Slovenia Travel Guide
Beautiful Slovenia. This country is a wonderland of turquoise lakes, hidden gorges, impressive mountains, and picturesque towns. It is a destination perfect for families, hikers, and for those who love a great road trip. Most of your time will be spent outdoors, either strolling along picture-perfect lakes and mountains, hiking in Triglav National Park, or exploring scenic gorges. If city sightseeing and museum-hopping is not your idea of a perfect vacation, you’ll love Slovenia. Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital city, is more about eating, shopping, and exploring the scenic city streets than hopping from museum to museum. And with all of the opportunities to be outdoors, Slovenia is a great place to take the kids.
Slovenia Stats
Official Languages: Slovene
Population: 2.1 million
Capital City: Ljubljana
Currency: Euro
Power Outlet: Type C & F
Slovenia Itinerary
10 Days in Slovenia: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit
10 days in Slovenia is the perfect amount of time to visit the highlights of this amazing country. Tour lovely Ljubljana, spend several days exploring Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, journey into the Julian Alps, go on a scenic road trip, and end with several days on the Adriatic Sea on this Slovenia itinerary.
Places to Go in Slovenia
20 Epic Things to Do in Slovenia
Hike the Julian Alps, explore the karst caves, raft the crystal clear aquamarine rivers, and paddle board on the lakes…these all make the list of the best things to do in Slovenia.
Triglav National Park
Visit Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, go hiking in the Julian Alps, and go on a road trip through the mountains. Here are things to do in and around Triglav National Park.
7 Great Things to Do at Lake Bohinj in the Summer
Lake Bohinj is one of our favorite places in Slovenia. It is an outdoor playground, with opportunities to go hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. Ride the Vogel cable car for amazing views of Triglav National Park and walk to Savica waterfall, Slovenia’s most popular waterfall. Here are the best things to do at Lake […]
8 Amazing Things to Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is one of the most picturesque spots to visit in Slovenia. This small lake has all of the ingredients for the perfect getaway…a castle perched high on a hillside, a pretty little island to visit, hiking trails, secluded swimming spots, and a fantastic sweet treat. Here are 8 of the best things to […]
Driving to the Mangart Saddle in Slovenia
The Mangart Saddle, also called the Mangart Pass or Mangartsko sedlo, is the highest lying road in Slovenia. It’s a winding, white-knuckle drive through the mountainous region of northwest Slovenia. If you have nerves of steel and want to add a cool mini road trip onto your tour of Slovenia, this is a great option. […]
Hiking the Julian Alps: Vršič Pass to Sleme and Slemenova Špica
This is a wonderful day hike to do in the Julian Alps of Slovenia. You start at the Vršič Pass, one of the highest roads in Slovenia, and hike to the summit of Slemenova Špica. Along the way, you get to walk through quiet, flower-filled valleys and enjoy spectacular views of the Julian Alps. On a […]
How to Visit Tolmin Gorge in Slovenia
The Tolmin Gorge is one of many gorgeous places you can visit in Slovenia. Walk along the crystal clear Tolminka River, photograph the moss-covered canyons, and walk on a suspension bridge high above the gorge. What is Tolmin Gorge? Tolmin Gorge, also called Tolminska Korita, is a 1 km long gorge located on the southern […]
Lake Bohinj Travel Guide: Itineraries for 1, 2, and 3 Days
Lake Bohinj is a lovely lake located in Triglav National Park, Slovenia. While you are here, you can fill your time with short hikes, gorgeous views of the lake, stand up paddle boarding and other water sports, and even a ride on a cable car to a mountain peak. Whether you are visiting Lake Bohinj […]
Slovenia Scenic Drive: Vršič Pass, Soca Valley, Tolmin Gorge & Mangart
On this one day road trip through northwestern Slovenia, drive the Vršič Pass, visit the Soca Valley and the town of Bovec, explore the Tolmin Gorge, and even go on white-knuckle drive to Mangart, the highest road in Slovenia. If you like scenic drives and want to see a beautiful part of the country, this […]
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Vintgar Gorge in Slovenia
Without a doubt, Vintgar Gorge is one of the most magical places to visit in Slovenia. For 1.6 km, boardwalks crisscross their way along the Radovna River, creating an enchanting landscape that is photogenic and fun to explore. Vintgar Gorge is one of Slovenia’s most popular attractions. Vintgar Gorge was one of our top experiences […]
Ljubljana
14 Best Things to Do in Lovely Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is colorful, lively, compact, very photogenic, and there are more dragons here than museums. This is the kind of city where it is simply fun to stroll and explore without a long list of attractions to visit. Here are the best things to do in Ljubljana.
Skocjan Cave & Predjama Castle
How to Day Trip to Škocjan Caves and Predjama Castle in Slovenia
With one day, you can easily visit two of Slovenia’s most unique destinations, the Škocjan Caves and Predjama Castle. Be amazed as you tour the enormous, subterranean world of the Škocjan Caves. Then visit Predjama Castle, the largest cave castle in the world.
Istria
The Istrian Peninsula is a wedge-shaped peninsula located in northwest Croatia and southwestern Slovenia. In Slovenia, this tiny sliver of land is home to three coastal towns: Piran, Koper, and Izola. You can day trip here from Ljubljana, spend a night or two, or include these towns on a visit to Croatia.
3 Days in Istria Itinerary: Where to Go, Helpful Tips & Photos
The Istrian Peninsula is a wedge-shaped peninsula located in northwest Croatia. It may look small on a map, but there is a lot to see and do here. Visit charming seaside towns, go cliff jumping at Cape Kamenjak, explore the hill towns, visit Roman ruins, dine on fresh seafood, and soak up the sun at […]
6 Great Things to Do in Piran, Slovenia
Most of Slovenia is landlocked, with the exception of a tiny sliver of land that stretches out to the Adriatic Sea. Called Slovenian Istria, there are three small coastal towns that dot this short but beautiful coastline: Koper, Izola, and our favorite, Piran. With a colorful main square, medieval walls, a bustling harbor, and lots […]
One Day in Piran and Koper: How to Plan Your Day Trip
Piran and Koper are two beautiful coastal towns located in Slovenia. Piran is well known for its colorful main square, medieval walls, Venetian-style bell tower, and access to beaches. Koper is smaller, but with its narrow, boutique-lined streets and historical sites, it is worth a quick visit. In this article, learn how to spend one […]
Places to Go Near Slovenia
A visit to Slovenia can be easily combined with nearby destinations, such as Croatia, Austria and Italy.
11 Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
I think we fell in love with Dubrovnik even before setting foot in Croatia. An ancient, walled medieval city on the Adriatic Sea, filled with world class restaurants and narrow cobblestoned lanes to explore…what’s not to love? One day is all you need to see the best of Dubrovnik, although we recommend spending more time […]
15 Epic Day Hikes in the Dolomites (RANKED!!)
The Dolomites are one of our favorite places in the world to go hiking. This area is truly a hiker’s paradise. Hike to the highest peaks, to picturesque alpine lakes, and to jaw-dropping viewpoints. In this guide, we list 15 of the best hikes in the Dolomites…15 wonderful adventures to add to your trip to […]
2 Days in Venice Itinerary: Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
If you are planning your first trip to Venice, this Venice itinerary is perfect for you. With 2 days in Venice, you have just enough time to visit the highlights of this beautiful city and stroll the canals. Tour Doges Palace, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, drift through the canals on a gondola, and explore the […]
Balkan Peninsula Itinerary: Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina
This Balkan Peninsula itinerary is perfect for those who want to explore this gorgeous corner of Europe. Tour three countries, visit coastal, medieval towns, cruise the Adriatic Sea, lounge on some of Europe’s most unique beaches, dine on fresh seafood, and climb the highest mountain in the Adriatic Sea, if you desire. Croatia is a […]
One Perfect Day in Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is a picture-perfect town in Austria. This was once a quiet place, off of the radar of many European visitors. However, in recent years, Hallstatt has become one of the most popular places to visit in Austria. Spending one day in Hallstatt can be a wonderful experience, there are just some things you should […]
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia: Best Walking Route, Helpful Tips & Photos
Plitvice Lakes is one of the most unique places to visit in Croatia. With easy walking trails, boardwalks suspended over the turquoise water, stunning viewpoints, and photogenic waterfalls, this is the type of place that is perfect for visitors of all ages. With different levels of lakes, four different hiking trails, seven routes through the […]
Europe Travel Inspiration & Practical Info
30 Popular Tourist Attractions in Europe & How to Visit Them
From world class museums and ancient archaeological sites to stunning natural wonders, Europe boasts a diverse array of attractions that attract millions of visitors every year. Here are 30 of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe and how to visit them.
One Week in Europe: 25 Epic Itineraries
Do you dream of visiting world-class cities like Paris, Barcelona, or Venice? Or would you rather hike the Alps, go on a scenic train ride, explore the beautiful beaches and coastal towns in southern Europe, visit fairytale towns and castles, island hop in Greece, or go on an unforgettable road trip in northern Europe?
In this article we list 25 ways to spend one week in Europe.
10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries for Your Next Trip
Europe is a joy to explore. With world-class cities, medieval towns, historical sites, the snowcapped Alps, gorgeous beaches, and some of the world’s most delicious food, you have the perfect ingredients for your next vacation. If you want to spend 10 days in Europe, we have ten amazing itineraries to share with you. In this […]
15 Things You Should Know about Renting a Car in Europe
Having a car provides a lot of freedom and convenience when traveling through Europe. You can travel at your own pace, stop frequently to take in the view, and get to some places that are difficult to reach with public transportation. However, there are some things to know about renting a car in Europe. Knowing […]
30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (+ Map and Photos)
It is no secret that Europe is filled with beautiful places to visit. With its grand cities, fairytale-like towns, soaring mountain ranges, and gorgeous beaches, there is a seemingly endless list of gorgeous places to explore. Whether you are planning your next trip to Europe, or just trying to figure out where to travel to […]
7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe
If you are planning your first trip to Europe, it can be an overwhelming experience. Where should you go? How much will it cost? How many places can you visit? Does this sound familiar? We get emails every day from people who want advice planning their first trip to Europe. And we see the same […]
Best Hikes in Europe: Our 20 Favorite Day Hikes
Europe is one of our favorite places to go hiking. There’s no better way to explore the dramatic and varied landscapes here, from the snow-capped Alps to coastal trails to the remote, volcanic interior of Iceland. In this guide we list 20 of the best hikes in Europe, 20 amazing ways to explore this beautiful […]
Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag
Do you want to know how we capture the images that you see on our website? Here is our photography gear guide, with links and explanations of our photography gear and accessories. At the end of this post, we offer tips and tricks on how to take better photographs while traveling. Photography Gear Guide The […]
Top Experiences in Slovenia
Ljubljana. Lovely Ljubljana. This is one of our new favorite cities in Europe. This town really made a nice impression on us. It’s colorful, it’s lively, it’s compact, it’s very photogenic, and there are more dragons here than museums. This is the kind of city where it is simply fun to stroll and explore without a long list of attractions to visit.
Lake Bled. Lake Bled is one of the most picturesque spots to visit in Slovenia. This small lake has all of the ingredients for the perfect getaway…a castle perched high on a hillside, a pretty little island to visit, hiking trails, and secluded swimming spots.
Hike in Triglav National Park. Located in the Julian Alps, this rugged, rocky mountain range is an epic destination for hikers and rock climbers. We did an amazing hike right from the Vršič Pass, hiking to Slemenova Špica. On this thrilling hike, we walked through fields of wildflowers and had views over Italy, Austria, and the Julian Alps.
Lake Bohinj. Lake Bohinj, located inside Triglav National Park, is one of our favorite places in Slovenia. It is an outdoor playground, with opportunities to go hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. Ride the Vogel cable car for amazing views of the National Park and walk to Savica waterfall, Slovenia’s most popular waterfall.
Vintgar Gorge. Without a doubt, Vintgar Gorge is one of the most magical places to visit in Slovenia. For 1.6 km, boardwalks crisscross their way along the Radovna River, creating an enchanting landscape that is photogenic and fun to explore. Vintgar Gorge is one of Slovenia’s most popular attractions.
Piran. Most of Slovenia is landlocked, with the exception of a tiny sliver of land that stretches out to the Adriatic Sea. Called Slovenian Istria, there are three small coastal towns that dot this short but beautiful coastline: Koper, Izola, and our favorite, Piran. With a colorful main square, medieval walls, a bustling harbor, and lots of great seafood restaurants to choose from, Piran is one of Slovenia’s best small towns to visit.
Koper. Koper is a small coastal city that’s just a short drive from Piran. Climb the bell tower for the best view of the city, visit the Praetorian Palace, and go shopping.
Explore the Soča River Valley. The Soča River starts in the Julian Alps and meanders through western Slovenia, traveling through Bovec, Kobarid, Tolmin, and ending in the Adriatic Sea. This river is a brilliant aquamarine for most of its length. You can go white water rafting from Bovec or simply drive along the Soča River, enjoying the view as you go.
Škocjan Caves and Predjama Castle. Within one day, you can easily visit these two unique destinations. Be amazed as you tour the enormous, subterranean world of the Škocjan Caves. Then visit Predjama Castle, the largest cave castle in the world.
Tolmin Gorge. The Tolmin Gorge is one of many gorgeous places you can visit in Slovenia. Walk along the crystal clear Tolminka River, photograph the moss-covered canyons, and walk on a suspension bridge high above the gorge.
Maribor. Maribor is a small city located in eastern Slovenia. Take in the view from Pyramid Hill, see the oldest vine in the world, and stroll along the colorful streets and squares. It feels a lot quieter here than Ljubljana and Lake Bled, so if you are looking to escape the summer crowds in Slovenia (and if you like wine) this is a nice place to visit.Lake Jasna. This is yet another one of Slovenia’s very pretty lakes. Located near Kranjska Gora, this is a popular swimming spot in the summer months.
Drive the Mangart Saddle. The Mangart Saddle, also called the Mangart Pass or Mangartsko Sedlo, is the highest lying road in Slovenia. It’s a winding, white-knuckle drive through the mountainous region of northwest Slovenia. If you have nerves of steel and want to add a cool mini road trip onto your tour of Slovenia, this is a great option.
Kranjska Gora. Kranjska Gora is a very small town that is located just north of Triglav National Park. This town makes a very nice home base if you plan to do any hiking in the Julian Alps. We also used this as our home base for day tripping out to the Soča River Valley, Lake Bled, and Lake Bohinj.
Best Time to Visit Slovenia
Summer is a great time to visit Slovenia, but this is also the most crowded and most expensive time to visit. If you like the idea of paddle boarding on the lakes and sunbathing in Piran, summer is the best time to go to Slovenia.
Spring and fall are wonderful. Temperatures are pleasant and the crowd levels are lower. To see Lake Bled in autumn with the fall colors would be magical.
Winter is the off-season. Expect cold temperatures and snow. However, snow can also create a magical experience at Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, and the opportunity to go skiing in Triglav National Park.
In my opinion, the best time for this Slovenia itinerary is late summer and early fall, when the weather is warm. Once September rolls around, crowds begin to lessen, so this is a wonderful time to visit Slovenia.