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Slovenia could also be a small nation, however what it lacks in dimension, it makes up for in magnificence. From serene lakes to majestic mountains, Slovenia boasts a fascinating panorama and is house to greater than 10,000 underground caves.
In the north west nook of the nation lies the jewel in Slovenia’s crown, Lake Bled, in addition to the gorgeous Triglav National Park. Meanwhile within the southwest you’ll discover the gorgeous karst area, which is understood for its wine route and noble white horses.
Of course you’ll be able to’t go to Slovenia with out spending a day or two within the quirky capital of Ljubljana, pronounced [lyoo-BLYAH-nah],which is situated within the heart of the nation. This laid-back metropolis is understood for its Dragon bridge, riverside cafés and colourful graffiti, and is house to a well-known hostel housed in a transformed jail.
There are fairly a couple of fascinating issues to do in Slovenia, so I’d counsel spending at the least per week right here so you’ll be able to cowl all the things in a single journey. The best method to get round is by renting a automotive, or you will get round utilizing the nation’s bus system, which covers most cities and even the countryside.
Where is Slovenia?
“I’ve heard of it, but where is it exactly?” you would possibly ask. Slovenia was a part of the previous Yugoslavia and sits between Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary. It does have a small shoreline on the Mediterranean, though the ‘beaches’ of rocks and pebbles won’t be your typical concept of a seaside.
Things to Do in Slovenia
Lake Bled
The #1 factor to do in Slovenia is go to Lake Bled – an especially fairly lake in North West Slovenia on the sting of Triglav National Park. It encompasses a medieval fairytale fortress on the north aspect and an island within the center. If you need to get a more in-depth look you’ll be able to take a experience throughout the lake on one of many conventional picket boats, known as a pletna.
Slap Sevica Waterfall
Triglav National Park is an especially inexperienced space with forests, streams, lakes and mountain peaks situated within the northwest of Slovenia. As you drive by way of the park you’ll come throughout distant villages with chalet-style homes and log piles.
There are a lot of out of doors actions to do right here equivalent to climbing, white water rafting, horse using and mountaineering. One of the highlights is climbing as much as Slap Savica waterfall, which additionally provides lovely views over the National Park.
Postojna Caves
The Postojna cave system is the longest cave system within the nation and is stuffed with unimaginable rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites. The tour takes you on a prepare by way of a part of the cave, then you definitely stroll by way of the remainder with a information.
Wine Tasting in Karst
Slovenia has vineyards dotted all around the nation and while you’re visiting, it might be a disgrace to not style a number of the wines they produce. Call at a vineyard to style Teran wine, a particular Slovenian wine which comes from the refošk vine.
Lipica Stud Farm
Lipica Stud Farm within the Karst area of Slovenia breeds lovely white Lipizzaner horses. You can take a guided tour across the stud farm to see the stables, the using college, the paddocks and the indoor area. They placed on common using college performances and you may take a experience across the farm in a horse and carriage.
Visit Piran and the Coast
Whilst you gained’t discover a lot in the way in which of seashores on Slovenia’s shoreline, there are some fairly cities to go to. The most notable ones are Piran, Portoroz, Izola and Koper. In Piran you’ll be able to dine on contemporary seafood in one of many eating places on the ocean entrance, nibble on some chocolate with salt crystals from the chocolate store within the sq., and watch the locals as they try and catch some fish from the tip of the jetty.
Metelkova City
Metelkova City is a residential squat in a former military barracks in Ljubljana, identified for its colourful buildings lined in cool graffiti and artwork. There are all types of bizarre issues on these buildings, from mosaics to ghouls and ghosts.
Predjama Castle
This enchanting baroque fortress is over 800 years outdated and sits in a sheer, 123 meter-high cliff face. Listed within the Guinness Book of World Records because the world’s largest cave fortress, Predjama is sort of merely breathtaking and worthy of a go to. Behind it lies a cave with a secret tunnel that was used as a useful hiding place.
When visiting the fortress you’ll have the prospect to be taught in regards to the legend of Erazem of Predjama – a courageous and daring knight who holed up in Predjama Castle whereas it was underneath siege from the imperial military.
Entrance to the fortress contains an audio-guided tour, permitting guests to discover the inside and picture what it might have regarded like all these years in the past.
Ljubljana
Slovenia’s capital metropolis, Ljubljana, is a small, walkable metropolis with a river working by way of it. Have a cup of espresso in one of many riverside cafes and be sure to get a photograph of the well-known Dragon Bridge.
The metropolis boasts out of doors markets promoting contemporary fruit and flowers, in addition to indoor markets promoting meats and cheeses. Most of the motion takes place round Prešeren Square, the place buskers entertain passers by with performances and music. A spotlight of visiting Ljubljana is taking the elevator as much as Ljubljana Castle, which provides panoramic views of town and past.
Maribor – Home to the World’s Oldest Grapevine
If you have got time, head over to the northeast of Slovenia to discover the nation’s second largest city – Maribor.
Maribor is house to the oldest grapevine on the planet, which grows exterior the Old Vine House. The vine is over 450 years outdated and was entered into the Guinness Book of Records in 1999. It even has quite a few occasions devoted to it, together with Pruning of the Old Vine, St. Martin’s Day, and the Old Vine Festival.
Drive the Vrsic Pass
If you propose on renting a automotive, then it’s possible you’ll need to take into account driving the Vrsic Pass – a scenic mountain highway that passes by way of the Julian Alps. This highway is the very best cross in Slovenia, with an altitude of 1,611 meters.
The highway begins in Kranjska Gora and ends within the Soča valley, passing lakes, church buildings, forests and spectacular mountain peaks alongside the way in which. The surroundings is totally gorgeous, and there are a selection of viewpoints the place you will get out and take images.
With over 50 hairpins, it is a difficult drive, and should offer you movement illness when you’re sitting within the passenger seat! It’s value noting that the highway isn’t open all yr spherical, as snow makes it impassable within the winter.
Skocjan Caves
Located in Slovenia’s karst area, the Skocjan Caves Regional Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a formidable system of limestone caves. The Skocjan caves are house to one of many world’s largest identified underground river canyons, which was carved out of the limestone bedrock by the Reka River.
One of probably the most spectacular options of the cave system is the big Martel Chamber, which is over two million cubic meters in quantity. Quite a few animal species inhabit the caves, together with Cave Salamanders, bats, invertebrates and crustaceans.
Lake Jasna
Lake Jasna is a panoramic alpine lake space consisting of two interconnected synthetic lakes surrounded by lovely mountain surroundings. Guarding the lake is a statue of a Zlatorog – a legendary white chamois buck who was mentioned to stay within the heights of Mount Triglav.
In summertime Lake Jesna is a well-liked spot for swimming and sunbathing, boasting seaside areas, a picket diving platform and even an ice-cream parlor. Visitors can take a stroll alongside the lake’s well-maintained paths or soak within the views of the Julian Alps from a 6-meter-high viewing platform.
Lake Bohinj
While you’re in Slovenia you should go to Lake Bohinj – the biggest everlasting lake in Slovenia. Measuring 318 hectares, this serene lake is a well-liked summertime spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Its clear waters are house to brown trout, burbot, European chub, widespread minnow and Arctic char, making it a chief spot for fly fishing. Quite a few watersports are additionally out there, together with paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing.
Soca River
For an adrenaline-fuelled journey, have a go at white water rafting on the Soca River – a 138-kilometer lengthy river that flows by way of western Slovenia.
Known for its emerald-green coloration, this lovely river options canyons, waterfalls and slender rocky gorges, making it excellent for journey actions equivalent to kayaking, riverboarding, canyoning and rafting.
Due to its scenic magnificence, the Soča river has hosted quite a few kayaking competitions and was even used as a backdrop for scenes in Disney’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
Tolmin Gorge Trail
One of the highest issues to do in Triglav National Park is climbing the Tolmin Gorges – two deep gorges carved by the Tolminka and Zadlascica Rivers. These canyons merge right into a confluence on the lowest level of the park, at an altitude of 180m.
Highlights of the gorges embrace Zadlaška Cave – named after the poet Dante Alighieri – and the Devil’s Bridge, which is about 60m excessive above the Tolminka River. Another placing characteristic is Bears Head – a big rock wedged between the partitions of Zadlaščica gorge.
Skiing in Vogel
Visiting Slovenia in winter? Vogel Ski Resort is among the nation’s finest ski resorts, providing well-maintained slopes and spectacular views. The resort is nestled beneath Vogel mountain in Bohinj, which is situated within the southern Julian Alps.
Visitors can ski on 78 ha of skiable terrain, with 22 kilometers of slopes out there. In addition to snowboarding, Vogel additionally provides quite a few different winter actions, together with winter paragliding, snow tubing and airboarding.
Try Carniolan Sausage
One of Slovenia’s most well-known meals is the Carniolan sausage, which is a bit like Polish kielbasa. This scrumptious sausage incorporates at the least 70% to 85% pork, and not more than 20% bacon. Other components embrace water, sea salt from Sečovlje salt pans, black pepper, garlic and potassium nitrate.
If you’re a meat eater, undoubtedly give this one a strive when you’re visiting Slovenia!
Stay in a Prison Hostel
For an fascinating night time’s keep, e book an evening at Ljubljana’s Hostel Celica – a hostel housed in a transformed army jail. This is your probability to spend the night time behind bars, with out ever moving into bother!
20 former jail cells have been fully redesigned with funky art work and comfier beds to make the entire expertise a bit extra cozy. If you fancy some privateness, the hostel provides double and triple rooms, in addition to multi-bed dorm rooms for guests who’re touring solo.
A full-breakfast buffet is offered every morning, and there’s an on-site restaurant the place company can get pleasure from Mexican tortillas, all-you-can-eat BBQ and scrumptious gourmand burgers. Definitely an improve from jail meals! Hostel Celica has a enjoyable and social vibe too, that includes its personal bar and common occasions all through the week.
Vintgar Gorge (Soteska Vintgar)
Four kilometers northwest of Lake Bled you’ll discover Vintgar Gorge – a gorgeous gorge carved by the Radovna River. This very deep gorge has steep partitions measuring 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 ft) excessive, together with a gorgeous stream flowing by way of it.
Visitors can observe the path and picket statement walkways all the way in which to Šum Falls (translating as ‘noisy falls’), which is the biggest river waterfall in Slovenia. The hike to Šum Falls takes round 30 to 45 minutes relying in your health stage and what number of stops you make.
Want to find extra about Slovenia? Check out my Slovenia journey information, which is filled with sensible information and guides to the nation’s prime points of interest.
A Final Word…
The fantastic thing about visiting Slovenia is that it’s really easy to get round, and the sights are by no means too removed from one another. If you’re driving from Ljubljana, you’ll be able to attain the coast in round 1 hour half-hour, or Lake Bled in just below 40 minutes. With such brief distances, you’ll be able to simply cowl numerous the nation in only one week.
Outdoorsy sorts will discover loads of adventurous issues to do in Slovenia, together with horse using, climbing, rafting and snowboarding. And when you love wine, there are tons of wineries to find on Slovenia’s karst wine route.