7 Reasons Why Slovenia Should Be On Your Radar

by Scott Hartbeck
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Sat October 5, 2024

Nestled between Austria, Italy and Croatia, Slovenia still manages to slip under the radar of many European travelers. This pleasant country packs the perfect mix of landscapes and urban delights into one perfectly-sized package and the following are just a few of the reasons you need to put the country on your or your client's "must visit there soon" list.

You'll Love Ljubljana

The terms "fairytale" and "storybook" get tossed around a lot when it comes to European travel, but if there was one capital in Europe that could lay claim to this crown, it's Ljubljana. Its name may look tricky to pronounce, but saying "Loo-blee-ah-nuh" is a breeze, and you'll fall in love with the city with just as much ease.?

Split by the Ljubljanica River, the city features romantic bridges (some adorned with beloved dragon statues), a rocky bluff crowned with a castle, leafy Tivoli Park and elegant structures created by local architecture legend Jo?e Ple?nik at nearly every turn.?

Perhaps no spot in the city summarizes the beauty of Ljubljana more than the Ple?nik-designed Triple Bridge, which forms the heart of the Old Town. Crossing the bridge with the cotton candy pink Baroque Franciscan Church of the Annunciation in front of you is a true "pinch me" experience.?

The city is home to a huge student population, which keeps the atmosphere lively, especially at the riverside cafes. Going out for a coffee here is a sport, with locals often spending the best part of the afternoon catching up with friends over a cup, and you'll most certainly want to join them.?

The city is also a hub for festivals, concerts and cultural events throughout the year, in addition to being home to multiple professional sports teams.?

But the 'Second Cities' Are Sensational, Too

Ljubljana is lovely, but it's not the only city in Slovenia worth exploring. In Maribor, you'll find an excellent base for exploring the charms of Eastern Slovenia. In just a few minutes from the city, you can be on hiking trails or ski slopes, depending on the season. In the heart of Maribor, you'll find the world��s oldest grapevine (yes, even Guinness has confirmed it!) and a raft of fun things to do on and around the Drava River.?

The town of Kranj sits in the shadow of the Julian Alps with one of the most stunning backdrops you'll ever see, while the city of Koper is located on the coast and anchors an area known as the Slovene Riviera.?

The Food & Wine is Divine

Now is the perfect time to visit Slovenia and experience the country's rising culinary fame. But don't take my word for it, in 2020, the Michelin Guide debuted its Slovenia edition, while a year later the country was crowned the 2021 European Region of Gastronomy. In fact, there are more Michelin stars here per capita than anywhere else in the world.?

In Ljubljana, you can sample myriad foodie delights, from traditional Slovenian cuisine to top-tier international fare and the aforementioned elevated cruising, all complemented by excellent local wines. The historic Central Market is a great spot to buy local honey or homemade pasta and should be on your list for the architecture alone (yep, it's another Jo?e Ple?nik joint).?

But the foodie fun isn't limited to the capital, as outside of Ljubljana, you'll find delicious cream cakes on Lake Bled, hearty Idrijski ?likrofi dumplings in Idrija, and hearty stews & sausages all over the county. And no mention of Slovenian cuisine is complete without a mention of potica, the nation's beloved rolled cake.?

Wine-wise, Slovenia is home to nine recognized wine-growing regions, and no matter where you are, you'll find yourself among winemakers who take pride in their craft and are thrilled to share a glass with you in their cellars. In fact, if you catch the region of Gori?ka Brda in the right light, you might just think that you mistakenly landed in one of those famous (and famously crowded) romantic wine regions of Italy or France.?

For the best experience of Slovenian wine culture, visit in autumn when the wine harvest and associated harvest festivals take place throughout the nation, culminating on St. Martin's Day, November 11.

The Coast is Worth Boasting About

Slovenia's stretch of coastline will never be confused with that of neighboring Croatia, but what it has is remarkable. The star of the coastline is easily Piran, a pretty, sun-washed town on the Adriatic Sea that sports Venetian architecture (the bell tower alone will have you swooning) and plenty of places to sip a spritz at sunset. Don't look past the aforementioned Koper though, as once you get past its workaday port and surrounds, there is a handsome old town full of bars & restaurants waiting to be discovered.

A cave opening in the Karst region of Slovenia

There Are Sensational Subterranean Spaces?

Who said all the fun has to be had above ground? Slovenia's Karst region is home to a fascinating underground world, boasting some of the world's most impressive "show caves". The two can't-miss caves are Postojna (known for its otherworldly array of formations and fun tram ride) and ?kocjan, known for its rushing river and massive underground space.?

These caves have been tourist attractions for decades, so the set-up and visitor experience is slick and enjoyable. You'll leave educated and fascinated by the nation's cave systems and perhaps with a souvenir.?

The So?a Valley Is Breathtaking

Enjoying the great outdoors is serious business in Slovenia, and the So?a Valley might just be the nation's most captivating slice of nature, offering outdoor lovers a haven and a seemingly endless list of fun things to do. At its heart is the rushing waters of the emerald-green So?a River, which serve as the perfect place to raft or kayak. Or, you can always just use the river as a backdrop for a picnic. The valley is surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Julian Alps, which means if you stray from the river, you will find a bounty of hiking trails waiting to be explored.?

The natural beauty is accompanied by a raft of historical sights, as the So?a Valley was the location of the Isonzo Front in World War One, which saw some of the most notorious battles in the region. While exploring the valley, you will surely come across a few of the moving monuments and sights dedicated to the memory of those who served and sacrificed here.?

Lake Bled Lives Up to the Hype

You've seen it on Instagram or your device's screensaver. You know, that gorgeous lake with a tiny island in the middle with a diminutive onion dome? The good news is that despite all the accolades and social media love, Lake Bled still manages to mesmerize travelers when they see it with their own eyes.?

Take a traditional boat out to Bled Island or hike up to Bled Castle to admire a sweeping view of the entire scene and enjoy a fine lunch while you're at it.

And we didn't even cover Triglav National Park, the delightful Bohinj Railway or the nation's collection of castles in the Sava Valley region. Looks like we're going to need another article about Slovenia soon, then!

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