A GUIDE TO SLOVENIA

Slovenia, part of former Yugoslavia, is a country that has it all. From emerald green lakes, to Alps, caves, historical sights, wine valleys, to rustic houses and green, lots of green areas. No wonder it was named a green destination.

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We started our road trip entering the country through the Italian border and heading to Predjama Castle, a Renaissance castle built in a cave. Upon arrival you will be impressed by its figure. In fact, it looks almost as if it were part of the cave. From May to September you can visit Postojna Cave. It houses a colony of bats and during their hibernation season it’s not possible to visit.

Visitor hours: Jun to Sep 9am-6pm; Oct to May 10am-4pm

Price Castle: €13.80

Price Castle & Cave: €23.90

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From here we headed to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital. The city is a perfect mix between its old town and a youthful livable city.  The banks of the Llubljanica River are for pedestrians only and are full of restaurants and cafes. Even if it’s raining or cold outside, the terraces on the bank are full of people just enjoying life. Alongside the river you’ll find the Triple Bridge and the Prešernov trg, the square where The Franciscan Church of Annunciation is.
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On the other side of the bank, up on the hill is Ljubljana Castle, with amazing views of the entire city. You can either walk up the hill for about 20 minutes or ride the funicular up and down.

Price Funicular: €4 (return)

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A short walk away from the Old Town is Metelkova Mesto, one of the largest autonomous social centres in Europe. It’s full of vivid colors, rusty sculptures, galleries and has an alternative culture scene. I really recommend visiting but keep in mind that you should follow their rules.

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After 2 days of visiting Slovenia’s capital and taking our time to stop at every cozy café, we visited Škofja Loka. It’s a small and colorful town. Just stroll around its narrow streets and enjoy going back in time.

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Next we decided to visit the green part of Slovenia, Vintgar Gorge. It’s a 1.6 km (0.99 miles) walkway in a canyon with rapids, waterfalls, vegetation and a beautiful natural scene. For the lazy ones, don’t worry! It’s a very easy path and really worth it! It’s best to go early, right when it opens so you can enjoy the path in silence and have plenty of time and space to admire the nature.

Price: €4

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On our last day we visited the lakes. Our first stop was Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest lake. It’s one of the prettiest lakes I’ve ever seen. The green emerald water, the mountais in the background and no sounds except for the birds, the wind in the trees and the occasional person swimming. Many say it’s better to visit this lake instead of Lake Bled. In my opinion you should visit both! The perfect spot is to go to Ukanc and take the walk around the lake, you’ll find a wooden path that leads into the water. Just sit and take it all in.

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I have to admit that I was really looking forward to visiting Lake Bled and my expectations were big. And… I was still amazed! You can visit Bled Island, either rent a boat and enjoy a few hours in the lake or you can pay 12€ and go on a public boat. With the second option you’ll have about 40 minutes to tour the island, which is more than enough. But the most amazing part is hiking to one of the viewpoints. We went to Ojstrica viewpoint. If you start in Zaca, it’s on the right side of the camping, facing the water. The path is marked and it’s about a 20 minute hike. Be sure you bring comfortable shoes as it can be slippery and muddy. But the muddy uphill will be forgotten as soon as you see the speechless view. It’s something you see on a postcard or in a painting!

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WOW, right?!

Let me know if there is something else that I should have featured on this post. Would love to hear your opinion 😀

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5 Comments

  1. October 25, 2017 / 10:43 pm

    I’m pleased you visited Lake Bohinj. I’ve been and stayed in Bled a few times, but Bohinj is still my favourite.

    That said, I am in love with Bled and the surrounding area, the walk back from Vintgar Gorge to Bled through the woods is lovely. I climbed up to the Ojstrica viewpoint shortly after it rained. It was an interesting experience, but the sun shone when we reached the top!

    My tip, make sure you go back to Slovenia and visit Piran!

    • telleroftravels
      April 5, 2018 / 2:02 pm

      Slovenia and Lake Behind blew my mind 🤗 Actually, I was planing on going to Piran but my flight got cancelled and that kind of ruined my plans for the last few days. Anyway, I am certain I will be back in Slovenia ☺️

    • telleroftravels
      April 5, 2018 / 2:01 pm

      Thank you ☺️

  2. December 18, 2018 / 10:57 pm

    I loved Slovenia a lot when I visited a few years ago. Ljubljana is one of my favourite European cities. You’ve made me want to go back and see more of the country!

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