Slovenia is the jewel of Europe, combining Alpine beauty, Mediterranean charm and endless natural wonders. Discover the Postojna Caves, explore the historic towns of Ljubljana and Piran, enjoy the view of the breathtaking lakes of Bled and Bohinj, and taste the excellent local wines. Check out the most beautiful places to visit and things to do in Slovenia.
- Best Things to do in Slovenia: Top Places to visit
- 1. Ljubljana – the most beautiful city in Slovenia
- 2. Postojna Caves
- 3. Predjama Castle
- 4. Piran
- 5. Triglav National Park
- 6. Maribor
- 7. Lake Bohinj
- 8. Vintgar and Šum waterfall
- 9. Lake Bled
- 10. Celje Castle
- 11. Škocjan Caves
- 12. Peričnik Waterfalls
- 13. Soca River Valley
- 14. Velika Planina – best things to do in Slovenia
- 15. Strunjan and Moon Bay – best things to do in Slovenia
- 16. Kamnik-Savinja Alps
- 17. Logarska dolina – things to do in Slovenia
- 18. Zelenci Nature Reserve
- 19. Tolmin Gorges
- 20. Kozjak Waterfall – the most beautiful places in Slovenia
- Things to see and do in Slovenia – map
- What to taste in Slovenia?
- Slovenia transport
- Basic information before travelling to Slovenia
- More information about Slovenia
Best Things to do in Slovenia: Top Places to visit
1. Ljubljana – the most beautiful city in Slovenia
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a city full of life, history and culture. Explore the streets of the old town with its Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings and visit St. Nicholas Cathedral, which may look unassuming from the outside but will surprise you inside with its ornate interior.
Stroll along the Ljubljanica riverfront with its stylish cafes and restaurants and cross at least one of the iconic bridges – from the Dragon Bridge with its dragon statues to the Triple Bridge, which consists of three bridges designed by the famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik.
Climb to Ljubljana Castle, where history and modernity blend perfectly. The castle dominates the town and offers the most beautiful views. You can reach the top by cable car or on foot.
Or explore Metelkova Mesto, a former military barracks turned into a centre of alternative culture filled with street art and open-air galleries.
Tivoli Park is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a lake, fountains and miles of paths where you can relax in the shade of the trees.
Thanks to its compact size, Ljubljana is easy to get around on foot or by bike. It is also a great starting point for exploring the most beautiful places in Slovenia – in an hour you are at Lake Bled, in an hour and a half at Postojna Cave.
HOTELS LUBLAN 😴
2. Postojna Caves
Postojna Caves are one of the best places to see in Slovenia. With more than 20 kilometres of explored tunnels and halls, the Postojna Caves are the second longest cave system in the world.
The caves are home to breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites and “hanging curtains”, as well as one of the most interesting creatures on the planet – the so-called “human fish” (olm), a blind and highly adaptable amphibian that lives in caves.
The caves also include a Vivarium, where you can see the animals that live here.
How to visit the Postojna Caves
There are several paid parking lots right at the entrance (6 € in 2022). It is better to buy tickets in advance, there are queues at the venue. There are several types of tickets to choose from, depending on what you want to see. Tours are available in several languages, as well as audio guides.
A train will take you to the depths of the cave, then you will have a walking tour (the route is 1.5 km long) and a train ride at the end. It’s about 10 degrees Celsius inside, so don’t forget an extra layer.
Where to stay near Postojna Caves: Hotel Jama (luxury), Rooms Gril (mid-range), Sweet Dreams Rooms and Apartments Postojna (cheap)
3. Predjama Castle
Predjama Castle is a unique medieval castle, which is set directly into a 123-metre high rock wall. With more than 800 years of history, the castle is a perfect example of medieval fortifications that are part of a cave system.
How to visit Predjama Castle: Predjama Castle is one of the most beautiful castles to see in Slovenia. It is located just a short walk from the Postojna Caves and you can even buy a combined ticket to the caves and the castle at a discounted price.
On this link you can find the current opening hours and entrance fees for Predjama Castle.
4. Piran
Piran is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved historic towns in Slovenia. Located on a promontory into the Adriatic Sea, it is famous for its narrow medieval streets, Venetian architecture and spectacular sea views.
Discover the stone streets that connect the city’s most beautiful sights, from the main Tartini Square, St George’s Church to the city walls.
Visit the local restaurants and taste the local cuisine, which is mainly based on fish and seafood. The Fritolin Pri Cantini in the city centre and the Pavel2 restaurant on the waterfront are both excellent.
Where to stay in the port of Piran: Hotel Piran (luxury), Barbara Piran Beach Hotel (mid-range)
5. Triglav National Park
If you love beautiful nature and hiking, you should not miss Triglav National Park, the only and largest national park in Slovenia.
The park is named after Slovenia’s highest mountain, Triglav, which rises to a height of 2,864 metres and is a symbol of national pride.
Triglav National Park is like a postcard – green meadows full of flowers, crystal clear mountain rivers and lakes, deep valleys and steep rock peaks. You will find easy trails suitable for families with children, as well as alpine hikes with breathtaking views.
Ascent to Triglav: There is an all-day route to Triglav itself, which is suitable especially for those who have experience with high mountain terrain (sheltered and steep sections, high altitude). Still, it’s crowded at the top, so if you want to enjoy Triglav more in peace, you can sleep in a mountain hut a short distance from the summit and be among the first to reach the top in the morning.
Where to stay in Triglav National Park: Best Western Hotel Kranjska Gora (luxury), Hotel Alpina (mid-range), Vitranc Apartments (apartments), Erjavčeva mountain hut (mountain hut), Planinska Koča na Gozdu (budget),
Read even more tips for things to do in Triglav National Park.
6. Maribor
Maribor is located in the foothills of the Alps at the Drava River and is the second largest city in Slovenia. It is also home to the oldest vines in the world, which are over 400 years old and produce limited edition wines each year.
Explore the old town with its narrow streets lined with colourful houses, walk along the Drava River or visit Maribor Castle, where various exhibitions are held.
7. Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is one of the most beautiful lakes in Slovenia and the largest natural lake in the country. You will find it in the heart of the Julian Alps in the Triglav National Park, surrounded by majestic mountains and green forests.
The entire area offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing or just a picnic on the lakeshore. With its mild climate, peaceful surroundings and beautiful scenery, it is one of the best places to visit in Slovenia.
Where to stay at Lake Bohinj: Hotel Jezero (upper class), Apartments Triglav (apartments), Hiša Pr’Pristavc (mid-range)
8. Vintgar and Šum waterfall
The Vintgar Gorge, also known as the Bled Gorge, is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Slovenia. It is located just a few kilometres north of Lake Bled.
Soutěska is 1.6 km long and is famous for its vertical rock walls, the bright blue Radovna River and clear pools. You can see the confluence up close thanks to the bridges and suspension footbridges that take you to the 13-metre-high Šum waterfall.
How to visit the Vintgar Gorge
There is a paid parking lot at the entrance to the gorge, or you can take a local bus. It’s better to buy tickets in advance to avoid queues at the venue, or arrive early in the morning.
It takes about an hour to walk through the trail, it is one-way, so you have to return to your car on one of the marked trails.
At this link you will find the current opening hours and entrance fees for the Vintgar Gorge.
Tip: You can also visit similar gorges in the Bavarian Alps, where there are several to choose from (they are also less touristy than the Vintgar Gorge).
9. Lake Bled
Lake Bled is one of the best things to do in Slovenia. Iconic mountain lake, famous for its small island with a church in the middle. Lake Bled is surrounded by the majestic Alps and a medieval castle rises right on a rocky cliff above the lake.
Try a ride on a traditional wooden boat called a “pletna”, which takes you to the islet. The lake is an ideal place for an active holiday, including hiking, cycling, swimming, rowing and in winter skating.
HOTELS LAKE BLED 😴
10. Celje Castle
Celje Castle (Stari grad) is one of the most important medieval castles in Slovenia. Located on a strategic hilltop above Celje, you can enjoy fantastic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
The castle has a history of more than 800 years and was once the seat of the powerful Celjski family, one of the most important noble families in Central Europe.
Explore the castle walls, towers and palaces and learn more about the history through information panels and exhibitions.
Here you can find the current opening hours and entrance fees for Celje Castle.
11. Škocjan Caves
The Škocjan Caves are one of the largest and most beautiful cave systems in the world and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the southwest of Slovenia.
They are not as visited as the Postojna Caves, but they are still absolutely breathtaking.
In the first part you will see beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations of different shapes and sizes. Then you will go to the second part with the huge underground canyon of the river Rijeka, which is one of the deepest in the world. Once you have passed through the caves, you can choose between several outdoor trails that will take you back to the entrance of the caves.
Unlike the Postojna Cave, the tour of Škocjan Caves is more demanding – there are a lot of stairs and the route is about 2.5 hours long. Here you can find the latest information about opening hours and entrance fees.
12. Peričnik Waterfalls
Peričnik Waterfalls are among the most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia. It is located in the Julian Alps.
This double waterfall has a lower cascade 52 metres high and an upper cascade 16 metres high. Behind the lower waterfall there is a trail that allows you to walk behind the falling water and admire the waterfall from a completely different perspective.
The upper waterfall can be reached via the forest trail – there are much fewer people here, as most people only stop at the lower waterfall.
The parking lot is located just below the waterfall. Entrance to the waterfalls is free.
Read even more tips for the most beautiful places in the Julian Alps in Slovenia.
13. Soca River Valley
The Soča River Valley (Velika korita Soče) is one of the most beautiful places not to miss in Slovenia. It is a narrow and deep canyon created by the Soca River. It has incredibly turquoise water and is one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. There are bridges over the river, you can walk around the canyon and take a swim.
The venue is free to enter, but be prepared for crowds. You can park right at the entrance to Velika korita Soče – there are several places along the road.
A little further away is Mala korita Soče. This part of the riverbed is known for its narrow and deep canyons that the river has carved into the limestone bedrock. The water here flows fast and swiftly, creating the bright blue and green tones that are typical of the Soca River.
From the trail you will enjoy beautiful views. Free parking is located at the edge of the trail.
One of the most popular activities on the Soča River is rafting or canyoning:
Where to stay in the Soca River Valley: Hotel Sanje ob Soči (upper/mid-range), Cozy Apartment Bovec (mid-range apartments), Hostel Soča Rocks (budget)
14. Velika Planina – best things to do in Slovenia
Velika Planina is a mountain plateau in Slovenia, located just outside the capital city of Ljubljana. It is a place where beautiful alpine landscapes, rich biodiversity and traditional pastoral culture meet.
Velika Planina is famous for its typical wooden shepherd’s huts, which are still used for grazing cattle in summer. Experience a unique insight into the traditional Slovenian way of life or follow one of the hiking trails with views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You can spend the whole day here, chatting with the locals and tasting their local products.
How to visit Velika Planina
The Velika Planina can be reached on foot or by cable car.
If you walk, the nearest car park is here (paid, you need to arrive early) and from here you walk along a gravel road for about 25 minutes.
The cable car is located a short distance from the village of Kamniška Bistrica. Parking is free. The ticket includes a gondola lift and then a chairlift to take you to your destination. If you would like to walk from here, you will have a 2-3 hour hike with an elevation gain of about 1,000 metres.
Here you can find the latest information and prices for the cable car.
Where to stay: Slovenia Eco resort (ideal for families), Guest House Kraljev Hrib (cheap)
15. Strunjan and Moon Bay – best things to do in Slovenia
Strunjan is a picturesque seaside town on the Slovenian Riviera, surrounded by the longest uninterrupted natural cliff in the entire Adriatic Sea – the Strunjan Nature Reserve.
It is here that you will find the most beautiful beach in Slovenia – Moon Bay (Mesečev Zaliv). It is a unique bay surrounded by steep slopes and green forests, its shape resembling a crescent moon. Probably the last untouched piece of coastline in Slovenia.
How to get to Moon Bay: The best option is to park in the town centre in the pay parking lot (€1.50/hour) and from there take one of the trails that take you around the area – the most beautiful route goes around the cliffs overlooking Moon Bay, where the cross is at its highest point. From the parking lot, the walk to the cliffs/beach is about 20-30 minutes.
ACCOMMODATION BY THE SEA 😴
16. Kamnik-Savinja Alps
The Kamnik-Savinja Alps are among the most beautiful mountains in Slovenia, located in the north and east of the country. The vast areas of steep peaks, deep valleys and beautiful alpine meadows are a feast for the eyes. There are various challenging hiking trails to choose from and mountain huts where you can refresh yourself or spend the night along the way.
Take a walk through the glacial valley of Matkov kot, enjoy a day climb to Grintovec, the highest peak in the mountain range, or climb Raduha, which is easy and suitable for children. The Kamnik-Savinja Alps also include the Velika Planina (see point 14) and the Logar Valley, which will be discussed below.
Where to stay in Kamnik-Savinja Alps: Wellness Hotel Montis (upper-range), Boutique rooms Pri Rogovilcu (mid-range), Guesthouse Planinski Dom Majerhold (budget), Guest House Kraljev Hrib (budget)
17. Logarska dolina – things to do in Slovenia
The Logar Valley is located in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in northern Slovenia. A beautiful glacial valley where you can enjoy an incredibly varied landscape, from green meadows to steep rock faces.
At the end of the valley you will reach the Rinka waterfall, which falls into the valley from a height of 90 metres.
You can just enjoy the valley or hike one of the trails, from easy to challenging day hikes.
How to visit the Logar Valley
Entrance to the Logar valley is subject to a fee – you can find the current information here. There is a free parking lot in the valley, but you can also park right next to the Rinka waterfall.
18. Zelenci Nature Reserve
The Zelenci Nature Reserve is located in the west of Slovenia near the town of Kranjska Gora. The area is named after Zelenice, the source of the Sava River, which has a beautiful emerald green colour. Around the spring there are wetland ecosystems that are home to rare and protected plants and animals.
Thanks to wooden walkways and a viewing platform, you can walk through the nature reserve comfortably. The route is short and suitable as a stop along the way or a trip with children. The parking lot is just a short walk from the trailhead.
19. Tolmin Gorges
The Tolmin Gorges (Tolminska korita) are one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Slovenia. You can find them near the town of Tolmin, on the southernmost tip of the Julian Alps.
The Tolminka and Zadlaščica rivers, which cut deeply into the bedrock, created the canyons. From the bridges and observation walkways you can enjoy a great view of the clear, turquoise blue water in contrast with the dark rocks.
How to visit Tolmin Gorges
If you are arriving by car, you have a choice of two car parks: a paid car park right at the entrance and a free car park about 20 minutes’ walk uphill (in season, from late June to late October, a free shuttle bus runs between the lower car park and the entrance).
Follow this link for up-to-date information on admission fees and opening times.
20. Kozjak Waterfall – the most beautiful places in Slovenia
Slovenia is a country of beautiful waterfalls. The Kozjak waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, mainly due to its location – it falls into a narrow rock gorge from a height of 15 metres and below it a lake with beautiful turquoise coloured water is formed.
It is located in the Julian Alps, near the town of Kobarid. As one of the few waterfalls in Slovenia, Kozjak Waterfall has a fee during the season – you can find current information about opening hours and entrance fees here. The parking lot is located half an hour from the waterfall – from there you will walk along the river, past the Mali Kozjak waterfall to the Veliki Kozjak waterfall.
Where to stay in the area: Apartments Masera (mid-range), Fedrig s prenočišči (cheap)
Things to see and do in Slovenia – map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of the best things to do in Slovenia. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in my guide on what to visit in Slovenia. If you want to save the map, star it. It will then be saved to your Google Maps and can be retrieved at any time on your mobile phone or computer. For a larger version of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner.
What to taste in Slovenia?
- Kranjska klobasa – a Slovenian type of sausage similar to German sausage
- Žganci – This is a traditional Slovenian side dish, similar to polenta, usually served with meat or vegetables.
- Prekmurska gibanica – This dessert is a layered cake filled with nuts, poppy seeds, apples and cottage cheese. It is one of the most famous Slovenian desserts.
- Slovenian wines – In particular, regions such as Goriska Brda, Vipavska Dolina and Podravje are known for producing excellent wines.
Slovenia transport
Slovenia has a well-developed and reliable infrastructure that connects different parts of the country.
By car to Slovenia
Motorways in Slovenia are toll roads. In 2023, a motorway vignette for Slovenia costs €16 for 7 days and €32 for 1 month. Buy the highway lock on the official website. I do not recommend buying a vignette on other sites – they are significantly more expensive and offer no advantage.
The maximum speed is 50 km/h in the village, 90 km/h outside the village, 110 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways.
Here you can take a look at the road signs in Slovenia. The current fuel prices can be found at this link.
Trains and buses
Slovenia has an extensive rail network that connects most of the country’s cities. Rail transport is reliable and convenient, but can be slightly slower than in other European countries. The main carrier in the country is the Slovak Railways – their website has everything you need before travelling by train in Slovenia.
Basic information before travelling to Slovenia
Language: The official language is Slovenian, which is very similar to other Slavic languages. In tourist areas, you can usually speak English too.
Currency: The currency in Slovenia is the euro (EUR).
Socket: Type F sockets are used in Slovenia and are the same as in many other European countries, including the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden. This type of socket is designed for a voltage of 230 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz. Type F sockets are compatible with type E screw plugs, which are often used in France and other countries.
Basic phrases:
- Hello – Dober dan
- Goodbye – Nasvidenje
- Thank you very much – Hvala vam veliko
- Please – Prosim
- Excuse me – Oprostite
- I don’t understand – Ne razumem
- Can you repeat that, please? – Ali lahko to, prosim, ponovite?
- Where’s the toilet? – Kje je WC?
- How much does it cost? – Koliko to stane?
- Help – Pomoč
- Yes/No – Da/Ne
These were our tips for the most beautiful places and things to do in Slovenia. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about Slovenia
SLOVENIA: Get inspired by tips for hikes and routes in the Julian Alps. We have also prepared a detailed guide to the Triglav National Park.
SLOVAKIA: Slovakia is a country of tourism – here are the most beautiful places to visit in Slovakia.
CROATIA AND GREECE: Check out the best options for where to go to the sea in Croatia. Or are you more interested in Greece? Where to go to the sea in Greece we share in the next article.
ITALY: There are so many beautiful places in Italy – we’ve listed the most beautiful places in Italy in a separate article.
