Day trip to Maribor: Discover Slovenia’s wine capital

From Graz to Slovenia in just one hour – the perfect day trip for all a&o guests

Are you staying at the a&o Graz Hauptbahnhof and looking for a spontaneous adventure? Then we have the perfect tip for you: Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city, is just a 58-minute train ride from Graz. Pack your camera and discover a charming city brimming with history, culture and – of course – first-class wine!

Getting there: A relaxed train journey to Slovenia

The train connection from Graz to Maribor is a real insider tip for spontaneous travellers. With around 18–19 trains a day, you have flexible travel options, and best of all: most services are direct, so you can avoid changing trains.

Practical information about the train journey:

Duration: 1 hour
Costs: from €5–6 when booked in advance, on average €11–15
Frequency: approx. 18 trains per day
Distance: 59 km

Our tip: It’s best to book your ticket online a few days in advance to secure the cheapest prices. The first train leaves early in the morning, so you can enjoy the whole day in Maribor!

Compact beauty on the banks of the Drava

Maribor is surprisingly compact and the old town can easily be explored in a single day. This makes the city perfect for a relaxed, stress-free day trip. Almost all the main sights are clustered around the three central squares – Grajski trg, Slomškov trg and Glavni trg – as well as the Lent district on the banks of the Drava.

Sights in Maribor

1. The world’s oldest vine

Your first stop should be the Lent district, where a very special attraction awaits you: the world’s oldest vine still bearing grapes has been growing here for over 400 years. It’s even listed in the Guinness Book of Records! At the House of the Old Vine (Hiša Stare trte), you can learn more about this remarkable plant and the region’s winemaking tradition.

2. Old Bridge | Stari Most

The dark red steel bridge was built in 1913 and renovated between 1990 and 1998. Today, it is the most famous bridge in the old town and offers a perfect photo opportunity. From here, you have a wonderful view of the picturesque Lent district and the Drava River.

3. Maribor Castle | Mariborski Grad

The imposing Maribor Castle is a landmark of the city and now houses the Regional Museum. The exhibition focuses on the archaeology, ethnology and cultural history of the region – a must-see for culture lovers!

4. Main Square | Glavni trg

The picturesque Main Square, with its Plague Column and Town Hall, is the beating heart of the Old Town. Here you’ll also find numerous cafés and restaurants, perfect for a break between sightseeing.

5. Maribor Cathedral

The impressive cathedral on Slomškov trg is one of the city’s most beautiful sights. The bell tower is open daily until 1 pm and offers a magnificent view over the city.

6. Water Tower

This late Renaissance fortress was built in 1555 and protected the south-eastern section of the city walls on the banks of the Drau. Today, the tower is a popular photo spot and a testament to the city’s medieval fortifications.

Tips for your day in Maribor

A stroll along the Drau

The promenade along the banks of the Drava is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The view from the opposite bank back towards the old town is particularly beautiful – this is where you’ll get the best panoramic photos!

Piramida Hill

If you still have energy left after sightseeing, it’s well worth the climb up Piramida Hill. From up here, you’ll have a fantastic panoramic view of Maribor and the surrounding vineyards.

Maribor City Park

The spacious and well-maintained city park is a green oasis near the old town – perfect for a quick breather on one of the many benches.

Culinary highlights

Maribor was named one of the most popular cities for foodies in 2023, and for good reason! The city offers an exciting blend of traditional Slovenian cuisine and modern gastronomy.

Wine tasting is a must!

In Maribor’s wine cellars, you can discover top-quality wines from the Slovenian Styria region. A visit to the historic Vinagova klet is particularly recommended, where you’ll be guided through old wine cellars featuring historic wooden barrels.

Restaurant recommendations

For a fine dining experience: The Mak and Hiša Denk restaurants are among the world’s culinary elite and are run by the famous Vračko brothers. Here you can expect creative menus featuring regional ingredients prepared to the highest standards.

For authentic cuisine: In local eateries such as the Ruška koča hut, you can sample traditional Slovenian specialities.

For coffee and cake:

• Čajek: A popular tea room with a cosy atmosphere
• Ilich: A patisserie with award-winning ice cream
• Teta Frida: Handmade, 100% natural ice cream
• Café Terasa: Cakes with the best view in town

Our tip: Be sure to try the Prekmurska gibanica, a traditional Slovenian layered cake – an absolute must for those with a sweet tooth!

Practical tips for your day trip

Best time to visit: Maribor is worth a visit all year round. The city has a particularly atmospheric feel during the Lent Festival in summer or the Old Vine Festival in autumn. In winter, the old town transforms into a magical wonderland with a Christmas market.

Currency: The currency in Slovenia is the euro – so you don’t need to exchange any money!

Language: The locals speak Slovenian, but you’ll get by just fine with English or German in tourist areas. Many Slovenians also speak a little German due to the geographical proximity.

Itinerary:

• Departure from Graz: best early in the morning (e.g. 8–9 am)
• Arrival in Maribor: approx. 9–10 am
• Sightseeing: 6–7 hours
• Return journey to Graz: late afternoon or early evening

Why the a&o Graz Hauptbahnhof is perfect

The a&o Graz Hauptbahnhof is the ideal starting point for your trip to Maribor. You can sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and be at the main station in just a few minutes’ walk. After your day trip, you’ll return feeling relaxed and can round off the evening in Graz – or start planning your next adventure straight away!

Maribor is surprisingly laid-back and pleasantly compact – perfect for a stress-free day trip from Graz. The combination of historic architecture, wine culture and first-class cuisine makes the city a real hidden gem. Thanks to the excellent train connection, Slovenia’s charming wine capital is just a stone’s throw away from your a&o hostel!

Pack your bag, buy a train ticket and discover Maribor – we promise you: it’s well worth it!

Got hooked?

Then book your trip with a&o to Graz!