Head to Pohorje for adventure and relaxation

You can reach the lower station of Pohorska vzpenjača (Pohorje cable car) from the city by city bus, bicycle or car. The gondola takes you up to Mariborsko Pohorje (Maribor Pohorje), although you can also make the ascent on foot or by bicycle. The gondola is a practical choice if you want to reach a higher starting point quickly or save your energy for activities on Pohorje.

Timetables, prices and operating hours may change due to maintenance, weather or events. Check the latest information on the day of your visit. If you are taking a bicycle or larger equipment to Pohorje, also check the conditions for transporting it.

On Mariborsko Pohorje (Maribor Pohorje), you can choose a short walk along forest trails or a longer hike towards mountain huts and other parts of the range. Shorter marked trails with a clear starting point and enough time to return are more suitable for families and less experienced visitors. Experienced hikers can plan a longer route, taking elevation gain, terrain and available daylight into account.

Plan your route using a map or a reliable hiking app, and follow the trail markings on the ground. Wear hiking boots with good grip and bring water, rain protection and an extra layer of clothing. The forest and higher altitude can mean considerably lower temperatures than in the city.

Pohorje offers forest and gravel trails for recreational mountain biking, while Bike Park Pohorje Maribor has maintained trails of varying difficulty, mainly for downhill riding. Choose a trail that suits your skills, fitness and equipment. Riding in the park requires a suitable mountain bike, a helmet and knee pads. Before visiting, check any other rules regarding protective equipment.

Before your visit, check which trails and lifts are operating, the conditions and the park rules. Beginners can start in the Skills park or on an easier trail, or book a lesson. Hikers should follow marked hiking trails and stay off the bike trails. Where routes cross, follow the signs and watch out for cyclists.

Besides mountain biking, Pohorje offers a variety of sports and thrilling adventures. In the warmer months, these include downhill rides on mountain trikes and monster roller off-road scooters, PohorJet summer tobogganing and zorbing. In winter, activities on snow add to the offer, including winter trikes and Funpark Žigart. Before visiting, check which activities are operating, any age or other restrictions, the equipment required and how weather may affect them.

For a family outing, choose an activity that also suits the youngest participant. Follow the operator’s instructions and stay within your abilities. If conditions cause an activity to be cancelled, adapt your outing with a shorter hike or another alternative plan.

The wider Pohorje area is known for its vast forests, streams, waterfalls and peat bogs with small lakes. Popular destinations include pragozd Šumik (Šumik primeval forest), with the Veliki Šumik and Mali Šumik waterfalls, and Lovrenška jezera (Lovrenc lakes). These places are not close to the upper station of Pohorska vzpenjača (Pohorje cable car), so choose an appropriate starting point and plan a separate outing.

In environmentally sensitive areas, stay on marked trails, and use the designated wooden paths and boardwalks on the bogs. Do not pick plants or disturb animals, and take your rubbish with you. Before setting off, check the distance, elevation gain and time needed for the return journey. Do not rely solely on your mobile phone for navigation, as reception is not equally reliable everywhere.

In winter, Pohorje offers skiing and other activities on snow, although the range available depends on snow and weather conditions. Before arriving, check open slopes, lift operations, snow conditions and any restrictions. Walking away from maintained areas requires winter equipment and the knowledge to move safely.

Even if you do not ski, you can choose a short winter walk or a scenic gondola trip. Stay off the ski slopes and follow marked routes. Days are shorter, so return to your starting point or your last planned connection down to the valley in good time.

Several accommodation and wellness providers operate on Mariborsko Pohorje (Maribor Pohorje) and at its foot. A massage, sauna, pool or peaceful rest can be a reason to visit in its own right, or a way to finish a day of hiking, cycling or skiing. Day admission is not always available without a reservation, so check the offer for non-resident guests before arriving.

For a balanced day, avoid planning too many demanding activities in succession. After prolonged exertion, allow time to rehydrate, eat and unwind. If your wellness visit includes a sauna or hot baths, consider your health and follow the provider’s instructions.

Check the weather forecast, gondola and other lift operations, open trails and the difficulty of your chosen route or activity. Adapt your plan to the least capable member of the group. Bring a charged phone, enough fluids, suitable footwear and clothing for changes in the weather. If conditions deteriorate, choose a closer destination or return in good time.