Things To Do in Slovenia
Soča Valley
1-2 hours away from Ljubljana. Absolutely fantastic valley full of activities and hikes. It's home to the most clear and beautiful river in the world! If you visit Tolmin, that is where the happy couple first met. It is a very special valley to us, and a nr 1 recommendation from us. Explore hikes near Bovec, try rafting, or just explore the valley and enjoy a campside or small farmstay.
Lake Bled
Less than 1 hour away from Ljubljana, bus and train connections possible. A wondeful day trip to the lake. You can visit the Grajsko Kopalisce for a beautiful swim, and Bled Castle for a medieval tour. It also has many wonderful restaurants like Vila Preseren, Old Cellar Bled, Pizzeria Rustika, Kavarna Park. Best parking spot: behind the castle, parking Presernova Cesta.
Vintgar Gorge
Less than 1 hour away from Ljubljana. This stunning gorge is a lovely trip near Bled. It's a stunning little hike for all ages with beautiful waters and views. Combine it with the trip to Bled.
Lake Bohinj
Around 1 hour away from Ljubljana, bus connections possible. A stunning natural and peaceful lake trip. We highly recommend a swimming day at one of the mini private beaches you can get if you are early (before 10!). Parking is at Tandem Bohinj Paragliding. There is an excellent pizzeria near the parking. This is a full day trip. Consider taking cable car up Vogel for views. If you wish, drive up to the Savica Waterfall, you will not be disappointed. It is a little 20 minute hike and a ticket is needed, but the waterfall is spectacular.
Ljubljana
Slovenia’s charming capital. Walk along the Ljubljanica River, visit Ljubljana Castle, explore the Central Market, and enjoy café culture. It is the hometown of the bride. There is a ton of recommendations for food such as: Ljubljancanka (traditional Slovenian food)!, gostilna Most, Pop's pizza, Shambala, My Dumplings Of Slovenia, Kavarna Zvezda (delicious cakes!), Vigo (best ice cream). Visit the zoo if you like, and hike up Roznik hill, then descend into park Tivoli for a picnic.
Kranjska Gora
1 hour from Ljubljana by car, bus connections possible. It's a beautiful alpine village native to Lucija's family. Take a trip to the stunning Julian Alps. Drive up Vrsic Pass to view fantastic mountains and take a small hike to Postarski Dom (about 15 minutes from the pass) to have a traditional Slovenian lunch. When coming back from the pass, visit Lake Jasna and enjoy a drink at the brink of a stunning mountain lake view. Rent a sup for a wonderful experience on the lake. There is a cute village center with souvenirs, delicious traditional restaurants (Pri Martinu, Pino Alpino) and a fun pub Vopa for the party goers.
Monte Lussari
Just across the border from Kranjska Gora is Visarje (Lussari), a beautiful cable car ride up and you are in the heart of the mountains. In the winter a ski resort, in the summer, a beautiful hike or chill destination for view lovers. It is a MUST go if you are in the neighborhood! PS: Check cable car timetables: Telecabina Monte Lussari.
Laghi di Fusine
This stunning mountain lake offers wonderful strolls, even hikes, and fantastic mountain views. It is just a 10 minute ride from Kranjska Gora. You can combine the visit with the Lussari in one day. Come early as parking gets full quickly in the summer. There is boat rental available, as well as an absolutely delicious Italian coffee. Smaller (first) lake is gorgeous, and second lake offers a fun path all around.
Velika Planina
Well known to some of you who attended Lucija's 30th, it's a stunning plateau in the mountains you can visit for a day to hike, enjoy pure nature, traditional Slovenian food, and observe cows and horses. Recommended to check the cable car timetables and a trail app for a good hike!
Arboretum
A stunning park with absolutely fantastic flowers, winding paths, whimsical vibes, and beautiful for a picnic. You can see the view of the mountains. We love this place! PS: visit Kamnik afterwards for a lovely tiny city experience.
Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle
Less than an hour away from Ljubljana, day trip/bus connection possible. A very famous cave in Slovenia offering a fun train ride and wonderful stalagmites and stalagtites. It is very cold in there so bring clothes! You can also visit Predjama Castle in the package bundle, highly recommended.
Hikes in Slovenia
Slovenia has hikes for all levels. Here are some of our recommendations for all 3. Easy: to Monte Lussari by cable car, Vrsic Pass by car then walk to Postarski Dom, Soca river springs, Laghi Di Fusine round the lakes, Savica Waterfall, to Vogel by cable car Medium (day trip, still for walking mostly and some elevation): Velika Planina, Slemenova Spica, Soca river springs, Martuljek Waterfalls Hard (good condition, hiking experience in the Alps, proper hiking shoes, CHECK THE WEATHER): Planina Zapotok, Krn Lake, Mojstrovka, Veliki Vrh, Spik Hude Police (there are tons more but we don't want any accidents on your trip so the hard ones are still reasonable, no climbing required). For details or more recommendations especially on the hard ones, contact the bride.
Piran
1 hour away from Ljubljana, bus or train also possible. Craving sea and sun, but something a little closer? Take a one day trip to Slovenian coast and visit the adorable city Piran. It is called Slovenian Venice because of the colourful houses and cobbled streets. You can enjoy swimming in the sea near Hotel Bernardin or further along in Portoroz. You will find a lot of clubs and casinos there as well. Disclaimer: Slovenian beach is mainly solid stone, do not expect white sandy beaches ;)
Wine tourism in Slovenia
For our wine enthusiasts; Slovenia has the oldest grapevine in the world, and some excellent wines and olive oils. The vast majority of wine produced in Slovenia (about 70%) is white wine—things like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and a new to some variety called Rebula. Slovenia is also known for something called ‘orange wine’ which has apparently become the official 4th wine type after red, white, and rosé. If you have time, it’s worth picking a wine region to explore in depth. Here are a few: - Primorska In southwest, near the coast & Italy. Goriška Brda is especially beautiful. Wines like Rebula, Malvazija, and some interesting reds/whites with Mediterranean influences. - Podravje (Drava valley, Štajerska etc.) In the northeast. More continental climate. Great whites. Many smaller winemakers. - Posavje (Lower Sava, Bizeljsko-Sremič etc.) Southeast. Slightly less touristy, more local, more intimate cellar/tasting experiences.
Therme in Slovenia
Slovenia has natural thermal waters and some wonderful spas and terme experiences: Terme Olimia (luxury wellness), Thermana Laško (modern glass-dome pools), or Terme 3000 (unique black mineral water). Perfect for relaxing after traveling.
Swimming in Kolpa river
That's a wonderful area for swimming, around 1-2 hours from Ljubljana. A fun river experience swimming. For example at Podzemelj.
Mali Lošinj
Our top recommendation for Croatia and outside Slovenia in the region. This relaxing and beautiful Croatian island is just 4 hours drive away from Ljubljana. If you crave a Meditteranean summer, book a 2-3 day stay in Losinj and enjoy stunning beaches, fresh air, green coast, and incredible foods. We usually book an airbnb in the center and spend our days at Aurora Beach near Borik or in Suncana Uvala. There is the best restaurant in the Meditteranean area for us, Bocca Vera. Don't forget to reserve (in person). You will not be disappointed.
Venice
It is around 3 hour drive and we recommend getting up very early if you plan to visit Venice. But it is a doable even 1 day trip if you do not mind a bit of driving. Pick a day like Monday/Tuesday, do not go in the weekends, as it is overcrowded!
Trieste & Miramare castle
A historic port city with Austro-Hungarian charm, a big central square (Piazza Unità d’Italia), Miramare Castle by the sea, and amazing Italian coffee.
Opatija
(about 1 hr from Slovenia’s border) Elegant seaside town with a long promenade, old villas, and great seafood. You can find places to swim as well!
Rovinj & Pula
(2–3 hrs from Ljubljana, closer if you’re on the coast) A colorful fishing town on the Istrian peninsula. Cobbled streets, Venetian-style bell tower, art galleries, and stunning sunsets over the Adriatic. Pula is famous for its Roman amphitheater — one of the best preserved outside of Italy. We recommend staying in a campsite or hotel nearby to enjoy Croatian coast and swim in the warm sea!