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If you’ve been toiling over the maps, looking for that next great travel adventure, you might have overlooked a small, yet full-of-surprises destination nestled in Europe – Slovenia. This serene country promises an unspoiled and unpretentious retreat for earthy wanderers, but is it worth visiting? Let’s delve into some fascinating insights about Slovenia!
Is it Worth it to Go To Slovenia? My Experience in Slovenia
I visited Slovenia with a couple of friends and we were pleasantly surprised by this tiny country. We arrived by train from Salzburg, Austria, and spent a couple of nights in Ljubljana before heading to the beach for two nights in Piran.
Since it’s a small country, we had time to cover most of the major things to do in Slovenia. We did a day trip to Lake Bled, visiting the Postojna Cave and the Predjama Castle. We also explored the Karst region, visiting the wine district of Kras and the Lipica Stud Farm, which is famous for its white horses.
Slovenia is a beautiful and clean country with a very laid-back, peaceful vibe. It’s not the type of place you visit for wild parties and nightlife, or for impressive beaches like the ones you’d find in Greece or Montenegro. But it has a little bit of everything, and I’d say yes, it’s worth a visit.
Read on to discover all the things I loved about Slovenia, as well as some of the drawbacks.
Reasons to Visit Slovenia
Incredible Landscapes
Slovenia is adorned with a wide array of mesmerizing landscapes; it’s a playground of towering mountains, emerald-green rivers, enchanting forests, and charming vineyards. The awe-inspiring Julian Alps, striking Lake Bled, and breathtaking Triglav National Park will give the most seasoned nature addicts reasons to gasp.
The country is often described as “Little Switzerland” and it’s not difficult to see why.
Unique Sights and Destinations
From the fairy-tale worthy architecture of Predjama Castle to the captivating caverns of the Postojna Cave, Slovenia will never cease to amaze you.
The quaint capital, Ljubljana, might lack the big city vibe, but it captivates with its charming old town, the Ljubljana Castle, and the dragon-adorned Dragon Bridge.
These are some of the top things to do in Ljubljana:
Ljubljana Castle: Dominating the city’s skyline from its hilltop setting, this historic fortress offers panoramic views, museums, and a unique glimpse into Slovenia’s past.
Prešeren Square: The heart of the city, this central square is surrounded by striking architectures like the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. It’s a vibrant meeting point and a great place to soak in the city’s atmosphere.
Tivoli Park: Ljubljana’s largest and most beautiful park is perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, and enjoying outdoor exhibitions. The park also houses several mansions and museums.
Dragon Bridge: An iconic symbol of Ljubljana, this bridge adorned with dragon statues is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture and a popular photo spot.
Central Market: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the bustling Central Market. Sample fresh produce, traditional Slovenian foods, and crafts.
Ljubljanica River Cruise: Take a scenic boat cruise along the river that flows through the heart of the city, offering a unique perspective on Ljubljana’s charming bridges and architecture.
Metelkova Mesto: Discover this autonomous cultural center known for its eclectic graffiti, art installations, and vibrant nightlife, encapsulating the creative spirit of the city.
National Gallery: Art enthusiasts should not miss the chance to visit Slovenia’s premiere art museum, filled with an impressive collection of national and European masterpieces.
Savoring Slovenian Cuisine
Coming to Slovenia, expect to be spoiled with a delectable culinary experience. The country’s gastronomy is influenced by its Italian, Hungarian, Austrian, and Croatian neighbours, making it a vibrant trove of diverse flavours.
Don’t miss out on “potica” (rolled pastry), “kranjska klobasa” (Carniolan sausage), or Slovenia’s very own honey.
Here’s a short list of some of the must-try Slovenian foods:
Potica: This traditional rolled dough pastry is commonly filled with walnuts, tarragon, poppy seeds, or cottage cheese, and it is a national symbol of Slovenia’s culinary heritage.
Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage): A beloved smoked sausage made of pork, seasoned with garlic and pepper, protected by geographical indication and a staple of Slovenian cuisine.
Ćevapčići: An adopted dish from the Balkan region, these grilled minced meat sausages are often served with flatbread, onions, and a variety of local condiments.
Jota (Sauerkraut Stew): A hearty stew combining sauerkraut or sour turnips, beans, potatoes, and sometimes smoked pork or sausage, perfect for colder weather.
Štruklji: Made from various types of dough, these boiled or baked rolls are filled with sweet or savory fillings like cottage cheese, walnuts, or apple, and commonly served as a side or dessert.
Bograč: Originating from the Prekmurje region, this rich stew with Hungarian influences contains a mix of meats, onion, potatoes, and spices, similar to a goulash.
Blejska kremsnita (Bled Cream Cake): An iconic dessert from Lake Bled, it features layers of puff pastry sandwiching a thick, sweet custard cream topped with powdered sugar.
Idrijski žlikrofi: These dumplings from the town of Idrija are filled with potatoes and onions, and often served with a lamb or game sauce.
Slovenian Honey: Slovenia has a rich beekeeping tradition with various types of honey, including flower, spruce, acacia, and chestnut, often used in cooking or as a spread.
Piran Salt (Piranska sol): Harvested in the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, this high-quality, traditional sea salt is a unique product of the Slovenian coast.
A Champion of Sustainability
Labeled the “Green Heart of Europe,” Slovenia takes pride in its sustainable tourism approach. In fact, it has even been dubbed the world’s greenest country by the Global Green Economy Index.
You can embrace this green spirit across the country, with eco-friendly accommodation, organic food, and opportunities to connect with nature without causing harm or disrupting local life.
Plentiful Outdoor Activities
Hikers, cyclists, water sports enthusiasts, or simple nature lovers, Slovenia hands you a mixed plate of outdoor adventures. Whether you wish to explore the highest peaks, paddle along the emerald Soča River, or cycle through the charming vineyards, the choice is ultimately yours. If you’e an active person you’ll love Slovenia.
Ease of Navigation
Despite its diverse landscapes, Slovenia’s compact size makes it extremely easy to navigate through. You can effortlessly transition from hiking in the Julian Alps to lounging on a beach on the Adriatic Sea within a few hours.
The whole country covers an area of 20,271 square kilometers (7,827 sq mi) and is just slightly larger than the state of New Jersey. If you’re just visiting for a short trip, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground and see most of the country within less than a week.
The best way to get around is by renting a car – use RentalCars.com to compare prices. You can also book tours using GetYourGuide.com or take advantage of the country’s bus system if you prefer to use public transportation.
Proximity to Croatia and Others
Thanks to its central geographic location, Slovenia is the perfect base for day trips to neighboring countries, especially Croatia with its dreamy coastal towns and extraordinary Plitvice Lakes.
My friends and I hired a car and drove across the border to visit the Croatian city of Rovinj, which is perched on the Adriatic Sea. We also travelled from Slovenia to Italy by train, stopping in Trieste and then continuing onwards to Venice.
Beaches, Wine Regions, and Mountains: A Trilogy
Slovenia is almost landlocked, but not quite. It has a small stretch of coastline which measures just 47 km (29 mi), and encompasses the towns of Koper, Piran and Portoroz.
Slovenian beaches, although scant and largely man-made, offer a relaxing space for sun-lovers on the Adriatic Sea. The country is also home to established wine regions, where top-notch wines are molded. Lastly, the alpine charm of Slovenia’s mountains offers another dimension to this dynamic landscape.
An Embodiment of Boutique Destination
As one of the less-travelled countries in Europe, Slovenia provides a more private and less crowded vacation experience, perfect for those seeking tranquillity and a break from touristy clichés. Forget package holidays and large resorts; Slovenia is all about boutique hotels and unique experiences. While it does get busy in summer months, the country isn’t completely overrun by tourists and cruise ships.
Safety and Affordability
Slovenia is considered one of the safest countries in the world, making it ideal for solo and family travelers alike. It strikes a sweet balance between cost and comfort, delivering a reasonably affordable European travel adventure.
However, every destination has some drawbacks as well, and Slovenia is no exception.
The Flip Side
Not For Party Animals
Party animals looking for a vibrant nightlife may find Slovenia a bit subdued compared to busier European hotspots. The capital city of Ljubljana has plenty of cocktail bars and restaurants, but don’t expect it to have the nightlife of say, Budapest or Berlin.
Beaches are OK, But Not Incredible
Slovenia’s coastline—a mere 46.6 kilometres—is limited and largely supplemented with man-made beaches, which may disappoint those seeking an expansive seaside. If you’re looking for sandy, beautiful beaches, then I’d suggest a place like Greece or Portugal instead.
Limited Flights
Moreover, Ljubljana Airport isn’t the best-connected hub, potentially making flights more complicated and less direct than desired. Flights into Ljubljana can be expensive and the airport just isn’t as well served by budget airlines. If you’re flying to Ljubljana from the U.S., you’ll likely have a stopover in Frankfurt or Zurich.
If you’re coming from the UK, Easyjet and British Airways offer direct flights. Otherwise you’ll need to fly a national carrier like LOT, Brussels Airlines or Lufthansa, which will have a stopover. Expect to pay between £160 and £320 round-trip.
However, many people travel into Slovenia by train from neighboring countries such as Austria or Italy. If you’re planning to visit multiple countries on your vacation, then Slovenia is an easy stop en-route.
The Verdict
In the end, Slovenia’s charm lies in its quiet elegance, natural beauty, and under-the-radar status. It’s a country where unspoiled nature, culinary delights, eco-friendliness, and epic landscapes combine to create a fulfilling experience. If these are elements you yearn for in a vacation, then Slovenia is undoubtedly well worth a visit.
Remember, travel is a very personal experience, and Slovenia’s gentle, nature-embracing offering might just give you the refreshing, soul-soothing retreat you’re yearning for!
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