Distances in Slovenia are so small that you could be hiking in the Alps in the morning and then relaxing on the beach in the afternoon. It is also one of Europe’s greenest countries; forests cover over half of the country. Lake Bled with its fairytale island church and cliff top castle and the even more beautiful Lake Bohinj are both worth a visit. If you just want to escape the outdoor pursuits and sightseeing, there are many resorts along the coast where you can relax in the sun. There are several resorts that you can visit; the most enjoyable is Piran with its Venetian architecture and Slovenia’s major beach resort of Portoroz.
Slovenia Tourist Board: The official website for the Slovenian National Tourist Board – a useful resource for planning your trip to Slovenia.
Know Before You Go: Travel advice for Slovenia from the FCO.
Things to see and do
- Slovenia offers some good spots for fishing in fast alpine rivers, lakes, meadow streams and lower mountain rivers. The best preserved regions for fishing are the Soca, Sava, Radnova, Krka and Unec rivers.
- There are lots of trails through regional parks, circular trails around the towns, cities and lakes and less demanding paths along the rivers, in forests, and mountains.
- Horse riding is a lovely way to experience the rural parts of Slovenia. Lipica, the home of the Lipizzaner horses, has been offering a special experience since the 16th century and is an important tourist centre which offers Classical Riding Courses, and visits to see training sessions and performances.
- Kayaking, canoeing, and rafting outings are possible on many Slovene rivers.
- There are opportunities to go sailing on many lakes including Lake Bled and Bohinj. Cerknica Lake in the Karst region is an amazing natural phenomena of a sometimes ‘disappearing lake'. Yacht and sailboat rental is possible all along the coast.
- Visit the Postojna Caves, which are just a short walk northwest of the town of Postojna. The caves are full of stalactites and stalagmites. Tours of the caves take place throughout the year.
- Visit the picturesque glacial valley of Logar Valley and see its meadows and forests hemmed in by the peaks of the Kamniške-Savinja Alps.
- Explore Ljubljana’s old town and enjoy Baroque and Habsburg architecture, a hilltop castle and leafy riverside cafes in the enchanting capital.
- Visit the Soca Valley with its snow dusted peaks, a magical river and range of historical sites.
- Go hiking in the Julian Alps. These are said to be Europe’s most stunning and least spoilt mountain ranges. There are trails to suit all abilities.
- Visit Piran, a coastal resort strewn with Gothic-Venetian architecture, pretty churches and quaint squares.
- Go cycling on one of Slovenia’s endless cycling possibilities. From the tough-going mountain climbs of the Julian Alps and Koroška, to the less demanding trails in Dolenjska and Prekmurje.
Festivals and events
- The World Cup Dog-Sledding Races held around Traviso, attract more than 1000 dogs and 200 mushers every year to its 22km circuit in Kranjska Gora. (February)
- The Ski Jumping World Championship takes place in Kranjska Gora. (March)
- Druga Gobda, is an alternative music festival held in Ljubljana. (May)
- Ana Deset Street Theatre, is a colourful and enjoyable street theatre event, with performances in the Old Town and surrounds, held in Ljubljana. (June)
- Bled Days, is a weekend fair with craft stalls by the lake and ends with a spectacular fireworks display and thousands of candles on the lake. (July)
- Cow Ball celebrates the return of the cattle to the valley, held in Bohinj. (September)
- Ljubljana Summer Festival is the biggest annual cultural event in Slovenia, held in Ljubljana. (July-September)
Time difference
GMT +1
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