Pyramid Hill

The trail starts from Mestni park (City Park) on the northern edge of the center. The first section winds through Rhine Riesling vineyards – 17,800 vines were planted here in 1986 and produce award-winning wines for the Vinag winery. The slope faces south with no shade, so in summer an early morning or late afternoon ascent is advisable.

At the top stands a classicist chapel from 1821 with a stone statue of the Virgin Mary, built by Count Henrik Brandis on the site where lightning destroyed the original stone pyramid. Nearby, an archaeological area preserves castle remains: defensive ditches, a steep rampart, and an old well with no rim. Information boards with photographs and historical details line the chain-link fence around the ruins.

From the chapel terrace, the full city unfolds: to the south, the Pohorje ridge with the ski resort; to the east, the Drava plain; to the southeast, the direction of Croatia. Several descent routes are available: through vineyards, through forest, or westward along the ridge for a longer walk. Deer, hares, pheasants, and foxes inhabit the slopes.

Elevation – 386 m above sea level, 20–30 minute climb from the park

Vineyards – 17,800 Rhine Riesling vines planted in 1986 (Vinag winery)

Chapel – 1821, classicist style, Virgin Mary statue, replaced the original stone pyramid

Castle – Upper Maribor Castle stood here from the 12th century, giving the city its name

Panorama – 360° view: Maribor, Pohorje, Drava valley, Styrian hills

In the early 12th century, the noble Spanheim family built a castle on the hilltop to defend against Hungarian incursions. The fortress bore the name Marchpurg (later Marburg), which became the name of the settlement below. The castle was besieged multiple times – by Styrian nobility, Hungarians, and Turks. It burned in 1528 and was rebuilt in Renaissance style around 1560.

In 1784 the castle was abandoned; by 1790 it was dismantled for building stone used across Maribor. From the remaining rubble, a stone pyramid-shaped obelisk was erected – giving the hill its modern name. In 1821, lightning destroyed the pyramid, and Count Henrik Brandis replaced it with a chapel and memorial plaque. Archaeological research beginning in 1985 confirmed the castle dates to the early 12th century and was in use until the late 18th century.

From Maribor City Park (on foot, 20–30 minutes):

From Mestni park – marked trail through vineyards (south slope, no shade). Alternative route through forest (north slope, shaded but muddy after rain).

From Maribor center:

From Main Square (Glavni trg) to the trailhead – 10-minute walk through the park.

Public transport:

No dedicated transport. Nearest bus stops in the city center.

Season: year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal: comfortable temperatures, vineyards green (May–June) or golden (September–October).

Time of day: morning or late afternoon in summer (no shade on the ascent). Sunset offers excellent light for panoramic photos.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours including ascent, sightseeing, and descent.

Avoid: midday sun in summer (hot, no shade on vineyard route). After heavy rain, the forest trail can be slippery.