Considering its size and population, Slovenia is among Europe’s tiniest countries. It is often overlooked as its bordering countries, Italy, Croatia, and Austria, enjoy a much better reputation among tourists worldwide.
I was one of these tourists until I set out to make my impressions in October 2020. Seeing Slovenia’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes and visiting its lovely towns made a lasting impression on me, so I would like to share my experiences and recommend 12 of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Slovenia that should be on every traveler’s bucket list…



Lake Bled
Slovenia’s most famous tourist attractions, Lake Bled and the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, are must-see on the small island in the middle of the Lakers.
The legend about the origin of Lake Bled says that a bunch of reckless, young shepherds let their sheep graze on the holy, green pasture where the chapel was built.
God judged this behavior heresy, so he decided to protect this holy place by creating a lake around the chapel.
My top things to do at Lake Bled are making a boat trip to the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria and ringing the church bell, visiting the Medieval Bled Castle that is built on a precipice above the Lake, and hiking up to Mount Ojstrica to enjoy breathtaking views.
Pros
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Cons
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Facilities
Multiple hiking trails of varying difficulties
Medieval Bled Castle known for its history and views
What Is It?
Lake Bled, nestled in Slovenia's Julian Alps, is a captivating destination with a glacial and tectonic origin.
Why Go?
Lake Bled beckons with its iconic island church. A boat pilgrimage, castle adventure, and mountaintop vistas make this Slovenian gem truly enchanting.
Best Months to Visit:
July - August
Ljubljana
With only 293,000 residents, Ljubljana is one of the smallest, but at the same time, greenest and most enchanting capitals in Europe.
Having a dragon as the symbol of the city, Slovenia’s capital impresses with its charming old town, the Dragon Bridge, and the Ljubljana Castle, which is the city’s key landmark.
The city is rich in history, and its beautiful architecture and green surroundings make it almost impossible not to fall in love with Ljubljana.
Pros
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Cons
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Facilities
Multiple museums and art galleries including the Jakopič Pavilion
Extensive transport system for easy transit
What Is It?
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, traces its roots to Roman times with the ancient city of Emona.
Why Go?
Ljubljana captivates with its petite charm. Wander through the enchanting old town, cross the Dragon Bridge, and ascend the iconic Ljubljana Castle. Embrace history amidst lush greenery.
Best Months to Visit:
May - September
Vintgar Gorge
Vintgar Gorge is a 1.6-kilometer-long gorge in Triglav National Park. By paying an admission fee of €10, you can follow the one-way wooden pathway constructed underneath sheer rock walls and explore the narrow canyon formed by the Radovna River.
The turquoise shimmering water weaves through the narrow canyon – a mesmerizing spectacle of nature. The walk takes about one hour and ends with a big bang: the 15 meters high Šum waterfall!
Pros
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Cons
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Facilities
Features a historic stone arch railway bridge
What Is It?
Vintgar Gorge, nestled in northwestern Slovenia near Bled, is a 1.6-kilometer marvel within Triglav National Park.
Why Go?
Step into Vintgar Gorge. Wander a 1.6 km wooden pathway beneath towering rock walls, tracing the Radovna River's turquoise dance.
Best Months to Visit:
May - September
Vršič Pass
The Vršič Pass in the Julian Alps was built by Russian prisoners for military purposes in 1915 and reached an altitude of 1,611 meters, which makes it the highest mountain pass in the country.
Driving along this pass in good weather offers clear sight over snowcapped mountains, and it is almost impossible to move the Vrši. Pass without stopping at every viewpoint to take pictures and enjoy the stunning landscape.
Pros
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Cons
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Facilities
Nearby lodges offer a comfortable retreat for mountain enthusiasts
Various hiking trails leading to nearby mountains
What Is It?
The Vršič Pass, at 1,611 meters in the Julian Alps, Slovenia, is the country's highest pass. Renowned for connecting Upper Carniola with Trenta Valley, it serves as a prime base for exploring peaks like Prisojnik and Razor.
Why Go?
Ascending Slovenia's Julian Alps, Vršič Pass captivates at 1,611 meters. Crafted by Russian prisoners in 1915, this panoramic drive unveils snow-kissed peaks, compelling every stop for awe-inspiring snapshots.
Best Months to Visit:
April - June, September - October
Soča
The Soa is a 138 kilometers-long river primarily known for its turquoise color. What impresses me the most is the so-called “Grand Canyon of So? a”, a section of the river where it winds its way through a narrow canyon of sharp and rugged rock formations.
Another place in Soa Valley that is worth seeing is the Boka waterfall. It takes only 15 minutes of hiking to reach the viewpoint, revealing the two-stage cascade with an overall height of 139 meters.
Other exciting activities are white water rafting, zip-lining, paragliding, hiking, climbing, and mountain biking.
Pros
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Cons
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Facilities
Opportunities for white-water rafting
zip-lining
paragliding
hiking
climbing
and mountain biking
Kobarid museum that shows the World War 1 history
What Is It?
The Soča, a 138-kilometre Alpine river flowing through Slovenia and Italy, captivates with emerald-green waters.
Why Go?
Step into Soca Valley, a breathtaking haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. Marvel at the turquoise Soča River, navigating the Grand Canyon's rugged beauty.
Best Months to Visit:
April - June, September - October
Postojna Cave
The Postojna cave is considered Europe’s most visited tourist cave. In 1818, the karst cave system, which has a total length of 24 kilometers, was prepared for visitors back then, particularly for Franz I, the first emperor of Austria.
Today, visitors are brought 4 kilometers deep into the cave by train, allowing them to explore the most beautiful parts of the cave with many stalagmites and stalactites in all shapes and sizes.
It is even possible to visit concerts and events in its most enormous chamber on special occasions.
Pros
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Cons
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Facilities
Special concerts held in the largest chamber
Postojna Cave tour and various exhibitions
What Is It?
Postojna Cave, Slovenia's second-longest cave system at 24,340 m, is a captivating karst wonder near Postojna. Carved by the Pivka River, it boasts a rich history dating back to the 17th century.
Why Go?
Step into the Postojna Cave, Europe's most visited. Glide 4 km deep by train, marvel at captivating stalagmites, and stalactites, and revel in the occasional concerts.
Best Months to Visit:
mid-May - mid-September
Predjama Castle
Only 10 kilometers from the Postojna Cave is another spectacular attraction, a Renaissance castle built within the mouth of a cave in the small village of Predjama.
The medieval Predjama castle was built in the 12th century, and you can visit its interior and parts of the cave under the court as part of different tours.
Pros
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Cons
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Facilities
Advance tickets are available
The facility is wheelchair accessible
What Is It?
Predjama Castle, a Renaissance fortress nestled within a cave mouth in Slovenia, stands 11 kilometres from Postojna.
Why Go?
Perched 123 meters high on a cliff, Predjama Castle is a Renaissance marvel. Tour its 12th-century interior and hidden cave passages.
Best Months to Visit:
September - October
Piran
The coastal town of Piran proves Slovenia is so much more than just mountains, lakes, and forests. By heading south towards the coast, rugged mountain ranges and thick forests are replaced by promenades with palms, medieval buildings, and the Adriatic Sea!
Stroll through narrow streets in Piran’s picturesque old town, climb the iconic bell tower of the St. George’s Parish Church, explore the city walls of Piran, or enjoy the salty sea air while making yourself comfortable in one of the many lovely cafes and restaurants.
Pros
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Facilities
Musical evenings in the Greyfriars Franciscan monastery's atrium
Various historic and cultural monuments
What Is It?
Piran, a captivating resort city in southwestern Slovenia on the Adriatic Sea, boasts medieval architecture, narrow streets, compact houses and stunning sea views.
Why Go?
Piran, Slovenia's Mediterranean gem, unveils coastal allure with its charming old town, St. George’s bell tower, and panoramic city walls.
Best Months to Visit:
May - October
Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohini offers plenty of free activities for families, nature enthusiasts, and adventurers. Explore the area by walking 12 kilometers around the Lake, hiking to the Savica Waterfall, considered Slovenia’s most beautiful waterfall, visiting the St. John the Baptist Church, renting a boat, kayak, or canoe, and paddling your way around the Lake.
Another top thing to do at Lake Bohinj is to take the cable car or hike up to the peak of Mount Vogel.
From there, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Julian Alps at an elevation of 1537 meters and, if you are a winter sports fan, go skiing in one of Slovenia’s most popular ski resorts.
Pros
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Cons
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Facilities
Various water sports like kayaking and rifting
Multiple resorts including ski resorts
What Is It?
Lake Bohinj, Slovenia's largest permanent lake, nestled in the Julian Alps, boasts 318 hectares of glacial beauty.
Why Go?
Lake Bohinj offers diverse activities. Walk the lakeside, admire Savica Waterfall, visit St. John's Church, or boat around.
Best Months to Visit:
June - September
Škocjan Caves
Compared to the Postojna Cave, the Škocjan Caves are less touristy and do not have a comparable number of stalagmites and stalactites. However, the high concentration of natural wonders and its sheer vastness make the Škocjan Caves at least as exciting and spectacular.
Here, the Reka River created the world’s largest underground canyon and a cave system with several natural bridges, waterfalls, passages, and swallow holes. Exploring enormous underground chambers like the Martel Chamber and the Murmuring Cave will be an unforgettable experience with lasting impressions on every visitor of the Škocjan Caves.
Pros
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Cons
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Facilities
Multiple cave tours that teach the history of its exploration
What Is It?
Škocjan Caves, Slovenia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, is renowned for its geological importance.
Why Go?
Škocjan Cave captivates with an immense underground canyon, natural bridges, waterfalls, and vast chambers like the awe-inspiring Martel Chamber.
Best Months to Visit:
July - August
Velika Planina Plateau
Slovenia’s most famous mountainous plateau impresses with a multitude of hiking trails, spectacular views of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the medieval town of Kamnik, and scenic attractions like the spring of the Kamniška Bistrica River and the Predaselj gorges.
A particular highlight of the Velika Planina Plateau is one of Europe’s last remaining high mountain shepherd settlements with 64 wooden huts. Here, you will have plenty of opportunities to taste and buy organic, traditional food products with unique flavors and try local dishes from the Alpine shepherds.
Pros
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Facilities
Nearby restaurants serving organic local cuisine Multiple viewpoints offering breathtaking views
What Is It?
Velika Planina is a historic high-elevation settlement with unique wooden huts and barns. Established in 1985, it preserves traditional herders' architecture, hosting summer herdsmen and attracting year-round visitors for skiing and hiking.
Why Go?
Escape to Velika Planina Plateau, a hiker's haven near Ljubljana. Traverse scenic trails, savor panoramic Kamnik-Savinja Alps views, and relish Alpine shepherds' unique cheese.
Best Months to Visit:
June
Maribor
Located in the north, close to the Austrian border, Maribor is often overlooked by tourists and overshadowed by the capital, Ljubljana. But looking closely at its highlights, like its charming old town and its green surroundings with picturesque vineyards, one must conclude that Maribor is worth visiting.
Stroll along cobblestone streets and visit the colorful Glavni Trg square, marvel at historical and medieval buildings like the Maribor Castle, hike up the Piramida hill in the city park, and take a look at the oldest vine in the world that grows in the Old Vine House since the 17th century.
Words and photos by blogger Christian Brandt. Christian began exploring the unspoiled nature of Swedish Lapland in 2013, then took a road trip to the USA and Canada. He decided to explore as many corners of this beautiful planet as possible and share his experiences with other travelers!
Since then, he left Germany and started his new project, the Giving Getaway, which aims to build the world’s most extensive travel database, use this database to create unique customized travel plans with the help of competent travel experts and take parts of the profits, invest them in charity projects and make this world a better place.
Pros
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Facilities
Maribor City Park
Houses various restaurants that serve traditional Slovene cuisine
What Is It?
Maribor, Slovenia's second-largest city, blends rich history with modern developments. Noted for its Gothic cathedral, medieval structures, and Baroque influences, Maribor was a European Capital of Culture in 2012..
Why Go?
Discover Maribor, Slovenia's hidden gem near Austria. Wander charming streets, explore historic sites like Maribor Castle, and witness the world's oldest vine.
Best Months to Visit:
June - September
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Becky Moore – Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
I’ve been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, express.co.uk, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and metro.co.uk. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.
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