21 Finest Issues to Do in Slovenia

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 dwelling to greater than 10,000 underground caves.

Within the north west nook of the nation lies the jewel in Slovenia’s crown, Lake Bled, in addition to the gorgeous Triglav Nationwide Park. In the meantime within the southwest you’ll discover the attractive karst area, which is thought for its wine route and noble white horses. 

After all 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 situated within the heart of the nation. This laid-back metropolis is thought for its Dragon bridge, riverside cafés and colourful graffiti, and is dwelling to a well-known hostel housed in a transformed jail. 

There are fairly just a few attention-grabbing issues to do in Slovenia, so I’d recommend spending a minimum of every week right here so you’ll be able to cowl every thing in a single journey. The best approach 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. 

The place is Slovenia?

“I’ve heard of it, however the place is it precisely?” you may 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 ‘seashores’ of rocks and pebbles may not be  your standard concept of a seaside. 

Issues to Do in Slovenia

Lake Bled

The #1 factor to do in Slovenia is go to Lake Bled – a particularly fairly lake in North West Slovenia on the sting of Triglav Nationwide Park. It encompasses a medieval fairytale fort on the north facet and an island within the center. If you wish to get a more in-depth look, arrange a journey throughout the lake in one of many conventional picket boats, known as a pletna.

Triglav Nationwide Park

Triglav Nationwide Park is Slovenia’s solely nationwide park, protecting an space of 880 km² (4% of the nation) within the northwest a part of Slovenia. It’s a stupendous inexperienced space that includes forests, streams, lakes and mountain peaks. As you drive by the park you’ll come throughout distant villages with chalet-style homes and log piles. 

There are many out of doors actions you are able to do right here resembling mountain climbing, white water rafting, horse using and mountain climbing.

Slap Sevica Waterfall

On the western facet of Lake Bohinj, you’ll discover a mountain climbing to Slap Savica waterfall, which is without doubt one of the prime sights in Slovenia. This double waterfall is 78 meters (250ft) excessive, and might be reached by way of a brief, uphill mountain climbing path. The path options over 500 steps, and takes round 20 minutes to finish.

Postojna Caves

The Postojna cave system is the second longest cave system within the nation, made up of 4 caves which can be interconnected by an underground river. Contained in the cave you’ll be able to see all types of fantastic rock formations, together with stalactites and stalagmites. 

The Postojna Cave tour includes a prepare journey by a part of the cave, adopted by a guided stroll.

Wine Tasting in Karst

If you wish to style some domestically produced wine, go to the Kras (Karst) wine district, which is situated within the western a part of the nation, near the border with Italy. The district lies on a limestone plateau and has been making wine for hundreds of years. between the Vipava Valley and the Gulf of Trieste. 

Cease at a vineyard to style some Teran wine (crimson wine), a particular Slovenian wine which comes from the refošk vine.

Lipica Stud Farm

Lipica Stud Farm, situated within the Karst area of Slovenia, breeds stunning white Lipizzaner horses. Over 300 horses stay on the farm, which has been in existence since 1580. 

Guests can take a guided tour across the stud farm to see the stables, the using college, the paddocks and the indoor enviornment. The farm additionally provides a variety of particular experiences, together with using college performances and horse and carriage rides. 

Go to Piran and the Coast

Slovenia has a small 47-km stretch of shoreline that sits on the Adriatic Sea. You received’t discover a lot in the way in which of seashores right here, nevertheless it nonetheless has three very fairly cities to go to, together with Piran, Izola and Koper.

Piran is essentially the most stunning of all, with an enthralling fundamental sq., a picturesque harbor and quite a few waterfront eating places serving contemporary seafood. If you happen to do need to lay on the sand and sunbathe, head over to the stylish seaside city of Portoroz, which has a man-made seaside with picket piers.

Metelkova Metropolis

Metelkova Metropolis is a residential squat in a former military barracks behind the Hostel Celica in Ljubljana. The buildings right here have been squatted since 1993 and the location is now formally often called “Metelkova Metropolis Autonomous Cultural Centre”. 

Wandering across the space, you’ll discover the buildings are adorned in cool graffiti and artwork. There are all types of bizarre issues protecting them, together with mosaics, ghouls and ghosts.

Metelkova can be dwelling to a variety of golf equipment, internet hosting underground membership nights, techno events and DJs from around the globe.

Predjama Fort

This enchanting baroque fort is over 800 years previous and sits in a sheer, 123 meter-high cliff face. Listed within the Guinness Ebook of World Data 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 study in regards to the legend of Erazem of Predjama – a courageous and daring knight who holed up in Predjama Fort whereas it was underneath siege from the imperial military. 

Entrance to the fort consists of an audio-guided tour, permitting guests to discover the inside and picture what it could 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 be sure you get a photograph of the well-known Dragon Bridge. 

The town boasts out of doors markets promoting contemporary fruit and flowers, in addition to indoor markets promoting meats and cheeses. Many of the motion takes place round Prešeren Sq., the place buskers entertain passers by with performances and music. A spotlight of visiting Ljubljana is taking the elevator as much as Ljubljana Fort, which provides panoramic views of the town and past.

Maribor – Residence to the World’s Oldest Grapevine

If in case you have time, head over to the northeast of Slovenia to discover the nation’s second largest city – Maribor. 

Maribor is dwelling to the oldest grapevine on the earth, which grows outdoors the Outdated Vine Home. The vine is over 450 years previous and was entered into the Guinness Ebook of Data in 1999. It even has quite a few occasions devoted to it, together with Pruning of the Outdated Vine, St. Martin’s Day, and the Outdated Vine Competition.

Drive the Vrsic Move

If you happen to plan on renting a automotive, then it’s possible you’ll need to contemplate driving the Vrsic Move – a scenic mountain highway that passes by the Julian Alps. This highway is the 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 way in which. The surroundings is totally gorgeous, and there are a variety of viewpoints the place you will get out and take pictures. 

With over 50 hairpins, it is a difficult drive, and will offer you movement illness for those who’re sitting within the passenger seat! It’s price noting that the highway isn’t open all 12 months spherical, as snow makes it impassable within the winter.  

Skocjan Caves

Positioned in Slovenia’s karst area, the Skocjan Caves Regional Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Website that includes a powerful system of limestone caves. The Skocjan caves are dwelling to one of many world’s largest identified underground river canyons, which was carved out of the limestone bedrock by the Reka River. 

Some of the spectacular options of the cave system is the big Martel Chamber, which is over two million cubic meters in quantity. Quite a lot of 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 seaside areas, a picket diving platform and even an ice-cream parlor. Guests 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

Whilst you’re in Slovenia it’s essential 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 dwelling to brown trout, burbot, European chub, widespread minnow and Arctic char, making it a chief spot for fly fishing. Quite a lot of 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. 

Recognized for its emerald-green coloration, this stunning river options canyons, waterfalls and slim rocky gorges, making it good for journey actions resembling kayaking, riverboarding, canyoning and rafting. 

Because of 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 Path

One of many prime issues to do in Triglav Nationwide 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 embody Zadlaška Cave – named after the poet Dante Alighieri – and the Satan’s Bridge, which is about 60m excessive above the Tolminka River. One other placing function is Bears Head – a big rock wedged between the partitions of Zadlaščica gorge. 

Snowboarding in Vogel

Visiting Slovenia in winter? Vogel Ski Resort is without doubt 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 situated within the southern Julian Alps.

Guests can ski on 78 ha of skiable terrain, with 22 kilometers of slopes out there. Along with snowboarding, Vogel additionally provides a variety of different winter actions, together with winter paragliding, snow tubing and airboarding. 

Attempt Carniolan Sausage

One in all Slovenia’s most well-known meals is the Carniolan sausage, which is a bit like Polish kielbasa. This scrumptious sausage incorporates a minimum of 70% to 85% pork, and not more than 20% bacon. Different substances embody water, sea salt from Sečovlje salt pans, black pepper, garlic and potassium nitrate. 

If you happen to’re a meat eater, undoubtedly give this one a strive when you’re visiting Slovenia!

Keep in a Jail Hostel

For an attention-grabbing evening’s keep, e-book an evening at Ljubljana’s Hostel Celica – a hostel housed in a transformed army jail. That 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 happen to fancy some privateness, the hostel provides double and triple rooms, in addition to multi-bed dorm rooms for guests who’re touring solo. 

A full-breakfast buffet is out there every morning, and there’s an on-site restaurant the place friends can get pleasure from Mexican tortillas, all-you-can-eat BBQ and scrumptious connoisseur burgers. Undoubtedly 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)

4 kilometers northwest of Lake Bled you’ll discover Vintgar Gorge – a stupendous 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 stupendous stream flowing by it. 

Guests can comply with the path and picket commentary walkways all the way in which 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 stage and what number of stops you make. 

A Ultimate Phrase…

The fantastic 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 happen to’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 lots of the nation in only one week. 

Outdoorsy sorts will discover loads of adventurous issues to do in Slovenia, together with horse using, mountain climbing, rafting and snowboarding. And for those who love wine, there are tons of wineries to find on Slovenia’s karst wine route.