A Croatia vacation brings the opportunity to easily visit bordering countries like Slovenia, a small Central European country and a true hidden gem that often gets overlooked. It’s ideal for those who want to be immersed in breathtaking scenery without the crowds. A Croatia and Slovenia cruise and land tour can be a great way to explore some of the many Croatian islands and towns on the Adriatic coast before delving into the top things to do in Slovenia. It sits at the crossroads of the Alps, the Karst, and the Mediterranean providing a variety of spectacular landscapes from emerald rivers and the sapphire waters of alpine lakes to fascinating caves, vineyards for touring and tasting, and picturesque towns, including the fairytale-like capital of Ljubljana.
Top Things to do in Slovenia
Explore Ljubljana
It makes sense to start your Slovenia vacation in Ljubljana. It’s a lovely place to explore on foot or two wheels, with a bike-sharing program and pedestrian-friendly streets, while the Ljubljanica River, crossed by iconic bridges like the Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge, winds through. Ljubljana Castle, set atop Castle Hill overlooks it all and can be accessed by funicular or on foot. The complex was originally a medieval fortress dating back to the 11th century, but the current structure is a 15th-century reconstruction. From the Outlook Tower, you’ll enjoy some of the best views around while the adventurous can descend into the dungeon. Other highlights in the capital include Ljubljana Cathedral, displaying works by Italian baroque masters, and the riverside Central Market.
Ride a Pletna Boat on Lake Bled
Lake Bled is one of the top attractions in Slovenia, just a 45-minute drive from Ljubljana and backed by the dramatic peaks of the Julian Alps. When you get there, consider taking a ride in a pletna boat. These wooden flat-bottom boats were designed according to the concept of the Venetian gondola. Made by locals with origins dating back to 1590, they’re navigated by highly skilled “pletnars,” a highly respected vocation that was handed down from generation to generation. The ride can bring you out to Our Lady of the Lake Church which sits atop an islet in the middle. The church is famous for its “wishing bell” with legend telling that if you ring it your wishes will come true.
Discover Postojna Cave
Hiking is another possible activity on Brac with miles and miles of trails. One of the most popular is the trek that leads to the summit of Vidova Gora. It’s the highest mountain in the Adriatic islands at over 2,550 feet providing a jaw-dropping view of Zlatni Rat Beach, the nearby islands of Vis and Hvar, and the town of Bol. The reward is big for the effort as it only takes 90 minutes to two hours to reach the top, covering a total of just over three miles, or about 6.5 miles round-trip. The main access is via a paved road that starts near Nerezisce at the Knezevravan highland. There’s a trail from Bol but it’s much more challenging.
Hike in Triglav National Park
Slovenia’s only national park, the star attraction in Triglav National Park is Mount Triglav. The highest mountain in the country, it rises nearly 9,400 feet while serving as one of the nation’s most iconic symbols, depicted on its coat of arms and flag. The most popular trek in the park, Krma Valley Trail (also known as the Summit Trail) will bring you to the mountain’s summit starting from Bled, lying east of the mountain. Most do it over two days. A guided trip is recommended due to the steep ascents, rocky terrain, and some scrambling. There are also many easy hikes like the 3.4-mile loop Vintgar Gorge trail that takes an average of an hour and 40 minutes to complete
Tour Predjama Castle
The world’s largest cave castle, officially confirmed in the Guinness Book of World Records, Predjama is a Renaissance-style castle with a Gothic facade. Sitting midway up a more than 400-foot-high cliff, it comes complete with a drawbridge while the walls blend in with the cave making it appear as if it came straight from a storybook. The castle is at least as old as the 13th century and has remained virtually unchanged ever since. It was built in a cave to prevent invaders due to the difficult access and has been home to multiple different families over the years, including the Oberburgs, Cobenzls, and Windischgratz. Following the end of the Second World War, Yugoslav authorities confiscated it and ultimately turned it into a museum.
Visit Piran
Piran sits directly across the Adriatic from Venice and is often compared to the Italian city. One of the most picturesque on the Slovene Riviera, part of the Istrian Peninsula, it features an enticing square for watching the world go by and colorful medieval buildings in the old port with an open-air museum feel. The Church of St. George is a highlight, modeled after St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, built in Venetian-Renaissance style. It also has a bell tower that can be climbed for a unique and breathtaking view over the coast with some of the most picturesque beaches in Slovenia, and the town’s historical center. You can even see the coastlines of Italy and Croatia in the distance.
Go Kayaking in the Soca Valley
The Soca Valley is home to the Soca River, one of the most beautiful in Europe. It flows from Slovenia’s northwest corner through rocky gorges with waterfalls and tranquil pools. It’s a popular spot for fly fishing enthusiasts who come to test their luck at catching the Soca trout, the Adriatic’s only indigenous trout species. But one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty is to take a guided kayaking trip, paddling through the emerald water with both calm stretches and some rapids along the way. As you traverse the river, the soaring Julian Alps will be all around you, with scenes so stunning one stretch was even used as a setting in “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
Enjoy Stand-up Paddle Boarding on Lake Bohinj
The largest natural lake in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj covers 790 acres in a glacial valley in the Julian Alps. It’s just a short drive from Lake Bled in Triglav National Park, but it’s usually less crowded with many visitors sticking to the more famous lake. Bohinj is surrounded by mountains and has densely wooded shores with the calm water ideal for exploring on a stand-up paddleboard. You can paddle to the lake’s source, the Savica River, and visit Savica Waterfall too. There are guided tours available or you can simply rent your gear from one of the shops along the edge of the lake.
Explore Maribor
Located in Slovenia’s northeast, the town of Maribor is nestled among vineyard-covered hills along the Drava River. The city center is pedestrianized, preserving the energy of centuries ago when merchants, raftsmen, and artisans were bustling about. It has unique character and a main square in the Old Town home to an early 16th-century Renaissance Town Hall. On Grajski Trg square nearby, you’ll see 11th-century Maribor Castle with its frescoed Knights’ Hall, and the town’s regional museum showcasing an extensive collection of local artifacts. Maribor may be best known as the home of the world’s oldest vine. The 400-year-old Žametovka vine is a must-see while nearby is one of the largest European wine cellars, Vinegar, with 1.25 miles of tunnels.
Go Wine Tasting in the Vipava Valley
The picturesque Vipava Valley is one of four wine sub-regions in Primorska, nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic with close ties to neighboring Italy. Zelena is one of its most recognizable wines with well-rounded acidity and herbal notes. Klarnica, also grown here, is characterized by a strong floral bouquet and a rich, full flavor. The best way to sample Vipava’s wines is to join a tour that will bring you to multiple wineries where you can meet passionate winemakers who will tell you all about the winemaking process, walk you through historic cellars, and guide you through tastings. Many tours include sightseeing around the town of Vipava and lunch that’s perfectly paired with some of the region’s best wines.
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