Slovenia is a country that reaches out and grabs you with its natural beauty from its small but captivating coastline to views of the stunning Julian Alps, this is a place for outdoor lovers to fall in love with the scenery–without breaking the bank.
Thre are a lot of things to do in Slovenia at bargain European prices.
It provides amazing value.
Travelers who don’t pass this small country over for its better-known neighbors of Italy, Austria and Croatia (as well as a small sliver of Hungary) are greatly rewarded.
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Slovenia
I have rounded up my favorite unforgettable experiences to have in Slovenia. I hope you enjoy!
Hike in Triglav National Park
Triglav National Park’s trails range from quick walks to technical, multi-day mountain climbs: no matter what your skill level, there is something for everyone in this park.
Whether you’re walking along the Soca River or climbing among the clouds, the views of the Julian Alps will command your attention.
Looking for another similar destination? Check out these 10 Reasons to Visit Bulgaria
Climb the town walls of Piran
The coastal town of Piran is set on the very tip of the peninsula that makes up Slovenia’s modest coastline.
More laid back than the comparatively bustling nearby Portoroz, Piran’s biggest assets are its quiet atmosphere and beautiful views.
Climb up the town walls of Piran (for free!) and look out over the entirety of the Old Town, ending in a point near the lighthouse.
Piran is nothing if not compact: the walk from the lighthouse at the end of the peninsula to the town walls at the rear of the Old Town shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
Row to Lake Bled’s small island
Lake Bled
No visit to Slovenia is complete without a visit to Bled. This is the iconic shot of Slovenia. On the island in the middle (Bled island) is the Church of the Assumption.
Here’s a closer view of the church. I spent the day kayaking around the church and on the lake, and it was one of my favorite days of travel! Such a beautiful place.
The view of the small island in the center of Lake Bled is the most famous view in Slovenia, and it is a well deserved fame.
Experiencing Lake Bled is like jumping into a fairy tale, and there’s no better way to explore the lake than by renting a small boat and rowing to the island.
Grab a gelato from the stand on the island, enjoy views of the castle looming on a nearby cliff at the edge of the lake, and marvel over the brightly colored water–I guarantee that you’ll leave Lake Bled feeling incredibly relaxed.
Want to spend more time at the lake after turning in your rowboat?
Go for a swim, bike around the perimeter, or visit Bled Castle for a completely different view of Lake Bled.
Tour the Skocjan Caves
I’d also suggest a visit to the incredibly impressive Scocjan caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are located in the southwest Karst region of Slovenia.
Here’s another view of the exit to the caves.
The Skocjan Caves are, hands down, one of the coolest caves that we have ever had a chance to visit.
The caverns are enormous, and the colors vivid. Best of all: Skocjan Caves is home to a rushing underground river that you will have the chance to walk over on a bridge–47 meters over, to be exact.
If you’re anything like me, you will definitely have Lord of the Rings flashbacks here.
Check out some waterfalls
Slovenia is home to oodles of waterfalls (or “slaps”, as they are called in Slovenian).
While you are in Slovenia, be sure to take in the majesty of its crystal clear water cascading toward the ground.
Love waterfalls? You’ll love this photo story of Iceland’s Waterfalls
Some of the waterfalls require a hike to reach them, but others, such as Pericnik Falls, are very easy to access–you can drive your car right up to the viewpoint!
Savica Falls pictured above drops 78 metres (240 feet) into a spectacular gorge. It is just 4km from Ukanc and once you reach the car park it is simply a 20 minute hike.
There is a walking path from town that takes 1-2 hours.
If you want something more challenging start at ,Rib?ev Laz and walk around Lake Bohinj for this longer 11.8km/7.3miles leisurely walk. Check out this list of waterfalls in Slovenia to discover your own.
Ljubljana
I firmly believe that it is no coincidence. I visited this hidden gem of Europe last summer, and found it to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. So for this post, I would like to take you through a quick photo tour of this amazing country.
If you go to Slovenia, you will most likely fly into Ljubljana. Be sure to spend at least a few days here, as it is a great city. In the image above, you can see the Ljubljana castle, which overlooks the city.
Ljubljana is set on the Ljubljanica river, which runs through the heart of it. You can take a boat ride through the city, or just wander over the many bridges that straddle the river.
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Take a stroll through Metelkova
Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana is unexpectedly quirky, complete with colorful buildings, unusual bronze statues in the Old Town (instead of men on horses, think kangaroos and interpretive pieces that look like humans with tails–sort of, anyway), and plenty of dragons.
Nowhere is this funky personality more obvious than Metelkova, the military-barracks-turned-squatter’s-residence-turned-arts-district that is now home to clubs, bars, an art museum, and a hostel–along with some of the most vivid and fascinating street art that I have ever witnessed.
Even if you want to come to experience the nightlife, I recommend stopping by during the day as well, and don’t forget your camera: the photo opportunities are in every direction.
Stand on the shores of Lake Bohinj
If Lake Bled is a manicured fairy tale, Lake Bohinj is its slightly more exotic cousin.
A bigger lake than Bled, Bohinj is surrounded by plenty of hiking trails. Its shores are dotted with rowboats and a couple of cabins, but it is easy to seek solitude here.
While you’re in the area, be sure to check out one of my favorite waterfalls in Slovenia: Slap Savica is just a short drive away from Lake Bohinj.
Spend an afternoon at Vintgar Gorge
Vintgar Gorge is not a place for hiking as much as a place for ambling slowly along the built in path–but that doesn’t stop it from taking your breath away.
Home to brightly colored water and tranquil views from all angles, Vintgar Gorge is an incredibly relaxing place that is not to be missed.
Luckily, the Gorge is located just a 10 minute drive away from Lake Bled, making it very easy to add onto a trip to Bled.
There’s a very good reason why Slovenia has the word “LOVE” right in the middle of its name: because if you visit there, you will fall in love with it as well.
Zmajski Most
One of the most famous bridges is the Dragon Bridge. (Zmajski Most). There is one mythical legend that Jason (with his band of Argonauts) killed a dragon on his way to find the golden fleece.
According to this legend, he later founded Ljubljana, and the dragon became the symbol of Ljubljana.
According to another legend, if a virgin passes over the bridge, the dragon seen here wags its tail.
I spent a good amount of time photographing this dragon, and can confirm that I never once saw it wag its tail. I guess there are no virgins in Ljubljana?
Mestni Square
Mestni Square (Mestni Trg) is the center of the medieval section of Ljubljana. You can also see Saint Nicholas’ Cathedral in the background.
I love this colorful shot of the graffiti in the Metelkova City cultural artist centre. Not many tourists visit this area of Ljubljana, as it is a bit out of the city center.
But if you go to Ljubljana, I highly suggest a visit here. There’s a lot of great graffiti.
Tile Roofs of Medvode
I loved photographing the red-tiled roofs of this country. I shot this in the small city of Medvode.
As you leave Ljubjana, I would suggest heading Northwest into the Julian Alps.
On the way, you may see this beautiful church (Jamnik Church). Be sure to stop for a photo!
Village of Kanal
This is the small village of Kanal, with the Soca river running through it. I have to admit, this is one of my favorite images from my time in Slovenia.
Predjamski Grad, in Postojna
I leave you with this last image of the 12-century Gothic style castle, known locally as Predjamski Grad, in Postojna. Who doesn’t love a medieval castle built into the side of a mountain??
I hope you enjoyed this short photo tour of Slovenia. I found it to be one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited. And what surprises me more is that not many people know about it!
Did this photo tour make you want to go?
Author Bio:
Jonathan Irish is a seasoned travel photographer who has traveled to over 65 countries. His work has appeared in various National Geographic publications, and he is represented by National Geographic’s Image Collection See his photography portfolio and Twitter
Kate Storm: Kate is busy traveling the world with her husband and documenting all the adventures (and how to pay for them) on her blog, Our Escape Clause. When she’s not writing, you can normally find her on a hike somewhere gorgeous, swimming in a beautiful sea, wandering around a city, or baking one of the thousands of dessert recipes she finds on Pinterest. Follow her on Social Media at Facebook: Instagram: Twitter
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Now I really want to go back after reading this! Scocjan caves are just amazing right?! and all of the amazing nature!
Thanks for sharing!
I just enjoyed reading this blog. I regularly visit your blog and every time I found & learn something different on travelling. So I want to thank the admin for putting your efforts in making this well-developed post and I’m looking forward for more post like this.
Waww i like your blog very much…Amazing place for travelling..it instantly became one of the most favourite countries! Because of beautiful mountains, waterfalls and lakes, huge caves, Piran and even some very nice hidden beaches. For North American nation it’s everything we want to be happy.
We’ve been to Slovenia for the first time last year and it instantly became one of our favorite countries! Despite its small size it has EVERYTHING: stunning mountains, waterfalls and lakes, huge caves, Ljubljana, Piran and even some really nice hidden beaches. For us it’s everything we need to be happy. 😀
We’re going to be visiting this Spring, I can’t wait and this post has inspired me.
great job!!!! thanx .. how to implement this
Great post. You seem to have a good understanding about it. When I enterd your blog, I felt this. Come on and keep writing your blog will be more attractive. To Your Success!
Lake Bled is something I am dying to see! So incredible X
I Love this post and recommended SLOVENIA for Travel Lover, who wants excitement, to see shades of life.
Wow very inspiring blog I am looking forward to visit Slovenia ?? soon thank you for giving a tips.
I think Slovenia is one massively under-rated European country. I haven’t been there, but from what I’ve seen, there’s culture, beautiful nature, excellent beaches etc. Definitely on my list.
We can’t wait to explore more of it this year. We’re traveling through in May.
Great post with great pictures! We’llbe in Slovenia a bit later this year… great ideas to put into practice!
What a lovely post. Very informative. These places look magical. I was in Slovenia before. I was very lucky to travel In Lake Bled’s small Island. This place is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this fantastic article. Loved it so much:)
very nice post..
cheers
The Skocjan Caves is the place I wan to visit. I’m like you, so, I will definitely enjoy it.
– gustavo woltmann
Thank you so much for sharing with your readers, Dave & Deb! I could talk about Slovenia all day long.