200.000 m²
of parks
Zeleno mesto Maribor
Help shape a greener future for Maribor
In Maribor, the vibrant urban atmosphere blends with green city parks, the Drava River, the forests of Pohorje, and rolling wine-growing hills, creating the distinctive character of a city closely connected to nature.
Yet our city is recognised as a green destination not only for its abundant natural treasures, but also for the local community’s diverse efforts to promote sustainable development. These efforts have earned Maribor the international accolades European Best Green Capital 2025 and Slovenia Green Destination Gold 2026.
Green Maribor in Numbers
10
urban apiaries
39
public drinking fountains
270
local products and services under the Naše najboljše brand
6
markets for local producers
41
MBajk bike-sharing stations
7
tourism providers in the Slovenia Green programme (2026)
12
providers with international Green Key certification
1
tourism provider awarded the EU Ecolabel (Eko marjetica)
Be part of our green story!
Every tourism provider can help enhance Maribor’s sustainable tourism offering. Whatever the size or nature of your business, there are many ways to get involved in developing responsible tourism.
How?
Introduce environmentally friendly solutions
Explore suggestions for accommodation providers, restaurants, experience providers, transport operators, and event organisers.Obtain sustainability certification
Validate your efforts with a recognised certification and build guest trust.Help create green projects
Join forces with local partners to develop new green tourism products, services, and events.
Why invest in developing a sustainable tourism offering?
increased visibility across the destination’s communication channels,
a listing on the map of sustainable tourism providers,
inclusion in joint promotional campaigns,
opportunities to collaborate on developing tourism products,
access to training and expert resources,
support in implementing sustainability improvements,
better preparedness for future market requirements and public funding calls,
greater recognition among domestic and international visitors.
Good sustainability practices
Even small changes can help reduce your environmental impact and bring you closer to obtaining sustainability certification. Here are some green tips for using resources more responsibly, reducing long-term operating costs, and creating a tourism offering that delights guests.
Water and energy
Install water-saving taps and fixtures, use energy-efficient electrical appliances, and consider switching to renewable energy sources.
Waste
Avoid single-use plastic products, provide facilities for waste sorting, and donate surplus food.
Transport carbon footprint
Prioritise local products and seasonal ingredients, and inform guests about the many public transport options available during their stay.
Natural environment
Protect the natural environment and biodiversity in your operations, and encourage your guests to visit natural areas responsibly.
Involve your guests
Explain your environmental measures to guests in a friendly, accessible way to encourage them to follow these practices consistently.
Green partnerships
Join forces with your local community to develop sustainable products and services that benefit both visitors and residents.
Sustainability certifications
Even before introducing environmentally friendly solutions, you can begin the process of obtaining a certification suited to your business:
Review the criteria for your chosen certification and assess your current practices.
Make the necessary improvements and prepare the required documentation.
Submit your application for certification.
Green projects
Alongside national and municipal sustainability projects, Štajerska also hosts many public-private initiatives. By taking part, you can exchange experiences, connect with providers from other sectors, and help develop innovative solutions for environmentally friendly tourism.
Share your opinion with us
Your experiences and opinions are invaluable to the continued development of responsible tourism in Maribor. By completing a short survey, you will help us better understand the needs of tourism providers and shape the future of our destination together. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the survey!
Green news
Documentation on sustainable development and achievements
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In July 2026, Maribor was awarded the Slovenia Green Destination Gold label by the Slovenian Tourist Board as part of the Slovenian Green Tourism Programme. This recognition confirms the destination’s systematic efforts in sustainable tourism management, environmental protection, heritage preservation, and cooperation with the local community.
Absolutely! Maribor and its surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, exploring nature, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the forests of Pohorje, the wine-growing hills, or the cycle routes along the Drava River. When doing so, it is important to stay on marked trails and respect the natural environment.
You can explore Maribor on foot, by bike, or by public transport. The city offers the MBajk bike-sharing system, city buses, and two Maister electric mini vehicles providing transport within the pedestrian zone and the immediate city centre. You can also take the Pohorje cable car to visit Pohorje.