Exploring Slovenia: A Journey Through History, Nature, and Culture
Ljubljana and the famous bridge
Exploring Slovenia: A Journey Through Natural Beauty and Rich History
After traveling through Italy, we crossed the border into Slovenia, a country where Alpine peaks meet the Mediterranean, where medieval castles perch on cliffs, and where rivers carve through lush valleys. Our journey through this small but diverse nation was marked by thunderstorms in Ljubljana, serene moments at Lake Bled, hidden villages in the Julian Alps, and unforgettable culinary and cultural experiences. Despite the ever-changing weather, Slovenia’s charm and the warmth of its people never wavered.
Ljubljana: The City That Sparkles in the Rain
We arrived in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s enchanting capital, under dark storm clouds. Rain pelted down, drenching the cobbled streets, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. We joined a walking tour, umbrellas in hand, and discovered a city with a fascinating past. Ljubljana has been shaped by Romans, Habsburgs, and Yugoslav history, and yet, it has retained a distinct, easy-going character.
A local dish the food was fantastic in slovenia
We wandered through Prešeren Square, the heart of the city, where the famous poet France Prešeren is immortalized in bronze. The Ljubljanica River, spanned by the Triple Bridge, added to the fairytale atmosphere, its surface shimmering with rain. The city’s vibrant café culture was not deterred by the weather—locals and tourists could be seen still sipping their coffees and enjoying local delicacies under awnings, greeting strangers with warmth. Our wonderful tour guide Nina recommended eating at Klobasarna where we indulged in some local traditional dishes and especially enjoyed the barley stew and sausage—Ricęt and Klobasa. This place was well worth the visit.
5 Must-Do Things in Ljubljana:
Visit Ljubljana Castle: Perched on a hill, Ljubljana Castle offers panoramic views of the city and is home to an interactive museum showcasing the city’s history.
Walk along the Ljubljanica River: Take a stroll along the riverbank, cross the Triple Bridge, and enjoy the picturesque cafés that line the water’s edge.
Explore Tivoli Park: A serene space perfect for a walk, with beautiful statues, gardens, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Taste Local Dishes at Klobasarna: Don’t miss trying traditional Slovenian dishes like Ricęt and Klobasa—local sausages and barley stew.
Visit Metelkova City: Explore this alternative cultural center, filled with street art, creative vibes, and live music.
Lake Bled: A Postcard-Perfect Alpine Escape
Leaving the capital, we drove northwest toward Lake Bled, arguably Slovenia’s most iconic destination. The rain subsided, revealing the lake’s stunning emerald-green waters, with Bled Island and its famous church standing like a scene from a fairytale. We took a traditional pletna boat to the island, where the iconic church stood proudly on the small island in the center of the lake.
5 Must-Do Things at Lake Bled:
Row to Bled Island: Take a pletna boat to the island and climb the 99 steps to the Church of the Assumption.
Visit Bled Castle: Perched on a cliff, the castle offers spectacular views of the lake and a fascinating museum.
Try Bled Cream Cake: Indulge in the famous kremšnita, a creamy dessert that has been a local specialty for over 60 years.
Take a Walk Around Lake Bled: Enjoy a scenic 6 km walk around the lake, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Hike to Ojstrica Viewpoint: For stunning aerial views of Lake Bled, hike up to the Ojstrica viewpoint—a bit of a climb but worth it!
The iconic church on Lake Bled
The Bohinj Valley: Slovenia’s Untamed Beauty
Lake Bohinj
Venturing deeper into the Julian Alps, we arrived at Srednja vas v Bohinju, a charming village that felt untouched by time. The winding roads led us to Bohinjsko Jezero (Lake Bohinj), Slovenia’s largest glacial lake. Unlike the touristy Lake Bled, Bohinj felt wild and peaceful, framed by misty mountains and dense forests. This was by far one of the highlights of our trip to Slovenia. We then continued onto Ukanc, where the lake narrows, offering breathtaking reflections of the Triglav National Park peaks.
5 Must-Do Things in Bohinj:
Visit Lake Bohinj: This serene lake is perfect for boating, swimming, or simply relaxing by the shore.
Hike to Slap Savica: Trek to one of Slovenia’s most beautiful waterfalls, where the water cascades 78 meters down into a pool below.
Take the Vogel Cable Car: Ride the cable car up to Vogel Mountain for breathtaking views of the lake and Triglav National Park.
Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist: This picturesque church on the lake’s edge offers a peaceful and historic atmosphere.
Try Traditional Bohinj Cheese: Stop by a local cheese farm to taste some of the region’s renowned cheeses, made using age-old methods.
Hidden Gems in the Julian Alps: Zgornja Sorica, Železniki, and Cerkno
Our drive continued through the rolling green hills of Zgornja Sorica, the birthplace of renowned Slovenian painter Ivan Grohar. The landscape, dotted with wooden hayracks and grazing livestock, seemed straight out of a painting itself.
In Železniki, we stumbled upon a local curiosity—Chio fried egg crisps. Skeptical but curious, we tried them and found their salty, eggy taste oddly strange. we ate them before taking a photo,Don’t think we will bother buying them again but had to try them. Slovenia’s quirky snacks, much like its hidden villages, are full of surprises.
Heading toward Cerkno, we stopped at Dolenji Novaki, a lesser-known area with lush rolling hills and traditional beekeeping houses painted in vibrant colors. Slovenia has a deep-rooted beekeeping culture, dating back to the 18th century, and this was evident in the abundance of colorful bee boxes (panjske končnice) along our route.
5 Must-Do Things in the Julian Alps:
Visit Zgornja Sorica: A peaceful village surrounded by picturesque alpine scenery, and the birthplace of painter Ivan Grohar.
Try Chio Fried Egg Crisps: A quirky Slovenian snack that’s worth a taste, even if it's an acquired one!
Explore Cerkno: A town known for its traditional beekeeping culture, with vibrant beekeeping houses and scenic views.
Tour the Cerkno Museum: Learn about the town’s history and its role in Slovenia’s cultural heritage.
Hike in the Triglav National Park: Explore some of the most untouched and scenic landscapes in Slovenia.
Predjama Castle and Postojna: Legends and Caves
Driving south, we arrived at Predjama Castle, an extraordinary fortress built into a cliffside cave. Once the hideout of the rebellious knight Erazem of Predjama, the castle’s dramatic setting and secret tunnels added a sense of mystery to its history.
Predjama Castle
Nearby, we explored the Postojna Cave, a 24-kilometer-long karst system filled with jaw-dropping stalactites and underground rivers. A mini train ride through the caverns felt like entering another world, where eerie rock formations have been forming for millions of years.
5 Must-Do Things in Postojna and Predjama:
Visit Predjama Castle: Explore this medieval fortress built into the side of a cliff, complete with secret tunnels and fascinating history.
Take a Train Ride Through Postojna Cave: Journey through one of Slovenia’s most incredible karst formations on a mini-train ride.
Walk Through the Cave’s Stalagmite Forest: Marvel at the incredible stalagmites and stalactites inside the cave.
Explore the Predjama Museum: Learn about the legend of Erazem of Predjama and the history of the castle.
Visit the Nearby Škocjan Caves: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Škocjan offers dramatic underground landscapes and river canyons.
The Coastal Charm of Koper, Marezige, and Tito Square
Slovenia’s coastline may be small, but it is rich in culture. Koper, the largest coastal town, has a fascinating Venetian influence, evident in its Tito Square, flanked by Renaissance-era buildings. The Cathedral of St. Mary’s Assumption (Stolna Marijinega Vnebovzetja) stood proudly, its bell tower offering views of the Adriatic Sea.
Further inland, we visited Marezige, home to the Vinska Fontana, Slovenia’s unique ‘wine fountain.’ Here, we had a wonderful experience tasting local Refošk and Malvazija wines, poured from taps overlooking rolling vineyards. It was a perfect way to toast to Slovenia’s beauty and hospitality.
5 Must-Do Things on Slovenia’s Coast:
Visit Koper’s Tito Square: Explore the vibrant square surrounded by Renaissance architecture, with plenty of cafés to relax and enjoy the view.
Climb the Bell Tower of Koper Cathedral: For great views of the town and the Adriatic Sea.
Taste Local Wines at Vinska Fontana: Enjoy wine poured from taps overlooking stunning vineyards.
Visit the Venetian Loggia in Koper: A beautiful Renaissance building that showcases the town’s Venetian influence.
Relax at Strunjan Nature Reserve: Enjoy the peaceful coastline with its salt pans, cliffs, and protected nature.
Donna at the winery that was a great afternoon
Final Thoughts: A Journey to Remember
Slovenia surprised us at every turn—with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm-hearted people. From thunderstorms in Ljubljana to sunshine over Lake Bled, from mountain villages to coastal vineyards, every moment was filled with discovery. Despite its small size, Slovenia offers a diverse and deeply enriching experience that lingers long after the journey ends.
As we drove toward our next destination, we knew we would return—because Slovenia is a country that doesn’t just impress; it captures your heart.
This blog now follows the same structure as your Italy blog, with 5 must-do activities in each region, providing a cohesive and engaging narrative with all the important highlights and experiences from your journey through Slovenia.
