Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia. For visitors entering the country from north it represents the gateway into Slovenia. With 95,787 inhabitants the city is without a doubt the cultural and economic center of the north-eastern part of Slovenia. Among Maribor's best known tourist attractions are the 12th century gothic cathedral, the town hall constructed in the renaissance fashion, the oldest vine in the world and the second oldest synagogue in Europe. Maribor also attracts skiers, Pohorje ski resort, the largest ski center in Slovenia provides night skiing practicaly in the middle of the city.

The city first started gaining in importance in the 18th century, but it's perhaps greatest turning point came in the 19th century in the first industrial revolution, when it became an economically developed and lively city. After 1861 it also became political and cultural centre of entire Slovenian Styria. After the First World War Maribor gained political importance as the administrative center of the north-eastern Slovenia. During the Second World War Maribor suffered great losses. But after 1945 it quickly became one of the most important Yugoslav industrial cities. Unfortunately, when Yugoslavia fell apart, some of the biggest factories had to close down, unemployement rose and people started leaving the city. Today Maribor has once again regained it's cultural and political importance and will carry the title of European Capital of Culture in 2012.

Maribor is easily accesible by car, by train or by bus. Even though the Maribor Airport doesn't provide regular flight connections, flying to Maribor is easy – Ljubljana, Graz and Zagreb Airports are very close.