<\/p>\n
Surrounded by Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, Slovenia is one of the few European countries that still feels like a \u201csecret\u201d destination. With a sliver of the Adriatic Sea and a sizable section of its topography devoted to mountain ranges, this Central European country spoils visitors with outdoor adventure that\u2019s just as accessible as its museums, old towns, and resorts. The best things to do in Slovenia range typically focus on exploring sites like charming Lake Bled and the spectacular \u0160kocjan Caves, though other attractions in Slovenia like Franja Partisan Hospital and Gewerkenegg Castle offer an immersive way to learn about the country\u2019s unique history that sets it apart from its neighbors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n See the world-famous Postojna Caves in Slovenia as part of our <\/span>Country Roads of Croatia<\/span><\/i><\/a> two-country tour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Even if a traveler has never visited Slovenia, they\u2019re likely familiar with the enchanting church floating in the center of Lake Bled. From lakes and mountain peaks to caves and gorges, Slovenia is famous for its generous landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts will struggle to find time to hike, white water raft, and paraglide through the country. Those who merely enjoy a bit of scenery on their city break are still spoiled by the serene sights around Ljubljana, Bled, and Maribor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read next: <\/b>11 Destinations That Are Just Perfect for the First-Time Solo Traveler<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n There\u2019s no single place to see all of Slovenia. This country, while relatively small, has thousands of years of history, geology, and culture to explore. Taking a Slovenia guided tour is a great way to explore the country\u2019s limestone caves, medieval squares, and equestrian pedigree. Here are 15 reasons why visiting Slovenia is a must for backpackers, culture vultures, and foodies alike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One-tenth the population of Paris and one-sixth the size of London, Ljubljana is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe. Despite being a relatively short train ride away from Venice, Graz, and Zagreb, Ljubljana is often overlooked. For curious travelers, that means fewer queues, generally lower prices, and a more relaxed experience without sacrificing culture, art, cuisine, or access to the outdoors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Though some of the major tourist attractions in Slovenia are outside of city limits, Ljubljana has plenty to see and do. Ljubljana Central Market has both an open-air and indoor covered market where you\u2019ll find chefs cooking traditional Slovenian food every Friday between March and October.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A statue of France Pre\u0161eren stands tall in Pre\u0161eren Square, just across from the Triple Bridge that crosses Ljubljanica River. The baroque Saint Nicholas’s Church, the medieval Ljubljana Castle accessible by funicular, and massive Tivoli Park will easily fill your city break schedule.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Most travelers make a beeline to Lake Bled after touring Ljubljana. An island church sits in the middle of the lake, framed by the cool blue water and peaks of the Julian Alps. You can row a boat alone or take a group pletna ride to the island where visitors are told ringing the church\u2019s bell will grant their wish. One of the best views of the lake is from Bled Castle, though the sights from atop a paddleboard or behind a slice of Bled cream cake are equally memorable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Lake Bled is located in northwestern Slovenia, only a few miles from the Austrian border. It\u2019s a quick day trip from Ljubljana, taking less than an hour by car and less than two hours by train.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Take an optional tour of Lake Bled on our two-week <\/span>Splendid Europe<\/span><\/i><\/a> tour.<\/span><\/p>\n The Franja Partisan Hospital played an important role in World War II. This cluster of facilities created a clandestine hospital complex hidden in Pasica gorge. From 1943 to 1945, the wounded were blindfolded and brought under the cover of darkness \u2014 wounded from both sides of the war. Only 61 patients died at this hidden hospital while over 1,000 were helped or healed. The Franja Partisan Hospital is called a monument to humanity, received the European Heritage Label, and is now an active museum featuring guided tours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Though Slovenian wine may not be as famous as its Italian neighbors, the country lays claim to the oldest vine in the world. It was planted during the Middle Ages in Maribor, Slovenia\u2019s second-largest city, and still bears grapes today. The vine has survived everything from fires to bombings during World War II. You can view it, still growing today, at Maribor\u2019s museum which also accommodates wine tastings and winery tours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Visit Maribor on our epic 26-day <\/span>European Grandeur<\/span><\/i><\/a> tour beginning in Paris and stretching through 11 countries to end in Amsterdam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In a country where Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, and Triglav National Park inspire wonder, many travelers are surprised to discover that Slovenia\u2019s caves are arguably its most astounding natural features. Rarely will you find a \u201cnormal\u201d cave in Slovenia; many of these subterranean dwellings are home to endemic species like the aquatic salamander. These olms, found in Postojna Cave Park, were once thought to be baby dragons. Along with the \u0160kocjan Caves, which is one of Slovenia\u2019s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Postojna Cave is one of the most popular natural tourist attractions.<\/span><\/p>\n The caves of Slovenia are so ecologically diverse that each visit is unique. Predjama Castle is a special destination in its own right. The largest cave castle in the world, Predjama Castle is nearly a millennia old. Situated on a cliffside 123m high, this castle sits above the second-longest Slovenian cave. Postojna Cave is open year-round and home to bats, olms, and dazzling stalagmites shining with flowstone deposits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Visiting Triglav National Park is one of the best things to do in Slovenia, no matter if you\u2019re a nature lover or a firm city-break traveler. Located only an hour outside of Ljubljana, you can spend your full vacation roaming Triglav National Park and still not have enough time to explore everything.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The So\u010da Trail, running along the So\u010da River is a lovely though long 25km trail with footbridges spanning the riversides. The Peri\u010dnik Waterfall trail is circular, offering a short 4km walk between the Slovenian Alpine Museum and Ko\u010da pri Peri\u010dniku. Whether you\u2019re walking your canine companion around Lake Bohinj or taking a cycling tour to Savica Waterfall, Triglav National Park will leave you breathless in more ways than one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re digging deeper for a more unique experience in Slovenia, consider foraging for mushrooms and herbs in Triglav National Park. In the third protection zone, visitors are allowed to collect up to 1kg of herbs per person and up to 2kg of mushrooms per person.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read next: <\/b>Our Travel Experts\u2019 Favorite Food Destinations Revealed<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n It\u2019s impossible to talk about Triglav National Park without noting it as a prime place to ski in Slovenia. Plan a getaway to Vogel Ski Resort during the winter and you\u2019ll have your fill of skiing or snowboarding 22km of slopes at one of Slovenia\u2019s largest ski resorts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n During the sunny seasons, you can swap your snowshoes for hiking boots in this fairy-tale-like alpine resort. The high altitude hiking archaeological trail has a dozen educational boards discussing the history of the landscape from over 5,000 years ago. You can also take a cable car to Vogel Viewpoint, paraglide in the summer, and play the 9-hole DiskGolfPark course.<\/span><\/p>\n Slovenia is almost entirely landlocked but it still has a short strip of coastline for beach breaks. Just under 47km in length, Slovenia\u2019s small section of the Adriatic Sea separates the Italian and Croatian borders. Find an old town square with Venetian influence in Koper or watch the boats sail by from the shores of Izola\u2019s Svetilnik Beach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Piran is undoubtedly the go-to spot for those looking to relax by the seaside. This resort city has orange-colored roofs reminiscent of Dubrovnik and Venetian architecture designed when the istria was under the Republic of Venice. Picturesque on the peninsula, Piran has an aquarium, the Museum of Underwater Activities, and the 7th century Walls of Piran that offer a leisurely mix of sightseeing during a beach day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Slovenia\u2019s small size is misleading when it comes to the country\u2019s diverse topography. Among its geology, you\u2019ll find multiple gorges, including the two most popular: Tolmin Gorge<\/span><\/p>\n Vintgar Gorge. Tolmin Gorge, located on the southern side of Triglav National Park, is an ideal swimming hole in the summertime. Vintgar Gorge, also on the edge of Triglav National Park, features a one-way trail with an audio guide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lesser-visited yet still spectacular geological sites in Slovenia include The Risnik collapsed doline near Diva\u010da, which has a trail circling the sinkhole, and the Mali Naravni Most natural bridge in Rakov Skocjan Regional Park.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Nearly every month has a Slovenian national holiday, which gives you multiple chances to experience the country\u2019s culture alongside locals. Notable holidays include February\u2019s Pre\u0161eren Day, which is a day of remembrance for the Slovene national poet France Pre\u0161eren, and September\u2019s Slovenian Sports Day, which celebrates the country\u2019s affinity for sports.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Check the calendar when planning your trip and do your research to make sure that the tourist attractions in Slovenia you wish to visit are open during national holidays or other work-free days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Get lost in the whimsy of the holiday season on our 8-day <\/span>Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia and Austria<\/span><\/i><\/a> tour which includes visits to unforgettable <\/span>European Christmas markets<\/span><\/a> in Vara\u017edin, Ljubljana, and Bratislava.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Among Slovenia\u2019s 500 castles, Gewerkenegg Castle stands out not for its aesthetic, but for its unique history. Unlike every other royal fortress in the country, Gewerkenegg Castle has no ties to the aristocracy. Built originally as a chapel by German miners in the late-1400s, Gewerkenegg Castle was reinforced after a mercury deposit was discovered. The aptly named \u201cmining castle\u201d was used to store and protect the mercury, as well as supplies for the miners who resided there until the end of World War II. Today, it\u2019s home to the Idrija Municipal Museum, which is open to the public.<\/span><\/p>\n Slovenia is an all-season destination, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The So\u010da River, running through Bovec, is one of the best places in the country for white water rafting. Take a drive up to Lake Jasna near Vr\u0161i\u010d Pass where you\u2019ll find quiet hiking trails with amazing views. Reka River, aka Big Creek, keeps you dry thanks to a walking path from the Matavun village to \u0160kocjan Caves Park. Velika Planina is another popular outdoor area; located in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, you\u2019ll need a cable car to access its mountain biking and skiing trails.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Slovenia shares the Julian Alps with Italy, though not nearly the same level of tourism. Although you won\u2019t be alone climbing the Mala Osojnica, you will appreciate this stunning Lake Bled viewpoint with savvy travelers. This 1.2km out-and-back trail is moderately challenging, requiring an hour of your time for photos you\u2019ll look at for years to come.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for more dazzling views without lacing up your hiking boots, rent a car and drive the highest road in Slovenia: the Mangart Saddle. Buckle up for this ride into the Julian Alps, a popular starting point for those ascending Mt. Mangart, and gaze over the Italian border.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhat is Slovenia famous for?<\/span><\/h3>\n
15 reasons to visit Slovenia<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Explore Ljubljana, an overlooked European capital<\/span><\/h2>\n
What can I see and do in Ljubljana, Slovenia?<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Sit serenely on the shores of Lake Bled<\/span><\/h2>\n
Where is Lake Bled in Slovenia?<\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Uncover the history of a \u201chidden hospital\u201d<\/span><\/h2>\n
4. Photograph the oldest vine in the world in Maribor<\/span><\/h2>\n
5. See the caves of Slovenia\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Be sure to visit the largest cave castle in the world<\/span><\/h3>\n
6. Wander on foot or cycle through Triglav National Park<\/span><\/h2>\n
7. Stay longer at Triglav\u2019s Vogel Ski Resort<\/span><\/h2>\n
8. Take a day trip to the beach<\/span><\/h2>\n
9. Admire Slovenia\u2019s gorgeous geology\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
10. Celebrate the holidays in Slovenia<\/span><\/h2>\n
11. Learn about a castle with no royal heritage<\/span><\/h2>\n
12. Enjoy hours of outdoor activities year-round\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
13. Climb the Mala Osojnica<\/span><\/h2>\n
Or enjoy the view and drive the highest road in Slovenia<\/span><\/h3>\n