A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Maribor vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Maribor or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Maribor and Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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: Maribor or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovenia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Maribor and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Maribor Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Maribor or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Maribor or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Maribor during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Maribor is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Maribor in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Maribor. In the summer, Maribor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Maribor gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Maribor usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Maribor gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Maribor or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Maribor and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Maribor is generally around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Maribor average around 13°C (55°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Maribor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Maribor gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Maribor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Maribor gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Maribor or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Maribor as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the cuisine.

The weather in Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold. Maribor can be very cold during winter. Maribor is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Maribor averages around 1°C (35°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Maribor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Maribor gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Maribor usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Maribor gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Maribor or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Maribor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

In the spring, Maribor is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Maribor in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Maribor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Maribor gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Maribor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Maribor gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Maribor