Planning a trip to Slovenia? Discover the 13 most beautiful places to visit in Slovenia, the green pearl of the Balkans!
Too often overlooked by tourists, Slovenia is a dynamic country on the edge of the Balkans and the Adriatic Sea.
Originally part of the former Yugoslavia, this small Alpine country boasts a historically diverse mix of Slavic, Germanic, Romanic and Hungarian cultures. Since its independence in 1991, the little Switzerland of the Balkans has managed to preserve itself from mass tourism, while showcasing its many assets. With its alpine peaks, unspoilt forests, many captivating caves, sunsets over the Adriatic coast and enchanting glacial lakes, Slovenia lives up to its reputation as the green and sunny heart of Europe.
If you’d like to take a breath of fresh air and recharge your batteries in a charming country where nature reigns supreme, come and visit Slovenia! We’ve selected the 13 most beautiful places to see in Slovenia.
1. Ljubljana
Ljubljana, which means « the Beloved » in Slovenian, is one of Europe’s greenest and most pleasant cities. In fact, the Slovenian capital was voted « European Green Capital » in 2016. During your visit, you’ll notice that Ljubljana is an architectural melting pot.
Multiple influences from the past mark the city’s districts and buildings: medieval style is omnipresent in the Old Town, while Baroque charm can be felt in Mestni Trg square, home to the Town Hall. Don’t miss the Triple Bridge, built by architect Jože Plečnik, and the enchanting Stari trg square, which climbs up to a must-see when you decide to visit Slovenia: Ljubljana Castle.
2. Lake Bled
Considered one of Europe’s jewels, glacial Lake Bled is certainly Slovenia’s most famous spot. The majestic mountains and the islet at the heart of the lake combine perfectly to offer a little corner of tranquillity isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Climb to the top of a cliff more than 100 metres above sea level to reach Bled Castle and enjoy breathtaking views of the Julian Alps, the emerald-coloured lake and theBaroque church of St. Mary of the Assumption, enthroned in the middle of the island. The six-kilometre-long path around the lake offers a romantic and enchanting view.
3. Postojna caves
Slovenia alone boasts almost 7,000 caves. You can’t visit Slovenia without making a detour to the Postojna caves, the country’s most famous. Two million years old and over 20 kilometers long, these underground caves are among the largest karst caves in the world.
A ride on a tourist train will take you into an underground labyrinth to admire multiple assemblages of mysteriously shaped stalactites and stalagmites. Then take a 1.7-kilometre walk underground to experience a captivating journey through an unreal setting of limestone sculptures, built up by tiny drops over millions of years.
4. Predjama Castle
This troglodyte castle is an astonishing building built into a rock face, just above a chasm, in a steep cavity 123 meters above sea level. Located just a few kilometers from the Postojna caves, it is reputed to be the world’s largest cave castle. Behind the building opens a huge maze of galleries that allowed its occupants to come and go secretly, hence its name, which means « in front of the cave ».
Built in the 12th century and renovated in 1583, this castle still impresses with its harmony with nature, and from its heights you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Continue your visit inside the castle to discover the various rooms dating back to medieval times.
5. Piran
It’s one of the most authentic and photogenic towns in the Balkans. Piran – situated on a peninsula plunging into the Adriatic Sea – is an ancient port town surrounded by medieval ramparts, and is a listed historical and cultural monument. A stroll through Piran takes you back in time to discover the magnificent Venetian Gothic architecture of its alleys, squares and buildings.
The Italian influence of this seaside town will remind you of Venice. Come and admire the magnificent main square, Tartinijev Trg, and its sumptuous 15th-century Venetian house with its finely crafted balconies and windows. From the ramparts, you’ll have an exceptional view of Piran’s rooftops. From the top of the campanile of thechurch of San Giorgio, strongly inspired by that of Venice, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea.
6. Vintgar Gorge
Photo credit: Shutterstock / pisces2386
This walk along a tumultuous emerald-green river is a must if you’re planning a visit to Slovenia. The steep-sided Vintgar Gorge, discovered in 1891, is considered the wildest part of the Bled region.
Over a distance of almost two kilometers, you’ll take small wooden footbridges and stairways up the hillside to discover a narrow canyon, enchanting vegetation, translucent waterfalls and magnificent views around every bend. The trail ends at an imposing and radiant waterfall, called Šum, over 13 meters high.
7. Triglav Park
Photo credit: Flickr – Patrick Müller
This mountainous site, Slovenia’s only national park and largest protected area, was created in 1924 and covers 4% of the country’s territory, including almost the entire Slovenian Julian Alps. It takes its name from Mount Triglav, 2864 metres high, which culminates at its center.
Climb to the top of the peaks, thanks to the many marked trails, for breathtaking panoramic views, or enjoy a water activity on the emerald-colored white waters of the Soča Valley to observe abundant wildlife and the beautiful green alpine valleys. Triglav Park will appeal to nature lovers and hikers alike.
8. Savica Falls
Photo Credit: Flickr – MarySloA
Located in the Triglav National Park, in the heart of the Julian Alps, these water falls – 78 metres high – flow into Lake Bohinj and have become Slovenia’s most emblematic waterfalls. The lakes of the Triglav valley supply the waterfall – named « Source of Life » – with water after it has rushed for several kilometers through underground channels.
What’s special about these falls is that part of the flow goes through another tunnel, from which a second 25-metre drop escapes. A shaded path and 533 steps take you to the top, where you can admire the refreshing crystal-clear water. This majestic waterfall nestled in the woods is a must-see when you choose to visit Slovenia.
9. Velika Planina
This verdant mountain plateau, perched at an altitude of 1,500 meters, best represents the soul and authenticity of the country. This superb site, just a few kilometers north of the capital Ljubljana, owes its fame to its unspoilt natural beauty.
You’ll come across wooden shepherd’s huts in the village of Velika Planina and see meadows as far as the eye can see. You can choose to take a gondola to the summit or follow one of the many hiking trails. If you had to select just one mountain walk to do on your trip, this is the one we recommend.
10. Lake Bohinj
Located in the north of the country, Lake Bohinj is the jewel in the crown of the Triglav National Park. It’s less popular than Lake Bled, but much wilder. It’s well worth the detour and a must-see if you’re planning a visit to Slovenia.
This lake, the deepest in the country at 45 metres, reveals a wilderness of exceptional biodiversity. You’ll come across numerous species of plants and fish. Take a seat in a canoe for a unique panorama of the transparent lake surrounded by the mythical mountains of the Alps.
11. Vršič Pass
Photo Credit: Flickr – Erin Johnson
The Vršič Pass – located close to the Italian and Austrian borders – owes its reputation not only to its title as Slovenia’s highest pass, but also to the 50 numbered hairpin bends you have to navigate to reach it.
From the top of the pass, you’ll enjoy fabulous panoramic views of the Triglav National Park, the mountains and their breathtaking cliffs, the Trenta valley and Mount Prisojnik, which rises to over 2,547 meters.
12. Ptuj
Would you like to visit one of Slovenia’s oldest towns? Located in the north-east of the country, the town of Ptuj, pronounced Ptouille, will delight you.
This charming, picturesque village of 17,000 inhabitants boasts an attractive medieval town center. Stroll along the quiet streets to admire the pretty red-roofed houses for which the village is famous. Ptuj Castle is a major attraction and will teach you more about the history of the region.
13. Škocjan caves
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Stepo Dinaricus
Wilder and less crowded than the Postojna caves, the Škocjan caves are a must-see during your stay in Slovenia. These limestone caves, located in the Karst region in the south-west of the country, have been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1986.
In underground galleries stretching for almost five kilometers, you’ll find impressive caverns over 100 meters deep, natural bridges, a canyon, stalactites and fascinating stalagmites – of varying sizes and colors – the largest measuring 15 meters.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Slovenia