Slovenia really is one of the most amazing and diverse countries in Europe – yet much less explored than it should be. From picturesque, artisan cities, to enormous national parks and coastal towns, there’s something for everyone. There’s lakes, caves, castles, and even dragons – pretty cool right?
Here’s some tips about what you need to see, what not to miss out on, and how best to plan your next trip:
Ljubljana
I’d suggest beginning in Ljubljana. Not only is it an obvious starting point as the capital city, but there’s plenty to spend a few days exploring – with a very creative and artisan feel to the streets and architecture. It has the feel of a city where each and every detail has been expertly planned out and hand crafted.
One of the must-sees, right by the main square, is the dragon bridge, with fantastically-sculpted stone dragons on either side as you cross over the Ljubljanica river. Unsurprisingly, as the dragon is the symbol of Ljubljana, you can find endless boutique shops selling dragon-styled gifts and accessories.
In a city of cool bridges, you’ll also find the ‘triple bridge’, right amongst the main square, designed by a famous Slovenian architect. From here you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the busiest part of the city, with a variety of market stalls from food, to souvenirs and more.
I’d head all the way to the other side of town to wander the Tivoli park, the biggest in the city. While there’s not much around the outskirts, you could spend a few hours taking in the surroundings – especially if, unlike when I visited, you’ve come in the sunnier summer months.
In true cliche of saving the best till last, one of the unmissable attractions of Slovenia’s capital is its castle, perched on a hilltop glancing down on the city. Take a cable car – or just walk, it’s a comfortable one – to the top of the hill for incredible panoramic views. From here you’ll be able to take in a bird’s eye view of all of Ljubljana. While I didn’t go inside the castle, it’s open for visitors to view the inside courtyard and variety of attractions within.
Bled
So, you’ve spent a few days admiring the history and creativity of Ljubljana – where to next?
One you’ve probably heard of, but no doubt it’s worth the hype, Bled. If you’ve ever jaw-dropped at a scenic photo on social media and questioned if the place really exists – Bled does, and lives up to the hype. My visit was on a frustratingly-misty day, but I still captured some extraordinary photos of Bled Island. If, like I’d suggest, you do visit in the summer, you can take a boat out to the island to shoot some other angles, and learn about its history.
Don’t stop there though – along the walk around the lake you’ll find a steep pathway up to Bled castle, and it’s not one to miss. Sit and enjoy some food with the view, and explore the beautifully designed castle with its white stone and contrasting red roofs. If you weren’t convinced already, there’s a surprisingly good amount of history and information to find out within the castle itself.
Postojna
Great news, there’s still more! Another day trip from Slovenia’s capital is the small town of Postojna, where you can see the famous caves. Once inside the caves, you’ll take a short train ride to and from the centre of the caves. How often can you say you took a train inside a cave? There’s even a light show on route to add to the entertainment.
Do take some time to plan this trip, it can get busy and touristy, so book your tickets in advance for the best experience. I was left sprinting to the caves and tagged on the end of our tour, just in the nick of time – research your connections carefully!
Triglav National Park
My biggest Slovenia regret – and why it’s high on the re-visit list – is missing out on seeing the country’s only national park. While it’s not a huge journey from the capital, it’s hard to find transport connections outside the summer months. If that’s not when you’re visiting, you could easily hire a car and make the journey yourself – it’s probably the easiest way,
There’s a number of trails to pick from, for less to more experienced hikers. The popular Soca trail follows along the Soca river, but there’s a number of cycle routes too. Mountain huts are spread across the parks if you’re looking to hike for a few days. Lake Bohinj is one of the most amazing, picturesque pieces of nature you’re likely to see in the whole of Slovenia, so don’t miss out on seeing it!
Piran
Now for one of Europe’s hidden gems. Sitting along the coast, just over the border from Croatia, is the phenomenal picturesque city of Piran. With views of Croatia to one side, and Trieste in Italy to the other, it’s nuzzled within a variety of cultures and incredible landscapes. While Piran the city is town-like in size, it’s perfect to relax for a few days, spend some time in the sun while meandering around the local shops. If you’ve read this and dismissed Slovenia – you absolutely can’t miss Piran, it’s still relatively unearthed and quiet, so it feels like spoiling a secret with this suggestion.
Go and climb the old city walls for the best views of Piran, you’ll see the extraordinary way the land pokes out into the sea, it really is unique. Along the sea front you’ll find some great restaurants and gift shops, perfect for relaxing over a few days.
Tips and tricks:
Consider hiring a car. If you want to check out all the natural parks and sights that Slovenia has to offer, having a car is your best bet. While public transport runs in the summer months on certain routes, it requires careful advanced planning and even then, you might miss out on some spots. My biggest regret was not hiring a car, so I missed out on the stunning looking National Park.
Try some food! In Ljubljana there’s a wide range of local dishes but the must try is Slovenian sweet dumplings. They come with sauces and in a range of flavours, so even if you’re fussy you can find the right one. Be warned, if you’re like me, you’ll get hooked and be left disappointed when you can’t get them back home!
Don’t rush – while you could easily visit over a few days if necessary, we’d suggest planning at least a week to really discover everything there is to see. You could spend a week in Ljubljana alone, then a few days exploring Piran and the National Park. Often the best way to travel is calm and relaxed, to take in all the local culture.