front of the Old Vine House in Lent, the oldest part of the city center (photo credit: Laszlo Galffy)

The four-century-old vine only produces between 35 and 55 kilograms of grapes per year, barely enough for about 100 bottles. But the precious wine has more of a symbolic value than a great taste.

Admittedly undrinkable, the Modra Kavčina wine always made a great gift for notable personalities like emperors, presidents, and many celebrities. As expected, Maribor hosts a number of events celebrating the old vine and it is home to one of the oldest and largest wine cellars in Europe. 

Image depicting the waterfront of Lent, the oldest part of Maribor
Lent, the oldest part of Maribor

How to Get From Ljubljana to Maribor

There are many beautiful day trips you can take from Ljubljana and Maribor is one of them.

Ljubljana is less than 90 minutes drive from Maribor, so if you are visiting Slovenia’s capital you can easily take a day trip to Maribor. And if you decide to spend more time there relaxing on the tranquil banks of the Drava River, Maribor has enough quality accommodations, great restaurants, and quite a vibrant nightlife too.

Category: DESTINATIONS, Europe, SloveniaTag: Destination Guides

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Previous Post: «Stephanie Langlet Interview with Stephanie Langlet, from “Tribes and Minorities”
Next Post: Strolling the Lungomare Promenade in Opatija Lungomare promenade Opatija»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cindy

    June 20, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    Maribor sounds wonderful. A number of years ago a friend told me I had to go to Slovenia, but I haven’t made it there yet. You are increasing the temptation!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      June 21, 2017 at 7:47 am

      This was my first time too, Cindy. Slovenia was a wonderful surprise.Thanks for dropping by.

      Reply
  2. Vlad

    May 29, 2017 at 1:27 pm

    I’ve never heard of this town, it looks so charming! Hoping to visit Ljubljana next year, so this could be an easy day trip. Thanks for sharing it with us! 🙂

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      June 1, 2017 at 7:40 pm

      It’s a nice little town that you may enjoy. You can stop there on your way to Ljubljana, or just take a day trip from Ljubljana if you are already there.

      Reply
  3. Anisa

    May 28, 2017 at 1:09 am

    I have been hearing so many great things about Slovenia lately so it is definitely on my list. I would love to visit some of the medieval towns. #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
  4. Agness of eTramping

    May 27, 2017 at 7:56 am

    Slovenia seems like an amazing destination, Anda! I will definitely visit it and go to Maribor!

    Reply
  5. Linda Aksomitis

    May 25, 2017 at 11:06 am

    Who knew a vine could live so long? Love your photos. This looks like a perfect destination for its architecture and culture.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      May 25, 2017 at 11:18 am

      Thanks, Linda. There are so many charming cities in Slovenia. Wish I’d go back for more.

      Reply
  6. julz

    May 24, 2017 at 8:47 am

    I told my husband that we should put Slovenia on our map this year for our europe trip but we won’t have time.. maybe next year.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      May 24, 2017 at 12:31 pm

      I’m sure you’d enjoy Slovenia a lot, Julz.

      Reply
  7. Suze

    May 24, 2017 at 5:52 am

    I hadn’t heard of Maribor but it must have been fascinating to see the oldest vine in the world – I wonder how they proved it! The town square looks impressive too

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      May 24, 2017 at 12:32 pm

      Apparently the age of the vine has been confirmed by experts on vine genetics from Paris.

      Reply
  8. Rhonda

    May 23, 2017 at 8:10 pm

    Amazing that the vine has survived all that time including the war years. It is quite tall. A number of wineries have been founded (many years ago) in New Zealand based on immigrants from Slovenia and Croatia.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      May 23, 2017 at 8:21 pm

      Ah, that explains why the New Zealand wines are so good, Rhonda.

      Reply
  9. Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe

    May 23, 2017 at 7:47 am

    True, Slovenia is beautiful. We travelled through on train but only managed a stay in Ljubljana.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

ABOUT THIS BLOG

Welcome to Travel Notes & Beyond, a collection of travel stories and itinerary ideas designed to encourage independent travel at any age. This blog is as much a tool for inspiring your trip as it is for helping you get the most out of it, once you arrive at your destination.

Opt-in Form

POPULAR POSTS

  • 2 weeks in Europe itinerary 2 Weeks in Europe – 10 Excellent Trip Itineraries
  • How to dress like a European How to Dress Like a European – The Ultimate Packing List for Europe
  • One Day in L.A. – How to See the Best of Los Angeles in a Day
  • View of Pacific Coast Highway 14 Spectacular Stops on the L.A. to San Francisco Drive
  • How to See Los Angeles in 3 Days – the Perfect Itinerary

Footer

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All rights reserved © Travel Notes & Beyond. The material on this website is protected by copyright law. Republishing the content on this blog (including text, photography, etc.) is strictly prohibited.

Awards

  • Gold Award Winner
  • Silver Award Winner

AFFILIATE PROGRAM DISCLOSURE

Some of the pages and posts of this blog contain links to products and services that may be useful for my readers. When clicking on these links you will have the option to purchase or register for a service at no extra cost to you, but doing so can help me offset the costs associated with running this blog. Thank you for your support!

Save On Airport Parking

Copyright © 2023 · Travel Notes & Beyond. All rights reserved

308 shares
  • 273