Are you looking to experience the beauty of Europe without the big city hustle and bustle? Slovenia is the answer you’re looking for!
A country bordering so many wonderful holiday places has never been this underrated before. Or maybe it’s rather overshadowed by the Italian Renaissance, Austrian Ski resorts & Croatian beaches. Regardless, Slovenia is a beautiful country & we’re going to look at 7 incredible places you need to visit in Slovenia on your next trip!
With beautiful mountains that offer ample for hikers & skiers alike, quaint and cozy old towns, historic metropoles & mighty castles, Slovenia is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets… Maybe I shouldn’t be writing this. 😉
Slovenia Quick Facts:
- Currency is the Euro.
- The Capital is Ljubljana.
- Common languages spoken are Slovenian, Italian & Hungarian. You’ll find a lot of English speakers in the capital.
- There are over 260 waterfalls in Slovenia.
- 56% of Slovenia is covered in woodlands.
- The population of Slovenia is a little over 2 million people.
1. Lake Bled
Bled is one of the more tourist-filled places in Slovenia, but nonetheless it is well-worth visiting.
There is plenty to do year-round;
- Rent a paddle boat and have a romantic paddle excursion to the bled island.
If you travel with your spouse, a local tradition says that the husband has to carry his wife up the 99 steps to the church.
Ready, Set, Good luck, Go! 😉
- During the Summer, adrenaline seekers can chase a high from the sledding track on the Straža hill. In winter, the same hill becomes a great place for a bit of skiing.
- Hike up to Bled Castle and enjoy a stunning view over bled. Then take a tour of the castle & enjoy a great meal at the cafe.
- Another must in Bled is the local pastry; The Kremsnita cake, made famous in Bled.
This cream cake can be enjoyed throughout Bled, but its arguably at its best by the Park Restaurant & Cafe.
Related: Lesser known bucket list destinations of Europe.
2. Triglav National Park
One of the largest national parks in Europe, with the highest mountain in Slovenia, Mt. Triglav (2864m).
The National Park is a dream for hikers, with amazing panoramic views to accompany your hike.
The northern face of Mt/ Prisojnik, you can see the heathen maiden (Ajdovska deklica) a rock formation that resembles a girl’s face.
Another gem you can find in the park is Lake Bohinj. A picturesque scene that would befit any postcard, this lake will leave you in awe.
You can hike around the lake with your dogs, and at the far end of Lake Bohinj, you can see the spectacular Savica Waterfall. If this is too much for what should be a relaxing break, you can simply sit on one of the decks, take in the beautiful landscape, and breath.
Vintgar Gorge, situated in the park, 4km northwest of Bled, is another beautiful hike. Taking you 1.6kms through an incredible gorge, this is great for a walk with your dogs and culminating in the majestic 13m high Sum Waterfall. (It may not sound very high, but the experience and being up-close really inflates the spectacle!)
3. Skocjan Caves
Also known as the Underground Grand Canyon, the Skocjan caves are a UNESCO world heritage site and acknowledged as one of the natural treasures of our planet. It is incredibly impressive and worth the near 1-hour trip from Ljubljana. Add it to your Slovenian bucket list. 😉
4. Predjama Castle
This Renaissance castle in south-central Slovenia is built within a cave… with a secret passageway! Now, how awesome is that!
Related: Fairytale Castles of Germany
5. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.
The large, yet remarkably clean metropole of Slovenia, boasts many beautiful things that are worth visiting;
The Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Ljubljana Castle, Metelkova (Awesome street art), Tivoli City Park, the Neboticnik Skyscraper, etc.
On top of the skyscraper, you’ll find an observation deck with a café, bar and some of the best views over the city.
The House of experiments is a science museum in Ljubljana, and the Museum of illusions is a fun museum in Ljubljana, both are interesting stops in Slovenia’s capital & a must if you’re traveling with children.
Another must when in Ljubljana is a dragon selfie. There’s plenty of dragons to choose from, so get snapping! 😉
No list of the best places to visit in Slovenia would be complete without this beautiful and culturally-rich city.
6. Postojna Cave (Postojnska Jama Cave)
The second-largest cave system in the country. What makes these caves unique though is the creature that inhabits it. No, it’s not one of the Ljubljana Dragons, but it’s pretty close!
The Olm is said to be the dragon’s offspring & is a cave-dwelling aquatic salamander, which is under strict legal protection in Slovenia as it is listed as a rare and endangered species. The Postojnska Jama cave is one of the only places you can still find this interesting creature today.
7. Piran
Last but certainly not least, we have Piran. Home to the Mediterranean vibe on the coast of Slovenia.
Piran is a beautiful coastal town with lots of great seafood restaurants, stunning sunsets, and lovely people. It is also the birthplace of violinist Giuseppe Tartini. You’ll find a statue of the Baroque composer in the town’s main square, appropriately named, Tartini Plaza.
Wind your way through the narrow Italian passageways before settling down at one of the many quaint cafes for something to eat.
That’s just been 7 of the many beautiful places you need to visit in Slovenia. There are many more, and some make for an incredible journey reaching.
Will your next holiday take you to beautiful Slovenia?
