European Slovenia has many advantages. Its territory accommodates ski and beach resorts, pristine lakes and mysterious caves, medieval castles and beautiful parks. The small area of the country allows active tourists to build a rich route and get a detailed answer to the question of what to see in Slovenia within one trip. Both in winter and in summer, the Balkan republic has something to show its guests. The optimal time to relax on the Adriatic coast of Slovenia is from the end of May to October. The trails of the ski resorts become ideal by the beginning of December, and the hiking trails of the Triglav National Park and the Sochi River Valley are especially picturesque in April and October.
TOP-15 sights of Slovenia
Ljubljana Castle
The medieval fortress Ljubljana Castle is one of the main attractions of the capital of Slovenia. The castle towering on a hill adorned the local landscape as early as the 12th century, but then its role was purely defensive. Then the symbol of the city managed to be both a prison and social housing for the poor, until in the second half of the last century, the reconstruction of the castle was not thoroughly undertaken.
Today, the fortress houses an exposition telling about the history of the city. Useful information:
- A funicular takes visitors up the mountain. Opening hours: 9.00 - 23.00 in summer, 10.00 - 20.00 in winter. The interval of movement is every 10 minutes.
- Ticket prices start at 10 euros.
- Various excursions are held in the castle, lasting from 1 to 3 hours.
A schedule of current exhibitions and events is available on the official website of the museum.
Postojna pit
The system of karst caves in the Slovenian region of Notranjska Kraska stretches for more than 20 km. The caves were formed by the Pivka River, and today, equipped with electricity and a railway, they represent the largest underground system of natural origin on the planet.
They became interested in the caves in the 17th century, but they were opened for public viewing in 1819. Then electricity was supplied to the underground pavilions and a railway was equipped, the trolleys of which were used to deliver tourists to distant points.
Today, many hiking trails are open in the caves, and the acoustic properties of the vaults are used by the world's leading opera companies, including the Teatro alla Scala in Milan.
Getting there: bus or train from Ljubljana, Postojna station, travel time - about an hour, ticket price - from 6 euros.
Lake Bled
The most beautiful natural landmark of Slovenia is located in the Carniola region at an altitude of about 500 meters above sea level. Lake Bled is small and its area does not exceed 1.5 square meters. km. A special microclimate is created by mountains that do not let cold air into the valley.
Hire a wooden wicker boat for a walk on the lake and take a closer look at the island in the middle. A medieval castle rises on top of it.
You can sunbathe on one of the beaches. The warmest water is in July-August.
Bled castle
At the top of a 130-meter cliff in the middle of Lake Bled stands an ancient castle, the first mention of which dates back to the beginning of the 11th century. The oldest part of the castle is a Romanesque tower. It was one of the first to be built and served not only for defense, but also as a residential building.
During World War II, the German headquarters was located in the castle on Lake Bled, during the construction of communism in Yugoslavia - the residence of Comrade Tito, and today it houses a historical museum exhibition.
But the main attraction of the Bled Castle is the unforgettable views from the cliff height to the lake and the surrounding forests.
Triglav
The highest peak of the country is called Triglav and is located in the territory of the national park of the same name in the north-west of Slovenia. The park was formed in 1961 and the purpose of its creation since then is to protect the unique nature of the Julian Alps.
The height of the Triglav peak is 2864 meters. The mountain is depicted on the flag and coat of arms of the republic. Slovenia's ski resorts are located in the vicinity of the national park, and during the summer there are many hiking trails in the park for both hikers and horseback riders. On the park's website, you will find useful information about visiting rules and accommodation.
Bohinj lake
The waters of the largest Slovenian lake are home to many types of fish: from burbot and trout to char and chub. Resort areas are equipped along the banks, where in the summer you can organize a beach holiday. Active entertainment is also represented on the banks of Bohinj in a large number. The rental offices offer equipment for water sports.
The symbol of the lake is called Zlatoroga, who lived, according to legend, in the Slovenian Alps. You will find a statue of a wild white chamois on the banks of Bohinj, and the center of tourist life is in Rybchev Laz on the southeastern tip. The main hiking trails on Triglav start from the village of Staraya Fuzina.
To get there: by bus from Ljubljana. Travel time is about 2 hours. Ticket price - from 8 euros.
Church of John the Baptist
Built in the middle of the 11th century, the Church of John the Baptist in the village of Rybchev Laz on the shores of Lake Bohinj is famous for its frescoes, the earliest of which dates back to 1300. The white stone bell tower of the church rises above the lake, and its images adorn all photographs of tourist brochures about Slovenia. The old arched stone bridge near the church is another local attraction. It was built in the 18th century and adds a picturesque landscape, connecting the banks of the Ozernitsa river.
Tivoli park
The largest city park not only in Ljubljana, but also in Slovenia, where there is something to see for fans of landscape art, Tivoli is laid out in the central part of the city on an area of about 5 square meters. km.
The park appeared in 1813 and connected two former small squares. At that time, a pond was dug on the territory of Tivoli, which served as a public ice rink in winter, and in summer as a place for active recreation of townspeople who loved picnics and boating.
The park is home to the ancient Tivoli castle, built in the 17th century by the Jesuits. Today, the mansion, restored in the neoclassical style, houses the exhibition of the International Center for Graphic Arts.
Triple bridge
The two city squares in the Slovenian capital are connected by a system of pedestrian bridges, first built at the end of the 13th century. The current bridges were designed by the Italian architect Picco and the first of them, built of stone, was named after the Austrian Archduke Franz Karl.
The Venetian motives of the project reflect the snow-white openwork balustrades, and after the bridge became completely pedestrian, its surface was covered with granite slabs.
Predjama Castle
This medieval landmark of Slovenia, 10 km from the town of Postojna, amazes tourists who see it for the first time with its organic weaving into the surrounding nature. The castle is built into the 120-meter rock so skillfully that it seems to be part of it.
Interesting Facts:
- The castle was first mentioned in 1202.
- It was built in the Gothic style, suffered many times from destruction and even an earthquake, and changed dozens of owners in its lifetime.
- The tradition of annual knightly tournaments held in the castle, although it appeared only in the 21st century, looks very authentic.
- In summer, you can sign up for a guided tour of the castle dungeons, which are closed in winter due to the huge colony of bats.
The price of an entrance ticket to the castle is 9 euros, the opening hours are from 9.00 to 19.00.
Old Trg Square
This geographical feature with a difficult to pronounce name is just a part of old Ljubljana. Architectural monuments dating back to the 17th century have been restored on the square. The quarters of the old town are a favorite walking place for residents of Ljubljana and guests of the city. Here you will find not only architectural masterpieces, but also modern shops and restaurants offering a traditional Slovenian menu. Lunch or dinner overlooking the Old Trg Square is the perfect end to a walking tour of the Slovenian capital.
Kranj town
In the north-west of the country, in the spurs of the Julian Alps, the city of Kranj is hidden, immersed in greenery and attracting tourists with an abundance of architectural monuments. The most famous among them are the local Town Hall, built in the 16th-17th centuries, and the Church of St. Kanziana, whose walls were erected in the XIV century. Since the 13th century, the Kranj pier and the crossing over the Sava river have been guarded by the fortress, where the exposition of the local history museum is now located.
Otocec Castle
Founded in the 13th century, Otocec Castle has survived almost in its original form to this day. It is located on a small island on the Krka River. In addition to the medieval interiors, guests of the castle are attracted by a cozy park laid out in the vicinity. People come here for picnics and romantic family photo sessions.
In summer, the castle hosts costume balls and theatrical performances.
To get there: by train from Ljubljana to Novo Mesto station or by a rented car along the E70 highway.
Snake Bridge in Ljubljana
A Slovenian landmark that has been repeatedly replicated in guidebooks and postcards, the Serpent Bridge connects the banks of the Ljubljanica River. It was built in 1901 in the Viennese Art Nouveau style, and the author of the project was the Austrian engineer Josef Melan. At the time of the completion of construction work, the arch of the bridge was the third largest span in Europe, and the entire crossing became one of the first reinforced concrete in the Old World.
The official name in honor of the anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph did not take root, and the attraction is called the Bridge of the Serpent: statues of winged dragons made of bronze are installed on four pedestals at the corners of the structure.
Lipizian stud farm
In the small town of Lipitsa, on the border with Italy, there is a stud farm, where horses of the world-famous Lipizzan breed are born. It is from here that the snow-white beauties come from, decorating the performances in the palace in Vienna and who know how to dance to the music of Mozart.
To see the most beautiful horses and learn the history of the huge linden grove that surrounds the farm, buy a tour to Lipica in Portorož or Ljubljana.
