Maribor is Slovenia’s second-largest city, located in northeastern Slovenia, and situated at a contact area of contrasting landscapes. On one side rise the forested Pohorje mountains, known for winter skiing; on the other stretch the flat Drava plain and sunlit wine-growing hills. Shaped by these geographic opposites, Maribor offers a unique blend of alpine freshness and continental warmth — an inviting setting to explore, experience, and discover beyond the conference.
Visitors can experience a mix of medieval, Baroque, and Austro-Hungarian architecture in the historic Lent district along the Drava River, with its narrow streets, defensive towers, and riverfront warehouses. The city centre features elegant 19th-century buildings, lively squares such as Glavni trg and Grajski trg, and the Renaissance Maribor Castle. Maribor is also home to the world’s oldest vine, over 400 years old, symbolising its long wine-growing tradition. Beyond the urban core, Pohorje offers hiking and panoramic views, while nearby wine roads invite exploration of rolling vineyards and traditional wine cellars.