Why I’m So Excited to Travel to Slovenia This Year

Travel to Slovenia is on the rise.

It’s definitely one of the hot destinations in Europe.

I’ve personally wanted to travel to Slovenia since about 2014.

And so finally(!) I’m going this year.

I’m so excited to see this little country that everyone raves about.

From the beautiful capital city of Ljubljana to the mountains and lakes of Triglav National Park to rivers to caves to charming villages.

It’s often said the Slovenia is Europe in microcosm.

I can’t wait to find out!

So what’s on my Slovenia bucket list?

 

Ljubljana

The capital city — at a population of 290,000 — is much smaller than other capital cities in Europe, but that doesn’t mean there’s less to see and do.

It simply means that it’s a bit more compact so it’s easier to walk to all that Ljubljana has to offer.

I’m planning on spending at least 3 full days here if not 4 or 5.

High on my list for sites include Ljubljana Castle, Plečnik’s Ljubljana (the Triple Bridge), Zmajski most (Dragon Bridge) and spending time in Prešernov trg Square.

I’m also planning to the visit the Church of St Nicholas and peruse the central market.

But more than anything I’m looking forward to spending time wandering the streets, walking along the canals and drinking some nice wines (there are many wine shops/bars that do tastings) and eating some good food.

One thing that draws me to Ljubljana is that it’s an environmentally conscientious city.

Not only are there green spaces and lots of pedestrian only areas, but the residents are committed to sustainability.

Chefs use seasonal and local ingredients and tourist pursuits focus on people powered activities such as walking, biking, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking.

I love this!

 

Škocjan Caves

In my opinion you can’t travel to Slovenia without spending time in one of the caves.

While more folks tend to visit Postojna Cave, I’m choosing Škocjan Caves instead.

Why?

Well they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I’m a huge fan of UNESCO.

I always believe that UNESCO designation really means that a site is unique, special and to-be-visited.

Also, I had some clients travel to Slovenia a couple of years ago and this was the destination on their list they wanted to see most.

And they loved it!

Postojna Cave and Škocjan Cave are only about 30km apart so it’s possible to see both.

But I’m choosing one — and it’s Škocjan Caves.

 

Lake Bled

I think it’s impossible to travel to Slovenia without seeing Lake Bled.

This is one of the most photographed lakes in the world with its island with its Gothic Church in the middle and mountains around it.

*sigh*

Right out of a fairy tale!

I’m stoked to see Lake Bled and its environs in person to see if it lives up to the hype.

It is quite popular so I’m prepared for this as anyone should be, especially during the busier times (May through September).

There is a 6km trail around the lake that you can walk or bike on so I’m sure I’ll choose to see the lake from that perspective although a kayak on the waters could be fun.

The other thing to note is that it is just outside Triglav National Park (see below).

 

Lake Bohinj

The not-quite-as-popular lake, Bohinj, is also on my Slovenia bucket list.

Lake Bohinj sits in Triglav National Park (see below) and is the largest lake in Slovenia.

It looks gorgeous.

Now it doesn’t have that fairy tale island with the church on it sitting in the middle.

But it does have some beautiful mountains surrounding it.

Kayaking is sounding like it might be a fun way to see some of the lake and its surroundings.

And there are some trails around the lake as well.

I can’t wait!

 

Triglav National Park

I’ll be honest.

The main reason I want to travel to Slovenia is to spend time in its only national park — Triglav.

This is where the Julian Alps are at their best.

And, let’s face it, I’m a pushover for mountains and national/nature parks.

Triglav National Park has some amazing mountains including the park’s namesake Mount Triglav.

About two-thirds of the park is covered with forest, there are rivers and streams, and lakes — alpine lakes and the aforementioned Lake Bohinj.

There are actually some peat bogs in Triglav as well.

And, as you might guess, there are some lovely alpine meadows that are filled with wildflowers in summer.

I may be a little early for flowers but a girl can hope.

There are loads of trails so I know I’ll spend some time hiking, taking in the stunning scenery.

I’m super stoked to see as much of this park as possible.

The Soça River and the Soça Valley are here as is the popular Vintgar Gorge.

The color of the Soça River is an amazing color of turquoise that I can’t wait to see with my own eyes.

There are waterfalls to hike to as well.

I’m thinking I’ll stay pretty darn busy!

 

Vršič Pass

Okay so this pass is technically in Triglav National Park but I’ve made it a separate section because this road so deserves it.

Vršič Pass is the saddle between Mojstrovka and Prisank Massif, joining the townships of Trenta and Kranjska Gora.

It’s the highest pass in Slovenia at 1611m and it has 50 curves.

And yes, the views from the top are spectacular.

As long as the weather allows, I’ll make this drive.

Apparently there are some trails that start up here so it could be a good place to drive to, park and hike, taking a break from all those curves in the road!

 

Travel to Slovenia — so much to do, so little time

Actually I’ll have about 2 weeks here, but something tells me I’ll wish I had more.

There is a small but lovely coastline and there are some awesome vineyards.

I may get to one of those, time permitting.

The eastern part of the country gets overlooked but has many spas, vineyards, castles and some rolling agricultural hills.

So much to do in this little country.

I can’t wait to get to know Slovenia!