Nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia is an amazing destination with stunning landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant culture.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends or family, here are some of the best things to do and see in Slovenia.
- Ljubljana
- Lake Bled
- Triglav National Park
- Lake Bohinj
- Postojna Cave
- Predjama Castle
- Soča Valley
- Piran
- Koper
- Kranjska Gora
- Logar Valley
- Velika Planina
- Maribor
- Škofja Loka
- Portorož
Known for its picturesque lakes, charming medieval towns and breathtaking natural parks, Slovenia offers travellers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences.
Slovenia may be small, but it’s bursting with incredible travel experiences. From the stunning peaks of the Alps and Europe’s most breathtaking caves, to the picturesque Adriatic coast and its beautiful wine regions – this country has something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie.
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Explore Slovenia’s most beautiful spots and discover why it’s fast becoming a must-visit destination in Europe. Its compact size makes it easy to travel around: enjoy breakfast in Ljubljana, lunch by a crystal-clear mountain lake, and watch the sunset in a charming seaside town – all in one day.
Ljubljana
The capital of Slovenia is all about balanced living. One of the greenest capitals in Europe, it is surrounded by parks and natural attractions that make it easy to relish the outdoor lifestyle.
Ljubljana is winning in looks, too – an 11th-century fortress occupies the hill above the medieval streets of the Old Town, while the picturesque Ljubljanica River promenade is filled with cafes and restaurants ideal for what can best be described as laid-back life enjoyment.
The elegant UNESCO-protected Triple Bridge (or Tromostovje) is the heart of Old Ljubljana and the perfect vantage point.
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This city is never in a hurry and that’s the best thing about Ljubljana. Relaxed exploration is the best way to approach it, too.
Take a long stroll along the river admiring all the old footbridges, and don’t forget to stop for a coffee. Or, for a different perspective, embark on a boat trip through the city centre.
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Visit the National Gallery for a vast collection of Slovene and European art, and the palace-set City Museum for local history.
Don’t miss Ljubljana’s alternative side at Metelkova, a cultural ‘autonomy’ where former military barracks have been turned into galleries and community centres.
And last but not least, Tivoli Park is the go-to outdoor spot in the city.
Lake Bled
There are places in the world where you need to pinch yourself to realise you’re not in a dream, and Bled is one of these. A triumph of turquoise, it is no exaggeration to say that the lake is among the most striking sights on the European continent.
The combination of crystalline waters, the tall Julian Alps in the background, a castle perched upon high, and a tiny island with a church on it can be nothing less than photogenic perfection. It is also a year-round destination that changes its appearance with the seasons and looks stunning no matter when you happen to go.
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However, Lake Bled is not a snap-a-pic-and-go kind of attraction – there are plenty enough points of interest to keep you for a day or two.
Must-dos include riding in a traditional pletna wooden boat to the island featuring the pretty Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. After that, be sure to conquer the 11th-century Bled Castle with its mighty medieval presence and fantastic vantage point overlooking the lake.
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And don’t leave without having tried the famous Bled cream cake (or kremšnita), a satisfying custard cream cake that originated in the region.
Triglav National Park
Officially the largest protected area in Slovenia, Triglav National Park is the Alps at their wildest and most dramatic.
Here the craggy peaks rise way above 2000 metres, with the country’s highest mountain, Triglav, reaching a whopping 2864 metres.
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This spectacular outdoor area will make the heart of every nature aficionado beat faster. Think countless hiking trails of various difficulty through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Europe.
There are emerald waterfalls, unspoiled lakes, and many rocky peaks to reach, as well as a kaleidoscope of traditional villages to visit.
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As striking as it is, Triglav National Park is also a fragile ecosystem that requires a sustainable approach when touring its gems. But Slovenia has got you covered by providing free buses to the Alpine valleys, a well-developed system of biking trails, and a network of official campsites.
Visiting this national park is also a great way to immerse yourself in local traditions and try the Alpine cuisine.
Lake Bohinj
Lake Bled’s big brother, Bohinj, may be less popular with visitors, but it offers an equally rewarding natural experience and a calmer ambiance.
If one were to use Italian Alpine lake equivalents for comparison, Bled is like Como, whereas Bohinj is like Garda. You’re getting the same magnificent turquoise here, but on a bigger scale – at 4.2 km in length, Bohinj is Slovenia’s largest lake.
Photo source: Slovenian Tourist Board
While it can be admired all year round, summer is the time to be here to feel the joy of mountain lake swimming. There are several beaches ideal for lounging, sunbathing, and water activities.
Take a boat tour for a different view and go to Vogar Viewpoint to see the awe-inspiring panorama of the lake from above.
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Postojna Cave
Rail journeys differ; for instance, some include riding through an ancient cave system in a tiny electric train. Welcome to Postojna Cave!
Here you will enter the kingdom of stalactites and stalagmites as you pass by a subterranean cliff with an underground river at its bottom. It’s nothing less than breathtaking. Visited by hundreds of thousands annually, it’s Slovenia’s top tourist attraction, and it fully lives up to expectations.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
It’s an unforgettable visit and one of the most unique cave experiences in the world.
A total of five kilometers are open to the public (the whole cave measures 24 km). One section is experienced aboard the train, while the other is a walk that goes through cave halls and passages full of mesmerising geological formations.
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Another highlight of the tour is meeting the olm, an aquatic cave salamander that can live for up to ten years (!) without food.
Predjama Castle
Fantasy books and movies come alive at Predjama Castle. The fortress looks as if nothing has changed since it was constructed around the 13th century, so it will come as no surprise that the third season of the hit Netflix show The Witcher was filmed here.
The imposing building is literally carved into the cliff as it becomes one with the mighty karst topography around it. In fact, it’s been listed by Guinness World Records as ‘the world’s largest cave castle’!
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Be sure to come inside the fortress to see the austere rooms and halls of this Renaissance dwelling that was the seat of the knight Erasmus of Lueg.
Predjama Castle guards some secrets, too – Slovenia’s second-largest cave system lies underneath the building and spans four floors. You can also walk through the hidden tunnel once used by Erasmus to secretly supply the castle with food during a siege.
Photo source: Postojnska jama
Soča Valley
Cascading its way down from the Julian Alps in Slovenia to the Gulf of Trieste in Italy, the Soča River is known for its beautiful emerald-green colour and superb vistas everywhere it flows.
As with other scenic spots in Slovenia, fantasy filmmakers have not been able to resist featuring Soča Valley in their productions. The region was famously ‘cast’ as Narnia in the 2008 Disney film The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
The Soča River is an obligatory visit for nature lovers, as it offers lots of activities paired with incredible mountain vistas.
Photo by Michael Matti on Slovenian Tourist Board
One of the most popular ways to experience the river is by boat. You can choose between kayaking, whitewater rafting, or canyoning.
Also, visit the spectacular Big Soča Gorge and the Little Soča Gorge for the river at its most scenic.
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Bovec is the best town to base yourself in for getting the quintessential Soča Valley experience.
Piran
Croatia may have a majority of quintessential red-rooftop towns, but Slovenia’s Piran can still easily compete for the title of ‘most scenic Adriatic destination’. It looks like a real-life painting.
Photo by Nikola Jurišič on Slovenian Tourist Board
The labyrinthine streets in the core of this Venetian city invite inspired wandering. The Renaissance-era Saint George’s Church crowns the hill and provides the most beautiful sunset views. The blue Adriatic surrounds the medieval centre, providing a spellbinding backdrop for walks along the promenade.
One’s itinerary for Piran usually starts with visiting the central Tartini Square, with colourful houses and a harbour alive with swaying boats.
Photo by Jacob Riglin on Slovenian Tourist Board
Then, give in to the pleasure of getting lost in the extra-narrow streets, occasionally coming upon pretty little piazzas with cozy cafes. Like Dubrovnik, Piran has ancient walls that offer nice views of the city and the sea. Beach-wise, you can take a dip right outside the city centre at a simple town beach.
Photo by Michael Matti on Slovenian Tourist Board
For a more riviera-like experience, go to Fornače Beach on the southern outskirts of Piran.
Koper
The country’s main port and the gateway to the Adriatic coastline, Koper is a fine mix of historic architecture and vibrant culture. It will charm you with its laid-back seaside vibe, well-preserved medieval town centre, seafood-heavy local cuisine, and a long and glorious Adriatic promenade.
While Piran may feel touristy at times, Koper is where you’ll find authentic Slovenian seaside living.
Photo by Jošt Gantar on Slovenian Tourist Board
Top sights include the 15th-century Praetorian Palace on Tito Square, the Romanesque Cathedral of the Assumption, and the small but interesting Koper Regional Museum.
Grab a bike and take a cycling trip along the promenade to the neighbouring coastal gem of Izola.
Photo by Nina Kurnik on Slovenian Tourist Board
As for the food, indulge in lots of locally produced olive oil and fuži pasta with truffles, and don’t forget to savour a bowl of bobiči, aka Istrian corn-based stew.
Kranjska Gora
When a country has such spectacular mountains, it should definitely have a resort where people can get the most out of them. In Slovenia, that place is Kranjska Gora.
Photo by Jošt Gantar on Slovenian Tourist Board
Located in the heart of the Julian Alps, it is the country’s ultimate destination for winter sports. Of course, this ski resort may not be as big as some of its gargantuan Austrian and Italian counterparts, but Kranjska Gora makes up for it – and then some – by offering a more relaxed winter break with an under-the-radar feel.
The resort has six chairlifts and 13 lifts serving 18 ski slopes that range from 800 to 1215 metres above sea level. This makes it a very family-friendly destination for skiing, snowboarding and sledding.
Photo by Iztok Medja on Slovenian Tourist Board
During the warmer months, Kranjska Gora is an ideal base for exploring the beauty of the nearby Triglav National Park as well as countless other natural attractions in the vicinity.
Go to Jasna Lake for inspiring water vistas, explore the Slovenian Alpine Museum, and hit the numerous hiking trails that will take you to the highest peaks of the Julian Alps.
Photo by Tomo Jeseničnik on Slovenian Tourist Board
Logar Valley
Postcard-perfect places are numerous in Slovenia, and Logar Valley is among the most mesmerising. It’s a crescendo of local mountainous beauty with green meadows and high rocky peaks coming together for breathtaking views. The glacial valley is also a protected landscape park where you can immerse yourself in local traditions.
Photo by Jacob Riglin on Slovenian Tourist Board
Spending a night in one of the authentic mountain lodges is a must – just imagine the morning views and the amount of fresh air you’ll breathe in.
Walking and cycling are the two best ways to experience the natural delights of Logar Valley. Hike to 90-metre Rinka Falls, embark on cross-country skiing journeys in winter, and try the local food specialties such as sirnek (a variety of cottage cheese), žlikrofi dumplings, and grilled lamb.
Photo by Michael Matti on Slovenian Tourist Board
Velika Planina
Sometimes the soul asks for total escape so as to fully recharge. Velika Planina (transl. ‘Big Pasture Plateau’) is where you go to break away from everything.
A place of ethereal beauty, it’s also among the largest shepherding settlements in Europe. To this day, Slovenian herdsmen arrive here at the end of spring with their livestock and spend several months on the mountain.
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During winter, a small ski resort opens in Velika Planina – it has cable cars, one chairlift, and six kilometres of pistes.
Surrounded by the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, this plateau is a visual feat. April sees Velika Planina at its most photogenic – the crocus flowers bloom en masse, creating a stunning fairy-tale-like landscape.
Maribor
Set among a land of gentle hills and vineyards, Maribor is the second-largest city in Slovenia and a very pleasant visit. Time goes a little bit slower here, which makes it an ideal city break.
Austro-Hungarian architecture takes central stage in a very walkable Old Town with a charming Central European flavour. Terraces rule the pretty cobblestone streets, so expect lots of coffee-drinking and wine-sipping.
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Regarding wine, this city has something really special. Hugging the facade of a Baroque building lies the grapevine of Žametovka. The vine has been growing there for more than 400 years, and is known as the oldest grapevine in the world – it even has a Guinness World Record certificate.
Naturally, this city takes its winemaking heritage seriously. Follow the Maribor wine-tourist road to learn more about the rich local traditions of making this drink of the gods.
Photo by Ciril Ambrož on Slovenian Tourist Board
Škofja Loka
Visiting Škofja Loka is like jumping into a time portal that transports you to medieval times. The city’s old town is among the most picturesque in the country.
Set at the confluence of the Poljane Sora and Selca Sora rivers, the town captivates with centuries-old stone houses, the imposing Loka Castle, and a series of ancient bridges. It’s also a vibrant centre of Slovenian arts and crafts.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Škofja Loka can be easily reached from Ljubljana for a day trip, or serve as a base for exploring the natural gems of the surrounding region. Pay a visit to the Arts and Crafts Centre to purchase the perfect souvenir – locally created objects.
Portorož
Portorož is where you go for a classic seaside holiday in Slovenia. Luxurious hotels dot its Adriatic promenade, elegant turn-of-the-century villas occupy the hills above, the local marina hosts multimillion-dollar yachts, and Central Beach is among the longest sandy stretches on the country’s riviera.
It’s even been nicknamed ‘the Slovenian Monaco’ thanks to its sumptuous Grand Casino and the atmosphere of glitz in the air.
Photo by Ciril Ambrož on Slovenian Tourist Board
Even with all the glamour, at the end of the day, Portorož is an accessible resort that has diverse choices in accommodation and good beaches that will get you up close to the glistening Adriatic Sea.
The streets are drowning in Mediterranean greenery, freshly caught seafood is on the menu of virtually every local restaurant, and the promenade’s sunset views are to die for. What else does one need for fine Adriatic relaxation?