A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Flam vs. Maribor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Flam or Maribor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Flam and Maribor. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Flam or Maribor?

Flam

Flam is a village in Norway. The fjord village of Flam is located on the scenic inner Aurlandsfjord branch of the world's deepest and second-longest fjord, Sognefjord. Flam is surrounded by steep mountains, thundering waterfalls and narrow valleys, and during the spring and summer months you will see large cruise ships gliding in through the narrow fjord with their course set for Flam Harbor. The main attraction here is the stunning mountain railway that creeps up into the surrounding peaks and offers truly eye-popping panoramas. Unfortunately, it's far from a well-kept secret, and on the busiest summer days the tiny village can find itself swamped by several thousand visitors – it's probably best left for the quieter seasons of spring and autumn. The popular 'Norway in a Nutshell' tour also stops here.

Maribor

Located near the Austrian border is Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia. Maribor is surrounded by hills that are filled with wine vineyards, as well as the Mariborsko Pohorje mountain. The city is split in half by the Drava River. On the left bank of the river you'll find the city's old town.

The city draws tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the world renowned wine, old town culture, and outdoor activities which include hiking and skiing. The city is a great jumping off point for many outdoor activities and for those hoping to see the countryside. If you're more the city type, Maribor also has plenty to offer. Head to the theater for a show, sip some wine in a town square, or soak in the beauty of a cathedral while you're in the area.

Maribor's climate is humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. During the winter months the average temperature hovers around freezing. The warmest month is July, when average temperatures often exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Maribor is also one of the sunniest cities in Slovenia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovenia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Flam and Maribor, we can see that Flam is more expensive. And not only is Maribor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Maribor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Maribor and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Flam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Flam than you might in Maribor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Flam Expensive? and Is Maribor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Flam or Maribor?

Maribor has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Flam and Maribor, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Flam or Maribor?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Flam or Maribor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Flam as well as Maribor. The summer months attract visitors to Flam because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Flam is generally much colder than Maribor. Daily temperatures in Flam average around 15°C (58°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the summer. Flam usually gets more rain in July than Maribor. Flam gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Flam or Maribor in the Autumn?

Both Maribor and Flam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

Flam is cooler than Maribor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Flam averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. In October, Flam usually receives more rain than Maribor. Flam gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Flam or Maribor in the Winter?

Both Maribor and Flam during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Flam for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Maribor can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Flam. In the winter, Flam is a little warmer than Maribor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Flam in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Maribor averages at about 1°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. Flam usually gets more rain in January than Maribor. Flam gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Flam or Maribor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Flam and Maribor. Many visitors come to Flam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Flam is generally much colder than Maribor. Daily temperatures in Flam average around 6°C (43°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Flam usually receives more rain than Maribor. Flam gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maribor and Flam