Slovenia

Introducing Slovenia

To many of us, Slovenia is a little bit of an unknown country and is often confused with Slovakia. One of the reasons for this lack of understanding, aside from the similarity of name, is that direct flight access from the UK has been pretty limited in recent years. Airlines and tour operators have focused on Croatia’s beach resorts rather than Slovenia’s lakes, mountains, and coast. Back in the late nineties, Slovenia came on my radar as the tour operator I worked for started to sell, Croatia and Slovenia two-centre holidays.

The first problem I had in those days was learning to spell the capital – Ljubljana – I think I have finally mastered it. An unusual fact I recall from back in those days was that the outline of Slovenia is that of a chicken. I would say a portly mother hen actually but there you go. You were not expecting that nugget of information, were you?

I will be the first to admit that when I was first introduced to the country back in the late 1990’s I knew very little about it. However, over the following 20 years, I have grown to adore this undiscovered European gem.

Key Information

Green Slovenia

So who goes to Slovenia today – well I do for starters – I have had many a business trip to the country but also I have had a New Year skiing holiday in the mountain resort of Kranjska Gora.  I have taken a city break in Ljubljana, a lad’s golfing break to Bled and also a weekend self-drive tour of the lakes and mountains – not bad for such a little country!

Back in 2013 one of the UK’s leading travel groups hosted their overseas conference in Lake Bled – unbeknown to many it was my suggestion and I presented the initial pitch with the wonderfully supportive Slovenian Tourist Board to the organisers. I guess that demonstrates how much I like this country.

A year later ABTA – the Association of British Travel Agents hosted its annual conference in the capital city of Ljubljana. This was a great success and opened the eyes of many in the travel industry to the delights of this sadly overlooked country.

I think many people believe Slovenia to be that dull grey eastern European country with little to do aside from consuming cheap beer. How wrong they are! For the adrenaline junkie, there is a rich list of attractions – caving, skiing, rafting, rock climbing, canoeing, and even bungee jumping. I remember my first and only taste of white water rafting on the Sava river – great fun and through the well-organised sports companies that are peppered around the area you can be sure of an amazing experience but with your health and safety assured.

I often think of Slovenia as a mini Switzerland however there is a saying about being small and perfectly formed plus Switzerland does not have a coast and it’s blinking expensive! Slovenia is also a country that is embracing sustainability with many projects ongoing to protect nature and surroundings – this can only be a good thing and another reason I share a connection with the country.

Then finally there are the people. They are great fun and quirky. This is displayed both in their art, their fashion, and then in their fun-loving slightly mischievous sense of humour. I remember one evening in Bled with the local Major – you might expect a stuffy regimented kinda guy but no he was at the bar singing and telling jokes all night long… Slovenes are truly lovely and will welcome tourists with open arms.

So there you have it – a sustainable focused green country with the cleanest freshest air, beautiful scenery, superb locally produced cuisine and lovely friendly warm-hearted people. It’s a country I have always loved and will return to at the drop of a hat.

Getting Around

Adria Airways, the country’s national carrier, British Airways, and a host of low-cost airlines including Wizzair, Easyjet and Ryanair all have various services from the UK to Ljubljana.

Many visitors to Slovenia also fly into Graz in Austria for Eastern Slovenia, Maribor or to Klagenfurt in Austria for Bled, Bohinj and Kranjska Gora or Pula in Croatia or Trieste in Italy for the coast.

If the direct services to Slovenia from the UK don’t work for you then with a little research into the geography of the region you may find some useful alternatives.

I would recommend hiring a car in Slovenia as driving is easy, the roads are not that busy once you are out of Ljubljana and once behind the wheel, you will have the freedom to visit off-the-beaten-path places which ultimately will save you money.

The easiest place to hire a car is at Ljubljana airport. Here you will find all the major companies, like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise or Sixt. The rent-a-car building, where all the car rental offices are, is across the street from the arrivals terminal.

You can also rent a car in Ljubljana or other smaller cities, like Bled, if that’s the start journey of your trip. Some companies do provide a pickup and collection service some at cost.

You need to be at least 18, have a driving license for at least 2 years and have a credit card with you. You will be asked for your passport as well when you pick up the car, and it needs to match your driving license.

Hiring a sat nav will cost you another £8-10 per day. Do you need it – well I didn’t however if you are travelling alone it is probably a good idea as looking at a map while driving is not recommended!

If you are driving up into the mountains and perhaps doing my recommended road trip along the Sava River to the Vrsic Pass then I would get an automatic as the mountain bends are tiring.

The most popular ferry in Slovenia is the one used by locals and hordes of tourists from Piran to Venice for a day trip. The Venezia line ship takes about 310 passengers with the crossing 3 hours and costs about 70-75 euros per adult and a 50% reduction for children.

There is the option of a VIP ticket which provides the VIP Salon – an exclusive area on the top deck of the boat seating a maximum of 30 people. It has leather seats and lounge-style seating plus a higher view from the elevated position. Guests travelling in the VIP Salon will depart the boat first plus are offered a free welcome drink.

Taxis are a good way of getting around although I much prefer my car. A word of warning though in the major tourist areas such as Bled or Ljubljana, it is always best to get an upfront price. A journey from Ljubljana airport should cost approximately 40 Euros to Bled.

In the more remote mountainous or smaller towns taxis are limited and can be expensive. My advice is to plan so you don’t need one or have your car.

I love Ljubljana railway station and seem to have spent quite a lot of time there over the years. It is a short ten-minute walk from there into Ljubljana centre. The capital has direct train services to all the major neighbouring European cities and a few more besides. Here is a little guide as to what is available. I took the train to Budapest a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

You may want to consider an Interrail Slovenia Rail pass or an Interrail Global pass with access to 33 countries – it just depends on how much you plan to use them.  

Places To Stay in Slovenia

You will find accommodation to suit every budget and every taste.

If you want indulgence and luxury then there is a choice of excellent hotels along with standard 2 and 3-star options which represent good value for money, One thing you can be sure of is excellent food as Slovenes take great pride in what they serve up on your dinner table!

For a more authentic experience where you can mix with the locals then guesthouses, pensions or private rooms are a good choice.

There are also numerous camping grounds both in the valleys and mountains and these cater for the hikers, walkers and many cyclists that enjoy the country’s natural assets.

Among the themed accommodations, the natural health resorts and thermal spas tend to be more popular with Europeans as opposed to those travelling from the UK.

For all those who want to save when travelling, but also value comfort and orderliness, hostels are another option and are intended for all age groups as well as families. Many hostels offer the same comfort as hotels but often with no restaurant.

Some more obscure options are a stay in a castle, a mountain refuge or you can even rent a vineyard cottage.

Top 20 Things To See & Do in Slovenia

1. Explore the enchanting capital city of Ljubljana, with its charming old town, iconic Ljubljana Castle, and vibrant riverside cafes.
2. Discover the stunning landscapes of Lake Bled, with its picturesque island church, medieval castle, and opportunities for hiking, cycling, and boating.
3. Visit the underground wonders of Postojna Cave, one of the longest cave systems in the world, and marvel at its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
4. Take a scenic drive through the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park, stopping to admire the breathtaking scenery, hike to stunning waterfalls, and explore charming alpine villages.
5. Wander through the fairytale-like village of Škofja Loka, with its medieval castle, colourful houses, and well-preserved old town.
6. Maybe as part of a road trip, experience the adrenaline rush of white-water rafting or kayaking on the emerald-green waters of the Soča River.
7. Visit the picturesque coastal town of Piran, with its Venetian architecture, narrow streets, and stunning views over the Adriatic Sea.
8. Explore the fascinating history and architecture of the medieval town of Ptuj, with its well-preserved castle, town walls, and ancient Roman remains.
9. Hike to the summit of Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia, for panoramic views of the Julian Alps and beyond.
10. Relax and rejuvenate in the thermal waters of Terme Olimia or Terme Čatež, two of Slovenia’s top spa resorts.
11. Discover the traditional craftsmanship of the Škofja Loka region, known for its skilled woodcarvers, beekeepers, and lace makers.
12. Explore the charming wine-growing regions of Slovenia, such as the Vipava Valley or the Goriska Brda, and sample delicious local wines and cuisine.
13. Visit the stunning Predjama Castle, built into the mouth of a cave, and learn about its fascinating history and legends.
14. Take a scenic ride on the historic Solkan Bridge, the world’s longest stone arch railway bridge, and enjoy panoramic views of the Soča Valley.
15. Explore the unique underground world of the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vast chambers, underground rivers, and impressive rock formations.
16. Discover the rich cultural heritage of Slovenia at the National Museum of Slovenia in Ljubljana, with its extensive collections of art, archaeology, and ethnology.
17. Cycle along the scenic trails of the Slovenian countryside, through vineyards, orchards, and picturesque villages.
18. Experience the magic of winter in Slovenia with skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing in the stunning Alpine resorts of Kranjska Gora, Vogel, or Mariborsko Pohorje.
19. Attend one of Slovenia’s many festivals and events, such as the Ljubljana Jazz Festival, the Maribor Festival, or the Kurentovanje carnival in Ptuj.
20. For activity holidays visit Lake Bohinj, for walking, hiking or skiing opportunities.

Pre-bookable Excursions in Slovenia

More Information

Contact I Feel Slovenia or your local travel agent for more information on holidays to Slovenia.