I spent a lot of time recently exploring a hidden gem in Europe that many people overlook. Slovenia is one of the most beautiful countries on the continent, and it sits right between Italy and Croatia. On my trips there, I found Slovenia to be very dog friendly. Maribor is the second-largest city in the country, and it serves as a wonderful hub for travelers with pets. If you want Dog Friendly Holidays in Maribor, Slovenia, you have come to the right place. I want to share my personal journey so you can plan your own maribor holiday with ease.
Is slovenia dog friendly for international travelers? The answer is a loud yes! Dog friendly holidays in europe can sometimes be a headache because of rules, but Slovenia makes it simple. First of all, you must follow standard EU rules to enter the country. Your dog needs a working microchip before it receives a rabies vaccination. This microchip is usually 15 digits long and meets international standards. Also, your pup needs an EU pet passport or a specific health certificate if you come from outside the EU. You must wait at least 21 days after the primary rabies shot before you cross the border. Additionally, I recommend that you always carry the dog’s Pet Passport if you use public transport because proof of vaccination is a condition for travel.
Maribor Slovenia Hotels and Stays
I found several great places to stay when I visited slovenia maribor. First of all, finding pet-friendly accommodation is crucial when you plan a vacation with dogs. There are approximately 32 pet-friendly properties in the area. Old House Maribor Pod Pohorjem is a fantastic choice because dogs of any size stay for no additional fee. However, some places do charge a bit more for the extra cleanup. Luxury Glamping Chocolate Village allows one pet of any size, but they charge a fee of 50 Euro per stay. On top of that, I saw that Penzion Zeleni Kakadu welcomes dogs of any size without an extra cost.
Later, I learned that some apartment rentals in the city can be a bit more difficult to secure for long stays. Though many establishments are open to pets, some rental ads say “no pets” because owners worry about the floors. Therefore, you should always ask the owner directly if they allow your furry friend. In many apartment complexes, you must register your dog and pay a small extra fee for services. Plus, if you have more than 5 dogs in one home, the law says you must register as a breeder.
Maribor How Many Days Do You Need?
You might wonder maribor how many days are enough for a good trip. I think a stay of three to five days is perfect to see the city and the nearby hills. The city is small enough to walk, but the nature around it is vast. Gradually, you will find that the pace of life here is very relaxing for both humans and pets.
Delicious Dog Friendly Dining
Slovenia maribor has some wonderful options to dine out. Many of the restaurants serve traditional Slovenian food and were fantastic. First of all, many bars and restaurants have outside seating where pets are welcome. Also, I found that many places permitted my dog inside during our visit.
One of my favorite spots was Okrepcevalnica Sarajevo. It is a Bosnian restaurant just outside the city center. It is a fantastic place if you enjoy meaty food. On top of that, they are very dog friendly. I enjoyed their Sarajevo-style lamb on skewers, which they serve with flatbread and lots of salad. However, if you want something closer to the water, you should visit Piranha Cocktail Bureau on Lent. It overlooks the Drava River and is a stone’s throw from the world’s oldest vine. They allow dogs on the terrace and provide water for thirsty pets.
Similarly, The Living Room is a lovely bar that overlooks the main square. It is a great place to sit outside with the dog and enjoy a beer while you look at the old architecture. They even delivered a bowl of dog water with our beers. Novi Svet is another winner near the Cathedral. It is a seafood restaurant with a nicely decorated dining room. Their Slovenian cheese board was delicious and the Parmesan was a real standout. Additionally, their chicken roulade was fantastic and came with rice and potato wedges.
Later, I found a posh place called Gledališka Kavarna, or Theatre Cafe & Restaurant. It is at the theatre and has a dog-friendly outside area that overlooks the cathedral. Therefore, it is a lovely place for a quiet drink or a pork tenderloin meal. Pristan Maribor Lent is a very unique choice because it is a boat with seating on the top deck. Luckily, we had sunny weather, so a local beer on the deck was the order of the day.
Exploring Nature and Trails
The best part of any maribor holiday is the nature. Maribor is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. First of all, the nearby Pohorje Mountains provide many hiking trails for all skill levels. Many of these trails are dog-friendly, so your pup can join the fun as you explore lush forests. Pohorska Vzpenjača cable car is a great way to reach the heights. The lower station is only about 5 km outside the old city center. A return ticket for an adult costs 16 Euro, while children up to 6 years old are free.
However, you should know that large dogs are not allowed on the fast InterCity Slovenia (ICS) tilting trains, but they are welcome on others. On top of that, I found a lovely village called Za Kalvarijo while I was hiking. It is home to Vinska klet Brigadir, which is a wine cellar-like restaurant. They were very dog friendly and brought us a bowl of water. Also, Gostilna Anderlič is a remote restaurant in a tiny village in the hills. They have a terrace with a view of the stunning countryside. I enjoyed a massive bowl of beef soup and a hearty veal roast there. The food refueled us for the long hike back to Maribor.
If you want a leisurely walk, the Maribor – Calvary Church – Pyramid Hill route is a top recommendation. It is an easy 9.5 km trail that takes about 3 hours. The views of the city from Pyramid Hill are breathtaking. Plus, your dog will love stretching its legs as it climbs alongside you. Additionally, you can visit Pasji Park Tabor right in the city. It is a tranquil haven for dog lovers. It features expansive green spaces where dogs can run free and play with other companions. The park is well-maintained and safe. I recommend that you visit in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures. You should bring your own water and toys because facilities are limited.
Cultural Sites and City Life
Slovenia maribor is full of history. First of all, you must visit the Old Vine House. It is home to the world’s oldest grapevine and some exquisite wines. Additionally, Maribor Castle is a historical gem in the heart of the city. Though dogs are usually not allowed inside museum buildings, a special scheme in Slovenia allows dogs in selected museums now. Look for the “Dog-Friendly Museum” logo. Some museums have a safe place for dogs to wait, while others let them tour the exhibits with you.
Later, I spent time at Trg Leona Štuklja, which is a vibrant square where local life converges. Similarly, Trg Revolucije is another lively square filled with history and community events. If you want to shop, Supernova Qlandia Maribor is a large mall with many stores and dining options. However, I preferred wandering the downtown streets filled with artisan goods. Many of the shops welcome well-behaved pooches.
Transportation Rules for Dogs
Understanding the rules for transport is very important for Dog Friendly Holidays in Maribor, Slovenia. First of all, pets are welcome on Slovenian Railways trains. Small dogs that sit in your lap travel for free. However, larger dogs over 30cm in height must wear a muzzle and stay on a short lead. You will pay half of a second-class fare for them. Additionally, you must get consent from your fellow passengers when you board with a large dog. If they do not agree, the conductor will find a different spot for you.
On the contrary, buses in Maribor are much stricter than trains. Only service dogs and small dogs in baskets or cages are allowed on the city buses. Therefore, you should plan to walk or use a car if your dog is large. Taxis are another option, as some companies like Cammeo accept well-behaved dogs.
Day Trips Near Maribor
If you have extra time on your maribor holiday, I suggest a few day trips. First of all, Ptuj is a very old city nearby that is worth a visit. Additionally, Lake Bled is one of the most popular places in the country. It is famous for the small island with a church and a castle on the cliffs. I took my dog for a walk around the 6 km footpath that circles the lake. Dogs are even permitted on the boats to the island and inside the castle.
Similarly, the Savica Waterfall is a powerful sight not far from Bled. It is accessible via a 20-minute walk. There is an entry fee for adults, but dogs on a leash are welcome for free. Finally, if the weather is warm, you could head to the seaside. Izola has the only official dog beach in Slovenia, called Pasja Plaža Izola.
Health and Local Etiquette
Slovenia is a nation of dog lovers. First of all, you should always pick up after your dog to keep the streets clean. On top of that, I found it easy to find pet food and accessories in local stores. If you need a vet, Veterinarska bolnica Maribor is a reliable choice. They are located on Šentiljska 109 and can handle emergencies. Also, Ambulanta za male živali Pobrežje is another good option in the city.
Gradually, you will notice that having a dog is a great way to meet local people. They are very sociable and often want to talk about your pup. However, you should keep your dog on a lead in nature reserves and city parks unless it is a designated off-leash area. For safety, it is a good idea to add your dog’s microchip number to the Slovenian Dog Registry if you stay for a long time. This makes it easier to reunite if your pet goes missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Slovenia a dog friendly country?
I found Slovenia to be a wonderfully dog friendly country and it is one of my favorite places in Europe. The nation loves dogs, and you can easily find pet stores or grooming services in most towns.
Where is the best place to holiday with a dog?
I recommend Maribor because it is an excellent choice for those who seek adventure with their pets. Lake Bled is another top location where your dog can join you on boats or inside the castle.
Are dogs allowed in Lake Bled?
Dogs are welcome at Lake Bled and can walk with you on the 6 km footpath around the water. I also learned that dogs are permitted on the boats to the island and inside the castle up above.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Slovenia?
Many bars and restaurants in Maribor have outside seating where pets are welcome. I also found that some establishments permitted my dog to sit inside during our visit.
Which European country is most dog friendly?
I consider Slovenia to be a top dog-friendly destination because it is affordable and full of beautiful mountain scenery. It is a hidden gem for any traveler who wants to bring a pup along.
Where can I go on holiday with a dog?
You can take your dog to the Pohorje Mountains for scenic hikes or to the city of Ljubljana. I also recommend the town of Izola, which has the only official dog beach in the country.
What is the easiest country to travel with a dog?
Slovenia is an easy country for pet travel because it follows standard EU rules for microchips and vaccines. I found that most young people there speak English, which helps you navigate the country with ease.
Is Ljubljana dog friendly?
Ljubljana is very dog friendly and it ranked 9th place in a survey of dog-friendly hotels in European cities. The city center even has two specific dog parks where your pet can run off-leash.
What is Bled, Slovenia famous for?
Bled is famous for its picturesque lake that contains a small island with a church and a castle on the cliffs. It is a popular spot for outdoor sightseeing with your pet.
Can I take my dog to Slovenia?
You can take your dog to Slovenia if it has a working microchip and a valid rabies vaccine. You also need to carry an EU Pet Passport or a health certificate signed by a vet.
Concluding words
Maribor is a perfect destination for Dog Friendly Holidays in Maribor, Slovenia because it blends city culture with beautiful nature. You can stay at one of the 32 pet-friendly properties and hike the trails of the Pohorje Mountains with your best friend. Slovenia is a nation of dog lovers that offers welcoming restaurants and clear rules for pet travel. Do not wait to book your trip to this hidden European gem.
