Things to see and do in Slovenia, Europe's green heart
Our curated guide to Europe’s underrated gem features the best things to do in Slovenia, as well as our top accommodation and food recommendations, and a few other useful tips for your visit.
Back in 2005, Mark’s spontaneous backpacker trip to Slovenia sowed the seed for what was, and is still, a deep Slovenian love affair.
You see, back then, Slovenia had just joined the Eurozone, and was finding its feet after achieving independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.
It was, ostensibly, undiscovered by the masses. Magical cities, fairytale lakes and castles, towering mountains, emerald lakes… all with little to no tourists. It was paradise.
Fast forward 15 years (that’s scary to write!) and we returned to Slovenia together, keen to experience all the nooks and crannies of this bite-sized country. Our nine days exploring the best things to do in Slovenia were bloody wonderful, too.
While the country has prospered, thanks in part to a booming economy and increase in tourism, little more has changed from all those years ago.
Ljubljana, the capital, is somehow even more magical than before, with its regenerated old town making it among the prettiest in Europe. Lake Bled, the country’s most famous landmark, is still drop-dead gorgeous. And the mountains, which seem to ring the whole of the country, are still tree and waterfall-filled, perfect for all the outdoor activities.
At the heart of it all, Slovenia is still a country which, despite increased interest and visitation, has managed to defy the negative effects of over tourism (unlike its neighbours Italy, and to an extent, Croatia), while its focus on green and sustainable travel make it one of the most underrated destinations for travellers, like you, to visit in Europe.
To help you enjoy all the country has to offer, we’ve put together this curated guide full of Slovenia’s best things to do, as well as our top accommodation and food recommendations, and a few other helpful tips.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN SLOVENIA
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THINGS TO DO IN SLOVENIA | THE SHORT OF IT
Slovenia Highlights | Ljubljana, Lake Bled & Bohinj, hiking in the Triglav Mountains, Soča Valley
How long should you spend in Slovenia? | 3 - 7 days
Best time to visit Slovenia? | Spring (May - June) or Autumn/Fall (October - November)
How to get around Slovenia? | Slovenia is perfect for a road trip
Currency | Euros
Language | Slovenia
Visa | Schengen zone
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WHY VISIT SLOVENIA?
Get ready for towering peaks, deep blue lakes and turquoise rivers, never-ending green valleys, a hint of Mediterranean coastline and some drool-worthy cuisine; because Slovenia has it all.
In our humble opinion, Slovenia is criminally underrated by tourists; for such a small country (it’s a 10th of the size of the UK), it boasts some of the most striking and beautiful natural landscapes in Europe, from the vertiginous peaks of the Triglav National Park, to the fairytale-like Lake Bled.
Then there are the cities and towns.
Ljubljana is the elegant capital full of art nouveau and baroque architecture, leafy gardens, beautiful bridges, delicious restaurants and a hint of hipster cool, while charming Kobarid is the go-to for food & history buffs. Pretty little towns dot the countryside throughout the country, including our favourite, Kanal ob Soci.
For outdoor lovers, the adventures are never ending, with hiking, biking, and rafting opportunities just about everywhere.
Yep, Slovenia’s alright.
OUR TOP THINGS TO DO IN SLOVENIA
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THE ELEGANT CAPITAL OF LJUBLJANA
Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, with its Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture, beautiful bridges, endless cobblestone streets, and leafy gardens, would go close to winning our prize for Europe’s prettiest little city. It’s also a place where you can take your time - you never feel rushed in Ljubljana.
Not just that, it’s an eco-conscious travellers paradise; Ljubljana was voted "Green Capital of Europe” in 2016, because of it’s many green schemes to promote a better life for its citizens. This makes the city wonderfully accessible for tourists, be it by communal bikes or by foot.
The centre point for all things beautiful is Prešeren Square, developed at the point of a medieval crossroad into the former walled city. It’s surrounded by the famous pink facade of the Franciscan Church, the white-washed triple bridge which extends over the Ljubljanica River, and the pedestrianised old town, all which lead to the attractive town square and Robba fountain.
From here it’s possible to explore the 16th century Ljubljana Castle, walk the narrow streets of the old town, buy gourmet local produce at the central markets, take in the leafy riverside, or jump inside one of the many bars and restaurants.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Ljubljana that you can’t miss:
LJUBLJANA CASTLE
For the best views in town, jump aboard the funicular, or walk through the leafy pathways to the the castle. Stay for sunset and watch the city light up
LJUBLJANA OLD TOWN
Get up early to explore the old town streets and alleyways, sans tourists. Gornji Trg was our favourite street, full of pastel colours and endless wonder
TIVOLI GARDENS
Stroll the chestnut-tree lined pathways of Ljubljana’s largest, most beautiful park, the 1,260-acre Park Tivoli
PETKOVŠEK EMBANKMENT
Sit by the banks of the Ljubljanica River enjoying a beverage or two in the summer sun
LJUBLJANA CENTRAL MARKET
Ljubljana’s farmers market is full of local produce such as Slovenian honey, and our favourite, pumpkin oil (this will change your life!)
EAT AT JULIJA
Our favourite restaurant in Ljubljana by far - try the cheese dumplings (thank us later!), and finish the meal off with apple strudel and ice cream
STOW COFFEE
Ljubljana has burgeoning coffee scene, with Stow being the best coffee in town. Head there for a pick me up, and one of their delicious cakes
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TAKE A ROAD TRIP AROUND SLOVENIA
Bite-sized Slovenia is made for road trips.
Firstly, there’s SO much to see in such a small area; from the towering snow-capped peaks to the shimmering (and albeit, small) Mediterranean coastline; bright turquoise rivers to the stunning blue lakes, and of course the picturesque capital of Ljubljana, home to one of the most beautiful old towns in Europe.
Secondly, car hire in Slovenia is extremely cheap in comparison to the rest of Europe; expect to pay anywhere between €80 - €220 for 7-days car hire, excluding insurance (depending on car type), making it affordable for just about any type of traveller.
In late 2019, we decided, on a whim to road trip through Slovenia, and it ended up being our favourite trip of the year.
We started in the beautiful and isolated Logar Valley, our road trip took us to all the major sights, including the enchanting Lake Bled and Bohinj, the irrepressible Soča Valley, over Slovenia’s highest road, the Vršič pass and back to the historic capital of Ljubljana.
We’ve written all about it, which you can find here. Our Slovenia road trip guide is an easily-followed circular loop through some of the region’s most beautiful roads and stunning regional towns, starting and ending in the beautiful capital city of Ljubljana.
It’s also full of all the essential information & tips you could ever need to enjoy the best road trip possible.
RELATED | Our 9-day Slovenia road trip guide
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FALL IN LOVE WITH LAKE BLED
Most ‘must visit’ tourism attractions rarely live up to the hype, yet enchanting Lake Bled, with its picture-perfect church on an island, and fairytale castle clinging to cliffside set amongst a backdrop of forests, meadows and snow-capped mountains, absolutely does.
It’s bloody gorgeous, and a visit to Lake Bled is an essential thing to do in Slovenia.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in and around beautiful Bled:
HIRE A PADDLE BOAT
Probably the most romantic thing to in Lake Bled - paddle out and around the Blejski Otok (Church Island) and take in the pristine views from the lake (€20 per hour) .
WATCH SUNRISE OVER LAKE BLED
Lake Bled looks its best during the early hours, as sunlight fills the lake and surrounding hills in a glorious golden glow, and church bells toll, echoing out over the lake.
The best place to watch the magic happen is high above at the Mala Osojnica viewpoint, or at the eastern end of the lake, overlooking Blejski Otok.
WALK AROUND THE LAKE
A walk around the clear blue waters of Lake Bled is simply, a must do. The 6km walk is super easy, and provides the most beautiful vantage points
EAT A BLED CAKE
You must try the ubiquitous cake from Bled, made of delicious flaky pastry layered with cream and custard. The Bled Cake is sold just about everywhere in town, but some can be very bland, boring, and made for tourists - seek out Zima Cafe, just near the church for the most delicious version
Best of all, Lake Bled is easily accessible from Ljubljana, so for those stretched for time, it’s still possible to see this incredible place in a day (check out this day trip from Ljubljana here).
We’ve visited Lake Bled in all seasons, and each is distinctly beautiful, however a visit during Spring, when the surrounding Julian Alps are still covered in snow, or during Autumn, when the burnt orange hues of the season light up the lakes edge, are our favourite.
THE DETAILS
Stay | We stayed in this Airbnb apartment just outside of Bled, which was so comfortable and quiet. Book here. Alternatively, Castle Rock Apartments are very clean, and centrally located in the heart of Bled. Book here
Tips | Parking around the lake is super expensive, so try to walk as much as you can
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EXPLORE THE SPECTACULAR VINTGAR GORGE
Vintgar, located just outside Bled, is Slovenia’s most spectacular gorge, worthy of a half-day trip from Lake Bled.
The walk through the narrow gorge is spectacular.
Covered by the dense green canopy above, it follows a boardwalk which hugs the rock face, criss-crossing the fast-flowing turquoise waters of the Radovna River, passing rapids, pools and waterfalls, before arriving at the impressive yet small Šum waterfall.
From here, we recommend taking the circular route, which heads eastwards into the beautiful woodlands and plains, before arriving at the quaint pilgrimage church of St Catherine (Katarina Bled), before traversing back to the Vintgar Gorge entry point.
Overall, the Gorge hike should take around 45mins, with the circular route taking around 2 hours.
If you’re travelling to Vintgar from Bled, it’s possible to walk the 4kms, or do what we did, and hire a bike. The pathways from Bled to Vintgar are well maintained, and take you through some pretty towns and picturesque vantage points.
Alternatively, in the peak summer season (July and August), there’s a daily bus service which departs Bled bus station at 8.30am, 9.30am and 10.30am for Vintgar, stopping at several points of interest, including Bled Castle, along the way.
THE DETAILS
Where | Vintgar Gorge, Bled
Entry fee | Adults €10, Children €3, parking is free
Tips | Hire a bike from Bled and ride to the gorge - it’s easy, fun and picturesque
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HIKE OR RELAX IN THE PEACEFUL LOGAR VALLEY
If Slovenia is criminally underrated, then the beautiful alpine valley of Logaska Dolina (Logar Valley) is even more so.
The peaceful valley, which extends into the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of Europe’s main cities - in fact, it might just be the quietest and most relaxed place we’ve ever visited in Europe.
Just one road leads into the Logar Valley, where imposing peaks over 2,000m high tower above over lush green meadows, dotted with foresters cottages and farmhouses. The scene is endlessly beautiful, and immediately puts the mind at ease.
The valley is popular with lovers of the outdoors, with a great array of short and long hikes, cycling, and climbing.
Here’s some of our Logar Valley ‘must dos':
RINKA FALLS
Take a walk to the 90m high Slap Rinka waterfall, right at the end of the valley. Dropping through a narrow gap in the limestone mountains, Slap Rinka is a beautiful stop in the valley.
HIKING
There are a huge array of hikes in the Logar Valley, including multi-day hikes that get right into the heart of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
A hard rewarding hike we recommend takes you to Kamnik Saddle Lodge.
Starting at Slap Rinca, expect 3 hard hours of ascent towards the summit, where you can rest your legs and enjoy the view of the Logar Valley to the north, and to the east and west two beautiful mountains Brana and Planja.
Grab some mountain food and a beer (cash only) before making your way back down.
RELAX AT HOTEL PLESNIK
Hotel Plesnik is luxury hotel with the most beautiful views in Slovenia, and our stay here was a treat of the best kind. The wellness centre is dreamy, with sauna and spa facilities overlooking the alps.
EAT THE LOCAL PRODUCE
The food in this part of the world uses local ingredients, including delicious mushrooms. Try some of the local restaurants and enjoy the delicious cuisine.
SLOVENSKA PANORAMIC ROAD
The road leading into, and surrounding the Local Valley is stunning, taking in incredible panoramic views and cute little villages along the way.
The drive from Ljubljana to the Logar Valley is enjoyable itself (1.5 hours), meandering through quaint villages and forested roads before slowly winding down into the valley.
The valley is protected due to its natural beauty which means you must pay a €7 entry fee, unless you enter by foot (or arrive after dark, as we did).
THE DETAILS
Where | Logar Valley (Logaska Dolina), 1.5 hours north of Ljubljana
Stay | Hotel Plesnik, or Penzion Kmecka Hisa Ojstrica (Use our airbnb discount code for up to £30 off your first booking!)
Entry | €7 entry fee into the valley
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JOURNEY THROUGH BREATHTAKING SOČA VALLEY
Our first trip to Slovenia ended with a train ride from Lake Bled to Goritzia, Italy along the most beautiful, turquoise river we’d ever seen. We didn’t know it’s name, but we knew we needed to find out, and return to visit it ourselves.
As it turns out, this river was almost as famous as Slovenia itself - it’s name, the Soča.
On our most recent trip to Slovenia, we made our mission to see as much of this paradise river and valley as possible
The valley, also known as the Soča, is home to Slovenia’s burgeoning adventure sports scene and best outdoor pursuits, and a few hidden gems along the way.
Bovec is the starting point for most adventure activities in the region, including rafting and kayaking along the Soča, zip-lining, climbing or cycling.
The Valley was also home to the Isonzo Front and some of the greatest battles of WW1, so a stop at Kobarid Museum is worthwhile to learn about the regions history.
Here are our recommended things to do in the Soča Valley:
RAFTING THE SOČA
The Soča Valley is home to Slovenia’s burgeoning active holidays scene, so join a white water rafting tour of the turquoise waters of the Soča to make the most out of your trip.
This 3.5 hour rafting experience takes you along the Soča, where you’ll brave rapids, waves and the freezing cold water, but experience the breathtaking views from the river.
GORGE OF THE SOČA
The perfect place to admire the beauty and unique colours of the Soča River, and even have a swim during the warm summer months
EAT AT HIŠA POLONKA
Unless you book well in advance, Hiša Franko, Slovenia’s best restaurant, will be booked out. Instead, eat exceptional local fare at its sister restaurant, Hiša Polonka, in Kobarid.
We recommend the delicious shepherds potato & cheese pie, seasonal salads and delicious local desserts.
Mains start at €10
KOZJAK WATERFALL
Kozjak waterfall, just outside of Kobarid, wouldn’t look out of place in Bali. Falling through a small opening, the emerald waters and deep green trees colour the gorge beautifully (€4pp entry)
NAPOLEON BRIDGE
On the way to Kozjak Waterfall, stop to admire the beautiful Napoleon Bridge that passes over the Soča. Built in 1750, it was destroyed during WW1, but has been rebuilt to its former glory
KOBARID MUSEUM
History buffs should make a stop to Kobarid Museum to learn more about the regions WW1 history. Up to 1.7 million people died in the area during WW1, making it one of the deadliest battles in history.
The Walk of Peace, which makes its way through the valley, is also worth visiting, to see the many forts, caverns, and trenches that still remain
THE DETAILS
Where | Soča Valley
Stay | Apartments Kaninska Vas in the centre of Bovec. Book here
Note | Be very careful driving both the Vršič Pass and Mangart Saddle - the windy roads are prime for an accident
Book | This 3.5 hour Soča river rafting experience
Read | Our guide to the Vršič Pass
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ESCAPE TO SERENE LAKE BOHINJ
Sure, Lake Bled is beautiful, but Bohinj, just a short 30 minute drive away, is our favourite place is Slovenia.
Nestled in the foothills of the Triglav National Park, the crystal-clear expanse of water is primarily surrounded by nature, giving it a more authentic, untouched feel than its big sister.
What it lacks in main tourist sites it makes up for in outdoor pursuits, with a huge array of hikes (both day and multi-day), cycling, kayaking, and swimming.
Bohinj really comes alive in Autumn, when the shores of the lake and surrounding hills are covered in a thick burnt-orange cloud of foliage - it’s honestly one of the most beautiful sights we’ve ever seen.
Here are the best things to do around Bohinj:
HIKING
Some of Slovenia’s best hikes start right here in Bohinj. Try the multi-day Seven Lakes hike, or head up into the hills to Dom na Komni mountain hut for the perfect day hike.
HISTORICAL CHURCH AND BRIDGE
Visit the 700 year old church of St. John the Baptist located next to the historical stone bridge in Stara Fužina.
SAVICA FALLS
Take the short 20 min walk to the beautiful Slap Savica (€3pp entry), enjoying the beautiful natural environment while you’re at it.
LAKE BOHINJ BOAT TOUR
Jump aboard one of the pretty wooden boats for a tour of the lake.
WATCH AN EPIC SUNSET
Bohinj has some epic sunsets, but for the best views hike to the viewpoint at Hill Peč to enjoy panoramic views over Lake Bohinj.
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SUNRISE AND REFLECTIONS AT LAKE JASNA
Watching sunrise from Lake Jasna is an experience in itself.
Nestled at the base of the Triglav peaks, with epic views over the stunning mountain range, Lake Jasna is best enjoyed in the early morning. As the sun starts to rise, the alpine glow hits the mountain peaks, showering them with a golden glow, before slowly lighting up the rest of the valley.
As photographers, this is our jam, and we happily snapped away for over an hour, despite the brisk temperatures and lack of coffee!
As the day awakens, the lakes become a summer playground, where young and old come to swim and enjoy a little sun therapy, eat good food, and admire the views.
But for just views alone, this is one of the best places to visit in Slovenia.
THE DETAILS
Where | Lake Jasna, Kranjska Gora
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POP INTO THE MESMERISING ZELENCI NATURE RESERVE
Blink and you’ll miss it, the Zelenci Nature Reserve embodies the best of Slovenia - incredible natural beauty in such a small little area.
Located in a wetland area in the Valley that stretches between Podkoren and Italy, Zelenci is surrounded by the vast peaks of the Julian Alps. At 15 hectares in size, the reserve is small, but one of the top things to do in Slovenia.
The main reason to visit, though, is for the beautiful crystal clear green waters of the wetlands, which are actually a source of the Sava river, Slovenia’s longest, and the views over the Ponce Range. The water is so clear, you can see the fish swimming, and tiny bubbling ‘volcanoes’ arising from below the surface.
A visit here is the perfect side trip from Kranjska Gora, before heading over the Vršič pass or back to Ljubljana.
THE DETAILS
Where | Zelenci Nature Reserve, Kranjska Gora
Cost | Free
Read | Our guide to the Zelenci Nature Reserve
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DRIVE OVER SLOVENIA’S HIGHEST ROAD CROSSING, VRŠIČ PASS
One of the highlights of our trip to Slovenia was passing over the seriously steep, and somewhat anxiety-induing Vršič Pass.
Built during WW1 as a supply channel, the Vršič pass connects the Sava and Soča Valleys and is the highest Slovenian road crossing.
With each passing hairpin (there are 50 in total!), we’d shout and point in every direction as the views unfolded before us. These views were best when we arrived at the summit, at 1,600m+.
We recommend stopping at various points along the way, including the Russian Chapel, built in memory of 100’s of soldiers who died here in the 1800’s, and the highest point, which provides amazing views down into the Soča Valley and is the perfect lunch spot.
There are also amazing hiking opportunities commencing from the Vršič pass, including to Monte Prisani (we didn’t get to do any hikes from here unfortunately).
Related | Our complete guide to the Vršič pass, Slovenia
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ATTEMPT THE MANGART SADDLE ROAD
If we’re honest, our drive to Mangart Saddle scared us sh**less.
We wanted to chase sunset from the epic Slovenian peaks, but didn’t account for a narrow, one-lane, multiple-hairpin, treacherous drive to the summit.
With each approaching hair-pin, our anxiety levels increased, and with each safe passing, we’d relax just a little. That was, until the next hairpin, or car, or bike would approach us, at which point the anxiety would increase again as we tried to safely navigate our way while not crashing our car, or worse still, rolling off the cliff.
This went on for 30 uncomfortable minutes.
Alas, we survived; the sunset from the top was completely and utterly worth it, and one of our favourite things to do in Slovenia.
Straddling the border of Italy and Slovenia, the Mangart Saddle is the highest mountain road in Slovenia, and was built by the Italian army at the commencement of WW2 (1938) as a defence against the Yugoslav army.
Now, the 12km road, which includes five tunnels, leads to the saddle, allowing eager travellers such as ourselves the opportunity to enjoy the most amazing of views, as well as the starting point for a range of excellent hiking opportunities (including the ascent of Mt. Mangart).
The views from the summit are a sight to behold; endless vistas that reach out far and wide, towards the Log Kortinica Valley in Slovenia, and towards Lago di Fusine in Italy, and are best viewed at sunset, when the surrounding mountains and valleys are drenched with glorious golden light.
As mentioned, the road is somewhat anxiety-inducing, so we recommend this for experienced and confident drivers only (the last thing you want is a large insurance claim!). Take it slowly and use your horn liberally, especially on the tight one-way bends,
About a quarter of the way up, you’ll need to pay the €5 per car entry fee (we actually missed this, and had to slam on our breaks and reverse back after being waved down).
THE DETAILS
Where | Mangart Saddle
Cost | €5 per car
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GO WATERFALL HUNTING
Unsurprising for a country with such vast mountain ranges, Slovenia is home to a wealth of beautiful waterfalls, with over 300 dotted throughout the tiny country.
We love a good waterfall, so made it our mission to hunt down and visit as many as possible during our road trip, but with minimal rain and snow melt, we didn’t get to experience the full beauty of each falls.
The best waterfalls can be found in and around the Julian and Kamnik-Savinja alps, and most are located within in the natural environment, which adds to their magical allure.
Below are our suggested ‘must visit’ waterfalls in the country;
SLAP SAVICA
Located in the Triglav National Park at the western end of Lake Bohinj, Slap Savica is one of Slovenia’s most photogenic waterfalls.
Take the short 20 min walk to the falls (€3pp entry), enjoying the beautiful natural environment and views of Lake Bohinj while you’re at it.
Slap Savica is best visited early to avoid the crowds that arrive post 11am.
SLAP BOKA
Located in the Soča Valley, Slap Boka waterfall is one of the largest and most powerful in all of Slovenia, especially after heaven rains or during the spring snow melt.
Falling 144 metres, the falls can be seen from the road, however we recommend taking the short 15 minute hike to the viewing platform for the best views.
KOZJAK WATERFALL
Kozjak waterfall (€4pp entry), just outside of Kobarid, wouldn’t look out of place in Bali.
Located at the end of a canyon, Kozjak falls through a small opening into the emerald waters below. The waters, contrasted with the deep green trees colour the half-dome and gorge beautifully.
The hike to the waterfall itself is enjoyable, straddling the Soča river and passing a number of old WW1 bunkers, before following the creek towards the waterfall.
PERIČNIK WATERFALL
Located in the Vrata Valley just a short drive from Kranjska Gora is Peričnik waterfall. The 52m tall waterfall is probably Slovenia's most attractive waterfall, and the best part is that you can also walk behind/under the falls.
The hike to the falls is super easy, passing through woods before arriving at the earlier, lower falls. To get to the main falls, head further up the steep pathway.
RINKA FALLS
Take a walk to the 90m high Slap Rinka waterfall, right at the end of the Logar Valley.
Dropping through a narrow gap in the limestone mountains, Slap Rinka is a beautiful stop in the valley.
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DEVOUR SLOVENIA'S DELICIOUS CUISINE
Slovenian cuisine is a glorious mix of local ingredients, melded with Italian, German and Balkan elements to form delicious, hearty dishes.
The burgeoning food scene is led by Ana Roš, who has almost single-handedly put Slovenia on the food map via her restaurant, Hiša Franko, located in the stunning Soča Valley.
Farm-to-table is now all the rage, and with good reason - the produce in Slovenia is incredibly good, and most dishes use a mix of locally sourced seasonal produce along with meats or fish.
Some of the best restaurants include:
HIŠA FRANKO| KOBARID
Among the towering Slovenia Alps and the fertile Soča Valley isn’t where you’d expect to find one of the greatest restaurants in the world, yet this is where you’ll find Hiša Franko.
Sourcing ingredients directly from the abundant natural surrounds, be it trout, cheese, dairy, wild plants or fruit, chef Ana Ros has created a global sensation through her seasonal, unorthodox and expressive cuisine (Hiša Franko was rated among the 50 Best Restaurants in the World in 2018).
Serving a tasting menu filled with artistically created ‘bites’, the two + hour dining experience is one of the books.
As Ana says, “if you really want to experience the real expression of my cuisine, go with the flow and let us serve you our food, no restrictions, no limitations.”
While we weren’t fortunate enough to secure a booking at Hiša Franko during our spontaneous trip to Slovenia, we are inspired to visit in future, having been inspired by Ana’s episode on Netflix’s incredible Chef’s Table.
THE DETAILS
Cost | €175 per person
Opening hours | Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 19.00–23.00 (or 7-11 pm), Saturday, Sunday: 12.00–16.00 / 12 am-4 pm (last order at 13.00), 19.00–23.00 / 7-11 pm (last order at 20.00), Monday, Tuesday closed
HIŠA POLONKA | KOBARID
stopping for lunch at the traditional tavern Hiša Polonka, owned by Slovenia’s best chef, Ana Roš, and her husband Valter.
Set behind the blue facade in the old town, the tavern offers local cuisine born from family recipes and reasonable prices (mains start from €10).
After devouring some of the best bread we’d ever eaten in our lives (the secret ingredients was apparently “love" ), we knew we were in for a treat.
We enjoyed the a delicious vegetable soup, shepherds potato & cheese pie (Frico), a seasonal salad and a delicious local dessert, and left thoroughly satisfied.
JULIJA | LJUBLJANA
Julija was our favourite restaurant in Ljubljana by far.
Located off the cobblestoned streets of Ljubljana’s old town, Julija serves a range of delicious dishes with a Slovenian & Italian flavours.
Starting with a seasonal salad topped with the outrageous taste sensation that is pumpkin oil (more on that below), we shared our mains; fresh homemade pasta with porcini mushrooms and asparagus, and homemade cheese dumplings served with porcini mushrooms.
Our favourite dish without questions was the cheese dumplings, served with a rich mushroom sauce - a melt in your mouth
Finished off with apple strudel and ice cream
ESSENTIAL DISHES/PRODUCE TO TRY
Dumplings | Sweet or savoury, dumplings come in all types in Slovenia. Our favourites are the cheese dumplings, served with a mushroom sauce
Frico (potato & cheese pie) | Traditional farmers pie made of potato and cheese - basically the greatest pie that’s ever been made - crispy cheese on the outside, cheese and potato on the inside
Mushroom soup | Mushrooms are in abundance in Slovenia, and a fresh mushroom soup is beyond delicious.
Pumpkin seed oil | Um, this might be the greatest thing we’ve ever tried! Used to dress everything from salads to ice-cream, pumpkin seed oil is a taste sensation
Slovenian honey | Slovenian’s love their honey - there are over 10,000 beekeepers in the country, which for a population of 2 million, is astounding. It makes sense - Slovenian honey is beautiful, so don’t forget to try/buy some
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SPLASH OUT AT HOTEL PLESNIK
A luxury hotel with the most beautiful views in Slovenia, our stay at Hotel Plesnik was a treat of the best kind.
Located in the heart of the Logar Valley, Hotel Plesnik (book here!) is your traditional alpine hotel - a quaint, family run hotel with wooden interiors, adorned with historical artwork and ageless photos, serving hearty food and good beer.
Yet Plesnik stands out due to its recent renovation, which tastefully updated the rooms with a nod to the past - the timber filled rooms are gorgeous and bright, with artful touches and the most comfortable bed.
Then there’s the dreamy wellness centre which overlooks the stunning valley and peaks.
It’s here that we spent most of our time (while not hiking, of course), moving from sauna to spa, before a quick dip in the natural pool (it was freezing), and then repeating the whole process again. It was basically the dream. The Hotel’s wellness programmes also include yoga and meditation for relaxation.
The restaurant serves seasonal cuisine, either la carte, or five course, which includes soup, salad, cheese/meats, main and dessert. To be honest, the food wasn’t the best, but we still enjoyed the range of locally sourced meals.
Overall, our stay at Hotel Plesnik was the perfect way to relax and unwind and we seriously recommend it as one of the best places to visit in Slovenia if you’re feeling the need for an escape.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hotel Plesnik, Logar Valley
Cost | €200 - €300 per night, including breakfast
Book | Reserve your room at Hotel Plesnik here
Tips | Book in advance, especially if travelling over peak Summer or Winter periods
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THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SLOVENIA | A MAP
We’ve created a detailed map of the best places to visit in Slovenia, as well as where to eat, which you can download for your visit.
To save our map, click the star the right of the map title while will download the map to: your places - maps in your Google account.
Easy!
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PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SLOVENIA
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WHERE IS SLOVENIA
Tiny Slovenia is located in central Europe, nestled amongst Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the east, and Croatia to the south west, with a small but important coastline on the Adriatic.
Slovenia covers 20,273 square kilometres (7,827 sq mi) and has a population of just over 2 million, making it one of the smallest countries within the European Union.
For a country so small, it has a huge range of geographical diversity, with alpine peaks in the north and west, and coastal plains in the south.
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SLOVENIA?
We’ve also visited Slovenia in spring, summer and autumn and have found all of these seasons to be highly agreeable.
Either shoulder season of Spring or Autumn is the perfect time to road trip through Slovenia.
In spring (May - June) the meadows are covered in wildflowers and the mountain peaks in snow, while the weather is comfortable, if not a little cool at times.
We took our road trip through Slovenia in autumn (September to early November), which we found was perfect.
Over this period, the fall colours were breathtaking, the crowds thin, and the accommodation slightly cheaper.
Summer (July - August ) is obviously the busiest time to visit, so we’d avoid travelling over this time at all costs. Slovenia’s best things to do can be overrun, the roads busy, and the summer temperatures almost too warm for outdoor activities.
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ACCOMMODATION IN SLOVENIA
Accommodation in Slovenia, like with most places in Europe, ranges from premium 5* hotels through to hostels and campgrounds, so you’ll never be short of accommodation options.
Self-catering apartments (apartmaji) are plentiful throughout the country, and in our opinion are the best option for those on a budget, as they allow you to prepare food (breaky, lunches, dinners).
When we travelled through Slovenia, we used a mixture of hotels, hostels, and apartments booked through Booking.com or Airbnb (links below!), which we found to be the easiest options.
One thing we did notice is accommodation in major tourist locations such as Ljulbjana, Bled and Kranjska Gora was actually more expensive than we thought it would be, however when compared to major tourism destinations throughout Europe, it was quite affordable.
Expect to pay between €30—60 per night at a low range hotel/Airbnb, and between €60—200 per night for high end.
HOTELS + APARTMENTS
From the incredible Hotel Plesnik (listed above), through to our apartment in Kranjska Gora, we found a great range of hotels and apartments on Booking.com.
Use the link below to search and book accommodation in Slovenia
BOOK | Find the best deals on Slovenia accommodation here
AIRBNB
From Ljubljana to Bled, we booked a lot of our accommodation in Slovenia through Airbnb and had super unique and comfortable stays at a reasonable price.
FREE AIRBNB COUPON | Use our Airbnb code to get £25 off your next booking!
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HOW TO GET TO SLOVENIA
Given its proximity in the centre of Europe, Slovenia is super-well connected to its neighbouring countries.
We’ve caught both the bus and train to the country, and recommend this environmentally friendly option for anyone travelling from mainland Europe.
For us, Flixbus was a great option, which got us from Budapest to Ljubljana for €25, and we were able to carbon offset the journey.
For those coming from further afar, major European and UK airports connect with Ljubljana airport, with budget carriers such as Easyjet and Wizzair.
Ljubljana airport is about 30mins from town, and can be accessed by public bus 28, which services the route between Ljubljana bus station (next to Ljuljana train station), and the airport (45mins - €4). Alternatively, jump in a taxi or shared van for €10-15.
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HOW TO GET AROUND SLOVENIA
Slovenia is a super-small country, so getting around isn’t overly hard, nor time consuming.
The country is serviced by a good and affordable public transport network included trains and buses, and car hire is very cheap, making it a great road trip destination.
Below we’ve broken down the main forms of transport in Slovenia.
ROAD TRIP
As we’ve mentioned previously in the post, we took a 9-day road trip around Slovenia and had the best time.
The freedom a car affords means you can get to off the beaten track destinations, such as the Logar Valley, Kranjska Gora, and the Mangart Saddle without any issues, as well as discover all of Slovenia’s best things to do.
Our road trip guide can be found here, which has all the information you’ll need to plan your own incredible road trip.
RELATED | Our Slovenia road trip guide
BUS
Travel via bus is the next best alternative, as it services a wide ranges of destinations in Slovenia.
Major towns, such as Ljubljana, Maribor and Koper are serviced by large bus stations where tickets may be booked in advance. For smaller services, tickets must be purchased on board.
In the summer, connections are improved and service Ljubljana with almost all of SLovenia’s towns and cities, including the Adriatic coast.
We’ve only ever caught the bus network on the popular Ljubljana and Bled route, which was extremely easy to navigate and ran regularly, which is important for those who just want to see the main attractions. Other popular day-trips that can be done on public transport from Ljuljana include Postojna Cave, and Predjama Castle, Velika Planina, Piran, and much more.
To check bus routes and timetables, click here.
TRAIN
Surprisingly for a country so small, Slovenia is serviced by a efficient rail network.
There are a range of services, including slow (LP) and Intercity (IC) trains, as well as the faster Inter City trains which service the Ljulbjana - Maribor route. Eurail and InterRail passes are valid on Slovenian railways.
To check train routes and timetables, click here.
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A WORD ON RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN SLOVENIA
Slovenia is known for its pristine natural environment, but in recent years it’s become a boom destination for all types of travellers, and as a result, some of its natural environment has suffered the dreaded impacts of over-tourism.
If you’re visiting Slovenia, it’s important to remember a few of these key rules to have the least impact during your stay:
Slovenia isn’t your Instagram playground | Slovenia is perfect for photography and Instagram, but that doesn’t mean you have free reign to break rules, ruin natural environments and use it as your playground (read our responsible travel tips here).
Just remember to keep to the paths, only swim in lakes where you’re allowed, and respect local rules and regulations.
Bring a reusable water bottle | There is no need for a modern traveller to buy bottled water, ever. Purchase a water filtration + purification bottle (like our faves from The Grayl) and you will literally never need to purchase bottled water again.
BUY | We use the Grayl GEOPRESS every day, every trip we take!
Don’t litter | Whatever you do, please don’t litter in this pristine natural environment. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you can’t, carry it out of the national park with you.
Pick up any trash you see | Although, thankfully, there’s not much rubbish to be found around these parts, the odd piece can still pop up. If you come across rubbish on your travels here, collect it in a tote bag and take it off the trails with you to dispose of properly later.
Offset your travels | Consider carbon offsetting your travels, especially if you fly to the destination. Read our guide on how to carbon offset here.
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TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SLOVENIA
Whatever you do, don’t travel through Slovenia without travel insurance, even if you’re the most experienced traveller.
Whether it be a hiking injury, car accident, theft, or lost baggage, things can go wrong in Slovenia, and insurance is your only way of mitigating the issues!
BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads
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SLOVENIA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Travelling through Slovenia comes with a unique set of needs. To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
Reusable water bottle | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allows us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!).
Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Keep clean on hikes without destroying the planet!
Hand sanitiser | not something we’d actually recommend normally, but when hiking it can be a bloody great investment
READ | check out our eco-friendly packing guide to travel through Slovenia consciously and comfortably
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PLANNING A TRIP TO SLOVENIA SOON?
Check our these essential posts to help you have the best Slovenia trip ever:
SLOVENIA ROAD TRIP | Our essential 7-day Slovenia road trip itinerary
VRSIC PASS | Our guide to Slovenia’s highest mountain pass
ZELENCI NATURE RESERVE | A quickguide to beautiful Zelenci
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads, our trusted travel insurance provider
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO EUROPE WITH THESE POSTS!
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