Maribor, a town in the north-eastern part of beautiful Slovenia, has a lot to offer and this is one of the reasons why it was chosen to be European Youth Capital of 2013.
This year offers a great programme organized by young people for young people. Multiple events throughout the next few months are talking about subjects that are of youngsters’ interest. Topics include- creativity, sports, future employment, education, housing issues, ecology and intercultural integration. This project is created by volunteers, including travellers! You could become a part of something new and exciting!
Forever Young in Maribor
With 3000 foreigners, 100 organizations, 100.000 young people, numerous conferences, festivals, seminars and events-Maribor is the place to be for youngsters in this year. 2013 will be dedicated to young people and their potential. The Municipality was awarded the title of European Youth Capital 2013 and all are invited to co-create this important project. The best way to do that is to become a volunteer of EYC Maribor 2013 or add your proposal on our website. Visit Maribor, gain new skills and experiences, participate in the activities of the program, assist in the organization and performance or just have a drink with us…
Many activities during the day + partying at night = EYC Maribor 2013.
Wine and Party
Maribor sits on both sites of the Drava River. On Maribor’s lively streets and squares history blends with dynamics and modernity. A stroll between medieval towers and remains of the old town walls are livened up by cosy bars and cafes that come alive at night.
On Poštna (Post) Street there is a party going on all year long and Lent, the oldest part of the town, enchants you with the oldest vineyard in the world. In summer Lent is taken over by artists from all over the world. With 1,200 events at 35 venues in 16 days Festival Lent is one of the largest outdoor festivals in Europe.
Culture or Sports
Cultural centre Pekarna is a building complex that used to be a bakery. It hosts Maribor’s “underground scene” Party, education, nutrition and accommodation (Youth Hostel Pekarna ) The ex- bakery is all in one. Does graffiti not impress you? Visit a number of Maribor’s galleries and museums.
Are you maybe more a sports type? Nature’s plentiful bounties surround Maribor; green hills of Pohorje, just a stone’s throw away from the city centre, enrapture hikers and ramblers, bikers, cyclists and adrenalin seekers. Winter dresses Maribor’s Pohorje in white and this is the time to put your skis on and head down the snowy sky routes. In January the world’s best women skiers occupy Pohorje as the city hosts the prestigious Golden Fox: Audi FIS World Ski Championship. Excellent food, drink and comfortable accommodation are provided by the Hostel Mlada Lipa that is located just five minute walk from Pohorje and 10 minutes’ drive to the city center.
You can spend days and nights at 1000 meters above sea level in Youth Hostel Videc or in Hostel Ruše, which is located in a quiet green surroundings on the slopes of Pohorje.
Or is dancing your thing? Join thousands of graduates and students in May at Quadrille Europe Dance Festival on Maribor’s bridge over the river Drava. Nearby is also Hostel Uni, where travellers who intend to spend few days in Maribor often stop.
Maribor has it all
Hospitable people, great events, magnificent sites, beautiful nature, good wine – Maribor has it all; in addition, this year it prides itself with a project made by the youth for the youth. And as Joseph Joubert, French moralist, once said: “Ask the young. They know everything.” We may not know everything; however we can give a few suggestions from the European Youth Capital 2013: Think Out of the Box*, have A Taste of Europe In Our Town* and the Year of Opportunities*
*Titles of a few programs. More programs of the EYC Maribor 2013 on their website here.
Written by Anja Turk
Photo: EPM Maribor 2013
