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

Should you visit Kiel or Maribor?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Maribor? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Kiel or Maribor?

Kiel

Kiel is a port city on Germany's Baltic Sea coast. Much of the city center it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens. In the old town, the rebuilt, medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts and Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are streets lined with shops. The city also has several indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Nearby, cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbor. This grand harbor in Kiel continues on as it has for centuries and should be the focus of your visit. Huge ferries transport millions of passengers to and from Scandinavia, while summer sees locals strolling the long waterfront promenade.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 Kiel and Maribor, we can see that Kiel 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 Kiel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kiel 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 Kiel Expensive? and Is Maribor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Maribor?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Maribor. When comparing the sizes of Kiel 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 Kiel or Maribor?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kiel or Maribor in the Summer?

Both Maribor and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kiel is cooler than Maribor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiel in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Maribor averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Maribor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Maribor during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Maribor. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Maribor in the Autumn?

Both Maribor and Kiel during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kiel because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Kiel is generally cooler than Maribor. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 10°C (50°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Maribor. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 133 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Maribor. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Maribor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Maribor. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Maribor. It's quite cold in Kiel in the winter. Kiel is much colder than Maribor in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 0°C (33°F) in January, and Maribor fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Maribor during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kiel usually receives more rain than Maribor. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kiel or Maribor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Maribor. Many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Kiel is much colder than Maribor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiel in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Maribor averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Kiel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 163 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in April than Maribor. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Maribor and Kiel