Maribor without a car: from the Drava to the forests of Pohorje

In Maribor’s pedestrian zone, you can flag down a vehicle and get a free ride to your next stop. Meet Maister, the small electric shuttle that carries residents and visitors around the city centre. It is particularly useful for older passengers, people with reduced mobility and parents with young children, and tourists are welcome aboard.

Maister makes it easy to combine different ways of getting around: walk for a while, take a ride, then continue exploring on foot. Book by phone or flag down the shuttle when you see it in the pedestrian zone. The service operates within a defined area, so mention your destination when arranging a pickup.

For a walk through Maribor, start in Lent, the riverside district beside the Drava, then head through Glavni trg, the main square, and the old town towards the City Park. Here, sightseeing becomes a stroll beneath the trees and towards the Three Ponds. With no parking to think about, there is time to notice a doorway, explore a passage or stop at a bench.

If you feel like a climb, continue from the park to Piramida, the 386-metre hill overlooking the city. The ascent usually takes around half an hour and leads past vineyards to an open view. Its name has an unexpected origin: after the castle that once stood here was demolished, some of its stone was used to build a pyramid. A chapel now marks the hilltop, where the view once served the practical purpose of watching over the surrounding land.

When you want to explore beyond your walking route, MBajk can help. Maribor’s bike-sharing system lets you collect a bicycle at one station and return it at another. Register and choose a subscription before your first ride, then check for available bikes and free return docks.

Think of MBajk as a way to make short journeys between places you want to explore. Return the bike properly when you arrive and continue on foot, so your rental is not running while you have lunch or visit a sight. Follow designated cycling routes where available, observe local signs and give pedestrians space.

For an introduction to Maribor, or a break from walking, take the electric tourist train. The circular tour lasts around 70 minutes, with an audio guide in eight languages, including English, German and Slovenian.

The route connects parts of the city centre with the Three Ponds area. Use the ride to spot places you would like to return to on foot. It is also a useful option when travelling with people who prefer different walking distances. Check the current timetable before setting out, as departures vary by season and day of the week.

You do not need a car to leave the city streets for the forests of Pohorje. The G6 Vzpenjača city bus connects Maribor’s main bus station with the lower station of the Pohorje cable car. From there, continue uphill by gondola.

The cable car takes around ten minutes to reach the upper station at 1,042 metres above sea level. Choose your next steps to suit the weather, your footwear and your fitness, whether that means a short walk or a longer marked hiking trail. Check cable car operations and return connections before travelling, as maintenance and weather can affect the service. Give Pohorje its own part of the day, with enough time to enjoy the forest before heading back.

Travelling responsibly continues after you dock your bike or take off your walking boots. Carry a refillable water bottle, dispose of rubbish in the appropriate bins and stay on marked trails in natural areas. Give wildlife space and watch from a distance.

For a snack or a souvenir, look for the Naše najboljše label, meaning “Our Finest”. This regional quality brand brings together local food, crafts, dining and experiences from Maribor and the surrounding area. It offers a way to finish the day with a taste of the places you have explored, leaving time at the table to look back over your route.