Slovenia

Northwest

Experience the Magic of Lake Bled

  • Visit Bled Island and ring the wishing bell at the Church of the Assumption.
  • Explore Bled Castle, perched atop a cliff, offering historical insights and panoramic lake views.
  • Take a leisurely walk or cycle along the 6km path encircling the picturesque lake.
  • Enjoy a traditional "pletna" boat ride to Bled Island, steered by skilled oarsmen.
  • Hike to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint for the most iconic photographs of the lake and island.
  • Indulge in Bled's famous cream cake ("kremšnita") at one of the local cafes.
  • Rent a rowing boat or stand-up paddleboard to enjoy the lake at your own pace.
  • Visit the Bled Straža for summer tobogganing with scenic lake views.
  • Explore the Bled Island Hermitage Museum to learn about the island's history.

Discover the Beauty of Lake Bohinj and Triglav National Park

  • Explore Lake Bohinj, the largest natural lake in Slovenia, perfect for swimming and kayaking.
  • Hike to the majestic Savica Waterfall, the source of the Sava Bohinjka River, with its unique double cascade.
  • Ride the Vogel cable car up to Mount Vogel for stunning panoramic views of the Julian Alps and Lake Bohinj.
  • Embark on various hiking trails within Triglav National Park, from easy lakeside walks to challenging mountain ascents.
  • Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist on the shores of Lake Bohinj, a beautiful example of medieval architecture.
  • Take a scenic boat trip across Lake Bohinj.
  • Explore the Mostnica Gorge near Stara Fužina, with its narrow passages and natural bridges.
  • Consider canyoning or white-water rafting adventures on the Sava Bohinjka River.
  • Hike to the Seven Lakes Valley (Dolina Triglavskih jezer) for breathtaking alpine scenery (requires a full day or multi-day trip).
  • Visit the Triglav National Park Information Centre in Bohinjska Bistrica to learn about the park's flora, fauna, and trails.

Experience the Adventure in the Soča Valley

  • Raft or kayak down the stunning emerald green Soča River, known for its exhilarating rapids.
  • Explore the Tolmin Gorges, with their impressive canyons, the Devil's Bridge, and the Bear's Head rock formation.
  • Hike along sections of the Soča Trail, following the river's course through picturesque landscapes.
  • Visit the Kobarid Museum to learn about the World War I battles that took place in the region.
  • Discover the Kozjak Waterfall, hidden in a cave-like setting near Kobarid.
  • Hike to the Napoleon Bridge over the Soča River near Kobarid.
  • Enjoy paragliding or hang gliding from the Stol mountain for incredible aerial views of the valley.
  • Explore the Kluže Fortress, a historic defensive structure.
  • Visit the Javorca Memorial Church, a beautiful wooden church dedicated to fallen soldiers.
  • Cycle along the scenic routes through the valley, taking in the natural beauty.

Discover the Charm of Kranjska Gora and the Julian Alps

  • Visit the picturesque Jasna Lake near Kranjska Gora, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a refreshing swim.
  • Drive or cycle along the scenic Vršič Pass, Slovenia's highest mountain pass, with breathtaking alpine views and the Russian Chapel.
  • Hike to the Zelenci Nature Reserve, a beautiful emerald green spring.
  • Explore the Planica Nordic Centre, home to impressive ski jumping hills and a thrilling zip line.
  • Hike to the Tamar Valley and see the Planica Nordic Centre from a different perspective.
  • Visit the Liznjek House Museum in Kranjska Gora to learn about local history and culture.
  • Enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the Kranjska Gora winter sports resort.
  • Hike to the Martuljek Waterfalls near Gozd Martuljek, known for their impressive cascades.
  • Explore the Peričnik Falls near Mojstrana, where you can walk behind the lower waterfall.
  • Consider a climb up Mount Triglav (for experienced hikers with proper preparation and equipment).

Discover the Serenity of the Radovna Valley and Pokljuka Plateau

  • Hike or cycle through the picturesque Radovna Valley, following the Radovna River.
  • Explore the Pokljuka Plateau, known for its vast spruce forests, peat bogs, and hiking trails.
  • Visit the Pokljuka Gorge (Blejski Vintgar II), a less crowded but equally beautiful gorge.
  • Discover the numerous mountain pastures on Pokljuka, offering stunning views and traditional shepherd's huts.
  • Enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the Pokljuka Plateau during winter.
  • Visit the biathlon center on Pokljuka, a venue for international competitions.
  • Explore the Lipanca mountain hut on Pokljuka, a great base for further hikes.
  • Hike to the Debela peč mountain on Pokljuka for panoramic views.

Explore the Hidden Gems around Žiri and Škofja Loka

  • Visit the charming town of Škofja Loka, with its well-preserved medieval architecture and castle.
  • Walk across the Stone Bridge in Škofja Loka, one of the oldest in Central Europe.
  • Explore the Škofja Loka Castle and its museum.
  • Hike in the Polhov Gradec Hills near Škofja Loka, offering scenic trails and viewpoints.
  • Discover the lace-making tradition of Žiri and visit the Žiri Lace Gallery.
  • Explore the technical heritage of the Žiri area, known for its shoemaking industry.
  • Visit the Partisan Hospital Franja near Cerkno, a poignant reminder of World War II history.
  • Hike to the top of Blegoš, the highest peak in the Škofja Loka hills, for panoramic views.
  • Explore the diverse hiking trails in the Žiri hills.

Southeast

Uncover the Wonders of the Škocjan Caves

  • Embark on a guided tour through the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Witness the immense underground canyon of the Reka River.
  • Marvel at the colossal stalactites and stalagmites within the caves.
  • Walk across the Cerkvenik Bridge, suspended high above the underground river.
  • Explore the Silent Cave (Tiha jama) with its delicate formations.
  • Visit the Škocjan Caves Regional Park and explore the surface karst phenomena.
  • Explore the Vilenica Cave, the oldest show cave in Slovenia, located nearby.
  • Enjoy the scenic walking trails around the Škocjan Caves Natural Monument.

Discover the Majesty of Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

  • Take a unique train ride deep into the stunning Postojna Cave system.
  • Walk through the illuminated passages and marvel at the diverse cave formations.
  • Witness the iconic stalagmite known as the "Brilliant".
  • See the olms (human fish), unique aquatic cave dwellers.
  • Visit the nearby Predjama Castle, dramatically nestled within a cliff face.
  • Explore the secret tunnels and history of Predjama Castle.
  • Learn about the legend of the knight Erazem of Predjama.
  • Explore the Postojna Cave Park, offering other attractions like the Vivarium.
  • Consider a nighttime or adventure tour of Postojna Cave for a different perspective.

Experience the Culture and Wine of the Karst Region

  • Visit a traditional Karst winery and sample the unique Teran wine.
  • Explore the charming village of Štanjel with its Ferrari Garden and medieval architecture.
  • Discover the Karst Living Museum to learn about the region's natural and cultural heritage.
  • Visit the Lipica Stud Farm, the home of the elegant Lipizzaner horses, and enjoy a classical riding show.
  • Explore the numerous walking and cycling trails through the vineyards and karst landscape.
  • Taste other Karst specialties like prosciutto ("kraški pršut") and local cheeses.
  • Visit the Kobdilj Stud Farm, another important Lipizzaner breeding center.
  • Discover the Karst caves that are open for smaller, more intimate tours (e.g., Divača Cave).
  • Learn about the "škraplje," the characteristic limestone pavements of the Karst.
  • Experience the unique architecture of the Karst houses with their stone roofs and courtyards.

Relax in the Thermal Springs of Dolenjska and Bela Krajina

  • Indulge in the thermal pools and wellness facilities of Dolenjske Toplice.
  • Experience the family-friendly water park and spa at Terme Čatež.
  • Visit Terme Olimia (though slightly further afield, it's a renowned thermal spa in the region).
  • Explore the healing waters of Šmarješke Toplice.
  • Discover the natural beauty and tranquility of the Bela Krajina region.
  • Swim in the Kolpa River, known for its warm waters in the summer.
  • Visit a traditional "zidanica" (wine cottage) in Bela Krajina and sample local wines.
  • Explore the birch tree groves, a characteristic feature of Bela Krajina.
  • Learn about the unique folklore and traditions of Bela Krajina.

Explore the Historical Charm of Novo Mesto and the Krka River Valley

  • Wander through the historic center of Novo Mesto, with its medieval streets and squares.
  • Visit the Dolenjska Museum in Novo Mesto to learn about the region's rich history and archaeology.
  • Admire the Romanesque-Gothic Novo Mesto Cathedral.
  • Take a scenic walk or boat ride along the picturesque Krka River.
  • Explore Otočec Castle, the only water castle in Slovenia, now a luxury hotel.
  • Visit the Land of Hayracks Open-Air Museum near Šentjernej to see traditional Slovenian hayracks.
  • Discover the Pleterje Charterhouse, a Carthusian monastery (exterior views and museum).
  • Visit the Kostanjevica na Krki, the oldest town in the Dolenjska region, located on an island in the Krka River.

Discover the Unique Landscapes of the Kočevje Region

  • Explore the vast and relatively untouched forests of the Kočevje region, known as "Slovenian Switzerland."
  • Discover the remnants of primeval forests and the habitat of brown bears.
  • Visit Lake Kočevje (Kočevsko jezero), a picturesque artificial lake.
  • Explore the abandoned villages and the rich history of the Gottschee Germans.
  • Hike along the Rožna Dolina educational trail to learn about the forest ecosystem.
  • Visit the Kočevje Regional Museum to understand the area's natural and cultural heritage.
  • Explore the trails around the Krokar primeval forest reserve.

Explore the Coastal Charm of the Slovenian Riviera

  • Wander through the charming Venetian-style streets of Piran and visit Tartini Square.
  • Climb the bell tower of St. George's Church in Piran for panoramic coastal views.
  • Relax on the beaches and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Portorož.
  • Visit the Sečovlje Salt Pans Nature Park and learn about salt production and birdwatching.
  • Explore the Strunjan Nature Park with its stunning cliffs and the Moon Bay.
  • Discover the charming town of Izola with its fishing port and historical center.
  • Visit the Dragonja River Valley and its picturesque villages.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood at the numerous restaurants along the coast.
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife in Portorož.

Suggested Travel Itinerary

Slovenia - 5 Weeks

Days 1-5: Lake Bled & Surroundings

  • Explore Lake Bled: Visit Bled Island and the castle, walk around the lake, enjoy "kremšnita."
  • Hike to viewpoints: Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica for iconic lake panoramas.
  • Discover Vintgar Gorge: Walk the stunning wooden pathways along the Radovna River.
  • Optional: Bled Straža tobogganing (summer) or short ski trip (winter).

Days 6-10: Triglav National Park & Lake Bohinj

  • Explore Lake Bohinj: Swim, kayak, or paddleboard on Slovenia's largest natural lake.
  • Hike to Savica Waterfall: Witness the powerful double cascade.
  • Ride the Vogel cable car: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Julian Alps and Lake Bohinj.
  • Hike a section of the Soča Trail (e.g., near Bovec) or explore the Tolmin Gorges.
  • Optional: Hike to the Seven Lakes Valley (requires a full day or overnight stay in mountain huts).

Days 11-13: The Karst Region & Caves

  • Visit the Škocjan Caves: Explore the immense underground canyon (UNESCO World Heritage site).
  • Discover Postojna Cave: Ride the underground train and see the stunning formations.
  • Visit Predjama Castle: Marvel at the castle built into a cliff face.
  • Explore the smaller, but beautiful, Divača Cave or the Karst Living Museum.

Days 14-17: Slovenian Coast & Piran

  • Explore Piran: Wander through the Venetian streets and visit Tartini Square.
  • Relax on the beaches of Portorož.
  • Visit the Sečovlje Salt Pans Nature Park.
  • Explore the Strunjan Nature Park and the charming town of Izola.

Days 18-20: Ljubljana

  • Explore Ljubljana's Old Town: Visit Ljubljana Castle, stroll along the Ljubljanica River, see the Dragon Bridge.
  • Visit Tivoli Park: Relax in the city's largest green space.
  • Explore the Metelkova Mesto Autonomous Cultural Zone.
  • Take a boat trip on the Ljubljanica River and visit the National Museum of Slovenia.

Days 21-24: Dolenjska Region & Thermal Springs

  • Relax in the thermal waters of Dolenjske Toplice or Terme Čatež.
  • Visit Otočec Castle, the water castle on the Krka River.
  • Explore Novo Mesto and the Krka River Valley.
  • Visit the Pleterje Charterhouse and explore some of the local vineyards.

Days 25-28: Logar Valley

  • Explore the scenic Logar Valley, one of Slovenia's most beautiful glacial valleys.
  • Hike to the Rinka Waterfall, the second-highest waterfall in Slovenia.
  • Hike along the numerous trails in the valley, such as the Logarica Trail.
  • Visit the Ethnographic Collection Firšt.
  • Consider staying in one of the traditional guesthouses in the valley.

Days 29-32: Eastern Slovenia & Wine Regions

  • Explore the wine region around Jeruzalem and sample local wines.
  • Visit the charming town of Ptuj, with its castle.
  • Explore Maribor, Slovenia's second-largest city, and its Drava River waterfront.
  • Visit the oldest vine in the world in Maribor.
  • Explore the Pohorje Mountains (for hiking in summer or skiing in winter).