Slovenia

Slovenia: general info for travelers

Slovenia is a small country located in Central Europe, bordered by Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, and Croatia to the south and southeast. It's known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Julian Alps, the picturesque Lake Bled, and the stunning limestone caves of Postojna. The country also has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Slavic, Germanic, and Romance cultures. Some of the main attractions in Slovenia include the capital city of Ljubljana, the medieval castle of Predjama, and the coastal towns of Piran and Portorož. Additionally, Slovenia is renowned for its wines, culinary traditions, and outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and cycling.

In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this country full of places to visit. We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info. So here is everything there is to know for a trip in Slovenia, including gastronomy, safety and events, with a short summary of history and culture.

Slovenia: places to visit

Slovenia is a beautiful country with plenty of attractions to visit. Here are some of the main places to visit in Slovenia: 1. Ljubljana: The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana is a charming city with a vibrant nightlife, cultural events, museums, and galleries. The city center is car-free, and you can enjoy a stroll along the picturesque Ljubljanica River.
2. Lake Bled: A stunning glacial lake located in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is a popular tourist attraction in Slovenia. Boats take visitors to the iconic island church in the middle of the lake, where you can also ring the bell for good luck.
3. Postojna Cave: A network of caves and tunnels, Postojna Cave is one of Slovenia's most popular attractions, with over 30 km of underground passages, galleries, and chambers. Visitors can take guided tours of the cave to see its unique rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites.
4. Piran: A charming coastal town on the Adriatic Sea, Piran is a popular destination for beach-goers. Piran's Old Town offers plenty of historic buildings, winding streets, and beautiful sea views.
5. Škocjan Caves: Located in the Karst region of Slovenia, Škocjan Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for their underground canyon, which stretches for over 3 km. Visitors can take guided tours to see the stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique features of the caves.
6. Triglav National Park: A paradise for hikers and nature lovers, Triglav National Park covers over 800 square kilometers and includes the Julian Alps and the highest peak in Slovenia, Mount Triglav. The park offers numerous hiking trails, mountain waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas.
These are just a few of the highlights that Slovenia has to offer. There are many other great places to visit, like the Soča Valley, Predjama Castle, the Wine region, and more!
There is more to see and do in Slovenia: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination, each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.

Slovenia: when to go on holiday

We listed some places to see in Slovenia, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
Slovenia has a relatively mild climate, and the weather can vary throughout the year. The best time to visit Slovenia depends on your preferences and the activities you want to do.
In general, spring (from March to May) and fall (from September to November) offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices. These seasons are great for hiking, cycling, and sightseeing.
Summer (from June to August) is the peak season with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is an ideal time for swimming in lakes and rivers, attending festivals, and exploring the countryside.
Winter (from December to February) is the coldest season, and snow is common in the mountains. Skiing and winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy this season, while those who prefer indoor activities can visit museums, castles, and cozy restaurants.
Overall, Slovenia is a year-round destination with something to offer in every season. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, there's always something to do and see.

Slovenia: activities and what to do

Slovenia is a great destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Some popular activities and sports to do on holiday in Slovenia include: 1. Hiking – Slovenia has over 10,000 km of hiking trails to explore, from easy walks to challenging climbs. Some popular destinations include Triglav National Park, the Julian Alps, and the Karst region.
2. Cycling – Slovenia has a well-developed network of cycling routes that offer scenic tours of the country's forests, mountains, and coastline.
3. Skiing and snowboarding – Slovenia has several ski resorts, including Kranjska Gora, Vogel, and Krvavec, that offer excellent winter sports opportunities.
4. Rafting and kayaking – Slovenia's rivers and rapids offer exciting whitewater rafting and kayaking experiences.
5. Caving – Slovenia has over 11,000 registered caves and caverns, providing opportunities for spelunking and exploring underground.
6. Canyoning – Slovenia's canyons offer thrilling activities such as rappelling, cliff jumping, and water sliding.
7. Paragliding – Slovenia's mountainous terrain and scenic landscapes make it a popular destination for paragliding enthusiasts.
8. Stand-up paddleboarding – Slovenia's rivers and lakes offer opportunities for paddleboarding and other water activities.
These are just a few examples of the many outdoor activities and sports to enjoy on holiday in Slovenia.

Slovenia: few words on history and culture

Slovenia has a rich history and culture. The territory of Slovenia was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic Age. Slovenians have historical roots going back to the Slavic tribes that migrated to the region in the 6th century. Slovenia became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC and it has been heavily influenced by Germanic, Latin, and Mediterranean cultures throughout its history.
In terms of cultural heritage, Slovenia has a rich tradition of folk music and dance, which is still celebrated today. The country is also home to a number of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau.
In terms of cuisine, Slovenian food is heavily influenced by its neighbors Italy, Austria, and Hungary. Notable dishes include potica (a sweet pastry filled with nuts or poppy seeds), štruklji (a type of dumpling), and jota (a cabbage and bean soup).
Slovenia is also known for its natural beauty, with stunning Alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and the Adriatic coast. The country is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing.

Slovenia: how to move around on holiday

There are several means of transportation to reach and visit Slovenia. Here are some of the best options: 1. Plane: Slovenia has a few international airports, with the main one being Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport. There are also airports in other cities such as Maribor and Portorož. 2. Train: Slovenia has a well-connected railway system, with several international trains connecting neighboring countries such as Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Croatia. 3. Bus: There are several international bus services connecting Slovenia with neighboring countries and beyond. 4. Car: Driving to Slovenia can be a good option if you plan on exploring the country at your own pace. However, keep in mind that the roads can be narrow and winding in some parts of the country. Once you are in Slovenia, some of the best means of transportation to visit the country are by train, bus, or car. There are also many cycling and hiking routes available to enjoy Slovenia's picturesque countryside. To hire a car to visit Slovenia, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Slovenia: typical gastronomy

It is better to visit Slovenia with a full stomach:D
Sure, here are some of the most typical foods in Slovenia: 1. Carniolan sausage: This is a famous Slovenian sausage made with pork, garlic, pepper, and other spices. It is usually served with grated horseradish and mustard.
2. Prekmurska gibanica: It is a traditional multi-layered cake made of pastry, walnuts, poppy seeds, apples, raisins, and quark. It is a sweet dessert and is usually served on special occasions.
3. Idrija žlikrofi: It is a type of dumpling filled with mashed potatoes and herbs, then boiled and served with melted butter and breadcrumbs. It is the most famous dish from the town of Idrija.
4. Jota: It is a thick soup made of beans, potatoes, sauerkraut, and smoked pork. It is a hearty dish that is particularly popular in colder months.
5. Bujta repa: It is a stew made of pork, potatoes, and turnips, cooked for hours in a large pot with various spices. It is a typical dish in the Gorenjska region.
These are just a few examples of the typical foods in Slovenia, and there are many other delicious dishes to try.

Slovenia: costs for tourists and how to save on holiday

Slovenia is generally an affordable country for tourists, especially when compared to other Western European countries. The cost of living is lower than in many other countries in the region, and prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are typically reasonable. However, the cost of your trip to Slovenia will ultimately depend on your travel style, itinerary, and budget. Keep in mind that the high tourist season in Slovenia is typically from June to August, so prices may be higher during this time.

Slovenia: where to find accodation

There are several websites and platforms where you can look for accommodation in Slovenia, depending on your preferences: 1. Booking.com - This is a popular website for booking hotels, apartments, and other types of accommodation in Slovenia. It also provides user reviews and ratings to help you make an informed decision.
2. Airbnb - This website offers a wide range of accommodation options in Slovenia, including apartments, houses, and rooms. You can choose from different price ranges and locations depending on your budget and needs.
3. Hostelworld - If you're looking for affordable accommodation in Slovenia, Hostelworld is a great option. It offers budget-friendly hostels, dormitories, and guesthouses in various locations across the country.
4. Agoda - Similar to Booking.com, Agoda provides a broad range of accommodation options in Slovenia, including hotels, apartments, and holiday homes. It also offers user reviews and ratings to help you with your decision-making.
5. Trivago - This website compares prices for hotels and other accommodation options in Slovenia from multiple online booking platforms. You can easily compare prices and find the best deal for your trip.
Remember to read reviews and compare prices before making your final decision. Happy travels!
You can check hotel prices in Slovenia here:
Booking.com

Slovenia: number of tourists and safety

It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
Slovenia receives around 5 million tourists annually. The peak tourist season in Slovenia is during the summer months of July and August, and also during the winter holiday period in December and January. During these months, popular destinations such as Bled and Ljubljana can be quite crowded. However, the rest of the year tends to be less crowded, making it a great time to visit if you prefer a quieter experience.
Slovenia is generally considered a safe country for tourists. However, like any other place, there may be some areas that should be avoided to ensure safety. The crime rate is low in Slovenia, and violent crimes are rare. Pickpocketing and petty thefts can occur in tourist areas, so it is essential to take necessary precautions such as keeping your valuables safe. When it comes to places to avoid, there are none that are known to be particularly dangerous. However, you should exercise caution if you plan to visit border areas near Croatia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, or Serbia due to risk of landmines in some areas. Additionally, there have been reports of car break-ins in some of the more remote mountain areas, so it is advisable to park in well-lit and busy areas to avoid such incidents. All in all, Slovenia is considered a safe and friendly country that offers plenty of exciting experiences and beautiful sights for tourists to enjoy.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in Slovenia on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Slovenia: events for tourists

Slovenia has a variety of interesting events for tourists throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular ones: 1. Ljubljana Summer Festival - This is a month-long cultural festival featuring music, theatre, and dance performances in various locations around Ljubljana.
2. Bled Days - Held annually in July, Bled Days is a traditional festival with music, dance performances, and a large firework display over Lake Bled.
3. Piran Musical Evenings - This is a summer festival of classical music held in one of Slovenia's most beautiful coastal towns, Piran.
4. Truffle Festival in Istria - This festival, held in October, celebrates the truffle, a delicacy found in this region. Visitors can enjoy truffle dishes and participate in truffle hunting.
5. Christmas Markets - Many cities in Slovenia have traditional Christmas markets with festive lights, homemade crafts, and delicious food and drinks.
These are just a few examples of the many events and festivals held throughout Slovenia that appeal to tourists.

Slovenia: a 2-week travel itinerary

We listed the places to see in Slovenia, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
Certainly! Slovenia is a wonderful destination with lots to see and experience in just two weeks. Here's a suggested itinerary: Days 1-3: Ljubljana Start your trip in the capital city of Ljubljana. Spend a few days exploring the charming old town and visiting attractions like Ljubljana Castle, Tivoli Park, and the Dragon Bridge. Take a guided food tour, sip coffee in a riverside cafe, or take a boat ride down the Ljubljanica River.
Days 4-6: Bled Head north to the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Bled. Spend your time here hiking around the lake, visiting the island in the middle of the lake by traditional boat (known as pletna), and taking in the views from Bled Castle on the hillside.
Days 7-9: Bohinj Just a short drive from Bled is another stunning lake, Lake Bohinj. Here you can hike the nearby Julian Alps, visit the Savica Waterfall, or go stand up paddleboarding on the lake.
Days 10-12: Piran Next, head southwest to the coastal town of Piran. Stroll through narrow streets of the old town, soak up the sun on the beach, or take a boat trip to nearby Sečovlje Salina Nature Park.
Days 13-14: Škocjan Caves and Karst Region Before ending your trip, visit Slovenia's famous Škocjan Caves in the Karst region. The underground caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer an unforgettable experience.
This itinerary gives you a great mix of city and nature experiences, and covers some of Slovenia's highlights. Of course, there's much more to see and explore in Slovenia, but I hope this gives you a good starting point!

Slovenia: all destinations

Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in Slovenia described in this website, in alphabetical order: by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination, with every info to organize your trip!
- Ajdovščina is a small town located in the Vipava Valley region of Slovenia, on the southwestern part of the country. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, numerous hiking trails, and for bein... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ajdovšcina
- Bled is a town located in the northwestern part of Slovenia, known for its stunning natural beauty and a famous glacial lake. The town is situated at the foot of the Julian Alps and surrounded by fore... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bled
- Bovec is a town in northwestern Slovenia, located in the Soča River Valley in the Julian Alps. It is a popular destination for adventure tourism, offering activities such as rafting, kayaking, canyoni... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bovec
- Brežice is a town in eastern Slovenia, located on the banks of the Sava River. It has a population of around 24,000 people and is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. The... CONTINUE here for a trip to Brežice
- Celje is a city in Slovenia, situated on the banks of the river Savinja. It is the third-largest city in the country, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Celje is home to many historical... CONTINUE here for a trip to Celje
- Cerknica is a town located in the southern part of Slovenia, in the Inner Carniola region. It is situated beside a large natural karst lake, which is the largest intermittent lake in Europe. The topog... CONTINUE here for a trip to Cerknica
- Divaca is a small town located in southwestern Slovenia. It is situated in the region of Inner Carniola, near the Italian border. Its name comes from the Slovenian word "divača", which means "cave". T... CONTINUE here for a trip to Divaca
- Idrija is a town in western Slovenia, known for its mercury mine and lace-making tradition. The town is located in the Idrijca River Valley and has a population of around 5,500 people. The historic me... CONTINUE here for a trip to Idrija
- Izola is a coastal town located on the Adriatic Sea in southwestern Slovenia. It has a population of around 12,000 people and is known for its picturesque old town, historical buildings, and lively ma... CONTINUE here for a trip to Izola
- Kobarid is a small town located in western Slovenia, near the border with Italy. The town is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the nearby Julian Alps and the emerald waters of the Soč... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kobarid
- Koper is a coastal city located in the southwestern part of Slovenia, on the Adriatic Sea. It is the largest city in the Slovenian Istria region and has a population of approximately 25,000 people. Th... CONTINUE here for a trip to Koper
- Kranjska Gora is a small town located in the north-west of Slovenia, near the border with Austria and Italy. It is situated in the Julian Alps and is renowned for its alpine scenery, ski slopes, and h... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kranjska Gora
- Lendava is a town located in the northeastern part of Slovenia, near the borders with Hungary and Croatia. It is part of the region of Prekmurje, known for its unique cuisine, thermal spas, and cultur... CONTINUE here for a trip to Lendava
- Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia, located in the central part of the country. It has a population of around 300,000 people and is known for its charming old town, green spaces, an... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ljubljana
- Logatec is a town in the Inner Carniola region of Slovenia, located about 30 kilometers southwest of the capital city of Ljubljana. It has a population of around 8,000 people and covers an area of 131... CONTINUE here for a trip to Logatec
- Maribor is the second-largest city in Slovenia, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is situated on the banks of the Drava River and surrounded by the Pohorje Mountains. Maribor has a r... CONTINUE here for a trip to Maribor
- Murska Sobota is a town located in the northeastern part of Slovenia, near the border with Hungary. It is the largest town in the Prekmurje region and it has a population of around 17,000 people. The ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Murska Sobota
- Nova Gorica is a city in western Slovenia, on the border with Italy. It is situated at the foot of the Julian Alps and is known for its mild climate. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with many h... CONTINUE here for a trip to Nova Gorica
- Novo Mesto is a small town located in southeastern Slovenia, near the border with Croatia. It is the capital of the Dolenjska region and sits on the banks of the Krka River. The town was founded in th... CONTINUE here for a trip to Novo Mesto
- Piran is a coastal town located in southwestern Slovenia, on the Adriatic Sea. It is situated on a narrow peninsula that juts out towards the sea, and is known for its picturesque old town with narrow... CONTINUE here for a trip to Piran
- Portorož is a coastal town in southwestern Slovenia, located on the Adriatic Sea. It's part of the municipality of Piran and is known for its spas, beaches, and tourist resorts. The town has a long tr... CONTINUE here for a trip to Portorož
- Postojna is a town located in southwestern Slovenia, near the Italian border. It is known for its extensive cave system, the Postojna Cave, which is a popular tourist attraction. The town has a popula... CONTINUE here for a trip to Postojna
- Prevalje is a small town located in the north-eastern part of Slovenia. It is situated in the Drava Valley, at the foot of the Pohorje Mountains and is surrounded by beautiful nature, including forest... CONTINUE here for a trip to Prevalje
- Ptuj is a small town located in northeastern Slovenia, near the border with Austria. It is known for its rich history and well-preserved medieval architecture, including a castle, city walls, and nume... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ptuj
- Radovljica is a town in northwestern Slovenia, located at the confluence of the Sava Dolinka and the Begnjača streams. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its well-preserved medieval archi... CONTINUE here for a trip to Radovljica
- Ravne na Koroškem is a small town located in the northern part of Slovenia, near the Austrian border. It is the largest town and the administrative center of the Koroška region. The town has a populat... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ravne na Koroškem
- Sežana is a small town located in the southwestern part of Slovenia. It has a population of around 6,000 people and is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Karst landscape and t... CONTINUE here for a trip to Sežana
- Tolmin is a small town located in western Slovenia, near the border with Italy. It is situated in the Soča River Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains, forests, and meadows. It is a popular destina... CONTINUE here for a trip to Tolmin
- Triglav National Park is the only national park in Slovenia, located in the Julian Alps in the northwestern part of the country. It was established in 1924 and covers an area of 838 square kilometers.... CONTINUE here for a trip to Triglav National Park
- Velika Planina is a mountain plateau situated in the Kamnik Alps in Slovenia. It is known for its picturesque landscape and traditional shepherds' huts known as "bajtas." The plateau is accessible by ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Velika Planina
- Šentjur is a small town located in the eastern part of Slovenia, in the historical region of Styria. It has a population of around 12,000 people and is situated between the Pohorje Mountains and the S... CONTINUE here for a trip to Šentjur
- Šentrupert is a small village located in southeastern Slovenia, near the border with Croatia. It is part of the municipality of Trebnje, and it is situated in the region of Lower Carniola. The village... CONTINUE here for a trip to Šentrupert
- Škocjan is a small village located in the southwestern part of Slovenia, near the Italian border. The main attraction of the village is the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its im... CONTINUE here for a trip to Škocjan
- Škofja Loka is a charming medieval town located in the northwest of Slovenia, at the confluence of two rivers, Sora and Poljanska Sora. It is known for its well-preserved castle, colorful baroque buil... CONTINUE here for a trip to Škofja Loka
- Šmarješke Toplice is a small town located in southeastern Slovenia, known for its natural thermal springs and spas. It is situated in the scenic valley of the Krka River, surrounded by beautiful fores... CONTINUE here for a trip to Šmarješke Toplice
- Šmartno ob Paki is a small town located in the northeastern part of Slovenia. It is part of the Savinja Statistical Region and has a population of around 2,000 people. The town is known for its pictur... CONTINUE here for a trip to Šmartno ob Paki
- Štanjel is a picturesque village located in the Karst region of Slovenia, near the Italian border. The village is known for its unique architectural style and rich cultural heritage. Visitors to Štanj... CONTINUE here for a trip to Štanjel
- Žalec is a small town in central Slovenia, located about 45 kilometers east of the capital city of Ljubljana. It is the administrative center of the Municipality of Žalec, which has a population of ar... CONTINUE here for a trip to Žalec
- Žužemberk is a small town located in southeastern Slovenia. It sits on the banks of the Krka River, surrounded by hills covered in forests. The town has a long history, with records dating back to the... CONTINUE here for a trip to Žužemberk


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