One need only visit Slovenia to prove that good things come in small packages. Half the size of Switzerland, this central European country is packed with breathtaking mountain views, lively coastal resorts, fashionable cities, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, and charming isolated villages. Masu.
Even better, its compact size means you can enjoy most or all of these pleasures in one trip. In just a few days, you can walk through the Alps, kayak through glacial waterways, visit world-class wine regions, and swim in the sea. Don’t worry if you can’t name many cities, regions and landmarks in this wonderful country. Slovenia is hiding in plain sight, waiting to be explored.
1. Ljubljana
Perfect for grand architecture
All roads in Slovenia lead to the capital, and not just because it is located in the center of the country. Ljubljana is buzzing with active bicycle-riding residents, alternative culture, and a wide variety of restaurants, museums, and cafes. But the setting alone is worth the visit. Each square features stunning architecture that reveals the city’s history with its stones and eye-catching decorations.
Begin your investigation with the fairytale-like Ljubljana Castle. This castle is an ancient fortress on a hill, whose origins date back to his 12th century. You can either hike up a short but steep path to the top or take the cable car. Once there, stroll through the preserved old medieval rooms and visit attractions such as the Slovenian History Exhibition and the Puppetry Museum.
Return to the Old Town and admire the main square, Preschernov Square, and the baroque, salmon-pink 17th-century Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Several buildings here boast beautiful Art Nouveau and Separatist facades from the early 20th century.
Fans of early modern architecture will want to seek out the work of native son Jože Plečnik, a talented architect who bequeathed some breathtaking bridges and buildings to the city in the first half of the 20th century. Many of his works, such as the dazzling Three Bridges and the interiors of national and university libraries, are protected as UNESCO cultural heritage sites.
2. Lake Bled
Perfect for a romantic holiday
You’ve probably seen Lake Bled, whether you know it or not. The image of a seemingly mythical church in the middle of a turquoise lake is one of the most iconic images of Slovenia. It is a mysterious place that touches your heart even in 2D. Have your special someone by your side and get ready for fireworks when you see it in person.
Start with a sunrise walk around the nearly flat 5km lake. Three of his footpaths, labeled “Grad”, lead towards Bled Castle. Each requires a climb, but it’s worth it to enjoy the view. Next, visit the magical little Bled Island in the middle of the lake. Board the Pletna, a wooden boat similar to a Venetian gondola, and climb 99 steps to the Basilica of the Assumption of Mary.
A romantic outing here wouldn’t be complete without a quick hike into the Vintgar Valley, about 4 km from the town centre. Boardwalks and bridges take visitors on an intimate journey across an enchanting 1600 meter long valley.
Planning tip: Buy your Vintgar Gorge tickets in advance. The entrances are staggered to protect the canyon. Pets are also welcome with the purchase of a special ticket.
3. Lake Bohinj
Perfect for experiencing local culture
Despite being a small country, Slovenia boasts a surprising amount of regional diversity. The communities surrounding Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest natural lake in Triglav National Park, are truly focused on local identity. Here you’ll find manufacturers of everything from unique dairy and cheese products to meats, honey, jams and even gin. To help you spot the real thing, look for the “Bohinjsko” label to indicate local production.
Go on a hike to the rural villages north of the lake and learn about the local lifestyle. The Alpine Dairy Museum in Stara Fujina has an exhibition that explains how farm-to-table is more than just a dietary trend, and how locals are passionate about their traditions. Resist the temptation to sip whatever is handed to you and just listen.
Bohinj comes into its own in the summer, when you can swim and sail in the lake, or hike or cycle into the national park. When you’re ready to travel again, hop aboard the scenic Bohinj Railway and travel all the way to Italy from the Bohinjska Bistrica station.
Planning tip: Lake Bohinj is beautiful in the spring, when the annual International Wildflower Festival takes place, offering a truly intimate experience of the region. Learn more about the area’s fascinating activities with our insider guide to Lake Bohinj.
4. Maribor
Perfect for peeling back the layers of history
Maribor fits into several “best” categories. Slovenia’s second-largest city is the heart of the country’s Podlawska wine region and has a thriving gastronomic scene that includes some of the country’s best restaurants. Additionally, due to its location on the Drava River, it is also a center for adventure activities such as rafting, cycling, and hiking. However, the center of Maribor is a treasure trove of historical layers.
Settled at various times during the Stone Age, Celtic and Roman times, this modern city dates back to the Middle Ages. First, stop at Maribor Castle, home to the Regional Museum, to get an overview of its history, then explore Gravni Square, the main medieval market square.
Here, tour the 16th-century Town Hall, then enjoy a glass of wine at the Old Vine House. There, the world’s oldest vines, over 400 years old, climb onto the façade and are still producing grapes. If you want to stretch your legs further, hike 30 minutes to his ancient 12th century castle known as Pyramida.
Planning tip: Two great restaurants you should try are Hiša Denk and Restavracija Mak. Please reserve your table in advance, especially during high season.
Kayak along the Soča River and see the beauty of Triglav National Park up close © AzmanL / Getty Images
5. Bobek
Perfect for outdoor adventures
Nestled between the Julian Alps and the crystal clear turquoise Soča River on the edge of Triglav National Park, Bovec is a paradise for water activities. Boasting an unimaginable blue-green hue that comes from the underlying bedrock itself, the bubbling river is as beautiful as it sounds, and photos and rumors can’t do it justice.
The best way to experience the river is on a whitewater rafting or kayaking tour (available from March to October). Canyoning, where groups descend down mountain streams using techniques such as abseiling, climbing, sliding and jumping, is also gaining popularity. In Bovec, at the Adrenaline Park Bovec he has over 3 km of lines and offers zip lines over the Julian Alps.
Skiing is the most popular thing to do in winter, and nowhere is it more popular than at the Kanin Ski Center. Slovenia’s largest ski area shares management rights with Italy, and the gondola departure point is in Bovec. Step onto the slopes and admire the ocean below.
Planning tip: Several rafting companies offer tours for beginners and experts, including Nature’s Ways and Kayak Soča.
6. Karst region
Perfect for landscapes and cave exploration
Slovenia’s karst region gets its name from its porous limestone topography and is home to some of Europe’s largest and most spectacular cave systems. Two of his caves, Postojna and Škocjan, stand out in particular, but the karsts have a lot to offer underground. Postojna Cave, one of the largest in the world, features unparalleled stalagmite and stalactite formations. Once inside, join him on a 1.5-hour tour of the vast 5km cave. More than half of the journey is covered by a cool metro train.
The huge complex of Škočian caves, 20 km southwest of Postojna, is, if anything, even more spectacular. This entire system was formed by the Reka River, which carved out a canyon below the village of Škocjan over thousands of years.
PLANNING TIP: Besides underground treasures, the deep green karst hills are full of fruit, ruby Teran wine, prust (cured ham), and picturesque villages with old stone churches.
Often called the most beautiful town on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, Piran also has a beautiful beach © RossHelen / Shutterstock
7. Piran
Perfect for soaking up the sun
Slovenia’s blessing is that you can play in the mountains in the morning and relax on the beach in the afternoon. When the urge strikes, Piran is the perfect spot to soak up the sun, splash in the Adriatic Sea, and discover unique destinations along the country’s small 47km coastline.
Often called the most beautiful town on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, Piran predates the Romans, but it took on its current appearance during the Middle Ages, when it was part of the Venetian Empire. Climb the stairs to the top of the bell tower next to the 17th-century Baroque Cathedral of St. George for panoramic views. From here he can see three countries at once.
From your perch, descend to Tartyniev Square, the heart of the town, and then head to Mediadam Pilani, a multimedia museum about Piran’s history. But don’t forget why you came here. A 15-minute walk will take you to Fiesa Beach, where you can cool off in the sea.
Planning tip: To the east of Piran, the nearby Strunjan Scenic Park is home to two secluded (and difficult to access) beaches: Moon Bay and Bere Skale.
8. Gorishka Burda
Perfect for wine tasting
Straddling the Italian border, Gorishka Brda (or simply “Brda”) is an absolute charmer. Rolling hills lined with vines and sun-drenched orchards, topped by small hamlets and churches. This region is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Gaze out over the many elevated villages dotting the fertile hillsides and see endless vineyards disappearing over the horizon.
A cyclist’s paradise, the Gorishka Brda hills have dozens of scenic trails perfect for exploring on two wheels. Notable wineries include Kret Brda, Slovenia’s largest wine producer, which has a fully stocked wine shop on site in Dobrovo and offers great tours daily, as well as Vinoteka Brda, which offers tastings almost daily and Eddy Simcic, a three-generation family winery. .
Planning tip: As with the rest of Slovenia, most local wine producers ask visitors to call or make reservations in advance to arrange tastings.
This article was first published on January 5, 2022 and updated on May 2, 2024.
