Maribor, Pohorje and surroundings

Maribor is the second largest urban centre in Slovenia, also known as the capital of Štajerska. It is a city at the foot of the green slopes of Pohorje, at the base of mysterious Kozjak, surrounded by rolling hills and the flat Drava plain. Reflected in the current of the Drava river, the charming old city centre is a quiet monument to Maribor's rich history. It can also be admired by raft on the Drava river. The old quarter, Lent, is blessed with the oldest grapevine in the world, and its famous summer festivals attract visitors from all over the globe. During the winter, skiers come to Maribor for the Zlata lisica (Golden fox) skiing competition.

Mariborsko Pohorje is only a few minutes away from the city centre and offers skiing and wellness facilities. The surrounding hills are criss-crossed by kilometres of wine roads that offer visitors all sorts of culinary, hiking and biking delights. Maribor is also a fast developing congress centre. Štajerska (former Styria) is a varied region. Here the Alpine medium mountain connects with vineyard hills and river planes. Various natural delights, a rich cultural heritage and hospitable local people, happy to chat about the past over a cup of tea.The Trebnik mansion with its herbal kitchen is another great pace to visit.
 

On the hills of Slovenske Gorice, Haloze and Dravinjske Gorice the most precious flower of these soft undulating hills is on the vine! The centre of wine growing in Slovenske gorice is Ormož, whereas Jeruzalem (cf. Jerusalem) with its holy name, energetic forces, wine road, beauty spots and pilgrim church is quite rightly described as the "Heavenly Place". 
 

On the other side of the Mura River, under the last hills of Slovenske gorice, Ljutomer – the centre of Prlekija, developed. This is where the first idea of a unified Slovenia originated. Prlekija is a land of vintage wines, winding terrace-shaped vineyard hills, musical rattles, thermal springs and horse carriage riders. 

One characteristic of Ptuj is the carnival figures of Kurent, which come to life in Ptujduring the biggest Slovenian Carnival procession. On the Ptuj basin you are warmly invited to visit the thermal spa Ptuj, the mansion Dornava, Velika Nedelja and Hajdina. 

The green Pohorje with its forest reserve, an extensive pea field and 19 lakes is a true skier's paradise in Winter and hosts the women's World Cup slalom competition.

On the western side of Pohorje, the Mountaineers tourist centre of Kope is fast establishing itself as a holiday and recreational resort, attracting numerous skiing fans. The town of Slovenj Gradec, the administrative, economic and cultural centre of Koroška, is a living account of everything that took place in this part of Slovenia during the last two millennia. The rich collections of the Koroška Regional Museum depict its history. Don't leave the "land of King Matjaž" without having tasted his own speciality beer. For beer lovers this should be a real treat as this brew has a unique production technique.
 

The forest seclusion between the hills of Peca and Uršlja Gora, as well as the Alpine valleys that extend far into the mighty mountain range of the East Karavanke Mountains, are a true paradise for those that appreciate nature, peace and quiet. There are countless trails leading from one peak to the other, and the Koroška history book confirms that this really is an historic land, in fact the cradle of the Slovenian nation. And then there is the Drava River, which divides and connects the region at the same time.

The landscape around Črne na Koroškem in the Upper Mežiška Valley is easy to navigate. For hiking trips the trails to Smrekovško pogorje (1684 m) with Črno jezerce (the Black Lake), to the solitary Olševa (1930 m) with it's ancient cave habitations at Potočko zijalka are great, whereas the rocky Raduha (2062 m) is a paradise for climbers and Uršlja Gora (1699 m) is perfect for family trips. The highest peak of the Slovenian Koroška is Peca (2126 m). Deep inside this big rock is the resting place of the legendary King Matjaž.
 

The Park of King Matjaž, called Črna is a perfect natural venue for many sports and recreational activities. In winter the park gets a lot of attention for it's interesting snowy sculptures. Deep underground a completely different story begins – the lead and zinc mining tradition with a hundred years of hard work.

Years of mining and the development of the Mežica mine have shaped the lives of the local people as well as the landscape. Visitors can follow the mining tracks in the tourist mine.This picturesque world of minerals has a special underground charm. Additionally, the local technical heritage of the iron industry has it's special place in Ravne na Koroškem.

Mežica is at the centre of the Mežica valley. For many years, it has been a leading mining centre, but is has more than just that. Lush forests and mountain ridges would make you think you were in an Alpine tourist centre! The Peca mountain, ski slopes, underground tunnels with mining displays and plenty of delightful restaurants make sure visitors have a great time in Mežica.