slovenia travel schedule

7-Day Slovenia Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on January 23, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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Planning a Slovenia itinerary is so much more than booking in a couple of nights in Ljubljana and taking a day trip to Lake Bled. This small nation sandwiched between Croatia and Italy has so much to offer visitors beyond the typical tourist sites that spending a week or more in this beautiful country is well worth it.

If you’re interested in heading to beautiful Slovenia, you’ve come to the right place. These three 7-day itineraries are sure to help you plan the perfect trip to this gorgeous country no matter what kind of trip you’re after. Whether you’re looking to spend time exploring cities, hiking in the Julian Alps or relaxing on the Adriatic, Slovenia has something for everyone.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Slovenia?

If all you know of Slovenia before planning your itinerary is Ljubljana and Lake Bled, you can be forgiven for thinking you may not need long in this country to really do it justice. However, there is far more to Slovenia than simply the capital and its most photographed tourist spot and you’re going to need a bit of time to be able to do the nation justice.

So how many days should you pend in SLovenia? I would say to set aside as many as possible! Despite its small size, there is quite a lot to do and see in Slovenia and you will likely need at least a couple of weeks to really cover the majority of it. When that isn’t an option, I recommend setting aside at least 7 days in Slovenia.

You definitely won’t be able to visit everywhere of interest in just one week (that is if you actually want to spend time in places), but 7 days are definitely enough to cover a fair bit of ground and really get a taste for this small but diverse country.

If you do have more time, planning to spend 10 days in Slovenia can also be a great option. If you have this amount of time, you can do a hybrid of some of the itineraries outlined below and create a trip that will be truly unforgettable.

When to Visit Slovenia?

What time of year should you visit Slovenia? That’s another pressing question those planning a trip to this beautiful country ask themselves. And while there is no bad time to plan a trip to Slovenia, it is worth noting that the nation does have a continental climate and very much experiences all four seasons.

The most popular time to visit Slovenia is in the summer, where temperatures are pleasantly warm and tourist crowds are at their peak. Expect prices for things like accommodation to be very high during this season, as well, which will add to your overall Slovenia trip cost .

Winter, conversely, is cold in Slovenia and — depending on where you are — often snowy. Some tourist attractions may be closed for the season and some roads, such as the Vršič Pass, will be closed as well. There are a number of ski resorts in Slovenia, however, which can make it a great time to visit if you intend to hit the slopes.

The shoulder seasons, like so many places in Europe, can be the ideal time to visit Slovenia. Temperatures can be mild and pleasant, tourist crowds are fewer than in the summer and prices can be discounted, as well. This is likely when tourist attractions that close for the winter will begin to open up, as well.

Getting Around Slovenia

If you’re only planning on visiting major cities or attractions, you can rely simply on public transit while in Slovenia.

There is a very robust bus network ( browse schedules here ) and a decent train network ( browse schedules here ) in the country that can take you where you need to go. In fact, the Classic Slovenia route and the Off the Beaten Path route outlined below can be done solely relying on public transit.

Sometimes, however, you may want a bit more flexibility or want to spend some time in more far-flung places. This is where renting a car in Slovenia can be an excellent option.

I would recommend this choice especially if you’re planning on spending any time in the Julian Alps region as it can be very tricky to rely on public transport to get around here.

Driving in Slovenia is easy and straightforward and the road quality is excellent. Planning a Slovenia road trip itinerary really does give you the ultimate flexibility and it can be very much worth it, as well.

If you want to rent a car in Slovenia, we recommend browsing Rentalcars.com to find deals from many rental car companies.

Classic Slovenia Itinerary

This week in Slovenia route begins in the capital of Ljubljana and takes you to a number of the classic highlights of the country.

Day 1: Ljubljana

Begin this route in the charming capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. This is a very small city and you can see most of the highlights within a short amount of time, so plan to spend 2 days in Ljubljana enjoying the sites and atmosphere of the city.

Take the time to visit the central market, stroll along the Ljubljanica river, take the cable car (or hike up) to the Ljubljana Castle and simply relish in the completely pedestrianised Old Town.

Ljubljana is very laid-back and has the feel of a small town even though it is the capital city and it is very much worth spending some time in.

Where to Stay in Ljubljana

Bloom Hotel – This comfortable hotel is good for mid-range visitors to the Slovenian capital. There are several comfortable rooms, breakfast each morning, and a great location in the Old Town.

City Hotel Ljubljana – A lovely luxury place to stay while in Ljubljana, this Old Town hotel is perfect for higher-budget travellers. There are plenty of opulent rooms along with lots of other fantastic amenities to enjoy.

Hostel Celica – This hostel is a great budget option for backpackers, solo travellers or those looking for a social atmosphere. There are several room types on offer, good common areas and a great location within easy reach of Ljubljana’s highlights.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Ljubljana hotels!

Day 2: Ljubljana

On your second day in Ljubljana, take the time to visit some of the sites that you haven’t had a chance to take in just yet.

Spend your morning wandering through the lush greenery of Tivoli Park, take in the pieces in the cool Modern Art Museum and then wander over to the alternative area of Metelkova City.

End your day at the Ljubljana skyscraper, taking in some of the best views of the city, before strolling once more along the Ljubljanica river and enjoying the laid-back nature of this compact capital.

Day 3: Lake Bled

From Ljubljana, it is only about 1.5 hours to Lake Bled, which you can reach either by car (which is the easiest) or public transit.

Lake Bled is one of the most popular places to visit in Slovenia and for good reason — it’s absolutely beautiful. While it is possible to visit as a day trip from Ljubljana, it’s worth spending at least one full day in Bled so you can truly experience all this area has to offer.

Spend your morning visiting the beautiful Vintgar Gorge – it’s best to get there early as this place can get quite packed with tourist crowds the later in the day you end up here.

Once at the lake, you can choose to circumnavigate, get out on the water to visit the iconic island church, hike up to some incredible viewpoints and even explore the Bled Castle. If you’re visiting in the summer, you can even go for a swim in the lake and get some respite from the warm day.

Where to Stay in Bled

Jazz Bled B&B – This B&B is an excellent mid-range choice located very close to Lake Bled. They have several comfortable rooms, self-catering facilities for guests to use and a great breakfast each morning.

Hotel Triglav – A wonderful luxury choice on the banks of Lake Bled, this is a lovely hotel to stay. They have a range of beautiful rooms to choose from along with an on-site bar and restaurant.

Private Rental – Properties like this cosy apartment in the centre of Bled are another great option for those after a self-catering option while visiting Lake Bled.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bled hotels!

Day 4: Lake Bohinj

On your second day in the area, you can either choose to spend your time going on a few more hikes around Lake Bled itself (there are plenty to choose from!) or even head over to Slovenia’s largest lake — Lake Bohinj.

There are lots of great things to in around Lake Bohinj that it’s very worth spending a day here exploring. Start your day at the Savica Waterfall before heading over to the lovely Mostnica Gorge. Then, head to the lake itself and enjoy the views or, if it interests you, hire a canoe or kayak and get out on the water!

Spend the night near Lake Bled again.

Day 5: Caves & Castles

After spending two days at Lakes Bled and Bohinj, take your time moving south to visit some of Slovenia’s other famous attractions – namely one of its Karst caves and the Predjama Castle.

The Postojna and Škocjan Caves are a network of incredible subterranean caves that are open to visitors and are an unforgettable experience in Slovenia. The Postojna Caves are the more popular to visit and are also the most family-friendly, with an electric train that will take you through the network.

If you’re willing to get a bit more active and view a more extensive cave network, then consider visiting the Škocjan Caves. This cave network is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, however, you do need to have a bit of a higher level of fitness to enjoy these caves.

Nearby, you cannot miss the beautiful Predjama Castle. This 13th Century castle is built into a cliff bluff and it is a unique place in Slovenia to visit. Inside, you can explore the living quarters, the dungeons and learn about the history of the building itself and this region of Slovenia.

You can plan to leave Bled first thing in the morning before arriving at the caves, move onto the castle and finish with spending the night at our next stop.

If you choose to do this itinerary without your own car, then it is possible to do this day trip while you’re staying in Ljubljana on a guided tour such as this small-group tour that visits Predjama Castle & Postojna Cave or this half-day tour to the Škocjan Caves.

Day 6: Piran

The final stop is the lovely coastal town of Piran. This is the most beautiful town on Slovenia’s small coast and it is truly a different world to the rest of the country. There are lots of things to do in Piran , however, its small size means that you don’t need a lot of time here to really experience it all.

Take the time to wander through its winding streets and along the seaside promenade. Visit the city walls for excellent views of the Adriatic and neighbouring Italy and Croatia. If the weather is fine, you can also enjoy a lovely swim at one of the many swimming spots along Piran’s coastline.

Piran also has excellent restaurants and you can enjoy both fresh seafood at great prices or traditional Istrian cuisine like freshly made pasta and lots of dishes with truffles. There is also great olive oil produced in this part of Slovenia that you’re able to sample if you’re interested.

Where to Stay in Piran

Hotel Piran – Located right on the water in Piran, this is such a wonderful hotel for those after a plush stay on the Adriatic. There are several comfortable rooms to choose from and an on-site restaurant/bar to enjoy, as well.

Memento B&B – This quaint B&B in the centre of Piran is a great cosy and intimate base in this lovely Slovenian town. There are several (air-conditioned!) rooms to choose from and a great breakfast available daily.

Apartment Park Piran – This apartment in the centre of Piran is great for those after a self-catering stay. A two-bedroom flat, it is fully equipped for your stay and there is also a lovely outdoor terrace (with a BBQ) to lounge on!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Piran hotels!

Day 7: Piran

Spend your final day simply chilling out on the Adriatic Sea and enjoying the laid-back nature of Piran. If it interests you, you could opt to go on a day trip to the nearby coastal town of Izola, check out some sea salt pans or even head over to Trieste, Italy which is located only about an hour away.

If you’re heading back to Ljubljana, it’s only located about 1.5 hours from Piran, so it is easy to get back to the capital either by public transit or by your own vehicle.

Julian Alps Itinerary

If you want to experience the pristine Alpine nature of Slovenia, then this is the perfect route for you. Still beginning in the capital, this is the one route in this article that I wouldn’t recommend doing entirely by public transport — once in the Triglav National Park area (so-called for the eponymous mountain that is Slovenia’s highest peak), having your own vehicle is going to be necessary.

Days 1-2: Ljubljana

No week in Slovenia would be complete without visiting the capital and even if you are excited about the nature of this country, you cannot miss lovely Ljubljana. The small size of the city means that you only need to spend two days here in order to really get a food feel for the city before moving on.

Day 3: Lake Bled & Vintgar Gorge

Lake Bled is infinitely popular for a reason – it’s incredibly charming and very worth planning to spend a day in.

As mentioned earlier, plan to visit the Vintgar Gorge as early as possible before venturing to the lake later in the day. If you feel like getting a bit more active, there are tons of hikes around Lake Bled that are absolutely wonderful.

After a day exploring the beautiful Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge and elsewhere, take the time to venture a bit further into Triglav National Park and visit Slovenia’s largest lake – Lake Bohinj.

There are countless things to do in Bohinj that range beyond the lake itself and this place can be an excellent alternative to visiting Lake Bled if you’re looking for a quieter experience.

Nearby to Bohinj is the stunning Savica Waterfall. On the other side of the lake, you will find the gorgeous Mostnica Gorge, which is an excellent alternative to the ever-popular Vintgar Gorge. You can choose to spend the night near Bohinj or simply stay in Bled or elsewhere in Triglav National Park.

Including both of Slovenia’s iconic lakes in this itinerary means that you don’t have to make the tough decision between visiting Bled or Bohinj .

Day 5: Vršič Pass

One of the main reasons I recommend renting a car for this particular Slovenia route is so you can experience the incredible Vršič Pass drive . This route through the highest part of Slovenia’s Julian Alps is absolutely stunning, with epic views presenting themselves around each hairpin turn.

The drive is fantastic to experience on its own, however, there are also countless stops to enjoy and hikes to experience if you want to make it more of an adventure. Though the drive itself only takes about one to two hours, there are many trails and lookout points on the pass so you can easily spend the entire day enjoying some of the incredible scenery here.

Keep in mind that the pass is closed in the snowy winter months, but opens up as soon as there is no snow covering the road.

There is no need to find a place to stay right near the road, however, it can be an advantage if you want to get an early start and beat the crowds that do descend on this incredible mountain pass. It can also be a good idea to find a place to stay around here when it comes to exploring the Soca Valley at the next stop.

Where to Stay Near the Vršič Pass

Hotel Vandot – This Alpine-style hotel is an excellent place to stay in this area of Slovenia and is perfect for driving the Vršič Pass. Situated in the centre of Kranjska Gora, there are several comfortable rooms and breakfast is available in the mornings.

Apartmaji štAla – These apartments in Kranjska Gora are perfect for those after a self-catering choice. They have a few different flats to choose from and there is also a breafakst served each morning for guests.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Kranjska Gora accommodation!

Day 6: Soča Valley

The Vršič Pass drive ends on one side in the incredible Soča Valley where you can explore some more of the pristine nature that Slovenia has to offer.

There are an infinite number of hikes here, more river gorges to visit and plenty of mountain scenery to enjoy. The Soča Valley really is an outdoor lover’s paradise and it’s very worth spending a day here.

If you’re interested in getting an adrenaline rush, you can go river rafting or even kayaking on the Soča River. There are also opportunities for things like zip lining here or canyoning. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the power of your own two feet and go on plenty of hikes.

Day 7: Ljubljana

End your Slovenia road trip back in Ljubljana, where you can unwind from your active itinerary by relaxing in a cafe along the Ljubljanica River or by strolling in tranquil Tivoli Park.

Off the Beaten Path Itinerary

If you would like to experience some lesser-visited towns and cities in Slovenia, then this is the itinerary for you. This route is ideal for those who are visiting Slovenia from neighbouring Austria or Croatia , however, it can be a standalone trip as well. This is also a trip that can be done entirely by public transport if you wish.

Day 1: Maribor

Begin in the country’s second-largest city – Maribor. For some reason, Maribor doesn’t get all that much international attention and that really is a shame and the city is incredibly charming has a lot to offer visitors.

There are lots of things to do in Maribor that can easily occupy a couple of days. For instance, you can take the time to wander through the pedestrianised city centre. Make sure to wind your way to the Old Vine House where you can see the world’s oldest grapevine that is still producing wine to this day!

Where to Stay in Maribor

Hotel Maribor – A comfortable hotel perfect for those looking for a bit of luxury, there are several lovely rooms to choose from. It is also centrally located and breakfast is available each morning.

Anna House – This hotel is great for budget to mid-range visitors looking for a basic yet clean and comfortable place to stay while in Maribor. It’s well-located for exploring all the city has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Maribor hotels!

Day 2: Maribor

Your second day in Maribor can be spent getting to know the city better, sampling more wine and simply taking in this lovely town.

If you want to sample more local wine, head to the Vinag Wine Cellar where you can also tour the subterranean cellars beneath the city.

There is also the lovely Pyramid Hill which is decked with grapevines and provides excellent views over the city. All in all, Maribor is an excellent place to experience Slovenian culture without the tourist crowds of Ljubljana and it is sure to charm you.

Day 3: Ptuj

Another place that doesn’t make it onto enough Slovenia itineraries is the absolutely charming city of Ptuj. Located between Maribor and the capital of Ljubljana, this charming settlement is known to be “Slovenia’s oldest town.”

Located on the banks of the Drava River, there are lots of things to do in Ptuj that will certainly keep you occupied for a day. Take the time to wander up to the beautiful medieval castle and enjoy the views from the top. Take in the gorgeous architecture of the city and enjoy the cityscape from the river.

Ptuj is absolutely beautiful and incredibly laid back and it is really worth visiting if only to get a real Slovenian “hidden gem” almost entirely to yourself. This town isn’t on many visitors’ wish lists, but it really should be!

You can either visit Ptuj as a day trip from Maribor or choose to spend the night here.

Where to Stay in Ptuj

Bed & Breakfast Šilak – Situated in a beautiful historic building right on the Drava River, this is a great B&B to stay in while visiting Ptuj. There are several comfortable rooms and a great daily breakfast.

Apartma Domenika – This spacious one-bedroom apartment is perfect for those after their own space in Ptuj. Located in the centre of town on a quiet street, it’s fully stocked with all you may need.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Ptuj hotels!

Days 4-5: Ljubljana

After visiting some more off-the-beaten-path cities and towns in Slovenia, it’s time to head to the capital of Ljubljana.

Though it’s popular to visit, it doesn’t mean that it should be excluded from your intrepid route through Slovenia as visitors flock here for a reason. Spend two days enjoying the atmosphere of the city before moving on to the next destination.

There is more to Ljubljana that is worth exploring than simply the main sites in the Old Town. For instance, take the time to explore the lovely Tivoli Park or spend a few hours admiring the works in the Museum of Modern Art.

Even venturing a bit outside of the centre to the edgy Metelkova City will make you feel as if you’ve left Ljubljana altogether. 

Days 6-7: Piran & the Slovenian Riviera

End your week in Slovenia at the country’s small coastline. If you want to get off the beaten path, consider visiting the town of Izola or the port city of Koper rather than heading to popular Piran.

I recommend spending two days on the Riviera so you can have the time both to explore Piran or another city and to head out to some more offbeat areas here.

For instance, the Salt Pans closer to the Croatian border can be worth exploring. You can also visit some local wineries or olive oil producers. If you’ve based yourself in Piran, spend your second day in Izola which has fantastic restaurants and, arguably, better swimming areas.

You could even spend the day coming down to the Riviera at the Postojna or Škocjan Caves and the Predjama Castle. Then spend your final day enjoying the incredible (if small!) coastline.

With so much to see in such a small country, planning a Slovenia itinerary can be overwheling – especially if you only have one week to spend! However, if you’re able to prioritise what you’d like to see, these three routes are sure to give you an excellent feel for this beautiful nation.

Are you planning a trip to Slovenia? Have any questions about these routes? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

11 Things To Do In Piran, Slovenia: A One-Day Itinerary

10 Best Things to Do in Maribor, Slovenia: A One-Day Itinerary

7 Best Things to Do in Ptuj, Slovenia

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

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Plan unforgettable road trips!

Tips to Plan a Slovenia Road Trip (+ Itinerary for 7 / 10 days and longer)

Last updated on November 6, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Time to plan your unforgettable Road Trip in Slovenia !  You can already see a lot with one week in Slovenia but if you have more, that’s great! Below is my guide to help you define your perfect Slovenia Itinerary for 7 days, 10 days or longer – practical tips, where to go, map, photo inspiration and day by day suggestions.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Slovenia:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Slovenia: DiscoverCars

My favorite adventure from Bovec: Kayak on the Soca River

My favorite excursion from Ljubljana: Postojna Cave and Predjama castle

My favorite places to stay:

• Lubljana , central – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Lesar Hotel Angel
• Bled , iconic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Vila Bled
• Bovec , outdoorsy – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Dobra Vila
• Piran , historic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Hotel Piran

Road Trip in Slovenia – Video

Let’s start with a short video to show you what a road trip in Slovenia could look like:

Planning your Slovenia Road Trip – General Tips

How to get to slovenia.

Slovenia is located in Central Europe .

Its main airport is situated in the center of the country, 30 min North of the capital Ljubljana. And it is also only 30 min away from Lake Bled.

It is a small airport, easy to navigate to.

You can also access Slovenia by road from Austria, Croatia and Italy. So, you can land in Zagreb and create a Slovenia-Croatia road trip.

Visa for Slovenia

• Slovenia is part of the EU Schengen area – so citizens of other member-states can travel without a visa with a valid identification document
• For other countries – Always make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months past your return travel date – Some nationalities can travel in Slovenia up to 3 months without a visa, others are required to apply for a visa. Check with your consulate.

Best time to visit Slovenia

3 criteria to consider when choosing when to go on a road trip through Slovenia

• Weather – you can find 3 different climates in Slovenia: Mountainous, continental and Mediterranean. However, there is always a clear distinction between the seasons. It gets really warm in Summer and cold in Winter in the mountainous areas (with snow) – just consider overall seasons. For month by month, you can never predict what the weather will be like. And anyway, it can change very fast in the mountains.
• Crowds – If you want to avoid crowds, don’t travel in Winter to the mountain ski resorts and avoid July and August all together. It gets really crowded especially at Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and the coast
• Activities – It also depends on the type of activities you want to do: skiing, visits, museums, rafting… Some activities and monuments are closed in Winter. The Vrsic mountain pass is closed in Winter. So, make sure the things you want to do are open.

Overall, it is often considered that May, June and September are the most enjoyable months to travel to Slovenia. But Lake Bled with the ice and the snow on the mountains, also has a lot of charm…

Driving in Slovenia

Driving in Slovenia is really easy. There is a great network of Motorways and roads are kept in good condition. You can check my Driving in Slovenia article for all my tips, all the rules, a video and information to facilitate your experience.

Or here is a quick overview of things you should know:

• Dipped headlights should be turned on all the time
• Seatbelt is mandatory for all
• Speed limit is 50km/h in cities and 130km/h on motorways
• You need to purchase a vignette to drive on motorways (no tollbooths)
• Alcohol limit is 0.0% alcohol in the blood
• Road status check here

Need to rent a car in Slovenia?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Accommodations in Slovenia

You can find all types of accommodations in Slovenia: hotels, guesthouses, B&B, rentals, hostels… They also have great campsites.

You can find more information and some suggestions on my article about where to stay in Slovenia .

Choosing where to go in Slovenia – Map

Slovenia main touristic destinations.

Slovenia is stunning everywhere with green hills or mountains and plenty of trees. However, there are region more touristic than others. 

• Ljubljana – The Capital city of Slovenia, a charming lively city with a pedestrian old center and a castle overlooking it ( see my article )
• Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj – The most touristic area in Slovenia (some people only go there directly from the airport) – Stunning lakes at the foot of the Julian Alps with emerald colors, a castle, an island and waterfalls ( see my article )
• Bovec and the Soca Valley – To the West of the country is the Soca valley, where flows one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, the Soca river, sometimes called the Emerald River. Bovec is a mountain sport center with hiking, biking, rafting, canyoning… ( see my article )
• Postojna caves and the Karst region – Towards the South is the karst region with many many (many) underground caves. The most famous is the Postojna one with the train to go deep inside. There is also the Unesco site of the Skojcan cave and the fascinating Predjama cave castle ( see my article )
• Piran and the Slovenia Coast – Slovenia has a very small coast but a charming one. I fell in love with the old town of Piran located on a small peninsula ( see my article )
• The Logar valley and panoramic roads – To the North, you can also find mountains with the Logar Valley. There are 3 beautiful small valleys ending in mountain circus. The region is also developing a great panoramic road with traditional farms and splendid views ( see my article )
• Maribor and the East – Towards the East around the 2nd largest city Maribor , you can find vineyards, charming old towns (such as Ptuj ), castles, monasteries and more…

Where to go in Slovenia Map

And here is a map to give you a general idea of the country situation:

Detailed maps with all the most beautiful locations are included in my eBook:

Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide

• 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 100+ pre-selected locations
• 16+ extra ideas
• GPS + info to make the most of your time
• 190+ original photos to help you choose

Driving times in Slovenia

Here is an idea of the driving time between the main destinations, to help gauge what you can do (not counting potential traffic jams):

• Ljubljana to Lake Bled – 45 min
• Lake Bled to Bovec – 2h (via Vrsic pass, not stopping)
• Ljubljana to Postojna Cave – 45 min
• Bovec to Postojna Cave – 2h
• Ljubljana to Piran – 1h30
• Ljubljana to Maribor – 1h30
• Ljubljana to Logar Valley – 1h30

And you can combine with a Croatia road trip or and Austria road trip:

• Ljubljana to Zagreb (Croatia) = 1h45 drive
• Ljubljana to Graz (Austria) = 2h15 drive

Things to see on a trip around Slovenia

There is much to see in Slovenia! And for everyone’s taste:

• Natural wonders – lakes, river, mountains, caves… The colors are simply unbelievable
• Cultural experiences – Wine regions, old towns, salt industry, farms…
• History and monuments – Castles, monasteries, strategic towns…
• And also great museums! I really enjoyed the Skofja Loka regional museum, the Idrija Museum about Mercury and Lace and the Bistra Museum about technology (fantastic old car collection!)

You can see my Best of in my article about the best things to do in Slovenia .

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Slovenia road trip Itinerary 7 days – Highlights

If you have 7 days in Slovenia, here is a suggested itinerary which covers a good overview of the highlights of the country:

Day 1 – Bled

Airport to Lake Bled – 30 min.

Discover the amazing lake. You can walk along the shore, visit the castle, explore the Vintgar Gorge… A day of colorful wonders

See my guide to Lake Bled

Stay at Lake Bled – check out the best rated accommodations in Lake Bled

Day2 – Bled & Bohinj

Spend the morning at Lake Bled. If you are courageous, you can climb to Ojstrica viewpoint for sunrise.

Enjoy a boat ride to the island (very touristy) Then head to Lake Bohinj and appreciate the wilder area. 

Day 3 – Bohinj

Explore the sourroundings of Lake Bohinj. Appreciate the view from Ukanc, climb to the unique Savica Waterfall and take a lift to Vogel for incredible views of the Julian Alps.

See my guide to Lake Bohinj

Drive to Postojna – 1h45

Stay at Postojna to be able to enjoy the first tour of the cave the next morning – check out the best rated accommodations in Postojna

Day 4 – Karst Region

Visit the amazing Postojna cave . Then head to the Fascinating Predjama Castle just 15min away.

In the afternoon, either discover the Skojcan Caves or head to the Lipica Stud farm if you really love horses (not worth it otherwise, in my opinion)

Postojna to Piran – 1h

Stay at Piran – check out the best rated accommodations in Piran

Day 5 – Piran

Explore the fascinating town of Piran, climb on the walls and in the tower, get lost in all the small alleys. learn about the salt industry and relax.You can also opt to visit the nature park nearby

Check out my guide about Piran and the Coast

Day 6 – Coast and Ljubljana

Either drive straight to Ljubljana to have 2 full days there, or stop en route to see the fishing village of Izola and the historical town of Koper.

Piran to Ljubljana – 1h30

See my Guide of things to do in Ljubljana

Stay at Ljubljana – check out the best rated accommodations in Ljubljana

Day 7 – Ljubljana

River cruise, Gastonomy tour, Castle visit, Street art overdose… there is much to do in this charming capital. Or you can just stroll, relax and enjoy the vibe.

You can also head to Soul Travel for some ideas about Eco-travel in Slovenia

One week in Slovenia Itinerary – Full Mountains

With only one week in Slovenia you might also build your itinerary only around mountainous areas:

Same as above

Day 4 – Soca Valley North

Head East to the Soca Valley. In Summer, take the Vrsic pass (beware, your GPS will indicate a faster route that goes through Austria and Italy). Stop at Lake Jasna and along the road for great mountain panoramas and river views.

Check out my Soca Valley article .

Stay around Bovec – check out the best rated accommodations in Bovec

Day 5 – Soca Valley South

The Soca River continues to the South.

You can walk to some beautiful waterfalls (Virje, Boka, Kozjak…) and explore the Stunning Tolmin Gorges.

Check out my guide about the Tolmin Gorges .

Stay around Bovec – check out the best rated accommodations in Tolmin

Day 6 & 7 – Ljubljana

Finish in Ljubljana

Slovenia Itinerary 10 days and more

If you are lucky to have more than 7 days for your Slovenia road trips, below are some extra ideas.

Extra Day – Logar Valley

You could spend the day at the magnificent Logar Valley, get to the Rinka waterfall and drive the Solcava Panoramic Road.

Read my Logar Valley Region Guide .

Stay in the Logar Valley – Hotel Plesnik has the best views – Check out the latest prices

Extra Day – East Towns

And you can head east to visit vineyards and explore historical old centers and their castles like in Maribor or Ptuj.

Stay at Ptuj – check out the historical Hotel Mitra

Extra Day – Others

If you have 10 days in Slovenia or more, there are many itinerary variations you can create with Castles, Monasteries, Vineyards, off the beaten path locations… In that case my eBook can help you easily create your Slovenia road trip plan:

Other Slovenia Travel Tips

• Language  – Slovene but English is widely spoken in touristic areas (and German in the East)
• Money – Euros only
• Tips – not mandatory (often 10% at restaurant and taxi)
• Credit card widely accepted – some off the beaten track small accommodations might request cash
• Electricity – 220V, Types C/F (Plug with 2 round Pins)
• Traditional meals are really large portions!
• Emergency – 112

Packing for Slovenia

Nothing very specific to pack for Slovenia. You can check out my general Travel Checklists to get ready.

Items I always recommend to carrying when traveling:

Binoculars to be able to admire all the details in the scenery and monuments ( see my guide )

Thermal Blanket. They don’t take a lot of space and it is safer to have one when driving in Winter or hiking

Power strip + adapter to be able to charge all my equipment at the same time

And bring a notebook to keep all your memories!

Want to see more of SLOVENIA?

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Best cities, towns and villages in Slovenia

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WHERE TO STAY IN SLOVENIA

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Reader Interactions

July 19, 2018 at 11:39 PM

Hello! I really appreciate this to get me thinking about an upcoming road trip my friends will be taking. However, we will be starting and finishing in Split. Do you have an itinerary recommendation for a 7 day trip from Split through Slovenia and back to Split?! Thank you SOOO much!

July 20, 2018 at 8:19 AM

Hi Sarah I am sorry I don’t have time to create personalised itineraries. I wish you wonderful travels! Claire

January 26, 2019 at 11:53 PM

What kind of transportation did you use? A rental car? Lazar

January 27, 2019 at 5:33 AM

Hi Lazar, Yes, a rental car

January 27, 2019 at 9:45 AM

Thanks for the quick reply! As I’m only 19, I’ll have to do some research on that as most companies require you to be at least 21 and over….

Par Claire Robinson Region Lovers SARL 76600 Le Havre FRANCE VAT FR21845103191

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The Perfect Slovenia Itinerary For 5, 7 or 10 Days

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Looking for the best Slovenia itinerary? So was I, not so long ago. After my trip around Ljubljana, Bled, Lake Bohinj and Piran, I think I cracked the perfect route. In this guide, I’ll advise you how long to spend in each destination and what to do there, as well as other tips & tricks for making the most of your trip to this unbelievably beautiful country. Following the, ahem, events of 2020 and 2021, I was thrilled to visit Slovenia because it was my first new country in over 2 years. I’d run out of time when I was backpacking in Romania , Slovakia and Bulgaria in 2019 so it had been a long time coming.

SLOVENIA ESSENTIALS Accommodation : Booking.com / Hostelworld Tours & activities : GetYourGuide / Viator Getting there : flight / car / bus / train

How long to spend in Slovenia?

I spent 10 days in Slovenia and stayed overnight in four different places. However, you could see the big names (Ljubljana and Bled) in as little as 3 days if you’re pushed for time. Personally, I would recommend at least a 7 day Slovenia itinerary because you can get past the must-sees and check out a few other wonderful destinations.

Best time of year for a Slovenia itinerary

I would always recommend shoulder season to visit Slovenia. April to June and September to October offer pleasant weather, lower prices and reduced crowds compared to the busy summer months of July and August. During this season, small but popular destinations like Bled become totally overwhelmed and you’ll be lucky to find a spare bed! If you don’t mind the cold, you can even visit Slovenia in the winter . You’ll get bargains on accommodation and perhaps see the lakes frozen. Ljubljana also hosts Christmas markets .

Itinerary overviews

5 day Slovenia itinerary: 2 days Ljubljana, 2 days Bled, 1 day Bohinj 7 day Slovenia itinerary: 2 days Ljubljana, 2 days Bled, 1 day Triglav Nat Park, 2 days Bohinj 10 day Slovenia itinerary: 2 days Ljubljana, 2 days Bled, 2 days Bohinj, 1 day Triglav Nat Park, 3 days Istria.

Slovenia itinerary for up to 10 days

Now let’s get stuck into the details. I’ll share what to do in each place to help you plan a fun trip packed with sights, food and… well, more food!

Slovenia itinerary day 1 – Ljubljana

Most people’s Slovenia itinerary will start in the capital. You can get there by flight (I recommend Skyscanner for finding the cheapest tickets), car, bus (I arrived on the Flixbus ) or train . Ljubljana is a small but lovely city with a historic Old Town, castle, river with many impressive bridges, and places to eat and drink outside. Ljubljana is a fitting capital for Slovenia. Electric kavaliers transport people around (for free!), the main statue in the central square is of a poet not a war hero, and there are large green spaces for picnics and woodland walks. The city is developed and systems are efficient but nature and culture are prioritised. It feels like a blueprint for how cities should be.

Ljubljana Castle

The 12th-century castle houses several interesting museums within its interior, alongside offering the best views of the city from the tower. You can take a steep but short hike there or catch the to Ljubljana Castle funicular.

Entry to the castle starts from €12 and tickets including the funicular start from €16. There are various packages on offer including a ‘time machine’ guided tour, an escape castle experience and wine tours.

Things to do in Ljubljana:

• Start the day with a free walking tour to learn about the city
• See the buildings and statues in Prešeren Square
• Feel cultured at the many museums and galleries including the Museum of Contemporary History and the National Gallery
• Drink famous orange wine and other local varieties with Wine Tasting Ljubljana
• Browse the Central Market and eat lunch at My Dumpling or Kodila Gourmet
• Stop for an afternoon drink on Petkovšek Embankment
• Take a leisurely walk in Tivoli Gardens, the largest green space in the city complete with tranquil ponds, flowers, woodland, and interesting art works.
• Go for a sunset drink at the top of Nebotični skyscraper
• Wander quirky outdoor arts centre, Metelkova, a unique creative hub where alternative locals hang out to enjoy the graffiti and unique homegrown art works.

Read next: 38 things to do in Ljubljana

Where to eat & drink in Ljubljana

Now for the important stuff! I ate so much in Ljubljana, once during my first trip when my friend Kerrie and I were catching up after being separated for the turbulent years 2020-21. We had terrible weather so spent most of the trip in cafes and bars. During my second trip solo, I ate and drank even more! I don’t mean to brag (okay, that’s a lie) but I offer the BEST food advice. Here were some of the highlights.

• Atmospheric Slovenian restaurant – Figovec
• Slovenian lunch cafe – Kodila Gourmet
• Famous dumpling cafe – My Dumpling
• Best cake cafe – Cacao
• Best cafe serving local desserts – Pri Vodnjaku 
• Social enterprise – Second Violin
• Best veggie restaurant – Gujžina
• Best brunch – Ek Bistro
• Best Asian takeaway – Niam Niam
• Best drunk food – Burek Olimpija
• International eats – Abi Falafel , El Patrón Tacos & Store , Riksa wok
• Top tea house – Cajnica gallus
• Speciality coffee – Črno Zrno .

Alternatively, if you’re an indecisive foodie and want someone to pick the best food spots for you, then this 3.5-hour Ljubljana Food & Wine tour is perfect for you. You’ll sample 4 wines alongside dishes that represent the best regional cuisines in Slovenia.

Read next: complete Ljubljana food guide including restaurants, bars, cafes & food activities

Where to stay in Ljubljana

• Hostel – I heard great things about Hotel Celia inside a refurbished prison! It’s had a funky refurb and hosts events and activities. (Note – I hear it can be a bit loud at night. If that’s an issue, try the Sax Pub Hostel – guests note it’s cosy, relaxed and quiet, despite sharing a building with a friendly pub).
• Budget hotel – for a clean, spacious hotel with indoor & outdoor seating, White House Bela Hiša has coffee machines in every room and fantastic reviews. Book from €75 .
• Splash out hotel – treat yourself at uHOTEL with its rooftop wellness centre, swimming pool, fitness centre and renowned buffet breakfasts. Book from €120 .
• Apartments – check out Stella Sky with equipped studios and swimming pools with city views and Castle View Apartments with hot tubs and private parking.
• Browse all Ljubljana hotels on Booking.com and hostels on Hostelworld .

1 or 2 days in Ljubljana?

If your itinerary for Slovenia is tight, it’s easy to see the highlights of Ljubljana in a day. I’d prioritise a free walking tour, lunch at Central Market, walking up to the Castle and visiting a museum or gallery. With a second day, you can see the city at your leisure, spending a full afternoon relaxing in Tivoli Gardens if you have good weather. You’ll also have time for alternative attractions like Metalkova arts centre and Trubarjeva Cesta street with its diverse cafes and restaurants. If you enjoy the Ljubljana nightlife and take a bar crawl , you’ll appreciate the extra day to relax.

So, if you like the sound of taking it slow, dedicate an extra day to Ljubljana!

Slovenia itinerary day 2 – Predjama Castle & caves

One of the best surprises of my Slovenia itinerary was visiting the vast Postojna Cave complex and finishing the day at Predjama Castle built into a karst cliff. I hadn’t researched these destinations much because I’d been told I couldn’t take a day trip to them both by public transport. As a result, I booked a GetYourGuide day tour and waited to find out about them when I got there. It’s nice to switch off and let someone else do the work sometimes! Both were impressive but Postojna Cave was my highlight.

Postojna Cave

This vast underground wonderland is 3 million years old with eerie sculptures and 100-year-old lizards that only eat once a decade! A ticket gets you a mini railway ride and a guided tour. It’s undeniably touristic so might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Predjama Castle

Predjama is an 800-year-old castle lodged in a karst cliff complex. In high season, you can visit the cave complex under the castle. Here I heard the folklore tale that the Erazem of Predjama was killed on the toilet after being betrayed by one of his servants. Ouch! Browse cave and castle tours:

Budget tip – for a day trip, I’d suggest bringing a packed lunch and eating it in the castle grounds. There’s a decent restaurant onsite but, as is to be expected, prices are inflated.

Skocjan Caves

If you’re visiting Predjama and Postojna, there’s another set of caves just a 20-minute drive away in the town of Divača. UNESCO world heritage Škocjan Caves are more than 200 metres deep with 6km of passageways. Take a guided tour of the karstic complex (€18), follow the Reka River underground for 3-5 kilometres or take an above-ground 2km loop along the Škocjan Education Trail. From Ljubljana, you can drive, take a train to Divača or an Arriva bus .

Slovenia itinerary days 3-4 – Bled

A spot that I’m sure will be on everyone’s ideal Slovenia itinerary is world-famous Lake Bled. The town of Bled is where you’ll stay overnight but it’s not very exciting: it’s more of a launching point for exploring the wonderful lake. I visited in May and had perfect weather: not too hot but beautifully clear. The Julian Alps were still snow-capped. Just two days later at Lake Bohinj, the weather sucked so I’m happy the rain gods played ball for me here!

Things to do around Lake Bled

• Walk around the lake path (which takes a couple of hours depending how often you stop to snap photos and lust over the views) or hire an e-bike
• Explore from the water by taking a stand-up paddleboarding tour or by gliding across the lake in a transparent kayak .
• Hike up to Osojnica viewpoint on the opposite side of Lake Bled from the town. It’s a one-hour steep hike with lots of steps but the views are just phenomenal!
• For a real bucket list experience, go paragliding ! A few people in my hostel did this and loved it
• Visit Bled Castle dating back to 1004. Even if you don’t want to pay the €17 entry (my hostel were quite honest and told me it’s not worth it), it’s a nice hike to the summit
• Hire a paddleboat at a cost of around €16 an hour
• Board a pletna (taxi boat) to take you to the island
• On the island: climb 99 steps to the Assumption of Mary Church bell tower and ring the Wishing Bell, thought to make your desires come true.

Honest thoughts – the ticket to ring the Wishing Bell and climb the tower on the island was expensive at €10 and neither attraction was very impressive. The only thing I was wishing for my money back!

As a solo traveller, the only downside to visiting Lake Bled was wanting to hire a paddleboat but not having anyone to split the costs and rowing with. I hoped to meet people in the hostel but alas, no one’s sightseeing plans lined up with mine. Still, I can’t complain because Bled is paradise! I had a great time.

Bled cream cake

No Slovenia travel itinerary would be complete without eating Bled cream cake (Blejska Kremna). I had it twice in two days. It tasted better than it looked with a layer of sweet custard and a layer of cream sandwiched between flaky pastry dusted with icing sugar. More than 15 million portions have allegedly been served and I can see why! Try it at:

• Confectionery Zima – this is one of the OG places to eat cream cake with a history of more than 50 years.
• Grajska Plaza Restaurant – here I ate Bled cream cake with beautiful views of the lake. The cake itself was a little better at the first place but it was still very tasty and the views are unrivalled.

Where else to eat in Bled

• Mega Burger Bled – although it doesn’t look much from the outside, this takeaway place serves amazing burgers with loads of options including truffle burgers in black buns, fried chicken burgers, veggie burgers, wraps and healthy boxes. Grab a burger and eat it by the lake.
• Oštarija Peglez’n – I can’t rave about this place enough and, with over 2,000 reviews almost all positive, neither can anyone else it seems! It’s an atmospheric restaurant with a local feel and shaded courtyard area. Slovenian food like meat, seafood and pasta comes in enormous portions. I had a giant chicken fillet with ham, cream sauce, crispy potatoes and roasted veggies.
• Pizzeria Rustika – I didn’t have time to eat here but my hostel recommended it. The reviews mention fantastic pizzas and indoor & outdoor seating areas.
• Old Cellar Bled – for excellent risottos, pastas and other dishes with creative ingredients plus fantastic local wines, don’t miss this atmospheric evening venue.

Where to stay in Lake Bled

• Hostel – I stayed at Bled Hostel which was a great base with cooking facilities, a bar and friendly staff who will give you maps and help you organise everything about your trip. Highly recommended! Book from €20 .
• Budget hotel – a great option is Nature Hotel Lukanc with comfy rooms, parking and a garden area. Check availability from €90 .
• Mid-range hotel – just 2 minutes from the beach and set inside a 19th-century mansion, Vila Prešeren is a charming base. Check availability from €120 .
• Apartments – for all your home amenities, check out Apartments Mojca and Apartments Skok .
• Browse all Bled accommodation on Booking.com and Hostelworld .

Half a day in Vintgar Gorge

Even if you have just 7 days in Slovenia, I’d suggest squeezing in a trip to Vintgar Gorge while visiting Bled. This natural paradise is one of the loveliest places I visited with a cool, misty climate even on a hot day.

The gorge is huge, reaching 1600 metres in length and 250 metres in depth, with the vibrant blue Radovna River gracefully cutting through the jagged rocks below.

You have superb views as you meander along wooden boardwalks built into the cliff, narrow passages, and bridges. At the end, you’re treated to the magnificent sight of a 16-metre waterfall. Entry to Vintgar Gorge costs €10. Operating with a one-way system, you’ll start at the ticket gate near Podhom village and end at Waterfall Šum near scenic St. Katherine Church . The gorge is closed during the Winter.

How to visit Vintage Gorge from Bled: walk (but make sure to bring enough water and sunscreen as there’s no shade), ride an e-bike , take a shuttle bus or drive. Even if you want to see Vintgar Gorge but you’re not staying overnight in Bled, it’s possible. Tours from Ljubljana visit Lake Bled & Vintgar Gorge during one day.

Slovenia itinerary days 5-6 – Bohinj

I added this second lake town to my Slovenia itinerary as an afterthought and I’m so glad I did. I wondered if it would underwhelm after spectacular Lake Bled but I was stunned by its beauty. Lake Bohinj is a lot bigger than Lake Bled and has different activities on offer. It’s a highly seasonal destination as you can swim in the waters of up to 24 degrees in summer but the lake often freezes in winter!

Read next: guide to visiting Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Things to do around Lake Bohinj

• Take a boat ride across the lake between Bohinj town and Camp Bohinj. This sightseeing boat has the dual purpose of transporting you to the start of the Savica Waterfall hike & the Vogel Cable Car.
• Hike to Savica Waterfall . Although there’s a car park and restaurant at the beginning of the hike, you can make it longer by starting at Camp Bohinj and walking through the Fairy Trail forest. If you’re super energetic and don’t mind a 4-hour return walk, you can even start in Bohinj town and hike along the north bank of the lake.
• Hike in Mostnica Gorge , a beautiful wooded area 6km from Bohinj. I hiked all the way to Planinska mountain hut serving hearty meals, beers and honey tea with jaw-dropping views of the valley.
• Ride the Vogel Cable Car to Vogel Ski Resort. Even if you don’t ski, it’s worth visiting the top for the best views around.
• Hire a kayak or canoe to explore the lake or go swimming.

For a 5 day Slovenia itinerary with a car, base either in Bohinj, Bled or anywhere in between for the final 3 nights and spend a day in each lake town then a day in Vintgar Gorge or Triglav Nat Park.

Where to stay in Lake Bohinj

• Hostel Pod Voglom – I stayed here and it was cheap with great buffet breakfasts including access to a cheese toastie machine! However, the place hasn’t been renovated for decades so don’t stay expect any luxury! Book from €22 .
• Hotel – stay at Bohinj Eco Hotel for 4* peace and comfort, views of the Julian Alps and access to the wellness resort. Book from €120 .
• Apartments – check out Cvetek Apartment in Ribčev Laz, and Apartment House Jager just out of town.
• Browse all Bohinj accommodation on Booking.com and Hostelworld .

Where to eat in Bohinj

I survived on packed lunches and pasta in Bohinj as I was usually out hiking during the days and too tired to go for dinner when I returned. Still, I heard good things about the burgers at Foksner . A lovely place to enjoy drinks by the lake is Restavracija Kramar .

Slovenia itinerary for 7 days – Triglav National Park or Soča Valley

If you’re staying in Bled or Bohinj, you’re surrounded by national parks and nature. For your 7th day, consider one of the following: Triglav National Park : named after Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps at 2864m, this region incorporates Nadiža karst spring, Soča spring, Martuljek Waterfalls and countless other natural attractions. Browse Triglav tours and activities . Kranjska Gora : just north of Triglav is this alpine resort with options for climbing, hiking and, in the winter, skiing and other snow sports. Soča Valley : found in the east of Slovenia, this region is easily accessible from both lake towns. The Soča River is one of the most beautiful in Europe, bright emerald in colour with plenty of options for kayaking, rafting and canyoning. Another unmissable place is Vršič Pass, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia and a fantastic place for a hike. Top activities & excursions include:

• Triglav National Park tour inc 3 nature hikes (€99)
• Julian Alps tour inc Kranjska Gora and Soca Valley from Bled (€80)
• Canyoning adventure from Bled (€74)
• Kayaking on the Soca River adventure (€58)
• Zipline over Sava River (€30)
• 3 day self-guided Mount Triglav and Lakes Valley hike from Bled inc accom & transport (€200) .

Slovenia itinerary days 8-10 – Istria

At the top of the Istrian peninsular (also home to parts of Croatia and Italy ), Piran and the surrounding region make an excellent addition to any Slovenia itinerary. This was my first stop after crossing the border from Croatia and it made for a wonderful introduction to Slovenia, even though it feels culturally distinct. With a 10-day Slovenia itinerary, you have time to spend the last 3 days exploring lovely Slovenian Istria.

Getting to Piran

From Ljubljana, drive in 1 hour 20 minutes or catch an Arriva bus in 2 hours 40 minutes. Some buses will drop in Portorož rather than Piran so hop on a quick €1 bus or in a taxi. From Bled or Bohinj, you can drive in around 2 hours or catch a bus transferring through Ljubljana or Trieste, Italy.

Things to do in Piran:

• Admire the key buildings in Tartini Square and stop for a coffee
• Walk the Walls of Piran dating back to the 7th century and offering spectacular views
• Climb to the bell tower of St. George’s Parish Church for yet more amazing views
• Visit the quirky Magical World of Shells Museum
• Take a walk around the headland . There are plenty of cafes and beach bars where you can drink in the views… And Aperol Spritz! Continue along Fiesa footpath until you’ve had your fill.

Where to eat in Piran, Slovenia

• Rostelin – two words: truffle pasta! They also serve other dishes but I only tried the tartuf fuži , a traditional type of pasta native to Istria. Large strips of pasta are cut diagonally to make diamond shapes.
• Fritolin Pri Cantini – right beside Rostelin, this is another highly-rated restaurant with outdoor seating. Mussels, sardines, whitebait and calamari are all on the menu. I heard great things but didn’t eat here because the menu is largely based around platters for multiple people and I was travelling solo.
• Ladja Podlanica Piran – the best meal I had in Piran was at this super local restaurant aboard a docked boat in the harbour. There’s no menu, just a few fresh seafood dishes of the day explained by the staff. It’s wonderful!
• Gostinstvo Jasmina Račan – this was another gem I stumbled upon with excellent reviews and quality local fare. The squid I had was super fresh and very affordable.
• Piran Pirano PastIccerIa – the best gelato in town with SO many flavours!

Where to stay in Piran

• Hotels – Art Hotel Tartini is decorated with art by Slovenian artists and has an enviable breakfast buffet (€120) / Hotel Piran is right in the centre of town with a restaurant, terrace and patio with sea views (€130)
• Apartments – traditional Piran house (€40)
• Browse all Piran accommodation on Booking.com and also check Portorož (a short bus ride away) for more options

More places to visit in Slovenian Istria

If you have limited time for the Istria leg of your Slovenia itinerary, I would recommend basing in Piran. It’s so charming! However, if you have any time for excursions, there are other places you can visit. Having a car here will enable you to see a lot more of the region in a short space of time.

This was where my Flixbus from Croatia arrived. Although I didn’t stay long, it’s a popular destination with a fancier vibe than Piran. There are hotels, beach bars and cafes. Cafe Central is known for its famous cakes so of course I swung by with all my luggage before heading to my accommodation in Piran. Priorities in check!

If you do prioritise longer in the spa town of Portorož during your Slovenia itinerary, there are a few things not to miss. If you’re staying for the seaside, then laze on Portorož Beach or Moon Bay (or rent a boat!), enjoy epic coastal views from the Strunjan Cliff path and try the local seafood. A more unique option is visiting the sculptures at Forma Viva – there are 120 ocean-side stone statues here, deftly melding art and nature together.

Due to its history as a spa destination, dating back to the 13th century when Benedictines from the monastery believed the nearby seawater and mud would help cure diseases and benefit health, it’s well worth trying a spa experience while you’re here (if your budget allows for it)! The Water Park Laguna Bernardin features a massive heated seawater pool, but many hotels feature spa treatments.

This traditional coastal town in Slovenian Istria is a lovely place to wander by the water or enjoy the many outdoor restaurants and cafes. You can see the main sites of Koper in half a day, giving you time to see the historic architecture and soak up the charming cafe-lined streets.

Visit Da Ponte Fountain (a replica of Rialto Bridge in Venice ), learn about the town at the regional museum, admire the 15th-century Praetorian Palace or pay €5 to climb 241 steps to the Bell Tower . Reach Koper from Piran in 25 minutes by car or catch a local bus.

This scenic fishing town has a couple of small beaches and several significant buildings including churches and palaces. The lack of huge must-dos means it’s sleepier and quieter than its neighbours: perfect if you hate crowds! Izola is halfway between Piran and Koper so makes an easy stop between the two.

If you do add Izola to your Slovenia itinerary, don’t miss the picturesque harbour, known for its colourful houses, cute fishing boats and the medieval Church of St. Mauro. Climb up 99 steps to the top of the church’s bell tower, built in 1356, for the best views in town. Next, wind through the quaint streets of the old town to see the Besenghi degli Ughi Palce and Manzioli Palace.

If you’re here for the seaside, relax on Svetilnik Beach, see the unique rock formations at Bele Skale Beach or wander down Izola Promenade. If you’re hungry, the promenade is also an excellent spot to find a seaview restaurant or cafe. You’ll also find plenty of spots for snorkelling and boating if you feel like taking to the water.

Alternate spots for your Slovenia itinerary

If somewhere above doesn’t take your fancy, there are several other places I can recommend. For an alternative to the classic itinerary, get off the beaten track at the following spots…

Maribor may be the second largest city in Slovenia however it’s still small by most country’s standards with less than 100,000 residents. The view from Pyramid Hill alone may be worth the trip to Maribor and that’s before discussing what the town is known for: wine! Wine fans may be interested to know that the world’s oldest grapevine can be found here at the aptly named Old Vine House in Lent district AKA the Old Jewish Quarter. But you’d be forgiven if history isn’t your bag and you just want to drink wine at the various tasting rooms around town! The Jeruzalem wine region is a spectacular hidden gem in Europe. For a summer road trip in Slovenia when tourist hotspots like Bled and Ljubljana are crowded and expensive, peaceful Maribor is a relaxed alternative that doesn’t compromise on beauty. The drive from Ljubljana takes 1.5 hours so you could consider visiting as a day trip or spending a leisurely couple of nights here.

The idyllic Slovenian town of Ptuj is just a 30-minute drive from Maribor so it’s worth a visit if you decide to add Maribor to your Slovenia travel itinerary. Like many historic European towns, it has a castle with fantastic sweeping views of the countryside and town’s typical red roofs. The locals’ fear of invasion has worked out very well for our photo-worthy travel shots! From Maribor, drive or take a taxi or the train (there’s also a bus but just one per day).

Vipava Valley

This is another lesser-visited wine region that may appeal to those who love hidden gems, sweeping scenery and, of course, delicious vino! This Vipava Valley region is very near the famous Škocjan Caves and Predjama Castle so, if you’re travelling with a car, it could be the perfect base from which to visit them while enjoying the Slovenian countryside peppered with wineries.

If sleepy wine regions don’t sound like your cup of tea (or wine), a contrasting area for adrenaline junkies is Bovec, nestled in northwest Slovenia. Located in the upper part of the Soča Valley, it’s not a million miles from the Julian Alps or Triglav National Park so can easily be combined into a Slovenia road trip itinerary, or you can catch a bus from Ljubljana. Activities in Bovec range from ziplining to rafting and kayaking on the Soča River. Virje Waterfall and Soča Gorge are spectacular points of natural interest.

Where next?

If you have more time to spend in Europe, consider crossing a border.

I spent 3 months living in Croatia so it’s somewhere I’ll always love and recommend to fellow travellers. The popular Dalmatian coastal cities like Split , Dubrovnik and Zadar aren’t especially close to Slovenia, however Zagreb is approximately a 2-hour journey by car, bus or train from Ljubljana. Ticking off the best things to do in Zagreb would make a cool 2-day city break. Likewise, if you’re visiting Piran, it’s only a short drive over the border in Istria to reach Croatian destinations like Pula and Rovinj . Pula has well-preserved Roman ruins and boat trips to the Brijuni Islands while Rovinj is ridiculously quaint and charming with fantastic food and colourful streets.

Read next: the ultimate Croatia itinerary

From Slovenian Istria, you’re just a few kilometres from Italy. The closest city is Trieste , a port city full of culture. The medieval Old Town takes influence from Italy, Slovenia and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Visit Miramare Castle, eat seafood, tour the museums and enjoy being in the Italian city that consumes the most coffee! You can also reach Venice in under 2 hours from Ljubljana. This is what I did, catching the Flixbus at the end of my Slovenia itinerary and finally ticking Venice off my bucket list. This city can be expensive and crowded (and dirty compared to Slovenia) but it’s a wonder of our world. See it before it’s too late! After that, I continued my Northern Italy itinerary and departed from Milan airport. This would make a great route if you have the time and energy left over!

For more Central Europe inspo see my guides to Budapest , Bratislava , Prague & more !

Slovenia FAQs

Is Slovenia expensive? I would say that Slovenia is not just between Western and Eastern Europe geographically but also in terms of cost. Hostels start from €10 a night, intercountry bus journies cost as little as €1 (that’s how much I paid between Lake Bohinj and Bled, although strangely the return journey cost €5) and meals in restaurants start from €6. However, in the summer, prices surge so it’s not a cheap detination between June and August! Can you drink tap water in Slovenia? Yes, it’s pristine! Is Slovenia safe? Incrediby so. It’s easily one of the safest places in Europe for solo travellers . I was there alone and felt very safe as a woman. The only place I had a slight problem with some shady characters was around Metelkova, an alternative live music and street art venue in Ljubljana. Is English spoken in Slovenia? Yes, locals speak amazing English and are happy to help you. But of course you should learn the local pleases and thank yous to be polite!

Thanks for reading!

Read my other Slovenia posts:

• 38 things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Where to eat and drink in Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Lake Bohinj travel guide
• Review of Wine Tasting Ljubljana

For more Europe content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

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TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING SLOVENIA Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner and search by month to see the cheapest dates. Driving in Europ e – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in European countries (and all around the world). For trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use Flixbus . Find journeys between European countries from €1!  Use Omio to compare trains and buses in one search. It’s so handy! For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide and Viator . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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Slovenia Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is crazy to me because it’s incredible! Known for its mountains, ski resorts, fabulous wine, extensive cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe — but with a fraction of the crowds and for a fraction of the costs.

Ljubljana, the country’s vibrant capital, is considered one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities while Lake Bled, Slovenia’s Insta-famous hotspot, is just as stunning in person as it is in photographs.

Inhabited since prehistory, the Romans established numerous outposts around present-day Slovenia. The region was later annexed by various powers, including the Holy Roman Empire and the Hapsburgs. Slovenia saw heavy casualties during World War I and was seized by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy during World War II. After the war, the region was part of Yugoslavia until Slovenia (and Croatia) gained independence in 1991.

Today, this often-overlooked country is a favorite of hikers and history buffs, owing to its rugged landscape and contentious past. There’s a slew of outdoor activities here, making it the perfect destination for active travelers looking for less-crowded landscapes.

This travel guide to Slovenia can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this incredibly undervisited country.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Slovenia

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in slovenia.

1. Wander Ljubljana

Ljubljana (pronouced lyoo-blyah-nuh) is a city built on myth and legend. According to Greek mythology, Jason and the Argonauts slayed a dragon here. Wander around the old town, gaze at the Baroque architecture, and climb the clock tower to take in the view.

2. Visit Piran

Piran is one of the most picturesque cities on the Adriatic coast. Its crown jewel is its old town, which is one of the best-preserved historical centers in the Mediterranean. Take in the historic Venetian architecture and relax in one of the many plazas.

3. Enjoy the views at Lake Bled

One of the most popular destinations in Slovenia, Lake Bled attracts thousands of visitors every year. Its main draw is the island in the middle of the lake, which is home to a 17th-century church. Visit the nearby Bled Castle overlooking the lake too (admission is 13 EUR).

4. Do some water sports

Slovenia has 7 sizeable lakes. From stand-up paddle boarding to kayaking to rappelling down waterfalls, there’s something for every fitness level and interest. Expect to pay around 15-20 EUR for a SUP or kayak rental and 65 EUR for a canyoning trip.

5. Go wine tasting

Wine lovers visiting Slovenia should head towards the Vipava Valley. Tucked beside the Italian border, the mild climate and closeness to the sea makes for ideal winemaking conditions. Expect to pay at least 150 EUR for a full day wine tour.

Other Things to See and Do in Slovenia

1. visit predjama castle.

Located one hour south of the capital, Predjama Castle was originally constructed in the 13th century. It is now a Renaissance-style castle with a Gothic façade, built right into the side of a cliff. (Fun fact: a Slovenian robber baron once called the castle home.) There’s also a “secret” tunnel that leads to the nearby Postojna Cave. The cave stretches over 24,000 meters and is open to the public (it’s the second-largest cave system in the country). Admission to the castle is 13.80 EUR, the cave is 25.80 EUR, and a combined ticket is 35.70 EUR.

2. Go hiking in Triglav National Park

The Triglav National Park is Slovenia’s only national park. Opened in 1981 and spanning 880 square kilometers (310 square miles), the park is named after the country’s tallest mountain. Thanks to its mountains, hills, lakes, waterfalls, springs, and rivers, the park is a magnet for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. You can also kayak, raft, skydive, parasail, and even scuba dive here. It’s a beautiful park and well worth a visit. To extend your time in the park, you can stay overnight in one of the mountain huts (from 80 EUR) or the lodge (from 26 EUR). It’s free to visit the park, though some attractions require small fees to visit (generally 2-5 EUR).

3. Tour Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle was built in the 16th-century and boasts some of the best views of the city. Perched on Castle Hill above the city, you can take a self-guided tour and wander the grounds yourself or take a guided tour to learn more about the castle and its history. Inside the castle are several permanent exhibitions on its history, the Museum of Puppetry, an escape room, and a café and restaurant. Admission is 13 EUR and includes a guided tour and a return funicular ticket (since the castle is up a hill).

4. Hang out in Velika Planina

Located northeast of the medieval town of Kamnik, Velika Planina translates to ‘Big Pasture Plateau’ — and that is pretty much what it is. This huge, empty plateau is dotted by a handful of small traditional wooden houses surrounded by the towering snow-capped Alps. From June through September, the houses are used by local shepherds whose livestock graze on the plateau, creating a seasonal village open to tourists. Be sure to sample some of the amazing cheeses and local dishes (like barley stew or hota , a bean and sauerkraut hotpot). To get here you either need to drive to the top or take a 10-minute gondola lift ride from Kamniska Bistrica, a nearby village, which costs 17 EUR for a roundtrip ticket.

5. Tour the Skocjan Caves

Located one hour from Ljubljana, this enormous cavern system spans over 1,000 acres. It’s considered one of the most important cave systems in the world as it is one of the largest, home to a unique ecosystem. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and there are underground streams and rivers, massive stone formations, and a 47-meter-high bridge you can cross. The caves have been in use for millennia, appearing in written sources as far back as the 2nd-century BCE. They are awesome! Guided tours start from 18 EUR. You can also arrange day trips from Ljubljana.

6. Go skiing

For the best skiing, head to Vogel in the Lake Bohinj area. It offers both downhill slopes and cross-country trails. The regular ski season lasts from December all the way until May. Expect to pay around 10-30 EUR for a lift pass. You can also get multi-day passes that bring down the price per day. Osovje, Luce, and Dole Pri Litiji are some of the most affordable places to ski if you’re on a budget.

7. Visit the Rogatec Open-Air Museum

The Rogatec Open-Air Museum is a small but fascinating living museum that highlights what life was like in rural Slovenia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Located near the border with Croatia , you’ll learn about everything from basket weaving to blacksmithing to how livestock was kept and managed. Admission is 3 EUR. It’s a bit cheesy but if you have time (or are looking for a family-friendly activity), stop by!

8. Hike to Lovrenc Lakes

For an easy and beautiful hike that won’t take much time, head to Lovrenc Lakes. Located near Pohorje in the northeast, this one-hour trail begins at the Rogla Ski Center. Follow the wooden footpath that leads to the middle of the bog where there’s a viewing tower to climb for stunning views over across the marsh and forest. There are longer full-day trails and mountain bike paths too. Admission is free.

9. Do some underground cycling

Underground biking is one of the more unusual experiences that you may not find anywhere else. Near Mezica in the north, cyclists can explore the Slovenian underground by taking a tour underneath Mount Peca via its disused lead and zinc mine shafts. There are 5 kilometers (3 miles) of underground trails that you can explore with tours costing 40-50 EUR. You can also kayak sections of the underground mine too (tickets are the same price).

10. Drink beer from a fountain

The only beer fountain in the world is in the Slovenian town of Žalec. Located in the hop-growing capital of Slovenia, the Green Gold Fountain opened in 2016. Choose between six different beers to taste (including a green beer specially brewed just for the fountain). Simply buy a special mug for 8 EUR and sample each of the six beers on tap in the fountain. The fountain operates from April to October. Continue your beer adventure by visiting the nearby Eco-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing Industry in Slovenia.

11. Take a food tour

Slovenia travel costs.

Accommodation – Hostel dorms with 4-6-beds cost 16-22 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and self-catering facilities are common. For a private room, expect to pay 40-50 EUR per night.

Budget hotels start at 40 EUR per night. Many budget hotels include free breakfast (but not all do) so if you’re on a budget be sure to book a hotel that includes free breakfast.

Airbnb is another budget-friendly option in Slovenia, with private rooms starting at 35 EUR per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 70 EUR per night (though prices average double that if you don’t book in advance).

For those traveling with a tent, campgrounds are available around the country. Prices start around 12 EUR for a basic plot without electricity. Wild camping is illegal.

Food – Slovenian cuisine is influenced by Italian, Austrian, and Balkan cooking. Spicy sausage, goulash, and schnitzel make regular appearances and are easy to find in most restaurants. Burek , a flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese, is a local favorite for when you’re on the go. Other popular dishes are žlikrofi (potato-filled ravioli) and žganci (a porridge served with sauerkraut). On the coast, there’s plenty of mussels, fish, and squid.

An inexpensive dish at a restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 8-11 EUR, and a pizza costs about the same. International food, such as Thai and Indian cuisine, can only be found in the capital. Expect to pay between 7-13 EUR for a main dish.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 6 EUR for a combo meal, though you can get a doner kebab for around 3 EUR. A beer costs 2.50-3 EUR, a glass of wine is 3-5 EUR, and a cappuccino or latte costs 2 EUR. Burek , the flaky pastry mentioned above, can be found in cafes around the country for 2-3 EUR.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal at a restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 15-18 EUR, including a drink. Prices are closer to 25 EUR for a steak dinner with a drink.

Some of my favorite places to eat and drink were Restaurant Manna, Vino & Ribe, and My Dumplings of Slovenia.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs 30-40 EUR for basic staples like meat, potatoes, cheese, pasta, and seasonal produce.

Backpacking Slovenia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, expect to pay around 50 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, doing free activities like walking tours and hikes, and using local transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of about 120 EUR, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, eat out at budget-friendly for most meals, drink a bit more, do some castle tours, go cycling or kayaking, and take some taxis to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 225 EUR per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, take taxis everywhere, do as many activities as you want, rent a car, and book some private guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Slovenia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Slovenia is one of the cheaper countries in Europe. If you’re trying to save money, it’s easy to do so, especially since most of the outdoor activities are free. Here are some ways to save money in Slovenia:

• Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours are a fun and budget-friendly way to learn about a new destination. Ljubljana Free Tour has a free tour that covers all the major sites in the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Get the Ljubljana Card – This city card grants entrance to 20+ museums, a free guided tour, a trip on the funicular, a boat cruise, free public transportation, and a half-day bike rental. The card comes in 24, 48, and 72-hour versions costing 31-45 EUR respectively.
• Ride Flixbus – Flixbus is an affordable way to get around the country (and region). They have Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and decent enough seats for overnight and long-haul bus journeys.
• Cook your own meals – If you’re on a tight budget, book accommodation that has a kitchen. Buying your own groceries may not be as glamorous as going out to eat, but it keeps your budget intact
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing (or a similar sharing economy site) is a great way to not only save money but you’ll meet knowledgeable locals who can help you better understand the city and its people.
• Walk everywhere – All of the major cities in Slovenia are quite walkable, so skip the public transportation if you want to save a few extra euros.
• Enjoy the free spaces – There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country. Save your budget and enjoy the outdoors!
• Bring a reuseable water bottle – The tap water in Slovenia is safe to drink so bring a reusable bottle to avoid buying single-use plastic. LifeStraw makes bottles with a built-in filter so you can ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s especially helpful if you’re out hiking).

Where to Stay in Slovenia

Slovenia has some great hostels in all the popular backpacker spots around the country. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Slovenia:

• Hostel Vrba (Ljubljana)
• Aladin hostel (Ljubljana)
• Proteus (Postojna)
• Hostel Lukna (Mojstrana)
• Hosteller (Bled)
• Adriatic Piran (Piran)
• Uni Youth Hostel (Maribor)

How to Get Around Slovenia

Public transportation – Public transportation prices vary by city but expect to pay around 1.20 EUR for a standard adult ticket.

Bus – Flixbus is one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel around Slovenia (and into neighboring countries as well). The 90-minute journey from Ljubljana to Bled is 5-9 EUR while the 75-minute bus ride from Ljubljana to Koper is 8-13 EUR. The 2.5-hour ride from Ljubljana to Zagreb, Croatia costs 12-18 EUR.

Train – Trains connecting Slovenia with other European cities run daily. Thanks to Slovenia being part of the Eurail network, it can be a great budget way to travel both internationally and domestically. This post has everything you need to know about the Eurail Pass .

Slovenia Railways is the sole company operating domestic trains. You can find the full timetable and pricing on their website. It is always better to buy your ticket in advance as prices can double if you buy them last minute.

The 2.5-hour train ride from Ljubljana to Koper costs 11 EUR while the hour-long trip from Ljubljana to Bled is 5 EUR. The trip to Zagreb, Croatia from Ljubljana takes around 2.5 hours and costs 24 EUR while the 3.5-hour journey to Graz, Austria is 13-18 EUR.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Fly – There are no domestic flights in Slovenia as it’s a small country.

Car rental – Car rentals cost around 25-30 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Be sure to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) as you need one for the rental.

When to Go to Slovenia

While it is a small country, Slovenia has a very diverse climate in its three distinct regions. In the mountains of the north, there’s an alpine climate, the central lowlands have a more continental climate, and the west has a more Mediterranean climate.

Summer is the busiest and most popular time to visit. From June-August, the weather is much more reliable though prices rise slightly and there are far more tourists around (especially at Lake Bled). Expect daily highs around 23°C (73°F).

To beat the crowds, the best time to visit is during the shoulder season — either April-May or September-October. The weather is warm enough to hike and explore but you won’t have to compete with the growing number of visitors.

Unless you plan on skiing, it is probably best to skip the winter months. Slovenia gets cold and temperatures can drop below freezing.

How to Stay Safe in Slovenia

Slovenia is not just one of the safest places to visit in Europe — it’s one of the safest countries in the entire world. Ranking 6th on the Global Peace Index, Slovenia is a country where you can travel freely without any noteworthy concerns for your safety (the United States, for reference, is ranked 117th).

Of course, you still want to use some common sense. Don’t flash any valuables and keep an eye out for pickpockets in busy areas like public buses or bus/train stations. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.).

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in the vehicle overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

While scams here are rare, to avoid getting ripped off, read my post on common travel scams to avoid.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Slovenia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Slovenia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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5 days in slovenia: see it all with this 5 day slovenia itinerary.

I’ll be the first to admit that Slovenia wasn’t high on my bucket list during my time in Europe. Sure, Lake Bled looked pretty on Instagram, but at this point, I was well aware that seeking out destinations based on Instagram left my travels feeling empty. So when a friend suggested that I meet her in Slovenia, I wasn’t exactly super excited about it, and almost declined. However, after being on the road for 8 months I was in need of a familiar face. So I said yes and figured that I could add 5 days in Slovenia to my European itinerary.

Why Slovenia Should Be on Your European Bucket List

And let me just tell you, Slovenia is spectacular. Slovenia is a small country that offers so much to its visitors. You’ve got the charming capital city of Ljubljana, gorgeous lakes, the Julian Alps, and peaceful coastal cities. Plus various caves and castles. And the Slovenian people are just as charming and welcoming!

The five days I spent exploring Slovenia are one of the highlights of my 10 months of travel. The entire time I was there, I kept kicking myself for not getting there sooner and for only having 5 days!

How to Get to Slovenia

Depending on where you’re coming from there are a variety of options for getting to Slovenia. I was coming from Croatia after having spent a week relaxing in a hostel on the Adriatic sea. On my way to Slovenia, I stayed for two nights near Plitvice Lakes National Park , where I spent one day in the park and the next morning river rafting. I took a bus from Plitvice to Zagreb, another underrated European destination , and then I connected from Zagreb to Ljubljana. This 5 day Slovenia itinerary will start in Ljubljana so I will focus on getting transportation there.

There are a wide range of bus services to Slovenia depending on your whereabouts in Europe. The majority of bus routes stop in Ljubljana and from there you can make connections to other destinations in Slovenia. I recommend two websites to help you plan how to get from where you are to Ljubljana, Get By Bus and FlixBus .  

There are a number of airports in Slovenia, however, the airport you’ll likely fly into is Ljubljana (LJU). Additionally, if you can find cheaper tickets to Zagreb, Croatia or Triest, Italy those are decent options as well. Then you could take a bus or even rent a car to get to Slovenia.

Slovenia’s currency is the Euro. In all of the cities on this itinerary, there are accessible ATMs. Credit cards are accepted, however, it’s best to have cash on hand, especially in smaller cities. Many bus tickets you’ll have to pay cash, especially in Bled. In fact, if I remember correctly, there was only one window accepting credit cards at the bus station in Ljubljana. So prepare with cash accordingly, but know you can restock at ATMs as well.

Solo Female Travel Concerns

Slovenia is safe for solo female travelers. I arrived in Ljubljana well past midnight in the middle of a massive rain storm. Since the weather was so horrible, there was no one out on the streets, and I felt completely safe walking to the hostel. Also wandering around the cities mentioned here and even getting lost a few times, I never felt in danger.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking.

5 Days in Slovenia Itinerary

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff.

Here’s an overview of your 5 Day Slovenia Itinerary :

• Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana, explore the city. Overnight in Ljubljana
• Day 2: Travel to Bled, explore Bled & Vintgar Gorge. Overnight in Bled
• Day 3: Sunrise hike in Bled. Afternoon at Lake Bohinj. Overnight in Bled
• Day 4: Travel to Piran, explore Piran’s city walls. Overnight in Piran
• Day 5: Relax in Piran. Head off to your next destination.

Day 1 in Slovenia: Ljubljana

Make sure you wear your walking shoes for your one day in Ljubljana ! Ljubljana is a very pedestrian friendly city and it’s the best way to see it! I’ll provide you with a general overview of which direction to walk so you can see most of the highlights efficiently, however, definitely veer into the alleyways and random side streets.

Breakfast at Le Petite Cafe & Restaurant

Start your day off right with breakfast at Le Petite Cafe & Restaurant. They are open daily from 7:30 am-midnight, serving breakfast until 12:00 pm during the week and brunch until 5:00 pm. So even if you sleep in you’ll have a chance to enjoy a Croque Madame and a smoothie.

Preseren Square

After breakfast walk towards old town, Preseren Square. You’ll pass by Cobbler’s bridge and a number of cafes that are worth stopping into for a treat. Preseren Square is where you’ll find the pink church and the triple bridge. This area is said to be the meeting point of Ljubljana.

Ljubljana Cathedral

From the square, walk across the triple bridge to Ljubljana Cathedral. Its green domes are a part of Ljubljana’s skyline and it’s interior much more stunning than its exterior. It’s free to enter too! Just beyond the cathedral, you’ll find a large open market, Central Market. Here you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and even clothing!

Ljubljana Castle

Afterward, walk up to Ljubljana Castle. It provides excellent views of the city below and is a great place to watch the sunset. Plus, you can see the majority of the castle for free which is a lovely bonus! If you don’t feel like walking up the hill, there is a funicular ride you can take, although I couldn’t find it (admittedly I didn’t try very hard).

Dragon Bridge

When you’re done with the castle walk down the hill to Dragon bridge. Dragons are the city’s symbol of power, courage, and wisdom. You’ll actually find them in a number of places throughout the city, so keep your eyes open. There are four of them guarding either side of the bridge. It’s also a pretty spot for a photo opp with the Cathedral and Castle as a nice backdrop on a sunny day.

Ice Cream at Cacao

You’ve just done quite a bit of walking, so stop in for a treat at Cacao. The ice cream at Cacao is so freaking good on a hot summer’s day.

Trivoli Park

After the treat, head to Trivoli Park for a bit of respite from the city. Trivoli Park is a large green space just a few minutes walk outside of the city center. There are a number of wooded trails you can walk through, plenty of benches to relax in for a bit, an open-air art gallery, and even a sports complex. Even though Ljubljana is small and not as crowded compared to other capital cities in Europe, a breath of fresh air in a park is always welcome.

Dinner along the Riverfront

Then head back in to town for dinner and drinks along the riverfront. There are a number of options here and they all look delicious, so just pick one that suits you and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the riverfront.

Where to Stay in Ljubljana

I stayed at Turn Hostel which is located above an English pub just minutes from Preseren Square. It was comfortable, clean, and had good WiFi. The only drawbacks are there was no kitchen or common area to meet people. On one of my walks, I passed by Hostel Vrba that was about 15 minutes outside of the city center, by foot. But it was on a beautiful tree-lined street that had lots of restaurants and bars on it as well.

Check out the Booking map below to find a place suitable for your budget and style of travel.

Day 2 in Slovenia: Lake Bled

After your day in Ljubljana head to the picturesque town of Bled for two nights. Bled is a small town, that gets crowded very quickly during the summer months. So it’s best to visit in the shoulder season or towards the end of summer if you want to enjoy it without feeling overcrowded.

How to Get to Bled from Ljubljana

Buses leave frequently to Bled from the main bus station in Ljubljana. There isn’t a need to purchase a ticket in advance. Head to the bus station and ask for a ticket for the next bus to Bled. It costs approximately €7 for a one-way ticket and takes about an hour to get there. The bus stop in Bled is conveniently located directly in the center of town.

Day 1 in Bled

Well, the first thing to do in Bled is quite obvious, head to Lake Bled. There is a boardwalk path the entire circumference of the lake which makes for a beautiful walk upon arrival in Bled. It will help acquaint you with the lake as you see various places to swim, rent canoes or SUPs, or simply sunbathe.

You can rent a canoe, SUP, or pay for a Pletna boat to take you across the lake to Bled Island. I opted out of Bled Island due to reviews I read saying it’s not really worth it. But, it’s always nice to get out on the water even if you skip going on the island. Prices for rentals vary depending on the watercraft of your choosing.

Vintgar Gorge

In the afternoon explore Vintgar Gorge. Vintgar Gorge is a 1.6km gorge in Triglav National Park. The river is lined with boardwalks that criss-cross the river and takes you past beautiful waterfalls. The landscape is stunning and the river water is so clear. This is definitely a highlight of my time in Bled.

Vintgar Gorge is about 5km from Bled, so my friend and I decided to walk to it. Which turned out to be an adventure in itself. Another option is to take the bus for €1 and in 10 minutes you’ll be at the starting point for your walk through the Gorge. Be sure to give yourself a few hours here as you’ll want to stop to take lots of photos!

Entrance fee prices have increased to  €10 for adults. For the most up to date information about hours and prices check it out here and use this link for the bus schedule .

Swim in Lake Bled

If you’ve got more time in your day, return to Lake Bled and simply relax. Find a spot to lay out your towel, swim in the water, maybe even take a lakeside nap. But go to bed early, because there’s an early morning wake up call tomorrow morning.

Day 3 in Slovenia: Bled & Bohinj

Sunrise hike over lake bled.

The hike up Ojstrica is a great short hike in Slovenia and a beautiful spot to take in sunrise over Lake Bled. The hike takes about one hour, so before you go to sleep, check the time for sunrise. Plan to begin your hike at least one hour before sunrise.

My friend and I started the hike at 4:30 am in total darkness, save for our iPhone flashlights. But we were the first people to reach the viewpoint and had it all to ourselves for a glorious 15 minutes. Afterward, lots of people started to show up to get their photo ops of the Insta-Famous Bled sunrise.

The hike begins just after the Camping Bled parking lot. There will be a small wooden sign that says Ojstrica and it’s basically a straight incline until you reach the viewpoint. It’s very important to wear sturdy shoes for this hike as it’s very rocky. No flip flops!

There’s also a second, higher, viewpoint called Mala Osojnica which if you have energy, you can do after this hike – especially if it gets crowded with people as I don’t think many people keep going to Mala Osojnica.

I know we didn’t.

After this hike and our walk to and from Vintgar Gorge the previous day, we headed back to our hostel for breakfast and a long nap!

Swim in Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is the largest lake in Slovenia and it’s just a short bus trip away from Bled. From the center of town take the bus to Lake Bohinj, after a 30-minute ride you’ll arrive in a small town. The town looks similar to Bled but is much less crowded. You can get off in town or keep riding the bus to get closer to the Lake. We got off at a campground called Camp Zlatorog.

Here there are restrooms, a place to rent paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks, and some food. Although, I recommend bringing a little bit of a picnic with you. It’s very rocky, so find a place to get somewhat comfortable and chill. The water is incredibly refreshing on a hot summer’s day. You could easily spend an entire afternoon here, and definitely think that you should.

Just be sure to know the bus schedule back to Bled. There are places to stay in Bohinj should you decide you want to explore this area a bit longer as there are a number of hiking trails in this area as well.

If you’re visiting in the winter, there are a number of great ski resorts in Slovenia , including Vogel Ski Resort which is just a short drive from Lake Bohinj.

Where to Stay in Bled

There are plenty of options for places to stay in Bled. As mentioned a few times, be aware of the time of year you’re visiting as Bled gets incredibly popular and crowded from June to August. So it’s best to book in advance to ensure you have a place to stay. We stayed at a small hostel above a bar called Back Bar & Hostel that is run by a lovely woman and her family. There is a small kitchen and a balcony overlooking the Julian Alps.

There are plenty of B&Bs and hotels to stay in depending on your budget and style of travel. Check out the Booking map below to see what works for you.

Where to Eat in Bled

We didn’t eat out at all while we were in Bled. There is a small grocery store where we picked up items for a hearty breakfast and dinner. We snacked in between. But there are a plethora of places to eat in Bled, and supposedly there’s a famous cake to try. I don’t like cake so I didn’t go for it, but I did have some gelato lakeside which was fabulous.

Day 4 in Slovenia: Piran

Now you’ll go from swimming in Lake Bled to swimming in the Adriatic sea in Piran. Piran is a charming medieval seaside town located in between Italy and Croatia. It’s definitely a place you will get lost in the back alleys and find families cooking up a fresh seafood feast in the streets. And it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life.

How to Get to Piran

Overall it’s about a three-hour bus journey from Bled to Piran, with a connection in Ljubljana. When you arrive in Ljubljana you’ll have to buy a second bus ticket for Piran.

Start your first day in Piran at Tartini Square which is the center of Piran dedicated to the music composer, Tartini, who was born in this town. Here you can find a number of cafes and restaurants all worthy of a visit.

Tartini Square, St. George’s Church, & Old City Walls

From Tartini Square walk up to St. George’s church, a small church with excellent views of Piran and Trieste, Italy. You can pay a few Euro to walk up the bell tower of this church for a better vantage point if you wish.

After visiting St. George’s church, continue on up the hill to the old city walls. It costs €2 to walk these old city walls, and since I’d never been on any, I happily paid the small fee.

From the walls, you can look across to Venice and south to Croatia! Or just admire Piran’s terra-cotta rooftops, winding alleyways, and Tartini Square from above. This would also be an epic spot to catch the sunset!

Enjoy a Seafood Dinner

End your first day with a freshly caught seafood dinner without breaking the bank. I highly recommend eating at Fritolin Pri Cantini. You order your food at the window and find a free table. If there isn’t a free table, just ask to join one. A server from the neighboring bar will get your drink order and you’ll be set for a reasonably priced and freakin’ delicious meal.

Sunsets in Piran

Afterward, enjoy the sunset along the water and listen to live music at one of the spots in Tartini Square.

Day 5 in Slovenia: Piran

Today is all about relaxing! You can wander along the alleyways as you wish. Finding streets that intrigue you and take some photos. Always stop to chat with the locals.

I met a charming elderly gentleman on one of my strolls who started speaking to me in Slovene, when I said “sorry English” he, without hesitation, switched to speaking perfect English.

He and I chatted for quite a bit about world politics and news. I found it incredibly interesting getting the perspective of the US’ political climate from an older Slovene – it was truly enlightening the impact the US has on the rest of the world.

But I digress.

Once you’re done wandering, find a spot to swim! There aren’t really any beaches here, but there are concrete platforms with stairs leading into the warm and refreshing waters.

You could also walk towards Fiesa to find rocky beaches and fewer crowds for a quiet spot to swim and just relax the day away.

Use this final day in Piran to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of not just Piran, but all of Slovenia. Take these moments to reflect on your journey through Slovenia. The best of moments that are likely not the sweeping views, but those conversations you have with the people you meet along the way.

Have one more fresh seafood meal and gelato as the sun sets. When you’re ready, head back to the bus stop and on to your next destination. Whether that is home or somewhere else in this part of the world. I hope you enjoy the journey.

Where to Stay in Piran

I stayed in a cute hostel called Hostel Adriatic Piran . There I could do my laundry for free and it had a well-stocked kitchen. The WiFi was so-so, but I barely spent any time at the hostel.

Piran offers lots of options for hotels, hostels, and B&Bs. Check out your choices below.

If You Have More Time in Slovenia

I didn’t make it to these places due to budget and feeling a bit lazy, but I’ve heard from fellow travelers that the caves in Slovenia are ah-mazing. Postojna cave is the most popular , but I’ve heard equally good things about Skocjan caves. They would make an easy day trip from any of the locations listed on this Slovenia itinerary.

Also, for the adventurous side in you, you could spend a few days on the Soca River. Before I met up with my friend, she spent 5 days rafting, caving, zip lining, and hiking in the Soca River Valley. She said she had a pretty epic time, so if those activities are up your alley, then extend your Slovenia itinerary to include them!

Get More Help Planning Your Trip with These Books

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An Incredible 7 Day Slovenia Itinerary: A Complete Guide

Slovenia is an epic destination with a small coastline and gorgeous mountains, rivers and lakes. There is a fairy-tale quality to the entire country. You can easily spend several weeks in Slovenia, but we think 7 days is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of this amazing European destination. In this 7 day Slovenia itinerary, you will visit the capitol, spend a day on the coast, visit Lake Bled, hike in Triglav National Park and visit the Soca River Valley.

We spent a week in Slovenia as part of a larger two week Italy/Slovenia trip and while we loved Italy, we adored the slightly more laid back feel of Slovenia.

If you enjoy this itinerary, find more itineraries on Chasing ADVNTR .

As an Affiliate, I may receive compensation at no cost to you when you purchase something through a link on this page.

Why You’ll Love Slovenia

Slovenia is an adventure-lovers travel destination made up of mostly small towns spread between gorgeous mountains and valleys. This 7 day Slovenia itinerary is for you if you love adventure travel, hiking, and relaxed culture and food. It’s a great country for couples and we loved exploring the region as a family of 5 with 2 teens and a tween.

After spending a few extremely hot days in Rome and Venice, we loved the cooler temperatures and ease of getting around Slovenia. This country is all about enjoying the outdoors, so tie up your hiking boots and check out the itinerary below.

Things to Know About this Slovenia Road Trip

Using this itinerary.

This itinerary is designed for 7 days in Slovenia, but if you don’t have a full week you can find suggestions at the end of this articles outlining how to see Slovenia in 5 days. You can also find suggestions for how to make this a slightly longer 10 day Slovenia itinerary.

This itinerary is best done as a road trip, so you will need to rent a car. While you can get around many parts of Slovenia by bus or train, you will need more time to explore this way and you may not be able to get to every destination described below.

See a train schedule for Slovenia .

If you are renting a car, you can pick the car up at the airport. You can search RentalCars.com for good deals. It is possible to do the first day without a car, so you can also wait until the 2nd day to rent a car – this will save you some money, but you will end up spending more money on transportation and will need to take the extra time get your car on the 2nd day.

We didn’t fly into the airport since we were already on a road trip, so we rented a car in Italy and drove into Slovenia after spending one day in Venice . If you are doing this, double check with your car insurance, but otherwise you shouldn’t have any problem.

Whether you are renting a car or driving into Slovenia, you will need a Vignette sticker so you can drive on the road in the country. If you are renting a car, it should already come with a vignette, but it’s worth checking.

If you are driving into Slovenia as we did, you will need to purchase the vignette and affix it to your windshield. You can see up to date regulations and information about the vignette on the Slovenia website. We found the roads in Slovenia well maintained and in better shape than many of the other European countries we’ve visited.

Visit During the Warm Months

This 7 day Slovenia itinerary is designed to be done in the summer or warm season months. Slovenia has many winter adventure opportunities – if you are trying to plan a winter itinerary in Slovenia, you can find many great articles online, or check out this article for some ideas.

The best time for this one week in Slovenia itinerary is between April and October and if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in June-Sept. The table below shows the temperate and climate throughout the year in Ljubljana – note that in the mountains, the temperature will be cooler and you can expect more rain.

Quick Look at this 7 Day Slovenia Itinerary

This 7 day Slovenia itinerary basically makes a counterclockwise loop. Start your visit in the capitol of Ljubljana. After enjoying this beautiful city, drive an hour north to Lake Bled. Enjoy a few days in Bled and the surrounding area. After Bled, take an optional hut trip into Triglav National Park, or simply enjoy a day hike. Drive north over the mountains to the Soca River Valley and spend a few nights in Bovec where you will hike, kayak and visit some waterfalls. Finish up your 7 day Slovenia itinerary with a visit to Predjama Castle And Postojna Cave.

• Day 1: Explore Ljubljana
• Day 2: Lake Bled
• Day 3 : Lake Bled
• Day 4: Day Hike or Overnight Hut trip in Triglav National Park
• Day 5: Bovec
• Day 6: Bovec

Day 7: Bovec and Optional trip to Predjama Castle And Postojna Cave

Map of this slovenia itinerary: 7 days of adventure.

This itinerary assumes you arrive the day before and spend the night in Ljubljana but it is also possible to arrive on the morning of the first day of this Slovenian itinerary. We drove in early in the morning from Venice and still had a full day to explore the city.

Complete Details of this 7 Day Itinerary: Slovenia

Slovenia itinerary day 1: explore ljubljana.

Ljubljana is a beautiful city that is one of our favorite cities in Europe. The city is very walkable and you can see most of the attraction in just a single day. If you’ve rented a car, you can drive into the center of town and park at one of the parking garages for the day. Start your day with some Slovenian pastries at one of the many cafes in town.

Ljubljana Castle

Start your morning with a visit to Ljubljana Castle. Since this gets crowded, it’s best to visit early. The castle opens at 9:00 so you can take the funicular to the castle right after breakfast. Take a tour of the castle, or if you are feeling like some fun, consider doing the Escape Room/Castle.

See more about the  castle and purchase tickets on the official site .

After exploring the castle, head back into town for some lunch. There are many small restaurants along the water and we ate right near the market

Walk Through the Market, Old Town, Triple Bridge and Search for Dragons

After lunch give yourself time to wander along the river, cross the river over one of the many bridges, shop in the market, and search for the iconic Slovenian dragon. Legend states that the dragon was vanquished by the mythological figure Jason who then founded the town of Ljubljana. The Ljubljana dragon can can be found on statues and signs around town and most notably on Dragon Bridge.

Metelkova or Tivoli Park and Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church

If you still have the energy in the late afternoon, head a bit further from the center of town with a visit to Tivoli Park and the Methodius Church, or make a stop at the artsy Metelkova. Tivoli Park is just north of town and is a large park with statues and tree-lined paths. Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church are located just south of Tivoli Park and while it’s not that impressive from the outside, the inside of the building is stunning. Metelkova is an art commune created from old military barracks. Today the buildings are home to art galleries, cultural displays, and events. The area is covered in graffiti and people seem to love it or hate it.

Finish you day with a delicious Slovenian dinner – try the Monstera Bistro.

Where to Stay in Ljubljana

Below you can find a few hotel options, but you can also find a number of apartments and smaller boutique options at  booking.com .

Hotel Tresor:  A budget option just north of the Old Town but walkable

ONE66 Hotel:  This is a mid-range hotel located a bit north of town.

Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel : This is a luxury option with free bikes, a terrace and option for family rooms.

7 Day Slovenia Itinerary Day 2 and 3: Lake Bled

Start your morning with a drive to Bled. This drive is mostly on the highway and takes just an hour. While the drive is straightforward, traffic is possible, especially during the summer months.

We loved our time in Bled and were blown away by the scenery. There is plenty to do in the Bled area and you can easily find plenty of activities for a few days. Many people visit Lake Bled as a day trip from Ljubljana, and while it’s possible to see the highlights, this itinerary gives you a full day and a half in the Bled area with more time to hike in Triglav National Park.

Below you can find several recommended activities in the Bled area for day 2 and 3 of this itinerary.

Vintgar Gorge

This is a must if you are in Bled. This gorgeous and narrow gorge has a beautiful blue river winding through it. The gorge has a series of bridges and boardwalks that take you through the narrowest part and then you can follow a trail that loops back to the start of the hike. You will need to purchase a ticket to visit Vintgar Gorge and it’s best to book your tickets in advance .

Walk Around Lake Bled

The walk around Lake Bled is about 4 miles and is an easy trail mostly following paved or hard paths and boardwalks. The walk offer incredible views of the lake, the island, and Bled Castle. If the weather is nice, you can also stop for swim at many points along the walk. If you aren’t up for walking the entire path, you can rent bikes from several places in town for a reasonable price and bike around the lake.

Take a Boat out to the Island

One of the most iconic spots in Slovenia, the Church of the Mother of God  on Bled Island is the perfect place to take a row. Rent a boat for a few hours, or pay for a boat ride out to the island and enjoy the beautiful waters of Lake Bled. You can rent rowboats at a few places along the edge of the lake – you will find a few places along the southern part of the lake. The closer you walk to the island, the shorter the distance you will need to row to get to the island. Row out to the island and tie up for a bit and walk around the island. It’s good luck to ring the bell on the island, but you will need to pay a fee to visit this part of the church.

Visit Lake Bohinj and Slap Savica

Located about 30 minutes to the west of Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj is larger in size, but much quieter. Nestled right at the base of the mountains of Triglav National Park Lake Bohinj is beautiful and you can easily spend the day sitting by the lake and taking the short hike to Slap Savica.

The 30 minute drive to Bohinj is lovely and you will see many people out biking along this route.

Where to Stay in Bled

One of the best things about Lake Bled is that you can find a range of lodging options for every price. We staying in  Apartments Kapus Center  – this was an incredible location close to everything and had all the basics for our family of 5.

Below are a few options based on our visit to the area.

• Camping Lake Bled : This is a cute looking campground right near the Lake and if you’re visiting Lake Bled in summer, camping is a great option.

High Budget

• Adora Luxury Hotel : This is a stunning hotel in a beautiful location.

Where to Eat in Lake Bled

We had some great meals in Lake Bled. Below are a few of our favorite restaurants we enjoyed during our visit:

• Old Cellar Bled
• Mega Burger Bled
• Arroi Restaurant
• Tavci Kuhna

Day 4: Hut trip in Triglav National Park or day hiking in Triglav NP

On your 4th day in Slovenia, you will hike in Triglav National Park. There are many different trail options, but we recommend hiking the 7 Lakes Valley Loop. You can do this as a day hike while staying in Bled, or even better, book an overnight Slovenian hut trip.

The 7 Lakes Valley hike starts at Planina Blato that can be reached via a toll road. The entire loop is about 11 miles and makes a long day trip. The trail takes you up into the mountains through several large meadow areas dotted with mountain huts and cows. Once you ascend above tree level, the trail offers incredible views and several gorgeous alpine lakes.

While a day hike is a great way to see this area, the absolute best way to enjoy the mountains is by staying in one of the Slovenian Mountain huts. Like many other mountain areas of Europe, Slovenia is home to hundreds of mountain huts. These huts provide hearty meals, cheery hospitality, and a reasonably comfortable places to sleep.

For the 7 Lakes Valley Loop, the best hut to stay in is   Koča Pri Triglavskih Jezerih . You can easily reserve a spot in the hut in advance using the online system.

See more about visiting the 7 Lakes Valley and staying in a mountain hut .

Day 5 and 6: Bovec

Start the day by driving from Bled to Bovec. If you spent the night in the mountain hut, you will start by hiking out to your car and then driving to Bovec. The drive takes about 1.5 hours and goes up and north around Triglav National Park. This is a pretty drive, especially the last 30 minutes down the Soca River Valley.

Take your time on your drive and stop along the way for photos and views. If you have time, you may consider driving to Mangart Saddle on your way south.

Bovec is a wonderful Slovenian mountain town that feels steeped in adventure. Everywhere you look, people are hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting, or just out exploring. There is so much to do in Bovec that you can easily fill 2-3 days with activities during your one week in Slovenia. Below you can find my top suggestions for activities in Bovec, but I encourage you to see our full article about Bovec to see more options for this fun destination.

Drive Along the Soca River, visiting Soca River Gorge and other parts of the Soca River Trail

The Soca River is probably the most beautiful river I’ve ever seen. The clear blue color combined with the surrounding mountain views is stunning and truly the highlight of this area. The river runs a long distance through this incredible valley in the Julian Alps, and many of the best activities in the region involve spending time on or near the water.

While the river is pretty throughout this area, you should plan to drive and/or hike the Soca River. The Soca River Trail is a 15 mile point to point trail that starts near the source of the Soca River and follows the river as it makes its way down the valley. You can hike the entire trail, or drive along the river and hike short distances on the trail.

The Soca River Gorge is one of the most beautiful spots on this stretch, so make sure this is one of the stops along this drive.

Drive to the Mangart Saddle and Hike Mount Mangart

Unlike most of the trails and mountain peaks in the Julian Alps, Mount Mangart is partially accessible by a toll road. You can either drive to the Mangart Saddle and enjoy the epic views or drive to Mangart Saddle and hike all or part of the trail up Mount Mangart.

The drive up to the Mangart Saddle is heart thumping with sweeping mountain views, and steep drop offs along a curvy and narrow mountain road. The drive takes about half an hour and the road takes you right to the base of Mangart. Bring a picnic and and enjoy the mountain views.

If you’re feeling up for an adventurous hike, consider ascending the rest of Mount Mangart on foot. This hike is only a few miles long, but it is steep, challenging and incredibly exposed. While the hiking route up Mangart does not require special gear, there are a few sections with cables and many areas where are you hiking along a cliff edge. There are also a couple via ferrata routes that go up the mountain.

Do an Adventure Tour: Kayaking, Rafting, or Canyoneering

One of the best ways to enjoy the Soca River is by doing an adventure tour of the river. The Soca River is known for its white water opportunities and there are several tour companies in Bovec that offer kayaking tours or lessons, and rafting trips. We did a half day kayaking tour and had an absolute blast.

Another exciting tour in the are is to try canyoneering . Rappel, swim, and climb your way through the narrow canyons and waterfalls of the Bovec area.

Visit some of the Waterfalls

The Soca River Valley around Bovec is home to some stunning waterfalls. Most of these waterfalls are easy to get to on relatively short hikes. Three of the best waterfalls are Slap Boka, Slap Kozjak, and Slap Virje. Eash of these waterfalls offers something slight different.

• Slap Boka Waterfall:  Just 5 miles south of Bovec, the Boka Waterfall can be seen from the road or via a short hike.
• Slap Kozjak Waterfall :  located a bit south of Bovec, this waterfall is inside a hidden cave.
• Slap Virje Waterfall:  This wide cascading waterfall is really lovely and ends in an emerald pool

Tomlin Gorge

Tomlin Gorge is a 1 km gorge in the Soca River Valley that is similar to Vintgar Gorge near Lake Bled. Tomlin Gorge costs between 6-10 Euros to enter and has a series of gravel trail, stairs and boardwalks that take you through this narrow canyon.

If you are planning to visit Tomlin Gorge and are heading south on Day 7 of your 1 week in Slovenia itinerary, this may be the best time to visit Tomlin Gorge as it is just south of Bovec.

See more about visiting Tomlin Gorge .

Where to Stay in Bovec

Below you can find some of the best Bovec accomodations:

• Apartment Mars:  This is where we stayed. It is a basic apartment in the top level of a house. The host was great and we loved the views from the porch.
• Hotel Mangart : This hotel looks excellent with beautiful views located just a bit outside of town
• Hotel Soca:  This hotel is located right in Bovec and has a sun terrace and swimming pool.

If you are looking for something more budget friendly, you can also consider options for glamping or camping in Bovec. Here are a few locations to consider:

• Socaland Glamping
• Camp Korita

Where to Eat in Bovec

We enjoyed eating our in Bovec. When we visited in July of 2022, we found the restaurants busy and unless you are eating extremely early, you should make sure to get a reservation. Below are our favorite Bovec Restaurants:

• Bovska kuhn’ca – Bovec kitch’n 
• Sovdat 
• Gostilna Pri Mostu 
• Gostilna pod lipco

On your final day of your Slovenia 7 day itinerary, you have two options depending on where you are heading next. If you are flying out of Ljubljana or are driving towards Venice or Croatia, you can get an early start and visit Predjama Castle And Postojna Cave. If you are heading north, you can enjoy the morning in Bovec before heading on your way. We left Bovec on the last day of our Slovenian itinerary after visiting some waterfalls and drove into Austria for the day before heading to the Dolomites for the next week.

Predjama Castle And Postojna Cave

Nestled into a rock on the edge of a cliff, Predjama is an impressive and magical Castle. Combine this with an equally incredible visit to Postojna Cave. The only way to visit the cave is on a tour that includes an underground train ride that takes you through massive stalactites and stalagmites.

Depending on your travel plans , you can visit the cave and castle on your last or first day on your Slovenia travel itinerary. You can see more about visiting these two sites on the official website .

Adjusting this Itinerary

This 1 week Slovenia itinerary gives you enough time to explore the mountain, river and lakes around Triglav National Park, Ljubljana, and Predjama Castle And Postojna Cave. If you don’t have exactly 7 days, you can easily shorten or extend your itinerary. Below you can find some suggestions on how to best adjust this Slovenia trip planner.

5 Days in Slovenia

With 5 days in Slovenia, you will want to choose to either visit Bled or Bovec. While it’s possible to still go to both destinations, you will end up spending most of your time in a car. Bled is the closer destination and has a stunning lake and nearby mountains, while Bovec is a bit further to drive.

Your Slovenia 5 day itinerary should include a day in Ljubljana. On day 2 do a day trip to Predjama Castle And Postojna Cave. On days 3-5 head to Lake Bled (or Bovec) and enjoy hiking and activities on the water.

This itinerary also works if you only plan to spend 4 days in Slovenia – you can either cut out the visit to the cave/castle, or the day in Ljubljana.

6 Days in Slovenia

With 6 days in Slovenia, you have time to complete the 7 day Slovenia Itinerary described above and will just need to cut out one of the days. The easiest day to cut out is the visit to Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave, but you could also remove one of the days in Bovec or the day hiking in Triglav National Park. Your 6 day Slovenia Itinerary could look like this:

• Day 1: Ljubljana
• Day 2-3: Lake Bled
• Day 4-5: Bovec
• Day 6: Predjama Castle And Postojna Cave (or add an additional day to Bled or Bovec)

10 Days in Slovenia

If you have more time to spend in Slovenia, spend the last few days exploring the small but beautiful coast. Drive south down to the coast and the town of Piran. The coast of Slovenia has its own appeal – walk the cobblestone streets and admire the medieval walls. You can also consider a visit to the town of Maribor in eastern Slovenia.

See more on What to do on the coast of Slovenia.

Things to Know About Visiting Slovenia

Below you can find some common questions about visiting and planning a trip to Slovenia. If you have additional questions, leave a comment and I’ll continue to update this section.

Is Slovenia Worth Visiting?

Slovenia is an incredible country and a great place to visit if you enjoy outdoor adventure activities like biking, hiking, and kayaking. Slovenia is also a beautiful country that feels magical with beautiful castles and dragons.

How Many Days Do you Need in Slovenia?

You should plan to spend between 5-10 days exploring Slovenia. You can easily combine a road trip of Slovenia with a trip to Italy or Croatia, or fly directly into Ljubljana.

Can you really see Slovenia in 7 days? A week in Slovenia is the perfect amount of time to explore a few of the countries best areas, spend some time in the mountains, and visit the Capital.

Is Slovenia Expensive?

Slovenia is less expensive then many other European countries and the United States. We found food, activities, and lodging to all be less expensive than neighboring Italy and Austria. You can also save money when traveling in Slovenia by shopping for some meals at the grocery store.

Do They Speak English in Slovenia?

We found most people in Slovenia, especially in the popular tourist destinations, speak English. We found Slovenia an incredibly easy country to visit. We found the people in Slovenia friendly.

Is Slovenia Safe?

Slovenia is considered safe and has a low crime rate. There is still petty crime, and usual caution should be used when traveling and visiting touristy areas.

About the Author: Gretchen Stuppy Carlson

A passionate adventurer dedicated to getting families outside and exploring. Gretchen is an expert in adventure travel with 15+ years of experience working in outdoor education and travelling with her own family.

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Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary: 7 Days in Slovenia

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From the dramatic Julian Alps to glassy lakes and streams to charming coastal towns to lush forests to unique caves – teeny-weeny Slovenia has it all! Indeed, an essential bucket list addition . An outdoor lover’s haven, Slovenia is best explored by car. Our 7 Days in Slovenia Itinerary will help you explore the best of the country on a Slovenia road trip.

7-Day Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary: An Introduction

Our Slovenia itinerary perfectly fits families and couples who love road-tripping . Having said that, you need to rent a car in order to explore Slovenia. We love Discover Cars  when it comes to renting a car anywhere in the world. Read our guide to renting a car in Europe before you rent a car in Slovenia.

PS: You can easily combine a trip to Slovenia with Croatia , Austria , and Italy.

One Week in Slovenia Itinerary: Brief Slovenia One Week Itinerary

Read More: Tips for Planning a Perfect Road Trip

Detailed 7 Days in Slovenia Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in ljubljana | explore ljubljana.

Your Slovenian adventure begins in Ljubljana , the capital and the largest city of Slovenia. Just so you know, Slovenia’s largest city is one of the smallest European capitals.

Drop your luggage at your hotel and head out to discover the wonders of Ljubljana. Choose to stay in the center of the city so it’s easy to explore the major attractions on foot.

We stayed at Antiq Palace . It’s a charming little luxury hotel tucked in a quiet spot in the heart of the city and is rated highly for its location and services.

Strolling the charming streets of Ljubljana is the best way to take in the vibe of the city. Stop by Prešeren Square , Franciscan Church of the Annunciation , Cathedral of St. Nicholas , Triple Bridge , Butcher’s Bridge , Dragon Bridge , and Stari Trg .

Have coffee and cake at Lolita – Cankarjevo Nabrezje.

Now take a funicular or urban electric train to Ljubljana Castle or you can also walk up the hill. Whatever way you choose to reach the castle, you are sure to be rewarded with stunning views.

Spend an hour or so exploring the castle grounds before you head to Restavracija Strelec for lunch.

For late afternoon, stroll through or relax at beautiful Tivoli Park . You can choose to visit one of the many amazing museums in Ljubljana. We recommend the House of Experiments if you’re traveling with kids.

And, yes climb the famous skyscraper, Neboticnik  for the best views over Ljubljana.

End your day with dinner and drinks at Monstera Bistro .

PS: If you missed a few places on your Ljubljana itinerary , you can cover those on your last day as you’re returning to the capital for your flight back home.

Where to stay in Ljubljana?

Luxury accommodation: Grand Hotel Union | Antiq Palace Mid-Range accommodation: Adora Hotel Budget accommodation: City Hotel Ljubljana

Read Next: Best Things to do in Ljubljana

Day 2: Visit Bled | Explore Kranj on the way

A tiny island right in the heart of a bluish-blue lake – that’s Bled , Slovenia’s poster child! Today, you’re going to drive to Bled. The drive is short (45 minutes) and beautiful.

We stopped by Kranj , one of the most unexplored places in Europe. Kranj is small yet mighty. You can explore the town in less than 2 hours.

Read More: A Complete Guide to Kranj, Slovenia

PS: You can also choose Skofja Loka , Kamnik , or Radovlijica over Kranj. Or you can explore all of them if you’ve time.

Once in Bled, walk around the lake , visit Bled Castle and Bled Island , take a tour of the lake by a pletna or rowboat , rent a kayak , or go stand-up paddleboarding or swim in the lake , hike Mala Osojnica for the best views of the lake , or sample the famous Kremsnita (Bled Cream Cake.)

The best places to try Bled Cream Cake are Park Hotel and Cafe Belvedere .

Where to stay in Bled? Luxury accommodation: Vila Bled Mid-Range accommodation: Old Bled House Budget accommodation: STATUS Apartments

Must Read: Best Things to do in Bled, Slovenia

Day 3: Vintgar Gorge | Lake Bohinj

One of the best natural attractions in Slovenia and the first mountain gorge in Slovenia that’s opened to the public, Vintgar Gorge is a 1.6 km canyon crafted by the Radovna River in the Triglav National Park. Vintgar Gorge is one of the easiest hikes in Triglav National Park . A beautiful trail involves walking over the wooden walkways and bridges called Žumer Galleries along and across the glassy Radovna River . Šum waterfall at the end of the trail is a sight to behold. It takes a little less than an hour to walk the entire length of the gorge.

PS: Plan to arrive as soon as the site opens to avoid the tourist crowds. Plus, you’ll have enough time to explore Lake Bohinj, your next stop.

Enjoy the hearty lunch at Gostilna Vintgar before you head for Lake Bohinj.

Essential Reading: An Ultimate Guide to Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia

Just about 30 minutes away from Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj is another beautiful Slovenian lake located in the Bohinj Valley . While you are here, explore a little charming town on the bank of Lake Bohinj, Ribcev Laz , hike Mostnica Gorge , take an Instagram-worthy pic at Voglom pier , ride the Vogel Cable Car , visit St. John Baptist Church , hike the Savica waterfall , indulge in water sports at Lake Bohinj , and walk along lake Bohinj .

For dinner, we recommend Foksner or Pizzeria Pr’Košnik or Restaurant Triglav Bohinj .

Day 4: Soča Valley Road Trip

A road trip through Soča Valley is the stuff dreams are made of. It’s one of the most beautiful road trips in Europe .

Whooshing around the 50 hairpin bends, up and over the Vršič Pass , along the ever-changing Soca river , climbing 5,285 feet in 193 km (120 miles) – It’s utterly thrilling and beautiful. Lake Jasna in Kranjska Gora , Bovec , Kobarid , and Tolmin Gorge are some of the lovely stopovers along the way.

Stop for lunch at Kuhnjca lokalnih dobrot in Bovec or Hisa Franko in Kobarid.

You can even drive up to Slovenia’s highest mountain road, Mangart Saddle , or the Mangart Pass . It serves as a starting point for hiking Mount Mangart.

Soča Valley is a famous adventure sports destination and thus, you can indulge in so many adventurous activities like biking, hiking, zip-lining, paragliding, white water rafting, kayaking , bungy jumping, fishing…you name it!

Day 5: Predjama Castle, Postojna, and Škocjan Caves

The world’s largest cave castle, Predjama Castle is a little over an hour’s drive from Bled. You’ll drive past Ljubljana.

Postojna Cave, well-known as the  Queen of Caves , is an unusual karst cave. A 90-minute historic train journey takes you to the 24-kilometer-long underground network of galleries, chambers, and corridors. The cave, at 10 °C temperature is wet and chilly all through the year so, make sure to dress appropriately.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Škocjan Cave is about half an hour away from Postojna. It’s a unique cave system carved out by the Reka River. A 2-hour guided tour (Through the Underground Canyon) takes you through the cave.

The second tour that follows the 2 km long path of the Reka River called Following the Reka River Underground is available from April to October .

Once you’re done with the day’s exploration, head to Piran for a night’s stay. Piran is about a 40-minute drive from Škocjan.

Where to stay in Piran?

Luxury accommodation: Hotel Piran | Casa Al Porto Antico Mid-Range accommodation: MEMENTO B&B Piran Budget accommodation: Apartments Vela

Day 6: Bled to Piran | Explore Piran

A tiny beautiful town, best known for its pier and Venetian Gothic architecture, along the Adriatic coast that sits at the tip of a tapered peninsula, Piran is pure love. No wonder it’s counted among some of the most beautiful places in Slovenia . Walk th e Old Town walls , stroll the charming winding alleyways , climb the Bell Tower to drink in the gorgeous views, and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the ocean.

PS: If time and energy permit, you can cram a Nature Park Strunjan (12 minutes drive from Piran) or/and a port city of Koper (24 minutes drive from Piran) into your Slovenia travel itinerary.

You can choose to spend the night in Piran or plan to head back to Ljubljana the same day. It all depends on your flight schedule. Ljubljana is 122 km (1 hour 30 minutes drive) from Piran.

Day 7: Head Back to Ljubljana | Fly Back Home

An easy and short drive from Piran will take you to Ljubljana. The day is at leisure. You can explore the sights you missed on the first day in Ljubljana, can indulge in last-minute shopping, or can relax as you wait for a flight back home.

Make sure to return your rental car on time to avoid last-minute hassles.

That’s it! Hope our 1 week in Slovenia road trip itinerary helps you craft yours in a jiffy. If you’ve any queries about this 7 day Slovenia itinerary, comment below and we’ll be happy to answer 🙂

Recommended Reading: Renting a Car in Europe Schengen Visa for Europe How to Plan a Trip to Europe 7 Magical Places to Visit in Slovenia A First Timer’s Guide to Ljubljana, Slovenia Best Things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia Lake Bled, Slovenia Kranj, Slovenia

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The Perfect 7 Day Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary

Slovenia may be a tiny country, but it is, above all else, an intensely beautiful one. This Slovenia itinerary will show you the absolute best highlights of the country on a fun Slovenia road trip!

Slovenia is one of our favorite countries to road trip in Europe: its small size combined with its wildly diverse beauty, ranging from villages dotted with terracotta rooftops on the Adriatic Sea all the way to dramatic mountain peaks in Triglav National Park, make it incredibly rewarding to explore by car.

From stunning Lake Bled to adorable Piran, and from the dramatic beauty of the Julian Alps to the laid-back city of Ljubljana, here’s how to spend an unforgettable 7 days in Slovenia.

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Slovenia Itinerary

Renting a car for your slovenia road trip, can this slovenia itinerary work without a car, the perfect slovenia road trip itinerary, where to stay in slovenia, slovenia itinerary map, more than 7 days in slovenia, what to pack for a trip to slovenia.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

We’ve designed this 7 day Slovenia itinerary as a road trip, winding from the capital of Ljubljana, past Slovenia’s most beloved mountain lakes, through the stunning Julian Alps, and all the way down to the Adriatic Sea, before looping back to the capital city to catch your plane home.

That sounds like a much further journey than it is–if you drove this Slovenia road trip route straight through without detours or hikes, the driving would only take 6-8 hours–but that’s part of the joy of traveling in Slovenia: for such a small country, it is packed with a fantastic array of things to do and see.

While we intentionally started and ended this Slovenia itinerary in the capital city of Ljubljana, as that’s where you’ll likely fly into on a standalone trip, Slovenia can also be combined with either Italy, Croatia, Austria, or some combination of those for an amazing trip!

If you’re heading to Slovenia from outside of Europe, here’s a travel hint for planning your itinerary: check the flights to Venice if Ljubljana looks pricey. Venice is only a few hours from Piran and also makes an excellent starting point for this itinerary.

For most people, of course, taking a Slovenia road trip will require renting a car.

We recommend renting a small car through Discover Cars , which will allow you to compare the prices and inclusions of multiple companies at the same time and choose the best car for you from there.

For the purposes of this Slovenia itinerary, we recommend picking up a car the morning you leave Ljubljana–there’s no reason to pick one up for the night you spend in the city, as parking it will likely be a hassle and you won’t need it for exploring the capital.

Check rates & book your rental car with Discover Cars today!

For the most part, yes.

While we strongly believe that Slovenia is best experienced on a road trip, and you’ll absolutely see more of the country by driving yourself, if you can’t or would rather not drive, you can still cover the vast majority of the sights included on this Slovenia road trip itinerary through a combination public transportation and guided tours.

If you’re not planning to drive, we recommend basing yourself in Ljubljana and traveling from there.

This popular day trip to Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge and this day trip to Piran, Predjama Castle, and the Postojna Caves will give you a good idea about what options are available for guided tours around Slovenia.

Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana and start exploring.

If you’re flying into Slovenia, you’ll almost certainly arrive in the colorful, funky capital city of Ljubljana–and if you’re anything like us and basically any of our friends who have visited, you’ll immediately become smitten with it.

Ljubljana is an incredibly fun city, full of bustling cafes and interesting sights watched over by the ever-present Ljubljana Castle that looms over it.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the incredible (and incredibly intense) street art in Metelkova, snap photos at the Dragon Bridge, soak in the views from the grounds of the castle, and see the colorful Preseren Square.

Right by the square, you’ll be able to spot the city’s famous Triple Bridge, a unique piece of architecture that feels right at home in Ljubljana.

If you don’t have a chance to hit all the places you’d like in Ljubljana today, don’t worry–this Slovenia itinerary will loop back to the capital before you leave.

Where to Stay in Ljubljana

H2O Hostel — For the perfect combination of an ideal location and excellent reviews, while sticking to a budget, look no further than the popular H2O Hostel, located a mere 5-minute walk from the Triple Bridge. With both private room and dorm options, H2O Hostel is a flexible and fun place to stay in Ljubljana.

Check rates & book your stay at H2O Hostel today!

B&B Petra Varl — Located at the foot of Castle Hill and set in a 16th-century building in central Ljubljana, B&B Petra Varl is located within walking distance of the city’s major sights, gets excellent reviews, and beautiful city views.

Check rates & book your stay at B&B Petra Varl today!

Antiq Palace — Tucked into a quiet courtyard and housed in a former aristocratic home dating to the 16th century, this luxurious boutique hotel is within easy walking distance of Ljubljana’s most popular sights and features gorgeous rooms, excellent reviews, and two beautiful courtyards.

Check rates & book your stay at Antiq Palace today!

Day 2: Visit beautiful Lake Bled.

If you’re actively planning a trip to Slovenia, you’ve probably already seen Lake Bled about a thousand times in photos. Without a doubt, the view of tiny Bled Island nestled in the center of the large lake is the most famous image of Slovenia.

… And the reality is even lovelier than the photos can convey.

Lake Bled is an incredibly beautiful place that belongs on any Slovenia road trip itinerary.

While you’re there, visit Bled Castle for incredible views of the lake, rent a rowboat to head out to Bled Island (and the Church of the Assumption that sits on it), go swimming if the weather permits, sample a tasty piece of Bled Cream Cake, and hike along (or above) the lake.

Where to Stay in Bled

Villa Mint & Lavender — Featuring excellent reviews and housed in a local home, Villa Mint & Lavender is located within walking distance of Bled Castle and Lake Bled and is a quiet and beautiful place to rest during your time at the lake.

Check rates & book your stay at Villa Mint & Lavender!

Guest House Mlino — Located right on the shores of Lake Bled, Guest House Mlino has all the features you could hope for in a place to stay in Bled: excellent views, an onsite restaurants, great reviews, and easy access to all the best things to do in Bled–including a boat rental station right in front of the guest house.

Check rates & book your stay at Guest House Mlino!

Vila Bled — As the former summer home of President Tito, you know that Vila Bled is bound to be luxurious–and it is. Set in a gorgeous building right on Lake Bled, Vila Bled offers unparalleled views, spacious rooms, and an onsite restaurant, all tied together with excellent service.

Check rates & book your stay at Vila Bled!

Day 3: Check out Lake Bohinj and the Vintgar Gorge.

Bigger and slightly less manicured than–yet every bit as beautiful as–Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj is the perfect next stop on your Slovenia itinerary.

Whether you want to rent a boat, go swimming, or try out one of the many hikes near the lake, you’ll no doubt enjoy your time there.

Personally, we recommend making time for a visit to nearby Savica Falls as part of your day in and around Lake Bohinj. It’s easily accessible with a short walk and one of our favorite waterfalls in Slovenia (which is very high praise).

For the second half of your day, also consider heading to the stunning Vintgar Gorge to enjoy a different kind of natural beauty while hiking along its beautiful boardwalks.

Day 4: Go for a hike in Triglav National Park. 

In our opinion, Triglav National Park is among the most stunning national parks in Europe–and we don’t say that lightly.

Centered around Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps, the park is expansive and covers everything from the stunning Soca River Valley to the peaks of seemingly endless mountains.

Technically, the third day of this Slovenia itinerary already touches on Triglav National Park–Lake Bohinj is inside its borders–but it’s worth setting aside a full day to explore the park with a beautiful hike.

If you’d rather not climb high, look for something in the Soca River Valley, or consider chasing a couple of waterfalls (Pericnik Falls is fairly easy to access and stunning).

If you would like to see the mountains from above, there are dozens of trails to choose from! The photo below is a view of the Vrata Valley we found when hiking toward Sleme from near Mojstrana.

Day 5: Get underground (and visit a castle).

From soaring mountain peaks to incredible caves: the fifth day of your Slovenia road trip is likely to be a complete opposite from your fourth.

Slovenia is home to two popular caves, located about 30 minutes apart by car.

Choose one to explore this morning–personally, we chose to visit Skocjan Caves, which features an absolutely mesmerizing underground river and holds a UNESCO World Heritage distinction.

With a resume like that, you’d think they’d be the most popular caves in Slovenia, but no–Postojna Cave holds that designation. These caves are a bit busier and more developed, but still incredible to visit.

After finishing up your cave experience, head to Predjama Castle to check out another unique feature of Slovenia: a castle built right into the cliffside!

Day 6: Relax in picturesque Piran.

Charming Piran is the jewel of Slovenia’s small slice of Adriatic coastline, and the perfect place to kick back and relax as your Slovenia road trip nears its end.

Set on a tiny peninsula that juts into the sea, be sure to climb Piran’s town walls during your stay for the best view of its gorgeous setting.

Piran is also an excellent place for a swim in the sea, and for wandering semi-aimlessly up and down the charming maze of streets (you can’t get too lost on a peninsula this size!).

Be sure to also check out Piran’s beautiful marina, pass through Tartini Square, and visit St. George’s Cathedral during your time in Piran.

Where to Stay in Piran

Hostel Pirano — Located in the heart of historic Piran, Hostel Pirano is a reliably comfortable place to stay on a budget in Piran. With excellent reviews and both dorm and private accommodation available, you can’t ask for a better combination of convenience and price when visiting Piran.

Check rates & book your stay at Hostel Pirano!

Hotel Zala Piran — With comfortable rooms, a great included breakfast, and–as of a few years ago, at least–an adorable dog named Stella who lives downstairs, Hotel Zala Piran is an excellent option for mid-range travelers. Though it has undergone a name change since we were there, this is where we stayed in Piran, and we’d be happy to return.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Zala Piran!

Hotel Piran — Set right up against the sea and in the historic center of the city, Hotel Piran is one of the most popular places to stay in the city–and with good reason. With thousands of excellent reviews, swimming access right outside the door, and an included breakfast that guests rave about, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Hotel Piran.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Piran!

Day 7: Head back to Ljubljana & say goodbye to Slovenia.

As you prepare to say goodbye to Slovenia, make your way back to Ljubljana to turn your rental car in and head home (or to your next destination, as the case may be).

The drive from Piran to Ljubljana is only around 1.5 hours, so if you have extra time on your hands, consider exploring any sights in Ljubljana that you didn’t have a chance for the day you arrived in Slovenia.

You’ll likely want to move hotels throughout this Slovenia road trip–we’d recommend staying in Ljubljana, followed by staying in (or near) Bled for the next couple of nights, then in Triglav National Park, followed by staying overnight in (or near) Piran.

We’ve provided recommendations above, but as the potential places to stay when you visit Triglav National Park are so incredibly widespread and varied, that we didn’t specify any recommendations.

Personally, we stayed in this apartment near Mojstrana during our time in Triglav National Park and can’t recommend the location (or the wonderful Airbnb hosts ) enough.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

If you’re lucky enough to have more than a week in Slovenia, our first piece of advice would be to slow down and spend more time in each and every one of the places we included on this Slovenia itinerary, rather than adding on more stops.

Triglav National Park, in particular, can soak up tons of time, especially if you’re an avid hiker!

We once spent a week staying inside the park, and still constantly dream about returning to explore the area more thoroughly.

With more than 7 days in Slovenia, also consider heading to Bovec, often dubbed the adventure capital of Slovenia and an excellent place for exploring the Soca Valley, checking out the picturesque Tolmin Gorge, and stopping by the offbeat-but-beautiful city of Maribor. 

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and an exciting Slovenia road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry. We use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Slovenia.

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable. Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “The Perfect 7 Day Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary”

Thank you so much for sharing this itinerary! My sister and I used this as a guide for our Slovenia trip last summer and we absolutely loved it.

That’s wonderful to hear, thank you Hannah! So glad you had a great time.

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Slovenia Itinerary 7 days: Best of cities, lakes, & the Alps

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Located in central Europe, Slovenia is a small but diverse country. It was a part of erstwhile Yugoslavia, but you rarely see any of it in its architecture – the influence of the Austro-Hungarian rule is more prominent. In this Slovenia Itinerary 7 days, you will discover the best of the capital city, lakes, caves, and castles. We have included options for 3 to 5 days in Slovenia as well (both with or without a car!)

Perfect Slovenia Itinerary 7 days (+ ideas for 3 to 5 days in Slovenia trip)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

7 day Slovenia Itinerary: Snapshot

• Day 1 Arrive in Ljubljana. Stay in Grand Union Hotel
• Day 2 Explore Ljubljana 
• Day 3 Lake Bled and surroundings
• Day 4 Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle Half-Day
• Day 5 Triglav National Park Tour
• Day 6 Coastal towns of Piran
• Day 7 Maribor, Ptuj & Heart of the Vineyards

Slovenia Travel Guide: Preparing for your 7 days in Slovenia (+ 7 day road trip planning) 

• Capital City: Ljubljana
• Currency: Euro
• EU Member: Yes
• Tourist Visa: Schengen Visa
• National language: Slovene or Slovenian. Italian, and Hungarian are also spoken. English is widely spoken in touristy areas.

Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia . The city is known as the ‘green city’ (2016) and has one of the largest car-free zones in the European Union. If you are flying to Slovenia from the United States or Canada, you will arrive at the Ljubljana Joze Pucnik airport. 

When we were looking for flights, we found better options for Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, so we ended up arriving in Slovenia by road. 

If you plan to do a Slovenia road trip, you can pick up a rental car from the airport. We recommend staying at the city center in Ljubljana for your trip. 

If you stay at the recommended Grand Union Hotel – where we stayed, you get free parking. But you can find parking (paid on weekdays, and free on Sundays and Saturdays from 3 pm). 

We didn’t rent a car but used public transportation and tours to explore Slovenia. Also in the city center, you won’t need a car, you can pretty much walk and cover all the attractions. 

Slovenia belongs to the Schengen zone of countries, and it is an EU member . If you require a tourist visit to explore other European countries, then you will need Schengen Visa.

If you are planning to add a trip to Italy , Austria , or Croatia after your 5-day or 7-day Slovenia itinerary, then you can use the same visa to enter these countries.

For visiting Balkan countries, a multiple-entry Schengen Visa is required. Please check with the consulate for requirements. 

Quick History of Slovenia:

Modern-day Slovenia had been under the rule of many powerful kingdoms, from the Roman Empire, and Byzantine Empire, to the Republic of Venice, the Austrian Empire, and later the Austro-Hungarians. 

In the 20th century (First World War), the Slovenes co-founded the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs, which became the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, or the Kingdom of Yugoslavia as it is commonly known. 

The Slovenes are the South Slavic people, they have a unique culture, and language. When you visit Ljubljana or the towns in the Julian Alps, the Yugoslav influence is barely there. 

The coastal areas have the Venetian allure, having been ruled by the Republic of Venice.

For most of its history, Slovenia was largely controlled by the Habsburgs of Austria. Post World War II, it was under Communist rule. Slovenia was the first country to break away from Yugoslavia, and after its dissolution in 1991, Slovenia followed a multiparty democratic political system. 

Slovenia is economically prosperous, its buildings, roads, and infrastructure (and views of course) are well maintained, and oozes a kind of royalty that you will find in cities like Vienna (when compared to Ljubljana – which is also a green city!)

Although it is a Balkan state, it is very different from other countries like Serbia, North Macedonia, or Romania.

Ljubljana Slovenia Itinerary 3 days or 5 days

If you are pressed for time and wish to explore Slovenia in 3 days, then spend one day each in Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and choose from Triglav National Park, or Postojna cave & Predjama castle. This will allow you to comfortably see the city, the iconic lake, and a bit more, without rushing!

If you only have 5 days in Slovenia, feel free to pick a sightseeing itinerary from any of the individual ‘days’ to customize this trip.

Keep reading to get the full Slovenia Itinerary for 3 to 7 days.

Day 1 of Slovenia Itinerary 7 days: Arrive in Ljubljana 

On day one of your Slovenia itinerary plan to arrive in the capital city of Ljubljana by noon. 

Ljubljana is served by the Ljubljana Joze Pucnik airport (aka Ljubljana Airport). You can book flights from the UK, or get connections from North America.

We found better flight tickets from Canada to Zagreb via Amsterdam and then continued the onward journey by road. Zagreb to Ljubljana is less than 2 hours. We joined a group tour to reach Slovenia and stayed back.

You can opt for a car rental, go road tripping through Slovenia and explore in 5 to 7 days. Public transportation – trains are available. It takes 3+ hours to reach Ljubljana from Zagreb Central Station. 

Reserve Car Rental: Prepare Ahead

If you need a car rental, we recommend comparing and checking prices on Discovercars.com to book yours.

Once you arrive in Ljubljana, settle into your hotel, preferably in the city centre area. We stayed at the Grand Union Hotel in Ljubljana .

In the afternoon, from the hotel make your way to Prešeren Square , located in the heart of the city. Wander the beautiful lanes and check out the architecture on each side of the Ljubljanica river.

After a quick stroll, head to Ljubljana’s vibrant farmers market to discover hidden gems and local food items. Take a walk first, and then sample and taste different food items. 

The Ljubljana Central Market stretches from the iconic Triple Bridge and the Dragon Bridge, on the right side of the curve of the River. Except for Sundays, the market is open everyday. You will find a flower market (Pogačar Square and Vodnik Square), a fish market, and bakery, dairy, and meat stalls.

Near the Triple Bridge, you can also shop for arts and crafts (souvenirs), and herbs and spices. 

We wanted to introduce you to the foodie side of the city on day one, as Ljubljana is slowly emerging as a gastronomic heaven and a green or eco-destination. 

If you prefer to explore with an experienced local guide, opt for this 3 hour food and walking tour. This tour starts at 12:30 pm.

In the evening, you can make your way to Tivoli Park. Tivoli City Park is the largest park in Ljubljana. It is located on the western outskirts of the city centre. It was designed in 1813 by the French engineer Jean Blanchard.

The park covers an area of approximately five square kilometers, and is home to many chestnut trees, fountains, and walking and jogging areas. 

You will enjoy browsing through the outdoor photographs and exhibitions set up at the Jakopič Promenade (Jakopičevo sprehajališče). This was designed by architect Jože Plečnik, and it is located in the central part of Tivoli Park. 

At the park, you can enjoy the sun go down the slopes of Rožnik hill, and spend a romantic evening walking through the sprawling green space – hand in hand. 

After spending an hour or so here, head to the city centre for dinner and drinks. You will love the ambiance of Ljubljana in the late evening. The Prešernov trg Square and the banks along the Ljubljanica River are stunning, and it comes alive with lights, and music. 

We enjoyed a lovely dinner in the Petkovšek Embankment area (by the river) . 

Read : One day in Ljubljana itinerary

Day 2 of Slovenia Itinerary 7 days: Explore Ljubljana 

On day 2 of your Slovenia itinerary, wake up to breakfast, and don’t forget to try the Slovenian Cream Cake! 

If you stay at the Grand Union Hotel, breakfast will be included. They serve a huge variety of continental food and beverage selection. 

We do recommend stepping outside for breakfast on one of the days to try out a local cafe. Our favorite breakfast place in Ljubljana is the Le Petit Cafe . You can try homemade granola with dried fruits and it is served with yogurt or soy milk. 

Today, you will enjoy one of the most beautiful and underrated cities in Europe. Although the origins of the city of Ljubljana are unclear, many sources date back to the 12th century. In 1335 it came under Hapsburg rule, and since the end of the Middle Ages, it assumed the role of the Slovenian cultural capital.

You can explore many of the important landmarks in Ljubljana in a day. All of the tourist attractions are located in the city centre or near it. 

Ljubljana’s Old Town is adorned by architectural gems – bridges, markets, houses, churches, and buildings from the Austro-Hungarian rule. As you walk the various lanes of the centre, you won’t even notice that Slovenia was a part of erstwhile Yugoslavia. 

The city’s most famous landmarks include the following,

• Prešernov trg Square: From the hotel, as you make your way to the River Ljubljanica and the bridges, you will arrive at the main Prešernov trg Square. From this square, you can soak in the city views, and click some Insta-worthy photos.
• Baroque-style Franciscan Church of the Annunciation: On the north side of the square is the grand Baroque-style Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Stop by to admire the pinkish-red facade of the Church. And then there is the Hauptmann’s House which represents an architectural masterpiece considered to be one of the few buildings in Prešeren Square to have survived the earthquake of 1895. 
• River Ljubljanica, and the famous Triple Bridge: On the south of the Square is the River Ljubljanica, and the famous Triple Bridge (Tromostovje). This bridge was built in 1929 by Joze Plecnik. It connects the historical and the medieval town of Ljubljana, on one bank, and the modern city, on the other.
• In the eastern part of Prešeren stands the Central Pharmacy building; to the west, the square is lined by Wolf Street (Wolfova Ulica) bound for Congress Square (Kongresni Trg).
• Butcher’s Bridge and the sculptures: This is one of the newer bridges in Ljubljana, and it connects the Ljubljana Central Market and the Petkovšek Embankment (Petkovškovo nabrežje). This bridge is very unique with sculptures and figures from Ancient Greek and Christian/Jewish mythology.

• Admire the Dragon Bridge – Zmajski Most : Another bridge that is located not far from the Central Market is the famous Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most). The statues of the green dragons on the bridge are iconic to the city of Ljubljana, and you must take a photo with the dragon here to remember your trip! I
• Mestni trg square: Mestni trg square is the major (and old) town square of Ljugbliana. The buildings and structures in and around the Mestni trg square date back to the 12th century. Stop by here to check out Baroque palaces, Town Hall, and the popular Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers (designed by Venetian-born sculptor Francesco Robba).
• The Robba Fountain, also located at the square, is modeled on the famous Roman fountains and is considered to be one of Ljubljana’s best-known Baroque monuments. It was created in the mid-18th century. 
• Visit Ljubljana Cathedral aka St. Nicholas’s Church: The gorgeous Ljubljana Cathedral was built on the site of a Romanic church, which dates back to 1262. 

Explore Ljubljana Castle 

Set aside a few hours to explore the Ljubljana Castle. Many of the attractions listed above are for free, but this one has an entry fee and is completely worth it.  You will love the views from Castle Hill over the city centre of Ljubljana.

The castle stands on a hill, and it was originally a medieval fortress from the 11th and 12th centuries. It was used as a defense structure. The way you see the Castle today was formed in the 15th century. This castle is depicted on the city’s coat of arms, along with a dragon on top.

You can spend anywhere from 1.50 to 2 hours at the Castle complex. You can climb the hill to reach the top, or take a funicular ride to the top. We booked a tower and castle combo ticket and explored the complex, and visited various exhibition halls. 

Here is a combined ticket with sightseeing in Ljubljana.

During our visit, an exhibition on the Yugoslavian history and Slovenia’s origins were on display. There is a puppet museum (permanent exhibition) onsite as well.

The views from the tower are breathtaking, and are a photographer’s and a history lover’s delight! 

Entrance tickets to the castle, it is 10 EUR ($13 USD) and includes entry to the Viewing Tower, Virtual Castle (a short movie about the Castle’s history), Slovenian History exhibition, Museum of Puppetry, and Once Upon a Time exhibition.

After visiting the Castle complex, stop by the Ljubljana Tourist Center for some photos.

In the late afternoon take a walk down to the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church. This church is also known as the Orthodox Church – an Eastern Orthodox church building located in Trubar Park. Near the church are the Museum of Modern Art and west of the National Gallery of Slovenia. 

After all the sightseeing, finish the day with drinks at The Nebotičnik Cafe. The cafe is located on the top of the Nebotičnik (Skyscraper) building. 

The Skyscraper was built in 1933 and was the tallest building in the Balkans at the time of its construction. The Skyscraper brings in the architecture created between the two World Wars and one with beautiful city views from all directions. 

The sky rise building still serves its original purpose and houses shops, restaurants, offices, and residential flats.

Day 3 of 7 days in Slovenia Itinerary: Visit Lake Bled & nearby areas

One of the highlights of our trip to Slovenia was visiting the beautiful Lake Bled area. We went on a day trip, but you can stay here overnight as well. We browsed through a few properties and came across this one with views. 

Optional accommodation : Hotel Triglav, you can check the photos here . This hotel is a beauty, and the views from their restaurant and suites are to die for – just absolutely gorgeous!

Lake Bled is a beautiful glacial lake located in the Julian Alps, in northwestern Slovenia. It is super easy to reach Lake Bled from Ljubljana

Ljubljana to Lake Bled: 45 minute by road, traveling a distance of 55.4 km or 34.4 miles

You can also explore Lake Bled on a day tour. Here are some tour options via GetYourGuide (our favorite tour provider in Europe. They also have a very generous cancelation policy),

• Lake Bled and Bled Castle Tour (round trip, guided tour, and free time)
• Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge Tour

In Lake Bled, take a walk in and around the lakeside, enjoy a nice stroll on the boardwalk, and take amazing photographs of the lake, castle, and the Julian Alps. 

You can also rent a bike, and go biking at the lake. 

If you are up for a hike, head to the Mala Osojnica Viewpoint. The trail is open all year round and is it a short and easy hike that welcomes you to amazing views. 

To visit the beautiful island, and the church you have to embark on a boat ride aka pletna. A pletna is a traditional boat which is made by locals. With a boat ride, you will reach the island and visit the Church of the Assumption.

The church’s iconic 52 feet bell tower has been standing since 1465. The tower with the Karavanke Mountain Range in the background makes it one of the most picturesque places in the world. 

For the best views of the lake and the island head to the Bled Castle. Inside the castle, there are terraces, museums, and a cafe. The castle terraces offer spectacular views of the lake and its tiny island. 

Lake Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia. Entry tickets to Bled castle are €13 ($15 USD) per adult. Book them online here

Before you depart from Lake Bled, stop by one of the cozy restaurants by the lake, and enjoy coffee and Slovenian Cream Cake!

Note: If you are traveling by bus, here are some quick tips. Bus schedules vary on weekdays and weekends. The last departure bus trip will help you to plan the return journey to Ljubljana. 

• Weekdays: The first departure is at 6:00 am and the last is 9:00 pm.
• Saturdays: The first departure is 5:30 am and the last is 10:30 pm.
• Sundays : The first departure is at 7:00 am and the last is at 9:00 pm. 
• Timetables for Ljubljana to Lake Bled Bus Check timetables here

Read : Things to do in Lake Bled in winter

Day 4 of Slovenia Itinerary 7 days: Explore Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle

On day 4 of the Slovenia itinerary, plan to visit Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle. 

The distance between Ljubljana and Predjama is 57.7 km (36 miles). You can travel by road, bus, train or by tour.

• Buses take 2.50 hours. (Fare $18 to $46 USD, with one transfer)
• Trains take 2.25 to 2.50 hours. (Fare $18 to $40 USD, with transfers)

Transportation from Ljubljana stops at the Postojna Cave and then stops at the Castle. 

Here is a guided tour, which we recommend.

Postojna Cave is one of the most popular karst caves in the world. Its tour of the underground passages makes it one of the unique experiences in Slovenia. 

Once you arrive at the Cave complex, you can explore the 4 km (2.50 miles) cave system by electric train, and then walk through the beautiful chambers that showcase amazing handing (like stalactites of) stones, pillars, limestone curtains, and other extraordinary natural wonders.

It takes 90 minutes to complete the underground cave tour. We recommend spending 2 hours or so in total at the complex. 

From the Postojna Cave, head to Predjama and visit the Renaissance castle. The castle is beautifully built within the mouth of a cave, giving it a very fairytale-like vibe. The castle became known as the seat of the knight Erasmus of Lueg (or Luegg, Luegger), aka Robinhood of Slovenia.

The cave below the castle is part of the 14 km (8.69 miles) Predjama cave system, which is open to guests from May to September only (and closed in winter). 

If you are taking the day tour, you can buy combo tickets for the castle and Postojna Cave. 

Note that in July and August, you can hop on the free shuttle service between the cave and the castle, if you buy the combined ticket. Or just book a day tour.

Alternate Option: Instead of the Postojna Cave, you can visit the Skocjan Caves, which is home to the largest underground canyons in Europe. It is less touristy than the Postojna Cave, and in 1986 they were entered into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (natural and cultural). The distance from the Škocjan Caves to Predjama Castle is 30 minutes by road. 

Day 5 of Slovenia Itinerary 5 days: Explore Triglav National Park

For day 5 of your Slovenia itinerary (final day), we recommend opting for a day tour to explore Triglav National Park . In this full-day tour, there are multiple stops as you are driven along the 3.50 scenic route.

Triglav is the highest mountain in Slovenia and the highest peak of the Julian Alps. Its elevation is 2,863.65 metres. Triglav National Park is the only national park in Slovenia. 

The good thing about this tour is that they guide you on 3 nature hikes. They are completely optional, but if you wish to stretch your legs, take photos, and hike under an experienced hiker then you must join this tour. Hikes are around 30-45 minutes. 

This day tour is a good value for money, as they take you through Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and the Pokljuka plateau. 

The major attractions in this tour are the Vintgar Gorge, Alpine Radovna valley, Pericnik waterfall, Jasna Lake, and the village of Mojstrana. 

The Vintgar Gorge or Bled Gorge is a 1.6-kilometer gorge located inside the Triglav National Park. The gorge is carved by the Radovna River and showcases the beauty of the crystal-clear river amidst the rugged rocks. 

Views of Lake Jasna are just so beautiful. You will stop at this lake as you near Kranjska Gora along the road to the Vršič Pass . It is a very touristy area though and is at the confluence of Mala and Velika Pišnica.

Kranjska Gora is a cute alpine resort, and if you prefer to extend your trip in northwestern Slovenia then this is a good place to stay – near the mountains and glacial lakes of Triglav National Park. 

You can also set aside time to explore the little town, a 17th-century Liznjek House, and Nordic Center Planica (for winter sports). If you are extending your trip, add Soča Valley to your Slovenia road trip itinerary. Soča Valley is known to be an amazing outdoor destination to go hiking, glamping, and camping!

Check out this day tour here

Day 6 of Slovenia Itinerary 7 days: Visit Piran, and other coastal towns 

If you wish to swap any of the day itineraries above, you can do so with these 2 options. You can still keep Ljubljana as a base and then go on day tours. 

On day 6 of the Slovenia itinerary, explore the coastal side of the country. Venture to the small villages of Piran, Koper, Izola, Strunjan, and Portoroz. 

The Slovenian coastal region is made up of five towns, which were fishing villages once upon a time. They are clustered alongside cliffs on the Slovene Riviera.

This day tour from Ljubljana to the coastal area is perfect for culture and nature lovers. Soak in the views of the mesmerizing landscape, learn about their history, go hiking or biking trails, and eat (& drink) your heart out! The seafood and wine here are delicious!

(For hiking and biking trails, mid-March to mid-October is perfect). 

Check out the day tour to Piran and nearby areas here

Day 7 of 7 days in Slovenia Itinerary: Maribor and tour of the vineyards 

After visiting the mountains and the Slovene Riviera, explore hot springs, and vineyards next. 

If you are road tripping, start for Ptuj and Maribor.

The driving distance from Ljubljana to Ptuj is 1.50 hours. Trains take about 2 hours. Ptuj is a small Slovenian town, and it is also one of the oldest in the country. It is home to thermal springs, fields, and vineyards on the Drava Plain. 

Ptuj to Maribor is about 30 minutes by car. Trains can take up to 50 minutes. 

Maribor is the second biggest city in Slovenia and it was awarded the European Capital of Culture in 2012. You will love the relaxed and cultural vibe of the city of Maribor. Do check off Maribor’s gothic cathedral, their Main Square, and the Franciscan Church on your day trip. 

If you prefer a day tour (with stops at vineyards + planning to drink), then here is one you may want to consider.

Connections from Slovenia to other countries – Italy, & Croatia

After 5 or 7 days in Slovenia, you can continue to nearby European cities by road or public transportation.

The closest cities worth exploring are – Trieste in Italy and Zagreb in Croatia . They can be explored even on a day trip, and only take a few hours to reach (by road, tour, or train). 

• Ljubljana to Trieste is 1.50 hours by road. Buses take about 2+ hours
• Ljubljana to Zagreb is less than 2 hours by road. Buses take about 2.50 hours

On our Balkans trip itinerary , we continued from Ljubljana to Belgrade Serbia on an overnight bus. 

Slovenia Trip Planner: Additional Travel Tips 

If you are visiting Slovenia or Europe for the first time, here are some useful tips to help plan your trip

• Travel Documents: Slovenia is located in Europe, and is an EU member. For travelers with US or Canadian passports, you can travel visa-free for up to 90 days. If you require a visa to travel to the Schengen zone of countries, then you will require the same tourist visa to enter Slovenia.
• Travel Insurance: Don’t forget to insure your trip against medical emergencies, cancellations, and delays. Check out free insurance quotes here from Safety Wing
• Budget for Slovenia : Slovenia is not overtly expensive or affordable. Many of the hotels, restaurants, and shops were priced near how much we normally pay here in North America. You can easily survive with around $100 USD per person per day (for hotel, food, transport + tour)
• When is the best time to visit Slovenia: Slovenia is best explored during off-seasons, in the months of May and June, and between August and September. December is a lovely time to go to Slovenia to check out Christmas Markets.  
• What to eat in Slovenia : Highly recommend the delicious Bled Cream Cake, Belokranjska pogaca or traditional flatbread, meat stew, Carniolan Sausage, and super filly Jota soup. Don’t forget to try wine from the Riviera region.

We recommend spending 4 to 5 days in Slovenia to explore the capital city of Ljubljana, take day trips to Lake Bled, Postojna cave & Predjama castle, and also experience the outdoors at the Triglav National Park.

Summer months are great to visit Slovenia for outdoorsy activities, especially in the Soca Valley. But keep in mind city centres, Lake Bled boating and camping areas will be super crowded. Visiting in late August or September will allow you to enjoy stunning vistas and a relaxed city break without the crowds. If you are into winter sports, plan to visit Slovenia in January. Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in Triglav National Park, and nearby areas.

One full day is enough to explore the main city attractions of Ljubljana. Two days (with one overnight stay) will allow you to enjoy a relaxed break where you can take in the fresh air at Tivoli Park, enjoy local cuisines, or spend time wandering the Central Market.

Slovenia is not super expensive. It is not like Switzerland or Iceland you need to specially budget, but it is not as affordable as Belgrade or Zagreb either. The services and money value were at par with what we spend here in Canada. We found great accommodation at the centre, tours were affordable at less than $100 USD per day.

For a short trip to the Balkans, a visit to Slovenia and the north/central part of Croatia is an excellent choice. You can fly into Zagreb, and then travel to Slovenia and spend a couple of days there. After exploring Ljubljana make your way to Split, explore, and also cover Plitvice Lakes National Park.  If you wish to extend this itinerary, you can go further south to Dubrovnik, or head to Mostar from Split (Mostar and Sarajevo are located in Bosnia Herzegovina).

We hope you found our post useful in planning our next adventure to Slovenia! 

Read our Balkan Travel Guides below

• Balkans Package tours
• Balkan Road trips
• Croatia 7 day itinerary
• One week in Europe itineraries

Pin: Slovenia Itinerary Ideas: Ideas for Road trip to Slovenia & Sightseeing by tours

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Visiting Slovenia in the Summer: 2022 Guide

Another year, another update to our guide to visiting Slovenia in the Summer. This stunning country thrives in the sunshine as its land is lush with shades of green, the Alps towering in the distance, and crystal clear glacial water for a cool down.

Slovenia might not be on your radar for travel plans this summer, but I won’t be the first to tell you that no one is disappointed in stopping by for a visit. Most travelers tell me that they wish they could stay longer or can’t wait to return again.

Slovenia has not just the Alps and forests, but it has the Mediterranean, it has thermal waters, breathtaking views, and once in a lifetime experiences surrounded in unspoiled nature. I didn’t even mention the world-renowned chefs, wines, and food that are shockingly accessible (see: affordable).

Don’t sleep on Slovenia. This emerald gem will be your next favorite getaway.

I created this guide out of love for this country (my second home) and to help visitors get the most out of their time here. There is a lot to do and see. Can you believe that I have nearly 50 articles all about Slovenia?! It has been a labor of love and I hope that you will find something inspiring.

Traveling to Slovenia? Don’t forget to check out these guides.

• The Complete Slovenian Itinerary Planner
• The Ultimate Guide to Castles in Slovenia
• How to Spend One Day in Ljubljana
• An Introduction to Slovenian Food

Table of Contents

Safety and Health in Slovenia

Safety in most cases in Slovenia is not even a question. I have traveled around on my own to many remote corners of the country and had no issues or hesitations.

Do be mindful of pickpocketers in Ljubljana’s center. It can happen.

The 2021 Global Peace Index has Slovenia ranking 5th in the world.

In regards to any ongoing health and medical situations, please check local regulations, follow the rules, stay safe, and be kind. Here are some resources available in English.

Republic of Slovenia Offical Website

Slovenian Police Department

Republic of Slovenia Border Crossing During COVID-19 (includes countries on red list)

Summer Festivals and Events in Slovenia

Below I will be adding interesting events or opportunities for tourists throughout the summer. Using Ljubljana tourism events page is a great way to see what events are taking place including temporary exhibitions at museums.

Jump ahead to…

JUNE |  JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER

If you would like to see your event here, reach out at admin [at] wanderinghelene.com

Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna) Ljubljana | 10am – 9pm every Friday

Every Friday throughout the summer in the beautiful Pogačarjev Square you will find rows of stands each one with delicious offerings. You can explore Slovenian cuisine, Turkish, Iranian, Chinese, vegetarian, and more at this highly popular event.

Check the official Site for updated times and vendors.

MENT Ljubljana| June 8th-10th

MENT is a music festival that showcases local, regional, and Eastern European music – but also includes artists from across Europe. This year the festival is a three-day event across the city with over 70 musical artists confirmed.

Check their event page for more info.

Open Wine Cellars (Dnevi odprtih kleti) 2022 Goriška Brda | June 11th-12th

A yearly wine festival celebrating Rebula (Ribolla) in Goriška Brda with 34 different vineyards participating. It is hosted by Kontrabant. The day is spent wandering around vineyards, taking wine cellar tours, and of course wine tasting. 🍷 Read about my experience at DOK.

Facebook event page .

Street Food Market Maribor Maribor | June 16th-18th

A festival of food trucks and food stands in the center of Maribor.

Check their Facebook event page for more info.

Lent Festival Maribor | June 24th-July 2nd

One of the oldest and largest open-air festivals in Central Europe, the Lent Festival is held in Maribor every year with stages across the city hosting various events. It is a multi-cultural and multi-genre event with performances in pop, jazz, ballet, comedy, circus acts, yoga, and workshops (to list a few!). Read more at the official site.

Gin and Brin Festival Dutovlje | July 1st-2nd

A summer festival dedicated to gin! Try local producers’ products, see presentations, and eat traditional Slovene dishes made street food style.

Facebook page .

Film Under the Stars (Film pod zvezdami) Ljubljana | July 14th – August 6th

This event takes place at the Ljubljana Castle every summer. Watch movies under the stars with Ljubljana beneath you. Films are screened in their original language with English subtitles. English spoken films will have Slovenian subtitles.

Check Kinodvor’s event page for the schedule.

Floating Castle Snežnik Castle (Stari trg pri Ložu) | August 4th- 7th

A several day event that centers around Snežnik Castle with music performances, visual art installations, food and drink stalls, seminars, workshops, puppet shows, and much more. The festival proclaims it is an ethno/folk/fusion experience in nature.

Check the facebook page for updated information.

Teran and Prosciutto Festival (praznik terana in pršuta) Dutovlje | August TBA

A food and wine festival celebrating one of Slovenia’s beloved wines, Teran, along with their other love, prosciutto. The festival has been taking place since 1970 and is the largest of its kind in Karst.

Official website here .

Read more 🍷 about exploring the Karst region in Slovenia and tasting its delights!

Street Food Market Maribor Maribor | August 25th-27th

Idrija žlikrofi festival (praznik idrijskih žlikrofov) idrija | august 2 0th.

Žlikrofi originates in Idrija and Idrija žlikrof was the first Slovenian dish to be awarded protected geographical status in 2010. Every year the town of Idrija has a festival to celebrate their beloved dish.

Check the official site for the latest information.

Sad that you will miss the žlikrofi festival? 🤤 Check out this food and hertiage tour you can take in Idrija year-round.

Hotiza Fishing Days Hotiza | TBA

Life along the Mura River means fish is a pretty important staple in your diet. Here you can have fish prepared in the traditional way done in the village of Hotiza for more than a century.

Check the official event page for more information.

Bogračfest Lendava | TBA

Bograč is a type of goulash from the Prekmurje region. It is prepared with three types of meat in equal parts of onion among other ingredients. Each year in Lendava they have a cooking competition lining the street with large cauldrons slowly preparing this delicious treat.

Lendava Grape Harvest Lendava | TBA

The old vine festival maribor | sept 29th – october 2nd.

A wine festival to kick off the wine season in Slovenia. Explore and taste various Styrian and Slovenian winemakers’ products at this multi-day festival in the place where the oldest grapevine in the world still lives today.

Things to Do in Slovenia in the Summer

I’m sharing some of the best things to do in Slovenia during the summer months. These are some of my favorite places and at the top of my recommendations list.

Seaside and Swimming Experiences

There are no shortages of water in Slovenia with over 300 lakes, more than 50 rivers, a coastline to the Adriatic Sea, and mineral waters with healing properties throughout the country. Here are some of my personal suggestions:

Trip to Koper and Piran 

Piran is my favorite seaside town in Slovenia with the colorful Tartini Square, breathtaking views, and fresh seafood this Venetian influenced town gives you a taste of the Adriatic. Koper is often overlooked next to Piran, but I adore the Medieval center and Tito Square. It is also a great place to get some fried calamari from the market! Both are relatively small places and can be visited in one day.

• 11 Best Things to Do in Koper
• Piran: The Perfect Day Trip to the Slovenian Coast

Visit the Velenje Castle and Beach

Velenje is underappreciated by tourists but known and enjoyed by locals. The Velenje Castle is a treat for castle lovers and history buffs with incredible collections you will not see anywhere else. Saying beach is misleading, but this is what it is called in Slovene. Velenje Lake offers swimming, food stands, diving board, restroom facilities, and more for a fresh swimming adventure.

• Wandering Velenje Castle

Take a Dip in Lake Bled

Sure Lake Bled is famous for its Lake, Bled Island, Bled Castle, and especially kremšnita but did you know that you can swim in the lake? There is a designated area called Grajsko kopališče (Castle Bathing Area).

• Ljubljana to Lake Bled Day Trip

Cool off in Alpine Lakes

Head up into the Alps to visit Lake Bohinj, Lake Jasna, or Zelenci Nature Reserve for crystal clear waters and dramatic backdrops.

• An Alpine Day Trip from Lake Jasna to Mangart

Adventure Sports at Soča River

One of the crowned jewels of Slovenia is the Soča River. With striking blue-green color and 138 kilometers long, the Soča River is a must-see. For the active and adventurous you can go rafting, kayaking, SUP, fishing, canyoning, and more.

• A Guided Kayak Tour on the Soča River
• Rafting on the Soča River

Hiking and Nature Experiences

Visit triglav national park.

Triglav National Park is the only national park of Slovenia and without a doubt worth a visit. Here you will find hiking trails and water sports during the summer. Some highlights are Kranjska Gora, Bohinj, and the Triglav Lakes.

• Two Days in Triglav National Park

Food and Wine Experiences

Slovenia was announced as the European Region of Gastronomy for 2021 and 6 restaurants were just awarded Michelin stars , including 2 to famed Hiša Franko .

Cuisine and wine shift colors, taste, and smell as you travel throughout the country. Neighboring countries, climate, and most certainly the landscape have influenced Slovenian dishes immensely.

• Goriška Brda: The Wine Capital of Slovenia
• A Food and Heritage Walk in Idrija
• Explore Kras: Kraški Pršut at Pršutarna
• Eat Like Royalty in These Slovenian Castles

City Breaks and Castles

If city breaks are more your style and you fill your days with wandering streets, window shopping, stopping in cafes, browsing museums, and more then these itineraries are for you.

• The Ultimate Guide to Slovenian Castles
• Visiting Škofja Loka Castle in Slovenia
• A Weekend of Slovenian Castles

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Everything you need to know before you come to Slovenia

Mar 5, 2022 • 7 min read

Slovenia blends Italy's romance with the country calm of the Balkans © AzmanL / Getty Images

Slovenia is a borderland, marking the transition between Mediterranean Europe, Alpine Europe and the Balkans. It's a complex synapse between cultures and topographies, perched where the Adriatic and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, drawing traditions from both sides of the divide.

If this is your first visit to Slovenia, you’ll find landscapes born of the Alps and the Adriatic , and a culture that’s an amalgam of all of its neighbors – Italy to the west, Austria in the north, Croatia and the Western Balkans to the south and Hungary to the east.

It's no surprise that travelers are attracted to this famously outdoorsy Central European country. Travelers are often drawn to the edges – to points where coastlines meet the sea, where mountain ranges greet the sky, and where heritages intertwine. Slovenia’s complexities and contours all contribute to its allure.

Navigating this country – small in size but a heavyweight when it comes to adventure and discovery – isn’t difficult, but understanding how to do it better will only increase the pleasure of traveling here.

Planning your trip to Slovenia

Here are some things to prepare for before you reach Slovenia.

Start with “Good Day”

Slovenes speak Slovenian, and as this is a Slavic language, it can be a little challenging for English speakers. Monoglots need not worry, however. Since Slovenian is rarely spoken outside Slovenia, locals often speak English well, and German and Italian are also widely spoken. It still doesn’t hurt to have a few local words on hand. Dober dan is “good day,”  pro sim is “please,” and hvala is” thank you.”

Take advantage of tourism cards

Travelers are often reluctant to invest in city tourism cards out of skepticism about the savings possible from free or reduced prices. In Slovenia, that's a mistake, as these cards are good value when you consider the discount provided at most of the spots you’ve come to see. They also serve as a list of the area’s top sights to tick off your list. In most cases, the card will pay back your investment after only a few sights have been visited.

Many spots around Slovenia have discount-filled tourist card schemes, including Ljubljana , Maribor , and Bled , and prices are very reasonable. The 48-hour Ljubljana Card costs €39, for example, but that price allows free entry to many of the main attractions and even includes a free bus ride to and from the airport.

Plan to visit all areas of the country

It's easy to get swept up in the beauty, proximity, romance, and popularity of Slovenia’s western half. Attractions stuffed into this area include the capital, the Julian Alps , the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the Soča Valley , Lake Bled , Lake Bohinj , the country’s Goriška Brda wine communities, the hilly Karst Region , and the Adriatic Coast .

But for those who want to really experience Slovenia, it would be a travesty to miss the nation’s eastern side. Culturally leaning towards the Balkans, this half of the country is just as interesting and beautiful, and because of the buzz surrounding western Slovenia, it's also less crowded.

Start exploring in Maribor and Ptuj , connected by the Drava River in the northeast corner of the country. You'll find a slew of spa and wellness resorts peppering the country’s central-eastern region that are well worth unwinding in. And for history buffs, no trip to Slovenia would be complete without a trip to the Sava River in the southeast, where dramatic castles punctuate the landscape.

Etiquette in Slovenia

Break the ice by speaking to locals.

Slovenians won’t immediately say hello to strangers like Americans often do. That doesn’t mean they aren’t friendly, just a little reserved. However, one of the chief joys of being in Slovenia, especially in mountain villages, is speaking to the locals for tips on things to see and do.

Making contact is not just about saying hi, it’s also a great way to learn experientially about the country. Travelers with a penchant for trekking in particular will benefit from directions and tips from locals, and sharing a cup of coffee or a glass of schnapps, is part of the camaraderie of hiking in Slovenia. Slovenes are, by nature, dedicated to their homeland, so every encounter is an opportunity to learn the lie of the land.

Walk or cycle when you can

Slovenes are an active and practical bunch. Where possible, citizens often prefer to get around on foot or by bicycle, rather than always jumping behind the wheel. Using your own power to move around isn't just a good way to keep fit, it's often faster and more convenient than waiting for public transport.

Travelers unused to a place that makes full use of its bike lanes will probably get an etiquette lesson soon after arriving. Walking accidentally into the designated cycle lanes will earn you a bell ring and potentially a stiff word or two.

Conveniently, there are bike rentals in many spots around the country if you want to join the throng. In the Slovenian capital, the public BicikeLJ bicycle-sharing system makes it easy and cheap to explore without ever putting a key into a car’s ignition. Tourist information offices, hotels and outdoor activity operators rent out decent quality mountain bikes for highland exploring. 

Mix it up in Ljubljana

Ljubljana is rightly one of Slovenia's top destinations, with incredible sights all over the city but don’t leave without taking in Ljubljana’s alternative side. From the well-touristed city center, leave the scenic square of Prešernov Trg and head east along Trubarjeva cesta, passing busy street food establishments, cafes, and bars.

Continue on to the Metelkova area of town, which has become Ljubljana's de facto art district. What were once military barracks have today been reinvented as studios and hedonistic nightclubs. You'll also find two of the most interesting museums in the country – the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova and the National Museum of Slovenia – Metelkova .

Take advantage of Slovenia's free itineraries

Slovenia's tourism authorities have created a number of free routes for independent travelers, with the goal of equipping DIY explorers with the tools needed to visit less touristy spots around the country in a responsible and sustainable way, often by hiking or cycling .

The advantages for travelers are obvious. These routes come with abundant free and easy-to-use information that will get you off the beaten track, providing a chance to see rural Slovenia up close with minimum impact. The country benefits too – visitors moving at human speed are naturally dispersed, alleviating traffic and over-tourism problems in more popular locales.

Perhaps the top itinerary is the Juliana Trail , an easy-to-follow hiking path that circumnavigates Triglav National Park . The Bike Slovenia Green: Alps to Adriatic cycling route rolls from Kranjska Gora to the Adriatic, while the Walk of Peace trail treks along the Soča River – one of Slovenia's most beautiful spots for hiking and kayaking.  

Cyclists with strong calves should try the newly launched Slovenia Road Cycling Loop , which takes road warriors around the country to the best climbs and descents. And for multi-discipline types, the Slovenia Green Solčava Panoramic Route combines both cycling and hiking in the mountains north of Ljubljana.

Health and safety in Slovenia

If you plan to trek off the beaten track, there are a few things to know.

Sort out your gear before you hit the trails

If you are planning to hike in Slovenia – especially in mountainous areas above 2000m (6500ft) – it's important to carry the right equipment. Regardless of your normal outdoor practices back home, if you want to challenge yourself with some mountain summit attempts, pack and use a mountaineering helmet. Rockfalls are a risk, whether you are climbing or trekking.

If you have more ambitious plans to tackle multiple via ferrata routes while you’re here, invest in your health and safety by renting or buying a harness for clipping in. Gear is usually available for rent in areas with via ferrata cables, but you can get onto the routes more quickly with your own harness, lanyards, gloves and helmet.

Trekking safely

While some Slovenian trekking routes are well-trodden, the country has more than 9000km (5590 miles) of trails, and it's easy to get off the beaten path, particularly at higher elevations. Always tell somebody where you are going, trek in a group (or a pair) and check the weather conditions and the latest information about the route before you set off. In an emergency on the trails, contact the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia (GRZS) by dialing 112.

You may also like: 6 incredible places to swim in Slovenia: From beaches and sand bars to Lake Bled Get to know Chef Ana Roš in 22 questions The best things to do in Slovenia from the mountains to the sea

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Your Eurail Pass is your key to a true rail travel adventure. Discover the splendid architecture, mountain vistas, and the lovely Adriatic coast of Slovenia. If you want to explore this fascinating and beautiful country by rail, there are plenty of Eurail passes to choose from. The convenience and efficiency of train travel will make it well worth your while.

Train types

Rail network.

The  national railway company of Slovenia  is called SŽ (Slovenian Railways - Slovenske železnice).

How to get there

The capital city of Ljubljana is easy reachable by direct trains from Austria (Vienna), Germany (Munich), Switzerland (Zurich), Croatia (Zagreb), Hungary (Budapest) and Serbia (Belgrade).

• Domestic trains
• International high-speed
• Night trains

Regional and intercity trains in Slovenia

Regionalni vlaki (RE)

Regional trains linking larger cities to smaller towns and villages.

2nd class carriages only.

Bicycles allowed on board upon purchase of a special bike ticket.

No reservation required.

Lokalni potniški (RE)

Local trains running on suburban commuter routes.

InterCity (IC)

Fast trains connecting major towns and cities in Slovenia.

Reservations are not required but it may be worth making one when travelling during a busy period.

InterCitySlovenija (PEN)

Tilting, fast pendolino trains providing the best comfort and rail experience in Slovenia.

Regular services between Maribor and Ljubljana.

A seat reservation is optional, but it may be worth making one when traveling during a busy period.

International trains in Slovenia

EuroCity (EC)

• Fast, modern trains connecting major cities in Slovenia with other European countries.
• The following services are available to/from Slovenia:
• Trieste –  Ljubljana  –  Maribor  – Graz – Vienna
• Zagreb –  Ljubljana  – Villach – Salzburg – Munich – Frankfurt am Main
• Fast trains connecting major cities in Slovenia with other European countries.
• Vinkovci – Zagreb –  Ljubljana  – Villach
• Ljubljana  – Graz – Budapest
• Ljubljana  – Budapest
• Ljubljana  – Rijeka
• Ljubljana  – Villach

Night trains in Slovenia

EuroNight  (EN)

•  International night train connecting Slovenia with Austria, Croatia, Germany, and Switzerland.
• Ljubljana  – Zurich
• Ljubljana  – Munich – Stuttgart

Airport city connection

Fr om the International Airport you can  take a bus to Ljubljana railway station . The journey takes about 45 minutes. Eurail passes are not valid on this connection.

Eurail aid office

For help with Eurail in Slovenia, you can go to the international ticket office at:

Ljubljana Railway Station Mon-Fri: 08.00 - 20.00 Sat, Sun and holidays: closed

See  Eurail aid offices  for details and more aid offices in Europe.

Popular connections

• Domestic Routes
• International Routes

You can travel to and from Slovenia from popular cities in the following European countries:

Reservations

How can i make reservations for trains in slovenia.

Eurail reservation self-service system

Administration costs when booking through Eurail self-service:

• € 2,- p.p.per train
• Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)

With railway carriers

• ÖBB (Austrian railways) : domestic and international trains

An explanation of how each booking platform works can be found here:   How do I book my reservations

Locally at the train station

Which trains in Slovenia require reservations?

• No reservations:  Regional trains (RE) and Interregio (IR)
• Reservations highly recommended during summer season
• Compulsory:  EuroNight on all routes

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Tips and tricks

Pass benefits in slovenia, free bus travel.

With a Eurail pass valid in Slovenia, you get free travel on the following bus route:

Divača – Škocjan Caves 

Hotel and resort services

Eurail pass holders also get discounts on swimming pools, aqua parks, and saunas at various hotels and wellness spas.

Station facilities

Stations in Slovenia usually have excellent facilities such as:

Luggage lockers

Foreign exchange desks

Restaurants and cafés

Tourist information offices

ATM cash machines

Elevators and escalators

Access for disabled passengers

Quick facts

Capital: Ljubljana

Population: 2 million

Language: Slovene

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Dialing code: +386

Slovenian hub stations

These are the major train stations in Slovenia:

• Ljubljana Central Train Station
• Maribor Train Station (Železniška postaja Maribor)
• Celje Train Station

From the International Airport you can  take a bus to Ljubljana railway station . The journey takes about 45 minutes. Eurail passes are not valid on this connection.

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Wonders of Slovenia & Croatia on Queen Eleganza

October 6 - 17, 2025

Group Size: 20 - 28 guests Price: Starting from $7,990 per person, double occupancy, $11,390 single occupancy

Trip Overview

Begin the program in Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, and discover magical Lake Bled before traveling to Zadar, Croatia, to begin a 7-night Adriatic cruise. Launched in 2018, the beautiful and intimate 18-cabin Queen Eleganza yacht features a casual ambiance and the ability to call at small, inviting islands and ports not accessible to large cruise ships. Cruise the Croatian coast from Zadar to Dubrovnik, calling at Trogir, Split, Hvar, Korčula, and Mljet. A leisurely pace allows for time in port overnight for free time in town to sample local cuisine and meet and mingle with residents.

Schedule by Day

 Double Occupancy:

• Category A , Lower Deck Double: $7,990
• Category B , Lower Deck Twin or Double: $8,490
• Category C , Main Deck Twin: $9,490
• Category D , Main Deck Twin or Double: $9,990
• Category E , Main Deck Double: $10,990

Single Occupancy:

• Category A , Lower Deck: $11,390
• Category B , Lower Deck: $12,140

Accommodations

• Three nights at the Grand Union Hotel in Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Seven nights aboard Queen Eleganza

What to Expect

This is a moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy. Participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health. Daily programs involve walking one to two miles—through city centers, historic sites, and in museums, where there may also be extended periods of standing. Participants will encounter uneven terrain, including dirt and cobblestoned paths, and must be able to walk at least 20 minutes up and down hills without stopping. Participants must be able to stand outside for up to two hours with limited shade and no available seating.

Study Leader(s)

Mode of Travel

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For More Information

Please email [email protected] or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806 .

Giro d'Italia 2024: Preview, full schedule and how to watch live

The Giro d’Italia 2024 is about to kick off the Grand Tour season in men’s road cycling .

On Saturday 4 May, Venaria Reale will host the opening stage of the 107 th edition of the Corsa Rosa that will see its conclusion three weeks later in Rome on Sunday 26 May.

All eyes will be on the Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogacar , who aims to become the first rider since Marco Pantani in 1998 to achieve the Giro-Tour double.

Reigning champion and Olympic time trial gold medallist, Primoz Roglic , will not be defending his crown, as he has got his eyes set on the Tour de France.

The 2024 edition of the Italian Grand Tour features gruelling mountain stages in the Alps, gravel roads in Tuscany and more than 70 kilometres of time trial. The winner will lift the prestigious Trofeo Senza Fine (Endless Trophy) and wear the coveted Maglia Rosa in the Italian capital.

This year's race will cover a total of 3400.8 kilometres , making it the shortest edition in 45 years.

Find everything you need to know about the Giro d’Italia 2024 below, including the riders to look out for and how to watch the event live.

• Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2024: Tadej Pogacar powers to second victory
• Jambaljamts Sainbayar: From braving Ulaanbaatar's freezing roads to making history for Mongolian cycling

Who are the riders to watch at the Giro d’Italia 2024?

Pink jersey (general classification).

There is one overwhelming favourite for the Giro d’Italia 2024, and that is Tadej Pogacar .

Fresh off his second Liège–Bastogne–Liège title in impressive fashion, the two-time Tour de France winner is arriving to Italy in top shape.

Pogacar started his season by conquering the gravel roads of Strade Bianche , riding 81 kilometres solo to claim victory in Siena.

At Volta a Catalunya , the Slovenian swept four out of seven stages, securing the overall victory and sending a clear message to his rivals at the Giro about who the man to beat is.

Geraint Thomas suffered heartbreak at last year’s Giro d’italia, narrowly missing out on the overall victory by just 14 seconds.

The 2018 Tour de France champion was leading the race going into the penultimate stage, only to relinquish the pink jersey to Primoz Roglic after the Slovenian's formidable performance in the individual time trial.

The INEOS Grenadiers leader has some unfinished business with the Corsa Rosa and will try to pose a challenge to Pogacar.

Among the outsiders is Australia's Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R), who finished fourth in the 2021 Tour de France.

This year, the 28-year-old has consistently finished within the top five in week-long stage races. At the Giro d'Italia warm-up race, the Tour of the Alps, he was the runner-up behind the former Maglia Rosa wearer Juan Pedro Lopez , who also will be lining up at the start line in Venaria Reale.

French veteran Romain Bardet recently said that he is at his best level in years and is convinced he can challenge for the podium.

A second place at the Liège–Bastogne–Liège behind Pogacar was a boost of morale for the 33-year-old, who has not been on a Grand Tour podium since 2018, when he finished third at the Tour de France.

Daniel Martínez will lead the BORA - hansgrohe team. The Colombian climber is no longer in the shadow of INEOS stars Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal , following his move to the German team ahead of this season.

In 2021, Martínez was a strong domestique for compatriot Bernal and helped him secure the overall victory. He also achieved his best overall result in a Grand Tour by finishing in the top five that year. With the absence of teammate Roglic, it is up to Martínez to secure a top result.

“The Killer Bees” Team Visma|Lease a Bike made history in 2023, becoming the first team to claim all three Grand Tours in a single year. Although a repetition of the historic achievement looks difficult, the Dutch team have put their faith in 21-year-old prodigy Cian Uijtdebroeks .

The Belgian has been under the wings of reigning Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard at the O Gran Camiño and Tirreno-Adriatico. Now he faces the ultimate test as Grand Tour captain.

Cyclamen jersey (points classification)

This year’s course is more sprinter-friendly than usual, featuring eight expected mass sprint finishes. Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek will aim to defend the maglia ciclamino (mauve jersey for the points classification) that he secured last year.

However, he will face a fierce competition for the mauve jersey as several of the world's top sprinters will travel to Italy.

Soudal Quick-Step will fully support Remco Evenepoel at the Tour de France, giving Tim Merlier the opportunity to pursue success at the Giro.

The Belgian has been one of the fastest sprinters during the first part of the season, winning three stages at the UAE Tour, the Nokere Koerse, and the sprinters’ classic Scheldeprijs.

Another challenge will come from Australian Kaden Groves . In 2023, the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider added stage wins at both the Giro and the Vuelta a España, where he also left with the green jersey.

Biniam Girmay will be back on Italian soil, where he outsprinted Mathieu van der Poel in the Giro two years ago to take his first Grand Tour stage victory. The Eritrean looks to be close to his form from 2022.

Dutch sprinter Olav Kooij will finally get his Grand Tour debut. The 22-year-old beat Mads Pedersen twice to claim two stage wins at the Paris-Nice in March and is one of the most promising sprinters in the peloton.

Five-time Vuelta a España stage winner Fabio Jakobsen is set to race his first Giro and can complete the set of Grand Tour wins, having already secured a stage victory at the Tour de France in 2022.

Will Filippo Ganna sprint for stage wins again? The Italian time trial specialist was fighting in the bunch sprints at last year’s Vuelta a España and showed a new side of his talent.

Despite not having shone in the last couple of years, Caleb Ewan and Fernando Gaviria are both multiple Grand Tour stage winners and they have the power to be competitive in the bunch sprints.

Blue jersey (mountains classification)

Unlike in the Tour de France, the winner of the mountains classification in the Giro d’Italia is usually not the same as the winner of the general classification.

Thibaut Pinot , who has since retired, clinched the blue jersey in the previous edition while finishing fifth overall.

However, the breakaway riders often view for the mountains classification.

A potential contender is Simon Geschke of Cofidis. The German rider was close to seal the polka dot jersey at the Tour de France in 2022, but ultimately Jonas Vingegaard ended up with both the yellow and polka dot jersey.

Other names to watch are Britain's Simon Carr , who just won a stage and the mountains classification at the Tour of the Alps, and Dutchman Koen Bouwman , who is aiming for his second blue jersey after claiming it in 2022.

Key stages of the Giro d’Italia 2024

Five stages are singled out by cycling experts as the most decisive for the Giro d'Italia 2024.

The first one arrives already on stage two , which is the earliest summit finish in 35 years. It is a true climbing test, which takes the peloton to Santuario di Oropa (6.2% over 11.8km) and will give an early indication of who will be the main general classification contenders.

A 40.6-kilometre time trial awaits the peloton on stage seven . The course is technical and the uphill finish should shake up the top ten. Some will see it as an oppornunity to gain time, while others will try to limit their losses.

Stage 15 is the queen stage of the 2024 Giro d’Italia. Containing 5,200 metres of elevation gain over 220 kilometres, it is a brutal day in the mountains. Hopefully, snowfall will not affect this blockbuster Alpine stage.

The riders get a rest day following the queen stage, but already on stage 16 , climbing legs will be tested again. It includes the Passo dello Stelvio , the Cima Coppi of this year’s race. At an elevation of 2,757 metres it is the second highest pass in the Alps.

The lack of oxygen at high altitude will make the peloton suffer. With over 100 kilometres remaining from the summit of Stelvio, the favourites who might fall behind still have the chance to catch up before the final ascents to Passo Pinei and Monte Pana.

Stage 20 , the penultimate stage before the procession around the streets of Rome, promises a decisive battle in the mountains for the final general classification. Two gruelling ascents of Monte Grappa - 18.2 kilometres at 8.1% - will determine who earns the right to wear the pink jersey in Rome and hoist the Endless Trophy .

Day-by-day route of the Giro d’Italia 2024

Saturday 4 May, stage 1: Venaria Reale-Torino, medium mountains, 140 km ⭐⭐⭐

Sunday 5 May, stage 2: San Francesco al Campo–Santuario di Oropa (Biella), medium mountains, 161 km ⭐⭐⭐

Monday 6 May, stage 3: Novara-Fossano, hilly, 166 km ⭐⭐

Tuesday 7 May, stage 4: Acqui Terme-Andora, hilly, 190 km ⭐⭐

Wednesday 8 May, stage 5: Genova-Lucca, medium mountains,178 km ⭐⭐⭐

Thursday 9 May, stage 6: Viareggio-Rapolano Terme, medium mountains, 180 km ⭐⭐

Friday 10 May, stage 7: Foligno-Perugia, individual time trial, 40,6 km ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Saturday 11 May, stage 8: Spoleto-Prati di Tivo, high mountains,152 km ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sunday 12 May, stage 9: Avezzano-Napoli, medium mountains, 214 km ⭐⭐⭐

Monday 13 May: Rest day

Tuesday 14 May, stage 10: Pompei-Cusano Mutri (Bocca della Selva), medium mountains, 142 km ⭐⭐⭐

Wednesday 15 May, stage 11: Foiano di Val Fortore-Francavilla al Mare, hilly, 207 km ⭐⭐

Thursday 16 May, stage 12: Martinsicuro-Fano, medium mountains, 193 km ⭐⭐⭐

Friday 17 May, stage 13: Riccione-Cento, flat, 179 km ⭐

Saturday 18 May, stage 14: Castiglione delle Stiviere-Desenzano del Garda, individual time trial, 31,2 km ⭐⭐⭐

Sunday 19 May, stage 15: Manerba del Garda-Livigno (Mottolino), high mountains, 222 km ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Monday 20 May: Rest day

Tuesday 21 May, stage 16: Livigno-Santa Cristina Val Gardena (Monte Pana), high mountains, 202 km ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wednesday 22 May, stage 17: Selva di Val Gardena-Passo Brocon, high mountains, 159 km ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thursday 23 May, stage 18: Fiera di Primiero-Padova, hilly, 171 km ⭐⭐

Friday 24 May, stage 19: Mortegliano-Cima Sappada, medium mountains, 157 km ⭐⭐⭐

Saturday 25 May, stage 20: Alpago-Bassano del Grappa, high mountains, 181 km ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sunday 26 May, stage 21: Roma-Roma, flat, 122 km ⭐

How to watch the Giro d’Italia 2024

The Giro d'Italia 2024 will be shown live around the world. Here is a list of the official broadcast partners across different territories.

• Albania - Eurosport
• Andorra - Eurosport
• Austria - Eurosport
• Belarus - Eurosport
• Belgium - VRT/RTBF.be/RTL Belgium/VTM Medialaan/Eurosport
• Bosnia and Herzegovina - Eurosport
• Bulgaria- Eurosport
• Croatia - Eurosport
• Cyprus - Eurosport
• Czechia - Eurosport
• Denmark - Eurosport
• Estonia - Eurosport
• Finland - Eurosport
• France - La Chaine L’Equipe
• Georgia - Eurosport
• Germany - Eurosport
• Greece - Eurosport
• Hungary - Eurosport
• Iceland - Eurosport
• Ireland - Eurosport
• Israel - STARZPLAY/Eurosport
• Italy - Rai/Eurosport
• Latvia - Eurosport
• Liechtenstein - Eurosport
• Lithuania - Eurosport
• Luxembourg - Eurosport
• Malta - STARZPLAY/Eurosport
• Moldova - Eurosport
• Montenegro - Eurosport
• Netherlands - NOS/Eurosport
• North Macedonia - Eurosport
• Norway - Eurosport
• Poland - Eurosport
• Portugal - Eurosport
• Principality of Monaco - Eurosport
• Romania - Eurosport
• San Marino - Rai/Eurosport
• Serbia - Eurosport
• Slovakia - Eurosport
• Slovenia - Planet TV/Eurosport
• Spain - EITB/Eurosport
• Sweden - Eurosport
• Switzerland - SRG SSR/Eurosport
• Ukarine - Eurosport
• United Kingdom - Eurosport
• Vatican City - Rai/Eurosport
• Wales - S4C

North and Central America

• Canada - FloSports
• Dominican Republic - Eurosport
• United States - MAX USA/BeIN Sport

South America

• Argentina - + Claro/DirecTV
• Bolivia - + Claro/DirecTV
• Brazil - + Claro/DirecTV
• Chile - + Claro/DirecTV
• Colombia - + Claro/DirecTV/Caracol TV
• Ecuador - + Claro/DirecTV
• Guyana - DirecTV/Eurosport
• Paraguay - + Claro/DirecTV
• Peru - + Claro/DirecTV
• Suriname - + Claro/DirecTV
• The Caribbean - DirecTV
• Uruguay - + Claro/DirecTV
• Venezuela - + Claro/DirecTV
• Afghanistan - Eurosport
• Armenia - Eurosport
• Azerbaijan - Eurosport
• Bahrain - STARZPLAY
• Bangladesh - Eurosport
• Bhutan - Eurosport
• Cambodia - Eurosport
• People’s Republic of China - Zhibo.tv
• India - Eurosport
• Indonesia - Eurosport
• Iran - STARZPLAY
• Iraq - STARZPLAY
• Japan - J Sports
• Jordan - STARZPLAY
• Kazakhstan - Eurosport
• Kuwait - STARZPLAY
• Kyrgyzstan - Eurosport
• Lebanon - STARZPLAY
• Malaysia - Eurosport
• Maldives - Eurosport
• Mongolia - Eurosport
• Myanmar - Eurosport
• Nepal - Eurosport
• Oman - STARZPLAY
• Pakistan - Eurosport
• Philippines - Eurosport
• Qatar - STARZPLAY
• Russia - Eurosport
• Saudi Arabia - STARZPLAY
• Singapore - Eurosport
• Republic of Korea - Eurosport
• Sri Lanka - Eurosport
• Syria - STARZPLAY
• Chinese Taipei - Eurosport
• Türkiye - Eurosport
• United Arab Emirates - STARZPLAY
• Yemen - STARZPLAY
• Australia - SBS/Eurosport
• Papua New Guinea - Eurosport
• Algeria - STARZPLAY
• Djibouti - STARZPLAY
• Egypt - STARZPLAY
• Libya - STARZPLAY
• Morocco - STARZPLAY/Eurosport
• South Africa - Supersport
• Tunisia - STARZPLAY

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To slovenia by bus.

You can come to Slovenia by coach from many European cities, and regular bus lines also connect different parts of the country. Buses also help you cover distances within cities.

Special offers and packages.

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Our mission is to inspire your visit to Slovenia by sharing the excellent and unique experiences Slovenian tourism has to offer at www.slovenia.info . Discover inspiring stories and plan for a time when we are able to travel safely again. Let’s be responsible today for a better tomorrow.

Take a coach to Slovenia

You can come to Slovenia by taking a coach from many European cities. There are even direct coach lines from places thousands of kilometres away, e.g. from Sweden or Denmark. Most international coaches make a stop in Ljubljana.   Foreign coach transport providers registered in the EU do not require special permits to travel across Slovenia. Check international coach connections with Ljubljana and find information on timetables .

The green FlixBus coaches connecting Slovenia with other European cities are also increasingly popular. You can also travel to and around Slovenia on Nomago buses.

Around Slovenia by bus

Bus connections in Slovenia are good. You can take public transport to most of Slovenia’s towns and cities and to its countryside. If buses drive on local roads, drivers can make a stop in every town, if you so wish. Bus tickets can be purchased at major bus stations or from the driver.

From Ljubljana, buses take you to almost every Slovenian town or city. In summer months, there are great bus connections between Ljubljana and the towns and cities on the Adriatic coast, and in winter you can take the Ski Bus from the capital to the nearby Krvavec Ski Resort.

You can also take a bus from the capital to access tourism icons . Go on a day-trip to Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, and Predjama Castle, the Velika Planina plateau, Piran, and much more. Enter your destination into the timetable search engine and check connections .

In Slovenia’s major towns and cities, you can cover distances on city buses. A bus line network covers most of Ljubljana , and buses also go to suburban municipalities, which allows you to travel all the way to the Ljubljana Marshes, to the foot of the popular day-trip destination Mt Šmarna Gora, or to the Ljubljana Zoo. Find your bus line and explore the capital city!

Ljubljana’s city card, Urbana

The Urbana city card is a smart card that allows non-cash payments for rides on Ljubljana’s city and suburban buses. It can be purchased at newsagents' or at the Tourist Information Centre in the centre of the city. When you purchase the card, top it up with a particular amount (e.g. a bus ride costs EUR 1.20) which you can then use to pay a for ride on the city bus, pay for parking in the city centre, or pay for a ride on the funicular to Ljubljana Castle.

There is also a city bus network in Maribor , where you can also go from the city centre to the foot of the Pohorje Hills , which is a popular day trip and recreational destination for locals and visitors. You can purchase city bus tickets on the bus or at the main bus station, at newsagents’ or at the Maribor Tourist Information Centre , and you can also check the bus line map and timetables online.

Other major towns and cities and their surroundings

You can also explore other major towns and cities and their surroundings by coach: the capital of the Gorenjska region – Kranj , the Town of Princes – Celje , the town on the green River Krka – Novo Mesto , and the wonderful coastal towns of Koper, Izola, Piran, and Portorož.

Hop on, hop off buses

You can also explore towns, cities, and other interesting places on tour buses. In summer months, you can get on one at Lake Bled and see Bled’s sights, and it can take you call the way to Bohinj . This method is also great for exploring Radovljica , Kobarid and its surrounding area and coastal towns .

Get to know the green country

Learn about the green Slovenia, from its wonderful countryside to vibrant city centres. Look into other ways of travelling around the first green destination in the world too.

Top 10 sights

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You can get to Slovenia in different ways – by car or train, by air, bicycle or boat.

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