The mountain range just outside Maribor attracts skiers by the thousands during the winter, and is one of the region’s most popular destinations during warmer months as well. One of the main attractions is the primal forest called Šumik, covering some 19 hectares. Here we find two waterfalls, Veliki (big) and Mali (small) among a whole host of streams and other cascading waters. Pohorje itself is covered mostly in coniferous trees, resulting in an abundance of truly beautiful flora and fauna. One of the most fascinating members of the fauna club is without doubt the Giant Peacock Moth, the largest butterfly on the continent. We also find a range of mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians and some 90 different bird species. To put it bluntly, if it’s an interesting animal found in Slovenia you can surely find it on Pohorje.

The area can be explored equally well on foot or by bike, with a number of trails available for both modes of transportation. There also happens to be a cable to top if you’d like to enjoy the views without the trekking, something we’re not ashamed to admit is usually our main form of transport here. Any guilt is quickly washed away with the majesty of the views of course. There is no shortage of restaurants and cafes around also, for those looking for a stop to refresh, and bus number 6 will whisk you here from the city centre in a matter of minutes.