5+ Amazing Things To Do While Visiting Slovenia
Dreaming of a vacation that includes views of beautiful mountains, visits to medieval cities, and some of the best local wine in Europe? Consider the beautiful country of Slovenia for your next bucket list adventure!
From the crystal clear waters of Moon Bay on the Adriatic Coast to the lush forests and snow capped mountains of the Julian Alps, the countless attractions in Slovenia make this amazing country the perfect place for a FULL European experience.
We’re sharing some of the top things to do in Slovenia that you simply can’t miss!
5 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Slovenia
Need one good reason to visit Slovenia? We’re giving you FIVE Slovenia attractions that can’t be missed, plus some epic bonus destinations and awesome day trips.
There are so many things to do in Slovenia, and you’ll be taken by natural beauty and fairytale-like vibes of central Europe around every corner.
We’re soaking in natural mineral spring water, touring a medieval castle, and sipping wine along the coast of the Adriatic Sea—and those are just some of the attractions in Slovenia.
1. Go Hiking in Triglav National Park
Looking to witness gorgeous waterfalls, take a hiking trip to enchanting forests, and gaze upon snow-capped mountains? Visit Triglav National Park and stay in nearby Lake Bohinj!
One the oldest parks in Eastern Europe and the only national park in Slovenia, the park is a popular tourist destination for mountain biking and hiking trails, and makes an easy day trip from the capital city of Ljubljana or the nearby towns of Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj.
Enjoy the walking trails at Lake Jasna
Distance: ~1 mile
Hike the short loop around Jasna Lake with breathtaking views of Slovenia’s highest mountain pass—Vršič Pass—reflected in the crystal clear water. You’ll walk across soft, sandy beaches and over a cute wooden suspension bridge, with the option to climb a wooden viewing tower before returning to your starting point.
Experience towering waterfalls at Vintgar Gorge
Distance: ~1 mile (1.5 km) one-way
Visit Vintgar Gorge and walk the enchanting boardwalk trails over rushing rapids and canyons carved by the emerald green Radovna River. At the end of the path you’ll find the Sum waterfall, the highest river waterfall in Slovenia.
2. Soak in the Thermal Springs at Lake Bled
Take in the rich history of Slovenia on a day trip to the historic small town of Bled, wandering from coffee shop to art gallery and enjoying the beautiful scenery. You could easily spend your entire vacation right here!
Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular and picturesque tourist destinations. Bled Castle, situated on a cliffside on the northeast end of Lake Bled, is the oldest Slovenian Castle still in use today.
Don’t miss a chance to soak in the thermal spas when you visit Lake Bled, fed by geysers on the eastern side of the lake. The beauty of the surrounding hills and the healing mineral waters make the thermal springs one of Slovenia’s top attractions.
3. Visit the Soča River Valley, aka Europe’s Most Beautiful River
If you love water sports, head to Soca Valley for a great trip on the water! Known for its beautiful emerald green color, the Soca River is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. It’s a perfect destination for white water rafting, kayaking, and viewing stunning waterfalls.
4. Enjoy a Cold One in Ljubljana
Get ready to drink in Slovenia! The country’s largest city by population, lovely Ljubljana is one of the best cities in Slovenia to enjoy some local spirits.
Grab a glass and sip away the afternoon with a true Slovenian wine tasting in Old Town Ljubljana. Wander past the famous bell tower at Saint Nicholas Cathedral, and gaze up at one of the town’s key medieval landmarks built in the 11th century, the Ljubljana Castle
5. Blow Your Mind in the Valley of Seven Triglav Lakes
Also located within Triglav National Park, the Valley of Seven Triglav Lakes is one of the most beautiful hiking areas in the region. The pristine glacial valley is towered by the sheer cliffs of Mount Tičarica and Mount Zelnarica.
There are actually TEN lakes in this valley despite its name. The trail winds for about 7.5 miles (12 km) one-way past local farms and mountain huts, and leads to incredible views of the different lakes.
3 Off the Beaten Path Bonus Places to Visit in Slovenia
Looking for more amazing places to visit without needing to hire a tour guide? We’ve got you covered!
Visit Maribor and Attend the International Multicultural Music Festival
Maribor is the Slovenian city that lives and breathes culture, and the Lent Festival is the biggest open-air music festival in the country. Walk among the restaurant gardens sampling the local beer, wine, and cuisine as you take in music from all over the world, jazz concerts, theatre and dance performances, folklore readings, and street theatre.
Visit Predjama Castle and Postojna Caves
Ready to step into the beautiful architecture of the Renaissance? How about a CAVE castle? You heard right! The 800-year-old medieval Predjama Castle was built within a cave mouth and includes a secret system of tunnels built into the cliffside. It holds the Guinness Book of World Records title of largest cave castle on earth.
Just a short drive down the road is Postojna Cave Park, Slovenia’s second largest cave system and the only place in the country you can take a train ride UNDERGROUND! The Postojna Cave is a long system of karst caves and one of Slovenia’s top tourism sites.
Get Underground at the Škocjan Caves
The Skocjan Caves are one of the largest underground canyons on earth! Made up of an amazing system of limestone caves and underground passages, the Skocjan Caves are also one of several Slovenia sights designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can tour the cave’s chamber halls and nearly four miles of caverns, winding past waterfalls and along the underground Reka River.
Explore Slovenia with the Gals!
Want to make the most of your trip to Slovenia? Join our group of ecstatic travelers ready to get slap-happy on our all-women’s Slovenian Hut-to-Hut adventure!
You’ll spend part of the week trekking hidden paths to your alpine hut home in the Julian Alps among the highest peaks in Slovenia. Return to seal level and begin your day rafting and paddling Lake Bohinj at sunrise, and end it exploring Slovenia’s ancient capital city of Ljubljana and sampling the rich, local fare on a winery bike tour.
Meet the Writer
April Brightman
April is an adventure lover and freelance writer based in New England, with a passion for public lands, wild places, and all things outdoors. She loves camping in any form and spends as many weekends as she can hiking New Hampshire’s highest peaks, or road-tripping with her sweet dog Marley. If not in the mountains, you can find her planning her next expedition or caring for one of her far-too-many-houseplants.
Favorite outdoor adventure: National Parks Hiking and Road Trips!
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