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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 charming panorama and is house to greater than 10,000 underground caves.
Within the north west nook of the nation lies the jewel in Slovenia’s crown, Lake Bled, in addition to the beautiful Triglav Nationwide Park. In the meantime within the southwest you’ll discover the gorgeous karst area, which is thought for its wine route and noble white horses.
In fact 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 middle of the nation. This laid-back metropolis is thought 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 a minimum of per week right here so you’ll be able to cowl every part in a single journey. The best technique to get round is by renting a automotive, or you may get round utilizing the nation’s bus system, which covers most cities and even the countryside.
The place is Slovenia?
“I’ve heard of it, however the place is it precisely?” you may 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 ‘seashores’ of rocks and pebbles may not be your standard thought of a seashore.
Issues to Do in Slovenia
Lake Bled
The #1 factor to do in Slovenia is go to Lake Bled – a particularly fairly lake in North West Slovenia on the sting of Triglav Nationwide Park. It contains a medieval fairytale fort on the north facet and an island within the center. If you wish to get a more in-depth look, set up a journey throughout the lake in one of many conventional picket boats, known as a pletna.
Triglav Nationwide Park
Triglav Nationwide Park is Slovenia’s solely nationwide park, masking an space of 880 km² (4% of the nation) within the northwest a part of Slovenia. It’s a lovely inexperienced space that includes forests, streams, lakes and mountain peaks. As you drive by way of the park you’ll come throughout distant villages with chalet-style homes and log piles.
There are many out of doors actions you are able to do right here resembling mountaineering, white water rafting, horse driving and mountaineering.
Slap Sevica Waterfall
On the western facet of Lake Bohinj, you’ll discover a mountaineering to Slap Savica waterfall, which is likely one of the high points of interest in Slovenia. This double waterfall is 78 meters (250ft) excessive, and will be reached by way of a brief, uphill mountaineering path. The path options over 500 steps, and takes round 20 minutes to finish.
Postojna Caves
The Postojna cave system is the second longest cave system within the nation, made up of 4 caves which might be interconnected by an underground river. Contained in the cave you’ll be able to see all kinds of fantastic rock formations, together with stalactites and stalagmites.
The Postojna Cave tour entails a practice journey by way of a part of the cave, adopted by a guided stroll.
Wine Tasting in Karst
If you wish to style some regionally produced wine, go to the Kras (Karst) wine district, which is situated within the western a part of the nation, near the border with Italy. The district lies on a limestone plateau and has been making wine for hundreds of years. between the Vipava Valley and the Gulf of Trieste.
Cease at a vineyard to style some Teran wine (crimson wine), a particular Slovenian wine which comes from the refošk vine.
Lipica Stud Farm
Lipica Stud Farm, situated within the Karst area of Slovenia, breeds lovely white Lipizzaner horses. Over 300 horses dwell on the farm, which has been in existence since 1580.
Guests can take a guided tour across the stud farm to see the stables, the driving faculty, the paddocks and the indoor enviornment. The farm additionally gives various particular experiences, together with driving faculty performances and horse and carriage rides.
Go to Piran and the Coast
Slovenia has a small 47-km stretch of shoreline that sits on the Adriatic Sea. You gained’t discover a lot in the way in which of seashores right here, however it nonetheless has three very fairly cities to go to, together with Piran, Izola and Koper.
Piran is essentially the most lovely of all, with a captivating principal sq., a picturesque harbor and quite a few waterfront eating places serving contemporary seafood. In the event you do need to lay on the sand and sunbathe, head over to the stylish seaside city of Portoroz, which has a man-made seashore with picket piers.
Metelkova Metropolis
Metelkova Metropolis is a residential squat in a former military barracks behind the Hostel Celica in Ljubljana. The buildings right here have been squatted since 1993 and the location is now formally often called “Metelkova Metropolis Autonomous Cultural Centre”.
Wandering across the space, you’ll discover the buildings are embellished in cool graffiti and artwork. There are all kinds of bizarre issues masking them, together with mosaics, ghouls and ghosts.
Metelkova can also be house to various golf equipment, internet hosting underground membership nights, techno events and DJs from world wide.
Drive the Vrsic Move
In the event you plan on renting a automotive, then you could need to contemplate driving the Vrsic Move – a scenic mountain street that passes by way of the Julian Alps. This street is the best move in Slovenia, with an altitude of 1,611 meters.
The street 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 beautiful, and there are a variety of viewpoints the place you may get out and take images.
With over 50 hairpins, it is a difficult drive, and should offer you movement illness if you happen to’re sitting within the passenger seat! It’s value noting that the street isn’t open all 12 months spherical, as snow makes it impassable within the winter.
It is very important notice that you’ll want a valid vignette for Slovenia earlier than hitting the street. This can be a sticker that you just buy to have the ability to drive on the motorways and expressways. These days, you should purchase a paperless model often called an ‘e-vignette’ from the official web site. A vignette is required for all autos, together with rental automobiles, and is on the market for a set time period starting from 7 days to a 12 months. With a rental automotive and a vignette, you’ll be able to simply journey from one city to a different, having fun with the scenic views and native points of interest alongside the way in which.
Predjama Fort
This enchanting baroque fort is over 800 years outdated and sits in a sheer, 123 meter-high cliff face. Listed within the Guinness Ebook of World Information because the world’s largest cave fort, Predjama is kind 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 fort you’ll have the possibility to study in regards to the legend of Erazem of Predjama – a courageous and daring knight who holed up in Predjama Fort whereas it was underneath siege from the imperial military.
Entrance to the fort consists of an audio-guided tour, permitting guests to discover the inside and picture what it will have seemed 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 ensure you get a photograph of the well-known Dragon Bridge.
Town boasts out of doors markets promoting contemporary fruit and flowers, in addition to indoor markets promoting meats and cheeses. Many of the motion takes place round Prešeren Sq., the place buskers entertain passers by with performances and music. A spotlight of visiting Ljubljana is taking the elevator as much as Ljubljana Fort, which gives panoramic views of the town and past.
Maribor – House to the World’s Oldest Grapevine
In case you have 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 this planet, which grows outdoors the Previous Vine Home. 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 Previous Vine, St. Martin’s Day, and the Previous Vine Pageant.
Skocjan Caves
Positioned in Slovenia’s karst area, the Skocjan Caves Regional Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that includes a powerful 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 the crucial spectacular options of the cave system is the big Martel Chamber, which is over two million cubic meters in quantity. Quite a lot of animal species inhabit the caves, together with Cave Salamanders, bats, invertebrates and crustaceans.
Lake Jasna
Lake Jasna is a wide ranging 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 dwell within the heights of Mount Triglav.
In summertime Lake Jesna is a well-liked spot for swimming and sunbathing, boasting seashore areas, a picket diving platform and even an ice-cream parlor. Guests 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
Whilst you’re in Slovenia you will need to go to Lake Bohinj – the most important 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 major spot for fly fishing. Quite a lot of watersports are additionally accessible, 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.
Identified for its emerald-green shade, this lovely river options canyons, waterfalls and slender rocky gorges, making it excellent for journey actions resembling kayaking, riverboarding, canyoning and rafting.
On account of 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 Path
One of many high issues to do in Triglav Nationwide Park is mountaineering 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 embody Zadlaška Cave – named after the poet Dante Alighieri – and the Satan’s Bridge, which is about 60m excessive above the Tolminka River. One other putting characteristic is Bears Head – a big rock wedged between the partitions of Zadlaščica gorge.
Snowboarding in Vogel
Visiting Slovenia in winter? Vogel Ski Resort is likely one of 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.
Guests can ski on 78 ha of skiable terrain, with 22 kilometers of slopes accessible. Along with snowboarding, Vogel additionally gives various different winter actions, together with winter paragliding, snow tubing and airboarding.
Attempt Carniolan Sausage
Certainly one of Slovenia’s most well-known meals is the Carniolan sausage, which is a bit like Polish kielbasa. This scrumptious sausage comprises a minimum of 70% to 85% pork, and not more than 20% bacon. Different components embody water, sea salt from Sečovlje salt pans, black pepper, garlic and potassium nitrate.
In the event you’re a meat eater, undoubtedly give this one a strive whilst you’re visiting Slovenia!
Keep in a Jail Hostel
For an fascinating night time’s keep, guide an evening at Ljubljana’s Hostel Celica – a hostel housed in a transformed army jail. That is your probability to spend the night time behind bars, with out ever stepping 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. In the event you fancy some privateness, the hostel gives double and triple rooms, in addition to multi-bed dorm rooms for guests who’re touring solo.
A full-breakfast buffet is on the market every morning, and there’s an on-site restaurant the place visitors can take pleasure in Mexican tortillas, all-you-can-eat BBQ and scrumptious connoisseur burgers. Positively 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)
4 kilometers northwest of Lake Bled you’ll discover Vintgar Gorge – a lovely 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 lovely stream flowing by way of it.
Guests can observe the path and picket remark walkways all the way in which to Šum Falls (translating as ‘noisy falls’), which is the most important 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.
Wish to uncover extra about Slovenia? Take a look at my Slovenia travel guide, which is full of sensible information and guides to the nation’s high points of interest.
A Closing Phrase…
The great 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. In the event you’re driving from Ljubljana, you’ll be able to attain the coast in round 1 hour half-hour, or Lake Bled in slightly below 40 minutes. With such brief distances, you’ll be able to simply cowl plenty of the nation in only one week.
Outdoorsy varieties will discover loads of adventurous issues to do in Slovenia, together with horse driving, mountaineering, rafting and snowboarding. And if you happen to love wine, there are tons of wineries to find on Slovenia’s karst wine route.
