Heads up: a few of the hyperlinks on this web site are affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on and make a reserving or buy, I’ll make a fee (at no further price to you). I companion with corporations I personally use and the $$ goes in the direction of creating extra superior, free journey content material.
Slovenia could also be a small nation, however what it lacks in dimension, it makes up for in magnificence. From serene lakes to majestic mountains, Slovenia boasts a charming panorama and is house to greater than 10,000 underground caves.
In the north west nook of the nation lies the jewel in Slovenia’s crown, Lake Bled, in addition to the gorgeous Triglav National Park. Meanwhile within the southwest you’ll discover the gorgeous karst area, which is understood for its wine route and noble white horses.
Of course you’ll be able to’t go to Slovenia with out spending a day or two within the quirky capital of Ljubljana, pronounced [lyoo-BLYAH-nah],which is positioned within the middle of the nation. This laid-back metropolis is understood for its Dragon bridge, riverside cafés and colourful graffiti, and is house to a well-known hostel housed in a transformed jail.
There are fairly a number of fascinating issues to do in Slovenia, so I’d recommend spending at the very least every week right here so you’ll be able to cowl the whole lot in a single journey. The best technique to get round is by renting a automotive, or you will get round utilizing the nation’s bus system, which covers most cities and even the countryside.
Where is Slovenia?
“I’ve heard of it, but where is it exactly?” you would possibly ask. Slovenia was a part of the previous Yugoslavia and sits between Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary. It does have a small shoreline on the Mediterranean, though the ‘beaches’ of rocks and pebbles won’t be your typical concept of a seashore.
Things to Do in Slovenia
Visit Lake Bled
The #1 factor to do in Slovenia is go to Lake Bled – an especially fairly lake in North West Slovenia on the sting of Triglav National Park. It encompasses a medieval fairytale fort on the north facet and an island within the center. If you need to get a more in-depth look you’ll be able to take a journey throughout the lake on one of many conventional picket boats, referred to as a pletna.
Hike to the Slap Sevica waterfall in Triglav National Park
Triglav National Park is an especially inexperienced space with forests, streams, lakes and mountain peaks positioned within the northwest of Slovenia. As you drive by the park you’ll come throughout distant villages with chalet-style homes and log piles.
There are a number of outside actions to do right here comparable to mountain climbing, white water rafting, horse using and mountain climbing. One of the highlights is mountain climbing as much as Slap Savica waterfall, which additionally gives stunning views over the National Park.
Postojna Caves
The Postojna cave system is the longest cave system within the nation and is filled with unbelievable rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites. The tour takes you on a practice by a part of the cave, you then stroll by the remaining with a information.
Wine Tasting in Karst
Slovenia has vineyards dotted everywhere in the nation and while you’re visiting, it will be a disgrace to not style a few of the wines they produce. Call at a vineyard to style Teran wine, a particular Slovenian wine which comes from the refošk vine.
Lipica Stud Farm
Lipica Stud Farm within the Karst area of Slovenia breeds stunning white Lipizzaner horses. You can take a guided tour across the stud farm to see the stables, the using faculty, the paddocks and the indoor area. They placed on common using faculty performances and you may take a journey across the farm in a horse and carriage.
Visit Piran and the Coast
Whilst you received’t discover a lot in the best way of seashores on Slovenia’s shoreline, there are some fairly cities to go to. The most notable ones are Piran, Portoroz, Izola and Koper. In Piran you’ll be able to dine on recent seafood in one of many eating places on the ocean entrance, nibble on some chocolate with salt crystals from the chocolate store within the sq., and watch the locals as they try and catch some fish from the top of the jetty.
Metelkova City in Ljubljana
Metelkova City is a residential squat in a former military barracks behind the Hostel Celica, and the buildings are lined in cool graffiti and artwork. There are all types of extraordinary issues on these buildings, from mosaics to ghouls and ghosts.
Predjama Castle
This enchanting baroque fort is over 800 years outdated and sits in a sheer, 123 meter-high cliff face. Listed within the Guinness Book of World Records because the world’s largest cave fort, Predjama is kind of merely breathtaking and worthy of a go to. Behind it lies a cave with a secret tunnel that was used as a useful hiding place.
When visiting the fort you’ll have the prospect to be taught in regards to the legend of Erazem of Predjama – a courageous and daring knight who holed up in Predjama Castle whereas it was beneath siege from the imperial military.
Entrance to the fort contains an audio-guided tour, permitting guests to discover the inside and picture what it will have appeared like all these years in the past.
Ljubljana
Slovenia’s capital metropolis, Ljubljana, is a small, walkable metropolis with a river operating by it. Have a cup of espresso in one of many riverside cafes and ensure you get a photograph of the well-known Dragon Bridge.
The metropolis boasts outside markets promoting recent fruit and flowers, in addition to indoor markets promoting meats and cheeses. Most of the motion takes place round Prešeren Square, the place buskers entertain passers by with performances and music. A spotlight of visiting Ljubljana is taking the elevator as much as Ljubljana Castle, which gives panoramic views of town and past.
Maribor – Home to the World’s Oldest Grapevine
If you could have time, head over to the northeast of Slovenia to discover the nation’s second largest city – Maribor.
Maribor is house to the oldest grapevine on the planet, which grows exterior the Old Vine House. The vine is over 450 years outdated and was entered into the Guinness Book of Records in 1999. It even has quite a few occasions devoted to it, together with Pruning of the Old Vine, St. Martin’s Day, and the Old Vine Festival.
Drive the Vrsic Pass
If you intend on renting a automotive, then you might need to think about driving the Vrsic Pass – a scenic mountain highway that passes by the Julian Alps. This highway is the very best cross in Slovenia, with an altitude of 1,611 meters.
The highway begins in Kranjska Gora and ends within the Soča valley, passing lakes, church buildings, forests and spectacular mountain peaks alongside the best way. The surroundings is completely gorgeous, and there are a variety of viewpoints the place you will get out and take images.
With over 50 hairpins, it is a difficult drive, and will provide you with movement illness if you happen to’re sitting within the passenger seat! It’s value noting that the highway isn’t open all yr spherical, as snow makes it impassable within the winter.
Skocjan Caves
Located in Slovenia’s karst area, the Skocjan Caves Regional Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a powerful system of limestone caves. The Skocjan caves are house to one of many world’s largest identified underground river canyons, which was carved out of the limestone bedrock by the Reka River.
One of probably the most spectacular options of the cave system is the massive Martel Chamber, which is over two million cubic meters in quantity. Numerous animal species inhabit the caves, together with Cave Salamanders, bats, invertebrates and crustaceans.
Lake Jasna
Lake Jasna is a panoramic alpine lake space consisting of two interconnected synthetic lakes surrounded by stunning mountain surroundings. Guarding the lake is a statue of a Zlatorog – a legendary white chamois buck who was mentioned to stay within the heights of Mount Triglav.
In summertime Lake Jesna is a well-liked spot for swimming and sunbathing, boasting seashore areas, a picket diving platform and even an ice-cream parlor. Visitors can take a stroll alongside the lake’s well-maintained paths or soak within the views of the Julian Alps from a 6-meter-high viewing platform.
Lake Bohinj
While you’re in Slovenia you will need to go to Lake Bohinj – the most important everlasting lake in Slovenia. Measuring 318 hectares, this serene lake is a well-liked summertime spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Its clear waters are house to brown trout, burbot, European chub, widespread minnow and Arctic char, making it a main spot for fly fishing. Numerous watersports are additionally out there, together with paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing.
Soca River
For an adrenaline-fuelled journey, have a go at white water rafting on the Soca River – a 138-kilometer lengthy river that flows by western Slovenia.
Known for its emerald-green coloration, this stunning river options canyons, waterfalls and slender rocky gorges, making it good for journey actions comparable to kayaking, riverboarding, canyoning and rafting.
Due to its scenic magnificence, the Soča river has hosted quite a few kayaking competitions and was even used as a backdrop for scenes in Disney’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
Tolmin Gorge Trail
One of the highest issues to do in Triglav National Park is mountain climbing the Tolmin Gorges – two deep gorges carved by the Tolminka and Zadlascica Rivers. These canyons merge right into a confluence on the lowest level of the park, at an altitude of 180m.
Highlights of the gorges embrace Zadlaška Cave – named after the poet Dante Alighieri – and the Devil’s Bridge, which is ready 60m excessive above the Tolminka River. Another putting characteristic is Bears Head – a big rock wedged between the partitions of Zadlaščica gorge.
Skiing in Vogel
Visiting Slovenia in winter? Vogel Ski Resort is likely one of the nation’s finest ski resorts, providing well-maintained slopes and spectacular views. The resort is nestled beneath Vogel mountain in Bohinj, which is positioned within the southern Julian Alps.
Visitors can ski on 78 ha of skiable terrain, with 22 kilometers of slopes out there. In addition to snowboarding, Vogel additionally gives a variety of different winter actions, together with winter paragliding, snow tubing and airboarding.
Try Carniolan Sausage
One of Slovenia’s most well-known meals is the Carniolan sausage, which is a bit like Polish kielbasa. This scrumptious sausage accommodates at the very least 70% to 85% pork, and not more than 20% bacon. Other substances embrace water, sea salt from Sečovlje salt pans, black pepper, garlic and potassium nitrate.
If you’re a meat eater, undoubtedly give this one a attempt when you’re visiting Slovenia!
Stay in a Prison Hostel
For an fascinating evening’s keep, ebook an evening at Ljubljana’s Hostel Celica – a hostel housed in a transformed navy jail. This is your probability to spend the evening behind bars, with out ever moving into bother!
20 former jail cells have been fully redesigned with funky paintings and comfier beds to make the entire expertise a bit extra cozy. If you fancy some privateness, the hostel gives double and triple rooms, in addition to multi-bed dorm rooms for guests who’re touring solo.
A full-breakfast buffet is obtainable every morning, and there’s an on-site restaurant the place company can take pleasure in Mexican tortillas, all-you-can-eat BBQ and scrumptious gourmand burgers. Definitely an improve from jail meals! Hostel Celica has a enjoyable and social vibe too, that includes its personal bar and common occasions all through the week.
Vintgar Gorge (Soteska Vintgar)
Four kilometers northwest of Lake Bled you’ll discover Vintgar Gorge – a lovely gorge carved by the Radovna River. This very deep gorge has steep partitions measuring 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 ft) excessive, together with a lovely stream flowing by it.
Visitors can observe the path and picket remark walkways all the best way to Šum Falls (translating as ‘noisy falls’), which is the most important river waterfall in Slovenia. The hike to Šum Falls takes round 30 to 45 minutes relying in your health degree and what number of stops you make.
Want to find extra about Slovenia? Check out my Slovenia journey information, which is full of sensible data and guides to the nation’s high points of interest.
A Final Word…
The great thing about visiting Slovenia is that it’s really easy to get round, and the sights are by no means too removed from one another. If you’re driving from Ljubljana, you’ll be able to attain the coast in round 1 hour half-hour, or Lake Bled in just below 40 minutes. With such brief distances, you’ll be able to simply cowl plenty of the nation in only one week.
Outdoorsy varieties will discover loads of adventurous issues to do in Slovenia, together with horse using, mountain climbing, rafting and snowboarding. And if you happen to love wine, there are tons of wineries to find on Slovenia’s karst wine route.