SLOVENIA TRAVEL GUIDE
From places of incredible natural beauty to lesser-known culturally-rich towns, our guide will help you decide where and how to spend your time in Slovenia...
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Soaring between the Alps and the Mediterranean, betwixt the Karst and the Pannonian Plains, Slovenia is the green soul of Europe, a wonderland of majestic mountains, ice-blue lakes and surging rivers. The country is deeply historic too and richly cultural, awash with castles, galleries, museums, and beguiling towns and cities. This safe, welcoming escape offers a swathe of year-round travel experiences, thrilling adventure sports and a constant backdrop of life-affirming scenery. Ski or explore a mountain village in the morning, admire the architecture and art of Ljubljana in the afternoon, before savouring sunset with a seafood feast and local wine overlooking the Mediterranean. All in one day: this is clean, green, deeply diverse Slovenia.
NATURAL WONDERS
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With more than 60% of the land covered by forest, more than 27,000km of waterways, a third of its land protected and more than 22,000 animal and plant species, it’s easy to connect with nature in Slovenia. Here are just a few options…
The rivers
No one forgets their first sight of the Soča River, an emerald-hued wonder. Its pristine waters surge through rugged scenery, forging canyons and tumbling over waterfalls as it goes. It's an oasis for flora, fauna and people fishing, rafting, kayaking, or just relaxing. Another must visit is the Sava which is Slovenia’s longest river. Starting in Radovljica at the confluence of the Sava Dolinka and Sava Bohinjka, the Sava runs all the way to Brežice. Depending on where you are along the river, you can enjoy rafting along its rapids and try traditional timber rafting in the sections where it is mirror-calm. Those on the lookout for wildlife should head to the Mura which has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Its wetlands and floodplain forests provide a sanctuary for wildlife including more than 300 bird species and many types of fish. Elswhere, those after a wild swim should look no further than the Kolpa, the country’s warmest river which passes the Kočevje forests.
The lakes
Slovenia is home to myriad lakes (both permanent and intermittent). The most famous is Lake Bled, a picture postcard wonder often hailed as Europe’s most beautiful Alpine lake. A volley of mountains soar above unpolluted waters that are only broken by an island topped with a church and the traditional pletna rowing boats that ferry you around. Nearby, Lake Bohinj is larger and equally dramatic, its banks a little quieter. Like Bled, you can hike around its banks. Further south, Lake Cerknica is a fascinating intermittent marvel - its flora, fauna and human residents have to adapt to its varying water levels.
The caves
It makes the mind boggle to think there are over 10,000 caves registered in Slovenia and ‘new’ caves are still being discovered. Two of the most famous complexes are Postojna Cave and UNESCO World Heritage Listed Škocjan Caves. Take a train into Postojna Cave and explore a world where the vaulting caves are large enough to house restaurants and concert halls. The remarkable ‘human fish’ too. Škocjan Caves, a wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites and underground rivers, has the largest canyon system in the world – the explored sections stretch for over 6km.
GET OUTDOORS
With such a diversity of landscapes - from the dizzying heights of the Alps to the Karst-studded Mediterranean, there are adventures to be had all over Slovenia, all year around. Whether you want to explore on land, on water or in the air, here are some ideas for adventures you can find in Slovenia.
Go hiking
Strap on your boots for a treat with 10,000km of marked hiking trails. Ease around glacial lakes like Bled and Bohinj, or stroll across lush Alpine meadows. Then there is the challenge of those sky-scraping mountains, with 352 peaks soaring above 2,000m. A network of 178 mountain huts, shelters and bivouacs open up the wilds. There are great places to stay in jaw-dropping mountain oases like Logar Valley. And find less well known escapes in the spectacular Jezersko region, the wild forests of Kočevje and the majestic forests of the Pohorje mountains where you can follow the Tree Top Walk (located 1,517m above the ground) through the forest canopy. Long distance trails tempt if you’ve got more time.
Go biking
It’s no surprise that two of the best road cyclists in the world - Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič - hail from Slovenia as it’s a cycling paradise with year-round options whether you want to road cycle, mountain bike or e-bike. The diversity is remarkable as you sweep from the Alps, down through the Pannonian Plain and on to the coast with over 10 long distance cycling trails and 11 mountain bike parks, with over 50 places to stay specialising in cycling holidays too. The capital Ljubljana sets the tone as one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities. There are myriad options for getting off the beaten track too, like chocolate box pretty Bela Krajina.
Go in for winter sports
Slovenia quite simply boasts world-class winter sports opportunities, whether you want to ski, snowboard or try your hand at cross-country skiing. Everyone is welcome, from those just starting out, through to experienced skiers. There are more than 40 larger ski centres and smaller resorts dotted around a country brimming with opportunity. Handily the season is long, distance to the ski fields short and facilities excellent with 15 ski schools to choose from. The Ski Pass Slovenia makes things even easier, a single ticket for several resorts. Bigger resorts like Kranjska Gora, Vogel and Rogla, are backed up by a flurry of smaller escapes like Javornik, Kope and Gače.
Go kayaking
Slovenia overflows with crystal clear, clean waters, making it an oasis for watersports enthusiasts. The whitewater action is up there with anything in Europe on the famous Soča River, but there are many other superb rivers too like the Kolpa, Krka and the Drava with experienced guides and companies to ensure both your enjoyment and your safety, whether you’re kayaking, rafting or open canoeing. Slovenia’s lakes await, with big hitters like Bled and Bohinj, but also the lesser known Šmartinsko, Velenje and Kočevje lakes. An unusual experience for kayakers is working your way through a cave system – in the Koroška region you delve down a mine shaft and then set off to paddle through a subterranean world.
GO BACK IN TIME
History in Slovenia runs deep and today you can weave through its eclectic layers at myriad castles, manor houses and other historic sites.
The country’s cities are all bathed in heritage you can easily explore, delving into their old towns, while 21 towns are members of the Association of Historic Towns of Slovenia. Castles abound – you can even sleep in some - with Ljubljana Castle a superb place to start. Catch the funicular back through the centuries and appreciate its mix of rugged architecture and modern visitor experience.
Ptuj Castle in the east sits atop an old Roman Temple with views across one of Slovenia’s oldest towns and museum exhibits to explore, while Celje Castle is also alive with history. It’s a massive site and window into the world of the Counts of Celje.
Otočec Castle is dramatically set in the middle of the Krka River – it houses a hotel so you can take a trip back in time. Also scenically set is Bled Castle, which peers down over the famous glacial lake. Perhaps the most striking Slovenian castle – and that is saying something – is Predjama Castle, which is forged into a steep cliff. It is swathed in legends and is brilliant for kids and big kids alike.
FEAST ON CULTURE
Whether you are walking around one of Slovenia's many art galleries or tucking into a traditional meal, Slovenia's culture is something to be savoured. Take your time to seek it out, soak it up and discover the authentic heart of the country.
Field to fork, fine dining and fine wine
Slovenia has long been an organic produce pioneer, the concept of field to fork no marketing spin, but the reality of local life. Sound provenance dining out is an expectation rather than a hope, with superb fruit and vegetables from the land along with excellent beef, pork and game; a rich bounty of seafood from the coast too.
Slovenia has recently exploded on to the fine dining scene with a flurry of well-deserved Michelin stars, as they declared, “The quality of Slovenian gastronomy is no surprise for Michelin”. The gastronomic accolades lauded on the likes of Ana Roš – who has been named ‘the world's best female chef’ and whose restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars – are built on Slovenia’s solid culinary foundations, and also on the quality of the country’s fresh, organic ultra-local produce. Today over 50 Slovenian restaurants feature in the Michelin guide.
The secret is out about Slovenia’s superb wine, too, cultivated here before the Romans and now enjoyed all over the world. Quality is incredibly high with grapes including the dry white Malvazija and the mighty red Refosco. Cviček is a unique wine made with both white and red grapes. Popular wine touring regions include Goriška Brda, the Vipava Valley and around Jeruzalem.
A feast for the eyes
With such a rich culture, Slovenia’s galleries are a joy. Ljubljana’s National Gallery of Slovenia covers Slovenian art dating from the 13th to the 20th century, with the nearby Modern Gallery an avant garde complement. There is always something happening in Slovenia’s art scene and 2021 saw the arrival of Cukrarna arts space in Ljubljana. Around the country don’t miss the Maribor Art Gallery, Božidar Jakac Art Museum in Kostanjevica na Krki, and Koper’s Loža Gallery, with galleries of all shapes and sizes dotted around the country.
Slovenia’s museums are also rich and diverse – how about seeing a 30,000-year-old needle, or a 5,200-year old wooden wheel with a wood axle? All Slovenian cities boast museums. In Slovenia old favourites like the National Museum in Ljubljana are backed up by newcomers like the Center Noordung in Vitanje. Other renowned museums include the Regional Museum Maribor, Technical Museum of Slovenia and the Slovenian Alpine Museum. The Franja Partisan Hospital and Kobarid Museum are two of the world’s most compelling war museums.
MUST VISIT TOWNS AND CITIES
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The capital city of Ljubljana is an unmissable must-see, but there are many more towns and cities in Slovenia well worth seeking out. Whether you’re after time-frozen old towns, art-stuffed cities or coastal towns, you’ll find it in Slovenia. In fact, there are so many old towns and cities in Slovenia that The Association of Historic Towns of Slovenia was set up to protect and preserve them. Today, 21 towns are protected by the association. Here are just a handful of the towns and cities you should visit while you're in the country.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana is a greatest hits of European cities with medieval, baroque, art nouveau, and socialist realist architecture beaming across the pedestrian-friendly streets and wrapping around the lifeblood Ljubljanica River. Stroll along the willow-kissed banks, or relax on a boat trip, to savour the beauty of one of Europe’s most beguiling cities. Above hangs Ljubljana Castle, where it has stood for some 900 years. Each part of Ljubljana has its own charms, from the cobbles of the fairytale Old Town, through to the ornate art nouveau flourishes of Miklošičeva Street. Ljubljana is crafted on a human, walkable scale, its cohesion largely due to Jože Plečnik. This supremely talented Slovenian architect redesigned Ljubljana, creating some of its finest buildings, reworking others, bringing new bridges and forging the river banks. Ljubljana’s architecture stars, but Ljubljana has been voted a European Green Capital too, a green oasis where you can recline in myriad bars, cafes and restaurants, and just live.
Maribor
Slovenia’s second largest city is remarkable in many ways, not least as home to the oldest wine in the world which grows at Lent in Maribor (don't miss a visit for tastings). It’s just one sight in a city that drapes itself across the Drava River. The old core is awash with churches, galleries and museums, which provide a cultural backdrop to the smorgasbord of cafes, bars and restaurants that serve up local Štajerska food and drink. The city is fuelled by a large student population, which lend its stone streets a real buzz.
Celje
Tucked between Ljubljana and Maribor, proud Celje has an identity firmly of its own. Slovenia’s third largest city has rich Roman roots as Celeia, but its glory days came in the Middle Ages when the Counts of Celje presided over swathes of Slovenia from their sturdy castle fortress overlooking Celje. After visiting their vast castle, descend across the River Savinja into the characterful old town, where the elegant red-brick Town Hall awaits alongside museums and galleries, including the Celje Regional Museum and Museum of Modern History.
Ptuj
You’re not just visiting Ptuj because it’s Slovenia’s oldest town, you’re coming to check out its landmark castle (which houses a museum that illuminates the city and surrounding region), wander through its elegant streets and squares, and admire its architecture. The latter stretches from Roman, through to medieval and Romanesque. You’ll dine well here on freshwater fish and hearty pork dishes, with wine cellars to enjoy too. And then there is the Kurentovanje, a glorious folk festival famous throughout Slovenia.
Piran
Quite simply one of the most dramatic towns anywhere on the Mediterranean. The vaulting belltower of the Church of George dominates not just Piran, but vaults out across the water towards Venice, a nod to Piran's architectural and cultural heritage. Walk beneath the ornate balconies of Venetian-era mansions, learn more about the acclaimed composer Giuseppe Tartini – who hailed from Piran – and then enjoy a dip in the aquarium-clear waters. Dinner is freshly grilled seafood served on the waterfront with a spirit-soaring sunset.
What are you waiting for?
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Start planning your dream visit to Slovenia now by heading over to the official website.
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