The eastern part of Slovenia is divided into three regions: on the northeast is Prekmurje, which is represented by the chicken’s head of Slovenia. On the north is Štajerska and on the south is Dolenjska region. Štajerska and Dolenjska are divided by river Sava, whereas river Mura divides Štajerska and Prekmurje. In far north of Slovenia is Koroška Region mostly on the eastern part of the country.
What To See and Do in Eastern Slovenia?
Even though this part of Slovenia is often forgotten by tourists, it is beautiful because of its nature and landscape covered with vines and orchards. Here are some suggestions how to spend your time in the eastern part of Slovenia and avoid crowds of tourists.
1. Go Underground Kayaking in Mežica Tourist Mine
Mežica mine is situated in Koroška region, which is also included in the eastern part of Slovenia. Even though it is the smallest region, it has a lot to offer. For example, Mežica Tourist Mine is one of the main attractions in this region. With underground kayaking it offers a unique experience of the mine.
2. Climb the Vinarium Tower in Lendava
Vinarium is a 54 meters high tower in Lendava that offers a view of the picturesque landscape of the far eastern part of Slovenia. To get to the observation deck you can climb 240 stairs or simply ride the elevator to the top. The tower is located an hour drive from Maribor.
3. Visit the Second Biggest City in Slovenia, Maribor
Maribor is a great place to go sightseeing, because all attractions are located in the near vicinity of the city center. See the oldest vine in the world, walk on Lent, along river Drava, have a glass of local wine on the Main Square and relax in the City Park at the end of the day.
4. Be Active in Pohorje
Pohorje is one of the biggest sport centers in Slovenia. It offers hiking trails, cycling routes and a big ski center in the winter. Pohorje is located a couple of minutes from the center of Maribor and is a popular destination for locals as well as tourists.
5. Go to Ptuj
Ptuj is the oldest city of Slovenia, located only around 30 minutes from Maribor. Visit the beautiful castle above the city and if you are visiting in February or March, don’t miss out on the biggest Slovenian carnival, which is a traditional celebration of the end of the winter.
6. Visit Celje
Another important historical city of Slovenia is Celje. Similarly as Ptuj, you can visit the castle, which was very important in the history of Slovenia because of the earls of Celje. Walk through the city and up to the castle and enjoy a beautiful view of Celje and its surroundings.
7. Hit the Jeruzalem – Ormož Wine Road
This wine road begins in Ormož and continues for 18 km towards Ljutomer. Go on a cycle tour or a countryside drive along the hills covered with vineyards and wineries producing mostly white wines and try some of this region’s wine.
8. Go to Beer Fountain in Žalec
In 2016 a beer fountain was built in the town square in Žalec. It consists of 6 different beers, all brewed from Styrian hop by different Slovenian brewers. The fountain is located roughly 45 minutes southwest of Maribor.
9. Visit Lake Velenje and the nearby Coal Mining Museum
Velenje is a home to the Coal Mining museum of Slovenia, where you can have a tour of the mine and experience how miners used to work. Near the mine there is also Velenje Lake where you can swim in the summer or just relax by the water only an hour away from Maribor.
10. Go to the Postcard Scenery Heart Road in Špičnik
Špičnik is a road in Kungota, only a half hour drive from the center of Maribor. The road is special because it shapes a heart and flows through vineyards on a hill. It is a popular spot among locals and tourists as well.
11. Relax in the Beautiful Nature of Kozjanski Park
Kozjanski park is a Regional Park in eastern Slovenia, south from Maribor. It is one of the oldest as well as one of the largest protected areas in Slovenia, with a high degree of biodiversity. In Kozjanski Park you can find a Podsreda castle from the 12th century, which is an example of Romanesque architecture in Slovenia.
12. Enjoy in Thermal Spas and Welness
Slovenia offers a wide range of thermal spas, wellness and health resorts that offer relaxation and fun at the same time.
13. Spend a Night on a Tourist Farm
Slovenia is a home to many Tourist Farms that offer a true experience of traditional Slovenian life. Pay a visit to farm Pri Martinovih or Mali Raj and learn a thing or two about making cheese or taking care of their farm animals.
14. Visit the former Carthusian Monastery in Žiče
Žička kartuzija is one of 4 Carthusan Monasteries in Slovenia, which dates back to 12th century. There you can see and walk through the living spaces of former monks. It is located only 45 minutes from Maribor.
15. Visit America’s First Lady’s Home Town, Sevnica
One hour and 30 minutes east from Ljubljana lies Sevnica, which is the home town of current America’s first lady. See a small town of Slovenia, with around 5000 inhabitants, where Melania spent her childhood, only an hour and a half drive from Ljubljana.
16. Visit the Smallest Island Town, Kostanjevica na Krki
Kostanjevica na Krki is the smallest town in Slovenia as well as one of the oldest, dating back to the middle of 13th century. It is situated on an islet, 1 hour and 20 minutes from Ljubljana, where you can go on a stroll through the city and visit the Božidar Jakac Art Museum.
17. Spend a Night in River Castle Otočec
On an island of river Krka, there is the only water castle in Slovenija, Otočec castle. Today it is a luxury hotel, with a castle restaurant, which both offer a unique experience in the middle of Slovenian nature.
18. Visit the Biggest City in Dolenjska Region, Novo mesto
An hour from Ljubljana there is the biggest city of Dolenjska region, Novo mesto. The city stands on a bend of river Krka where you can walk through the picturesque Old town called Breg. Novo mesto is located only an hour southeast of Ljubljana.
19. Enter the Forests of Kočevsko and Get to Know its Wildlife
Kočevsko is a region a little more than 1 hour south of Ljubljana, that is the most wooded area of Slovenia. Visit and enjoy the forests of Kočevsko and its virgin forests, brown bears, deers and various other animals.
20. Treetop Walk in Pohorje
This amazing adventure is waiting for you in Pohorje near Maribor. You can enjoy the view from the 35 meters tall observation tower and walk through 500 meters long path among the trees. But this is not the classical forest walk-through. The wooden path is build 20 meters above the ground giving you the opportunity to walk between the upper part of trees and enjoy the view.