Slovenia is a scenic country with a fantastic location in the heart of Europe. The nation is surrounded by the Eastern Alps, the Adriatic Sea, the Balkans, Italy, Croatia and Hungary, making it accessible from a range of European locations. Planning a trip to Slovenia is an opportunity to see a variety of destinations that include vibrant cities, charming villages, snow-capped mountains and scenic beaches. On your next getaway, aim to see as many of the best places to visit in Slovenia as your schedule will allow.
Ljubljana
There is plenty to see and do packed into this tiny capital city. Above the city, Ljubljana’s Castle is accessible by funicular or by a steep but scenic walk, whose clock tower boasts incredible views of the city’s Old Town with its pretty squares and Baroque architecture. While wandering around, look out for pictures and statues of dragons – they symbolise the mythological origins of the city. Legend has it that the Greek hero Jason and his Argonaut comrades killed a monster in a swamp on the present site of Ljubljana.For a truly unforgettable stay book yourself into Hostel Celica for a night or two. The hostel is a former Yugoslav prison thats cells have been redesigned by over 80 artists into a mix of private and dorm rooms. They are individually decorated with quirky furniture (think circle beds that hang from the ceiling), mosaics and murals. The hostel also does guided tours if you can’t get a room.
Bled
People will tell you that Slovenia looks like something out of a fairy tale, all brooding castles and verdant forests, and the picturesque town of Bled is no exception. The town features a glassy lake that is perfect for boating trips to the small island in the centre that has its own church, or if you fancy something more active you can choose to go kayaking or canoeing. Cycling and hiking around the lake are also common pastimes as are visits to the Gothic Church that sits perched on a hill overlooking the town. There are also famous skiing areas located just outside of Bled that can be accessed via chairlift that will take you to the summit of Straža Ski Slope and you can either choose to ski or even use a toboggan to get to the bottom.
Lake Bled
There’s a reason Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular sites. With its emerald waters, church-dotted islet, views of the Julien Alps, and Disney-like castle on a hill, you won’t be short of picture-perfect views.
Pokljuka Plateau
Located within Triglav National Park at an elevation of around 3,600-4,600 feet, Pokljuka is a plateau of forests and idyllic mountain pastures, like Uskovnica, Lipanca, and Zajamniki (pictured). It is known for its winter sports facilities, and is a popular starting point for people hiking the Julian Alps.
Škocjan Caves
This system of underground caves is a UNESCO world heritage site and has the highest cave hall in Europe. This huge, underground canyon can be crossed by a narrow bridge where you truly get a sense of how giant the space is. The caves are filled with impressive stalagmites and stalactites and are home to 15 species of bat.
Vogel
Although not the most obvious destination for winter sports, Slovenia has many high-quality ski-slopes and cross-country trails. Vogel, for example, is sat on a plateau above the majestic Bohinj Lake and caters well for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Their season runs from December all the way through until May and what’s more, it is considerably cheaper than more well-known resorts.
Predjama Castle
This 700 year old castle sits on a 123m cliff and is built into the mouth of a cave. It became famous due to the legend of the Robinhood-esque knight named Erazem Lueger – a robber-baron who stole from the rich and gave to the poor and fought the established order. Go in July and you can watch their annual medieval duelling tournament.
Soča valley
The turquoise River Soča stretches from Triglav National Park to Nova Gorica between the Julian Alps. It is a great place to go if you enjoy extreme sports. Paragliding and rafting are extremely popular pursuits here, but if you wish to go at a slower pace there are plenty of hiking routes, horse-riding trails and fly-fishing spots for you to just relax and take in the scenery.
Koper
As one of the oldest coastal towns in Slovenia, and a major port, Koper is an integral part of the country’s infrastructure. This is yet another coastal spot that was once part of the Venetian Empire, and it formally went by the name Caprea. Later, it became part of Yugoslavia. Today, Koper is a lesser-known destination that nevertheless offers several enjoyable attractions. You can tour Tito Square, the heart of the city, explore the refurbished Praetorian Palace or climb the bell tower of Campanile for spectacular views of the city below. There is a free public access beach by the Koper Marina that is ideal for swimming or just enjoying a picnic in the sunshine.