With 60% of the Slovenian landscape covered by mountains, the country has become a hotspot for hikers and nature lovers. Slovenia is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes and rich history. Millions of tourists head to Slovenia each year to experience the beautiful blend of culture, history, mountains, rivers, and more. In this guide, we have shortlisted 10 best places to visit in Slovenia so you don’t miss out on all the wonders Slovenia has to offer;
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1. Piran
Located in the Southwestern part of the country, Piran is a beautiful spot overlooking the Adriatic Sea. A visit to Piran will seem nostalgic, especially if you have visited Venice before. This makes sense, as Piran was once a part of the larger Venetian Empire for nearly 500 years.
Now independent and stunning as ever, Piran may be small, but it has a lot to offer. Whether you travel here for history or the views, Piran delivers just everything you wish to see. Attractions include several landmarks, including the famous Tartinijev trg and the St. George. You can also dip in the Adriatic, although the safety aspect of it is questionable.
2. Logar Valley
Logar Valley is one of the best places to visit in Slovenia and is the perfect destination for nature lovers. Long and narrow, this glacial valley is surrounded by lush green meadows and traditional farmhouses. Tall mountains with challenging hiking trails overlook the valley, while the village of Solčava offers local cuisine and traditional accommodations. For those seeking adventure, the valley also offers opportunities for fly fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and even paragliding.
With stunning natural landscapes and diverse outdoor activities, Logar Valley is the spot for active travelers looking to connect with nature and rural culture.
3. Ptuj
Ptuj is located in the Eastern part of Slovenia by the banks of the Drava River. Ptuj is also rich in historic architecture and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country and the globe alike.
The city is regarded as one of the oldest in the country and has played a crucial role in shaping the local culture. Orpheus monument, which is one of the main attractions of the city, dates back to Roman times. Similarly, the city also houses a 13th-century Dominican Monastery. Ptuj offers visitors a gorgeous backdrop, one that is enriched with history.
4. Lake Bled
Lake Bled in Slovenia offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, with the main area, Bled Island, accessible by water. The island’s story dates back 500 years, adding a historical charm to the experience.
A 6-kilometer walk around Lake Bled offers stunning views and delightful swimming spots. Overlooking the lake is Slovenia’s oldest castle, dating back to 1011, providing spectacular views and a historical journey through its museum and wine cellar. For breathtaking aerial views of Lake Bled, a hike to Mala Osojnica is a must-do experience.
5. Ljubljana
Located along the trade route near the Adriatic Sea and the Danube, Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia and has a rich and interesting history. Besides being the administrative heart of Slovenia, Ljubljana is also a cultural and educational hub.
Ljubljana’s culture is influenced by previous rulers, which is why influences from the Roman and French cultures, amongst others, can be seen. But beyond the history and the cobblestone streets, Ljubljana is one of Europe’s greenest cities. It is filled with parks, botanical gardens, and pedestrian paths, perfect for strolling around and enjoying the fresh air.
6. Postojna Cave
Postojna Cave is situated in southern Central Europe and is one of the top tourist attractions with a rich history tracing back to the 17th century. Postojna gained prominence as a tourist destination in the early 80s and was the first to have electric lighting during the late 80s.
The cave, formed by the Pivka River over millions of years, showcases stalagmites, stalactites, and unique curtain-like formations – which is also home to the olm, the world’s largest cave-dwelling amphibian. Fun fact: in 2016, a female olm in the cave laid over 50 eggs, drawing global attention. Visitors can explore the cave system extending 5 km, including a 3.5 km train ride and a 1.5 km guided walk.
7. Maribor
Located in lower Styria, Maribor is Slovenia’s second-largest city, a hub for economic, administrative, educational, and cultural activities. In 2012, Maribor was named a European Capital of Culture alongside Guimarães in Portugal. This recognition brought international attention to Maribor’s rich cultural heritage and its beautiful setting.
Maribor really blends its historical significance with modern vibrancy, which ultimately offers a unique experience for tourists, reflecting both its storied past and its dynamic present.
8. Koper
Koper is a hidden gem with a rich history and is one of the best places to visit in Slovenia. It was originally an island but is now a deeply historic city that traces its roots back to the Roman era, which is highly visible in its ancient architecture and urban layout. The city’s heart is the Old Town, characterized by narrow, winding streets and charming squares. If you want to explore more of the deeply embedded historical architecture of the city, head to the Praetorian Palace or the Cathedral of the Assumption.
But there is more to Koper than just history. Koper has developed itself to be a bustling port city, playing a crucial role in Slovenia’s economy. Koper’s coastal location makes it an ideal playground for maritime activities. Moreover, Koper also offers lively waterfront cafes, shops, and restaurants that serve traditional Slovenian cuisine.
9. Triglav National Park
The clear blue waters of Lake Bohinj and the tall peaks of the Julian Alps characterize the Triglav National Park. If you wish to visit a place that is just as fun to engage in activities, like sitting down and absorbing the natural atmosphere, head to the Triglav National Park.
The park naturally attracts adventurists and thrill-seekers from all over the world as tourists attempt to hike Mount Triglav itself. If hiking isn’t your strong suit, maybe the Vogel cable car will be better suited to reach the top. Either way, whether you come here to hike, cross the 19th-century wooden footbridge, or raft on the Soca River, the beauty of Triglav National Park is unparalleled.
10. Soca River
The crystal clear waters of Slovenia’s Soca River attract adventure seekers from all around the world. Running through the Julian Alps, rafting and kayaking are popular activities amongst the visitors, as well as dining on brown trout that is locally caught and served by restaurants and cafes nearby.
Besides the seafood and the watersports, Soca River is one of the best places to visit in Slovenia because it offers hikers a scenic walk along the river Trail to take in the riverside views. The river offers beautiful mountain views, exciting whitewater rafting, and relaxing shorelines, appealing to nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Video Guide: 10 Best Places to Visit in Slovenia
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Travel Resources for Planning a Trip to Slovenia
To make planning your trip to the best places in Slovenia easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do at each destination during your trip.
Flights:
Agoda: Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.
CheapOAir: You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!
Kiwi.com: What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “Nomad” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.
JetRadar: You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.
Hotels:
Agoda: Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.
Hotellook: They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
Transportations:
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi, Viator
Train: EuroRail, Trainline or RailEurope
Bus: Flixbus: Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.
Car Rentals: AutoEurope, EconomyBookings, or GetTransfer (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)
Bike Rental: BikesBooking (Bikes & scooter rentals)
Transportation Comparison: Omio (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)
Tours & Activities:
TakeWalks (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.
Tiqets: Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.
Musement: They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.
GetYourGuide: A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities
Viator: The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportation and transfer options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.
Need help planning a trip to Slovenia?
Planning and looking for the best places to visit in Slovenia? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!
At MultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a special trip to the best places in Slovenia are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize your multi-city vacations at the best price.
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