Slovenia is a beautiful vacation destination, home to historical castles, picturesque lakes, green valleys and charming coastal towns. Whether you are interested in wine tasting, hiking, skiing, golf, thoroughbred horses or relaxing spa resorts, there is plenty to see and do.
Bled
Bled is one of the most romantic spots in Europe. Its breathtakingly beautiful emerald glacial lake is surrounded by snow-capped Julian Alps, cool mountain rivers, ancient forests and plenty of history. In the middle of the lake is a tiny island which is home to the Church of the Assumption, a Gothic church built in 1465.
Couples can get married in this church if the groom can carry his bride up the 99 steps to the church. The 11th-century Bled Castle on a cliff overlooking the lake houses a museum, chapel and printing press. The small resort town of Bled is spread along the banks of the lake and is a very popular tourist destination with some excellent hotels and restaurants. It is a great starting point for all kinds of outdoor activities including hiking, rafting, biking, skiing, skating, horseback riding and much more. The waters of the lake, known for their healing properties, are fed by a thermal springs. Map
Ljubljana
Ljubljana is elegant, sophisticated, urban and ancient. People have been living on the site of this lovely European city for five thousand years. Two thousand years ago Romans built a city at this site they called Emona.
There is a medieval castle, Baroque palaces, charming bridges, lovely parks, excellent museums and great restaurants. Visit the City Museum of Ljubljana to learn more about its history and people.
The Museum of Modern Art showcases works of Slovenian 20th century artists. Stroll along the Roman town walls in Mirje and try to catch a musical performance at the Ljubljana Opera House. Cross medieval Cobbler’s Bridge, one of many charming old bridges that cross Ljubljanica River in the heart of Ljubljana, and take pictures on Dragon Bridge. Taste local goodies at the Ljubljana Central Market near beautiful Town Hall. Take the kids to the lovely Tivoli City Park in the heart of the city, and enjoy its flowers, trees and old fountains. Map
Triglav National Park
Triglav National Park is in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. It is Slovenia’s only national park and is named after the country’s highest mountain, Triglav. The park covers 320 square miles, which accounts for 4% of Slovenia’s territory, and is bordered by both Italy and Austria.
This is a very rustic park and with limited tourism infrastructure.
The park’s prominent features are the abundance of 6,500+ foot mountain peaks and the glacial Lake Bohinj. From the mountains to the lakes, there are numerous outdoor activities for visitors to explore. Hiking in both winter and summer is extremely popular and rafting and hydro speeding on the Soca River are unforgettable experiences.
Otocec Castle
Otocec Castle, the only Slovenian castle completely surrounded by water, was built in 1252 on an island in the center of the Krka River in Slovenia. The island is linked to the banks of the river by two bridges. The castle has had a turbulent history and has been fortified many times to withstand the threat of invaders. Its original furniture was been lost when it was burned during WWII.
The castle has been converted into a luxury boutique hotel with 16 opulent rooms and suites that offer all modern amenities and the incomparable romance of a medieval castle. Guests can stroll through the ancient courtyards and the beautiful castle park with century old trees or take a boat on the emerald waters of the surrounding river that boasts more than 30 species of fish and a huge number of birds. About 50 Mute Swans live on the river around the castle. Map
Postojna Cave
Created by the relentless work of the Pivka River over several millennia, Postojna Cave is a 24,120 meter long cave system near Postojna in Slovenia. The system consists of a range of passages, galleries and chambers carved out of karst rock. The caverns are filled with spectacular calcite formations, stalagmites and stalactites, of all ages, in all shapes and colors, some of which are enormous.
Electric lighting, installed in this very popular tourist destination in 1884, allows visitors to see the magnificent shapes and forms, including some very rare cave animals. Today’s visitors can travel through the caves by train in a guided tour that lasts about hour and half. Map
Maribor
Maribor is in the northeast corner of Slovenia and, with a population of 115,000, is the second largest city in the country. This idyllic town is nestled between the Pohorje Mountains and grape vine covered hills. and the Drava river meanders through the middle of town.
The beauty of the area is topped only by its rich wine tradition as the main attraction. This is wine country at its best and oldest. In fact, in the oldest part of the town, Lent, visitors will find the oldest vine in the world. Map
Kranjska Gora
Kranjska Gora is a charming alpine village on the upper Sava River in Slovenia, close to Italian and Austrian borders. Shadowed by the imposing Julian Alps, on the edge of the Triglav National Park and surrounded by ancient forests, Kranjska Gora is a popular starting point for outdoor activities year around.
With its excellent ski slopes for skiers of all skill levels, great ski lifts that take skiers from the village straight up to the slopes, ski schools, numerous hiking and biking trails, , modern and rustic hotels, restaurants and bars, Kranjska Gora has something for everyone. Stroll through the quaint, friendly village, visit the 16th century Gothic Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, explore the surrounding villages and enjoy immersing yourself in the country’s folklore, cuisine and natural beauty. Map
Koper
Koper is a medieval port city on the Adriatic coast of Slovenia. There is distinct Mediterranean feel in the city, with a wonderfully mild climate, spacious cobblestoned squares, narrow streets and elegant architecture. Its picturesque old town spreads around the main square Titov Trg, and is surrounded by Venetian-influenced beauties such as a Gothic loggia and the 13th century Praetorian Palace.
Relax by the Da Ponte Fountain, which is reminiscent of the famous Rialto Bridge in Venice. Visit the beautiful 12th-century Cathedral of the Assumption with its tall bell tower that offers spectacular views of the bay. There are exciting caves to explore, many excellent wine cellars and vineyards to visit, or enjoy great bird watching with BirdLife Slovenia or local specialties in quaint ‘tourist farms’ located in nearby villages. Map
Kranj
Kranj, perched on a rocky promontory on the convergence of two alpine rivers – Kokra and Sava Rivers, is a lovely old town that grew on the site of an ancient Roman settlement. It is the heart of the Gorenjska region, and is shadowed by massive Alpine mountains to its north. Its charming mix of well-preserved gothic and baroque architecture makes the old town a lovely place to visit with its cobblestoned squares, monuments, cafes, shops and restaurants. Visit the magnificent gothic church of St. Kancijan.
Stroll along the city walls that once protected it from Ottoman and other invaders. Khislstein Castle has a lovely, informative museum. Visit Mitnica and Pavslar city houses, some of the oldest in the city. Enjoy shady green spaces atPreshern park, which was dedicated to Franc Preshern the most renowned Slovenian poet, whose monument is in the park. The main Kranj square is home to the old city well, which bears a gilded ball and eagle, the city’s symbol. Map
Predjama Castle
Located about nine kilometers from the famous Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle is a magnificent Renaissance castle built in the mouth of a cave in central Slovenia, surrounded by legends and romantic history. This Gothic castle was built in 1274 by the Patriarch of Aquileia, high up on the 123-meter cliff under the cave opening, impenetrable and imposing.
In the 15th century, the castle became the seat of the notorious robber baron Erazem Lueger, where he defended himself from Frederick III, the Holy Roman Emperor, using secret tunnel to get supplies. The castle and the tunnel, today called Erazem’s Tunnel, are open to visitors. The living quarters, the dungeon and the chapel, weapons, oil paintings and numerous other remnants of previous occupants are well preserved and on display. Map
