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14 places in Slovenia you’ve just got to see for yourself
With its turquoise lakes, fairy-tale castles and caves that are home to ‘baby dragons’, Slovenia’s a real storybook setting. And for a small country, it packs in a whole heap of things to see.
Here are some of the best places in Slovenia that'll get your camera clicking, and give you those 'wow' moments you won't forget.
It’s pretty easy to see why Bled’s island is one of the most photographed sights in the whole country. Take in the view from every angle on a walk around the lakeshore or catch a boat over to visit the 17th-century Church of the Assumption of Mary on the island itself, and ring the wishing bell for good luck.
The most famous waterfall in the country, the Savica plunges down 78m, splitting into two streams halfway down and then rushing on to Lake Bohinj. The plunging water and bright green pools make it one of the best things to see in Slovenia, and so worth the hour's walk along a well-marked footpath to get there.
Hop on a train to spend the day in the country’s capital, Ljubljana. Start off with a tour of the hilltop castle, where you can look out over the whole city. Then sit back for a boat ride along the river and wander around food markets to try local specialities like carniolan sausage and stuffed pastries called štruklji.
Slovenia’s known for its cave systems, and the Postojna caves are the best of the lot. They’ve been one of the country’s top places to visit since they opened to the public in 1819. Take a ride in the underground train through caverns of stalagmites and stalactites and look out for olm salamanders in the pools – people used to believe they were baby dragons.
Bohinj’s the biggest natural lake in Slovenia – and definitely one of the most beautiful. Stroll or cycle between hamlets along the shore or float across the crystal-clear water in a rowing boat and just soak up the peace and quiet. Or, for one of the best photo opps, hop on the cable car up to the Vogel lookout for easy strolls and peak-tastic views.
The oldest in Slovenia, Bled Castle has stood guard on its clifftop perch for over a thousand years. Walk along the walls for a bird’s-eye view of the lake and then try out the local favourites in the restaurant.
A historic town tucked away in Triglav National Park, Kranjska Gora’s a popular ski resort in winter – but in summer, it’s a peaceful place where you can go on walks through the pine forests and search for the legendary Zlatarog buck who’s said to protect the emerald-green Lake Jasna.
Paddle along the Sava Bohinjka river on a guided kayaking trip, over mini rapids and under bridges. It’s fed by spring water, which makes it super clear, and then flows into the country's longest river, the Sava, which takes on a dazzling turquoise colour.
Built over a cave mouth, Predjama Castle is the biggest of its kind in the world and one of the best places to see in Slovenia. And it’s got a fascinating history too – in the 15th century, it was home to a rebellious knight called Erazem, said to be the country’s version of Robin Hood.
From Kranjska Gora, spend the day in the Zelenci Nature Reserve, which is home to lots of endangered plants and animals like lizards and bats. Wander along the wooden boardwalk over marshy wetlands and dip your toes in cool spring water.
Explore Lake Bled in a pletna, a flat-bottomed wooden boat with a colourful awning, steered by a standing Pletnarstvo oarsman. There are just 23 of them on the lake, all owned by local families and passed down the generations for hundreds of years.
Follow the 1.6km trail through Vintgar Gorge, near Bled, past powerful rapids, aquamarine pools and a hundred-year-old stone arch bridge – if you’re lucky, you might even see the Bohinj Railway steam train chug across it. Waiting at the end of the walk is the tumbling Šum waterfall, the highest river waterfall in Slovenia at 13m.
This classic Slovenia sight stars on plenty of postcards of Bohinj – visit the village of Ribčev Laz to snap your own shot of Janez’s bridge and the Church of St John the Baptist reflected in the water. Then cross it to see the view from the other side, and pop inside the church to admire the medieval architecture and paintings.
Legend says that Ljubljana was founded by the Greek hero Jason, who killed a monster where the city now stands. These days, the dragon is the city’s emblem and Dragon Bridge is a must-visit photo spot. Look closely at the statues as you cross – according to local myth, they sometimes swish their tails.
So which place is at the top of your must-see list? Start planning your holiday to Slovenia to do it all – cameras at the ready.
Author: Courtney Sparham
Last updated: 25.06.2024