Discover Slovenia: Your Central European Outdoor Paradise

Hikers, skiers, go-getters, adrenaline junkies and even foodies and wine-lovers; we’re not sure you are ready to discover Slovenia.

A country that keeps on giving; there’s so much to love in Slovenia. From the snowy Julian Alps to the undulating rivers and tiny slice of coastline; Slovenia is where four worlds, and climates, collide in one tiny parcel, creating a one-stop-shop destination that you won’t be able to get enough of. 

Slovenia is one of the few countries in the world where being active is an unmistakable trait in the country’s culture that is just waiting to hook you in. However, it’s definitely not the secret destination of Central Europe that it used to be. Luckily, the country has enough nature for everyone, offering many chances to go off-the-beaten-track and immerse yourself in the greenery of this beautiful country. 

No matter whether you are following the azure ripples of Soca River or slipping below the surface of Slovenia’s most famous caves, there’s no shortage of adventure activities on offer, it’s all a matter of what you want to jump into first. 

After a day jam-packed with natural explorations, Slovenian food, accompanied with luxuriant portions of cheese and wine will help you to refuel. Slovenian food is influenced by years of settlers passing through; when paired with Alpine regions that fall down to the Mediterrenean, you have some of the freshest cuisine in Central Europe!

Slovenia really packs a punch, this guide will break down what’s on offer and how to make the most of your trip to this incredibly underrated country!

The Best Time to Discover Slovenia

As a premium ski resort-cum-hiking destination, the best time for a Slovenia trip is entirely dependent on what you are looking to do.

For hikers, rafters and adventure-seekers, Slovenia’s national parks are best from May to September when the weather is favourable. For snowsports, the northwestern Alpine region has the best powder from December to March. 

Slipping down to Slovenia’s tiny portion of the Adriatic Coast, you’ll experience clear and distinct Mediterranean seasons: very hot summers and cool winters that will not stop adventurers from going out exploring. All in all, Slovenia is a go-to year-round destination. 

Things to Do in Slovenia

Lake Bled; Slovenia’s Most-Visited Fairytale Lake and Castle

If you are looking for a European fairytale experience, you’ll find it plays out in Bled. 

The town of Bled has a rustic charm that is romanticised by its mind-blowing location, looking out to the azure waters of Lake Bled which is surrounded by lush greenery. The lake is well-known as one of Slovenia’s most beautiful locations and with that, comes many people. 

From the lakeside, you’ll see Bled Island on a green outcrop in the middle of the lake. One of the best things to do on Lake Bled is to get out on a rowing boat to visit the church on the island like on this 8-day best of Croatia and Slovenia tour. If you are not much of a rower, there are boats that will take you there. Once there, your fairytale begins as you climb the rocky stairs to the church where you can ring a bell to make your dreams come true.

To continue the fairytale, Bled Castle is one of the oldest castles in Slovenia perched on top of a dramatic cliff on the corner of the lake. From the castle, you can see across the lake and beyond, it’s a moment like this that will make you realise why this is the most-visited place in Slovenia – it’s truly spectacular!  

Lake Bled is just a short distance from the capital making it an easy day trip from Ljubljana sightseeing around this fairytale location! 

Hiking Trails in Bohinj

Set in the heart of the Julian Alps, Slovenia’s highest mountains, Bohinj is a valley surrounded by plateaus and centred by the mesmerising Lake Bohinj, the largest in Slovenia. 

A haven for adventure seekers, there are so many ways that you can explore Bohinj. Families and active individuals will struggle to choose between the hiking, cycling, horse riding and thrilling rafting experiences that snake through the valley. Just 26 kilometres from the ever-popular Lake Bled, Bohinj and its lake are a great alternative day tour from Ljubljana with a distinctly more remote and authentic feel. You’ll struggle to tear yourself away from its calming atmosphere. 

The Karst Region That Keeps on Giving

This beautiful green, winding region is not just any karstland; it was where scientists first found the etymology of the word ‘karst’ which turned to define the nature of these lands across the world. 

Karst is a land of surprises with new caves being discovered every year – there are now over 8,000. Karst is like a natural theme park, where rivers and lakes materialise through funnels and sinkholes that create the caves, of which just 20 can be explored like Postojna or Skocjan caves. 

Stretching from Vipava Valley to the Gulf of Trieste, this region reaps the benefits of its water-filled, fertile karst land, with the many vineyards and orchards that add a little flavour to your trip; it’s easily one of the best places to visit in Slovenia. 

The Slovenian Riviera

Slovenia’s icing on top of the cake is the Slovenia Riviera, a slither of Dalmatian Coast that is sandwiched between Italy and Croatia. Right in the heart of the riviera is the beautiful white-washed town of Piran, the largest of a series of small coastal towns that jut out into the Gulf of Trieste. 

Piran dates back to the 7th century and is one of the country’s oldest towns, with that comes all of the coastal history! Interestingly, while it’s one of Slovenia’s oldest, it could also be considered one of the newest; it’s only recently been considered part of the country. Piran was a favourite stop for pirates, however, it’s biggest influence were the Venetians who occupied the town until the late 18th century. 

If you are looking for a sun-kissed escape when visiting Slovenia, Piran is a go-to. Imagine yourself indulging in seafood and sipping on Slovenian wines by the water’s edge. Away from the restaurants, wandering these old cobbled streets you’ll find snippets of Piran’s history at every turn.

It’s important to note that if you want a beach break, Slovenia’s has pebble beaches, not sandy ones! You’ll have to hop over to Croatia for that. Not to worry, you can see it from the town!

Rafting in Soca Valley

Running from the Julian Alps to the Gulf of Trieste, Soca Valley is an assault course of activities waiting to be stumbled upon. A number one destination for adrenaline-junkie Slovenia tourists, Soca Valley will blow you away with its beauty and challenge you with thrilling opportunities at every turn. 

When you first see the Soca River, you’ll be amazed by its pearl blue colour. With activity choices like ziplining, canyoning and kayaking, you’ll never need to take your eyes off it. A must on any Slovenia travel list is rafting in Soca Valley like in this 8-day essentials of Slovenia and Croatia trip. A thrilling and unique chance to take on the rapids of Soca River, rafting is a fun way to explore the landscape and do things in true Slovenian style.

Hiking on Mount Vogel

Slovenia’s most popular mountain is the perfect year-round destination. 

Sitting at 1,922 metres, Mount Vogel’s cable car will take you to a lofty starting point where the ski resort is based. Come winter, this is bustling with life as skiers navigate the many routes in search of the best powder. Come summer, this is the starting point for some of the best hiking in Slovenia. 

Looking out to Lake Bohinj below with Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak as a backdrop, you can start the day by hiking the trails before cooling down with a dip in Lake Bohinj in the afternoon. You can plan your day based on your abilities. For those looking for the most challenging of Slovenia’s walking holidays, you can climb the summit of Mount Vogel. However, if you are looking for a more leisurely day on a walking tour, Mount Sija is perfect for all ages and abilities.

Ljubljana Sightseeing

If you were looking to describe Ljubljana in one word it would be ‘green’. So much so it was awarded the accolade of Green Capital of Europe in 2016 back when Slovenia was a travel after-thought. 

Divided into an old and new town, Ljubljana is backed by a lofty castle that is isolated by forestry and connected back together by the Ljubljanica River. Of Ljubljana’s things to do, top of the list is the old town, where things seem to have been left to age in their own way. There is a distinct beauty to the old town that gives the city it’s charm as you’ll see in this 7-day beautiful Slovenia tour.

Following the river, you’ll reach the university part of the city where you’ll almost feel like you are in a different city, where modern buildings and students bring life to the streets. This very much sets the tone for your time in Ljubljana, you’ll constantly be intrigued by the unique contrasts that make this city unforgettable. 

Skocjan Caves

Carved out by thousands of years of corrosion caused by the Reva River, the Skocjan Caves are part of one of the largest canyons in the world, which starts in Slovenia and finishes in Italy.

Touring Slovenia’s must-see star attraction only takes around an hour and a half. On an organised tour, like in this Slovenia trip, you’ll go deep underground through dark caverns that are surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites with pools of karst blue waters in between. At times, it’s so dark that, without the flashlight, you would struggle to see your hand in front of you.

As your Skocjan Cave tour goes so deep down, sometimes around 50 metres below the surface, it’s highly recommended that you bring a jacket, even if it feels warm outside!

How to Get Around on Your Slovenia Tour

You’re all set, ready to explore this Central European wonderland. Luckily, Slovenia is connected by a range of transportation options that will only leave you with the question of how long you have to get there;

Self-Drive or Private Driver

With easily navigable, well-maintained roads taking you from Croatia’s Zagreb to Lake Bled and beyond; travelling with a hired private driver or by yourself in a rental car is one of the easiest ways of travelling around Slovenia. 

As a natural paradise, your Slovenia trip is best enjoyed with no limitations, when hiring a driver or driving by yourself, you are free to stop whenever you want at no expense. 

Tours that cross between Slovenia’s neighbouring countries Croatia, Hungary, Austria and Italy are popular among travellers and a worthy journey to take, particularly Croatia and Slovenia tours. To make the most of it, hiring a car comes highly recommended. 

Bus

The buses in Slovenia are reliable, fast, and affordable. For budget travellers, getting from city to city by bus is a relaxing and comfortable experience – as long as you avoid weekends! When travelling with Designer Journeys, our Local Designers can send you a timetable and your tickets booked in advance.

Train

The train services are often slower than the buses when travelling across the country with many routes requiring that you change trains in Ljubljana. When you are in cities in Slovenia, you’ll find that the intercity services are fast and affordable.  

Flights

Slovenia is small, so there is only one airport in Ljubljana. 

Where to Stay in Slovenia

Your Slovenia tour is punctuated by an impressively diverse range of accommodation options. With nature at your doorstep, expect to have the choice of everything from rustic farmsteads to luxury lakeside hotels and funky hostels. 

Ljubljana

As Slovenia is such a small country, you could easily do day tours from Ljubljana and make this your base for the entirety of your trip. For first-timers, the old town has eclectic and authentic accommodation that is well-suited to a range of budgets. 

Ljubljana is a city with an edge, and with that comes a nightlife scene that all ages will be eager to get their teeth stuck into, whether that’s kicking back on the street with a glass of wine on a Sunday afternoon or dancing to the small hours of the morning. To be put at the heart of it, the city centre is just moments from the old town and is great for a modern city-lover. 

Piran

Sitting on the Adriatic Coast, Piran is a quaint town that slips into a hillside and spills out onto the beach. Surprisingly, for its size, Piran has some great choices for accommodation that will immerse you in the local culture. The best accommodation options are in the old town where many hotels will have the sea views that you came for! It’s worth noting that most accommodation options here can only be accessed on foot as much of the old town is pedestrianised. 

Bled

This scenic town is a classic example of Slovenian beauty and the accommodation here will only enhance the experience! To see stay around Lake Bled, it’s important to book far in advance with one of our Local Designers as accommodation is limited and booked out fast!

Ranging from hostels to ivy-covered traditional hotels, Lake Bled accommodation ranges from extravagant to cheap with prices based on European averages. While Bled town will place you a little further away from the lake, all other accommodation options are within minutes to the water’s edge. 

Soca Valley

Witnessing the emerald waters of the Soca River is an essential part of any Slovenia trip. To be at the centre of all the activities there are to do here, we highly recommend staying in and around Bovec. This small unassuming town is where the adventure starts and has accommodation options ranging from mountain huts to private apartments and a variety of restaurants. In the summer months, it can get busy, ask your Local Designer to book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Bohinj

If you are looking for amazing places to stay in Slovenia, look no further than Bohinj. Ranging from farm stays to log cabins and traditional Slovenian hotels, Bohinj has accommodation in beautiful locations that are only made better by the price range – there really is something for everyone!

Food and Drinks to Try in Slovenia

From the alpine mountains to the Mediterranean coast, Slovenia enjoys the fruits of all of the countries that surround it which results in a flavour palette that will make you drool. 

Slovenian Cheese and Wine

Slovenia is home to the oldest wine in the world, with this in mind, it would be rude not to try the wines on offer. There are three wine regions in Slovenia and more than 14 wine districts, so you’ll never be too far away from one on your trip! No matter what vineyard you choose, you’ll be offered a tasting with cold cuts, cheese and crackers. 

Slovenian cheese changes with the climate. In the mountains, you have Trnič, a pear-shaped cheese made from cow’s milk. In Bohinj, there is the emmental-style Bohinjski sir, a hard cheese that was first made by a Swiss cheesemaker who taught local herdsmen the style. Similarly, there is also Bovški sir from Bovec along the Soca Valley, a semi-hard cheese that is made from 80% sheep milk. 

Carniolan Sausage

Dating back to Austro-Hungary, Carniolan sausage is named after the Carniola region which was a central region in what is now Slovenia. The pride and joy in the country, this is not your ordinary sausage!

So good, the recipe has been certified, Carniolan sausage has a reddish colour and can only be made with high-quality pork, hard bacon, pig’s intestines and the perfect blend of seasoning. When cooked, the sausage has a distinct hint of smoke that will make your mouth water. When you bite in, the crunch and burst of flavour is unforgettable. 

Kraški Pršut

Coming from a centuries-old recipe, Kraški Pršut is a prosciutto from Karst that has been handed down through generations. With its distinctly red colour and juicy, salty and tender flavour, Kraški Pršut is a truly luxuriant gourmet meat that is best when enjoyed with wine. 

Bograč

Said to have originated from Prekmurje when it was under Hungarian rule, Bograč is a Slovenian staple. The hearty stew is made up of beef, venison, pork and boar which are all slowly cooked with potatoes spices and wine to thicken the broth. 

The name Bograč comes from the cauldron that it was traditionally cooked in; to continue the tradition, it’s served in a kettle. 

Pogača

Traditionally cooked in the ashes of a fireplace this bread may have upgraded to an oven but its roots are still firmly planted in Slovenian homes. Also found in Turkish and Balkan food, Pogača is the Slovenian answer to focaccia. 

As an age-old tradition in Slovenia, Pogača has evolved over the years: the bread can be leavened or unleavened, made with wheat flour, barley, or rye, and stuffed with mince, potatoes or herbs like dill. In recent years, it has evolved into a form of pastry, however, in traditional restaurants and homes, it still has its flatbread texture. 

Festivals in Slovenia

Grossmann Fantastic Film and Wine Festival

A highlight of any trip to Slovenia, the Grossmann Fantastic Film and Wine Festival is a truly unique event in the small town of Ljutomer. Filling the last week of July with luxurious products, locals and travelling film buffs descend on Ljutomer ready to grab a glass and watch a collection of old and new films. 

Focusing on fantasy and horror, the film festival was started by Dr. Karol Grossmann, a former lawyer and pioneer in Slovenian film-making. Over the course of the week there are workshops, film-showings, wine tasting, concerts and even a zombie-walk parade. 

Kurentovanje

Taking Slovenian’s into spring, Kurentovanje is a cultural celebration that dates back to the Pagan era. The festival combines music, arts and traditional food to celebrate the turn of the season in style, not forgetting the additional local fine wines! Taking place in Ptuj old town, this is a beautiful celebration of Slovenia’s ethnographic history where wearing a mask is part of the communal identity. 

About equal to Easter, this holiday predates Christianity and is an amazing insight into the traditions of the country where the streets are alive with festive fun. 

Ljubljana Festival 

Ranking among the very best things to do in Ljubljana is Slovenia’s top international festival, Ljubljana Festival is where music, theatre and dance performances are dotted around the city to bring you fresh and exciting creativity. 

Taking place from the end of June to September, the city buzzes with excitement as locals and visitors hop between venues to get a taste of the international talents – this is the best time to visit Slovenia’s capital. 

Panč Stand-Up Comedy Festival

This is a short but sweet festival in an amazing setting. Panč Festival (which literally translates to mean “punchline”) takes over Ljubljana Castle for a few days to offer you quality comedy in its spacious courtyard. The festival is the major comedy event of the country and has just about every known comedian taking to the stage!

Things to Know Before You Discover Slovenia

Visa: Slovenia is part of the Schengen area and visas follow suit with their policies. If you are travelling long term in Europe (over 90 days), there is a chance you will need to apply for a visa.

Money: The currency of Slovenia is the Euro. At the time of writing, March 2021, 1 Euro is equal to 1.22 USD.

Language: In Slovenia people speak Slovenian – easy! This Slavic language is very similar to Croatian and Czech, however, you’ll find that the majority of the population are fluent in English. 

Relax: Away from all the outdoor activities and active people is a culture of deep relaxation – pamper yourself with a day in a Slovenian spa!

Culture: Slovenians are very formal. If you are a hugger, hold back and offer a hand instead!

Looking to Discover Slovenia?

Grab your best walking shoes and get ready for the best outdoor adventure trip in Slovenia. A country that offers vast national parks and fine wine experiences in one compact package, you’re sure to find something to excite you in this verdantly green country. 

To get the ball rolling, browse our range of fully-customisable trips in Slovenia which also go to neighbouring countries like beautiful Croatia! If you are looking to add a little more, click ‘design your own trip’, and answer some simple questions to inspire on Local Designers in Slovenia to create the perfect trip for you!

As masters of their trade, our Local Designers are on the ground and ready to show you the beauty of their country by creating a trip that is tailored to your travel interests and needs!