12 tourist attractions in Slovenia waiting on your doorstep that you can visit alone, with your partner, or with friends and family. It is a small country with a lot to offer! Slovenia is the home of some of the most marvellous and wondrous tourist attractions.
Affectionately called Central’s Europe hidden gem, you will discover several activities and tourist attractions in Slovenia that you will enjoy seeing and doing with your family and friends.
Why You Need A Guidance to the Tourist Attractions in Slovenia
There is just so much to see and do in the country that your adventure will never cease to stop but keep going. You would need more than one week to see all of the country’s breathtaking hot spots and perhaps, a return trip to enjoy the ones you didn’t get to visit.
Since you’ll be coming for a few days, you want your itinerary to include only the best things to do in Slovenia.
Thank your lucky stars that you have us to guide you to all the country’s amazing destinations that are a must-visit on your first time in the country.
Along with attractions, we went a step further and have given you places to eat, stay, and a few tips on how to rent a car!
Here is a Selection of Tourist Spots in Slovenia to Explore
Here are 12 tourist attractions in Slovenia you can visit alone, with your partner, or with friends and family:
Vintgar Gorge – One of a Kind Travel Destination in Slovenia
There are several things to see in Slovenia but one of the best destinations to visit is Vintgar Gorge, also known as Bled Gorge.
Located only 5 km away from the beautiful Lake Bled, you can take a stroll on the boardwalk overseeing the Radovna River.
At Vintgar Gorge, you’ll encounter rapids, rock pools, and waterfalls such as the picturesque 40-inch high Šum waterfall. Take the wooden gangplank route to admire all the sounds, sights, and atmosphere of this magical wonder.
Tips
How Do You Get to Vintgar Gorge from Bled? You can visit Vintgar Gorge via bus from Bled. The bus departs from the station in Bled at 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 10:30 AM. We recommend reaching there early.
How Much Time Do You Need at Vintgar Gorge? Since the hike is around 3 km long, it should take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours.
How Long is the Vintgar Gorge Walk? The boardwalk is 1.6 km long.
Can You Get from Ljubljana to Vintgar Gorge by bus? To get from Ljubljana to Vintgar Gorge, take a 2-hour train or bus ride. If you decide to go by taxi, it will take approx 40 min.
Mountains’ Breathtaking Destinations in Slovenia
Triglav National Park
Start your adventure in Slovenia at the Triglav National Park. The park is home to the Julian Alps, the Soca River, Lake Bohinj, and Lake Bled.
The national park, named after the tallest mountain in the country, offers majestic panoramic views of the hills, mountains, rivers, lakes, and pastures.
It also offers adventurous activities such as parasailing, skydiving, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, and rafting.
Tips
How Do You Get Around Triglav National Park? Access the national park via bus or car. If taking the bus, travel to Ljubljana. If taking the car, take the west highway E57, reach Ljubljana, and then north highway E61. You’ll reach the park in 2h 30min.
How Long Does It Take to Climb the Triglav Mountain? It will take you 2 days to climb the Triglav Mountain.
What Are the Routes You Can Take to Climb the Triglav Mountain? Most accessible routes go through the mountain hut located at the mountain’s base. Longer hiking routes go through the Julian Alps.
Begunjscica Hiking Trail
Begunjscica Hiking Trail (Begunjščica) is part of the Karavanke Mountain and features steep meadows and slopes. The Veliki Vrh is the trail’s highest point.
You can explore the 120 km long Karavanke Mountain, running on the border between two countries, Slovenia and Austria.
You can also climb the 2,000-m high Begunjščica Mountain, bordered by Hungary, Croatia, and Italy.
Tips
How to Visit the Begunjscica Hiking Trail? To visit the hiking trail, go from the ‘Ljubljana – Jesenice’ motorway, drive-by Tržič to the Ljubelj Pass, and a little before the tunnel at the pass, turn left, and park at the base of the Zelenica ski slopes in the parking lot.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Begunjščica Hiking Trail? The best time to visit the meadows and slopes is actually all year round. The S and N slopes are very popular in the summer. Follow the marked trails to see the pastures, forests, ridges, and meadows. In the winter, tour the mountain or try downhill skiing and ice climbing.
What Do You Need to Know About the Begunjscica Hiking Trail? Here are some details about the hiking trail:
- Distance (13.46 km)
- Highest Point (2,065 m)
- Lowest Point (714 m)
- Total Ascent (1,360 m)
- Total Descent (1,360 m)
Pokljuka Plateau
The alpine plateau called Pokljuka is situated in the Triglav National Park above Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. You can tour the mountain pastures and farming villages.
Be sure to visit the wooded Karst Plateau via car.
Tips
What is the Nearest Route to Access the Pokljuka Plateau? You can access the Pokljuka Plateau from Krnica through Zatrnik.
How Can You Visit the Pokljuka Plateau? From Bled, it is a 30-min car ride. In the winter, you can access it through Bled and Bohinj.
What Activities Can You Do Pokljuka Plateau? Some of the things to do and see in Slovenia’s plateau include hiking mountains, cycling, tasting homemade cheese and sour milk from the pastures, as well as biathlon shooting, ski touring, and skiing on the Viševnik ski slopes. You can also enjoy snow-shoeing, cross country skiing, and walking on the Goreljek Peat Bog Study Trail.
Planina Zajamniki
Mountain Zajamniki, or Planina Zajamniki, situated in Srednja vas v Bohinju, is a quaint shepherd’s village. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the mountains of Slovenia. Escape to the small village to see another side of the country.
You can hike on the gravel trail that winds through the forested area and leads to farms and uniquely styled and decorated cottages.
You can walk around the village, visiting the pastures and marvelling at the wooden cottages. The backdrop of the alpine ridges will make your trip worthwhile.
The preserved and restored Shepherd’s houses add to the beauty of the Planina Zajamniki with some houses turned into holiday homes.
If you are visiting in August on the weekends, visit the holiday home or “the snack bar” to try their homemade cold cuts, sour milk, cheese, butter, and cottage cheese.
Tips
How to Visit the Planina Zajamniki? You can hike, cross country ski, or mountain bike to reach Planina Zajamniki or drive there through Goreljek.
How Long is the Route to Planina Zajamniki? The route is 12 km long and without any stops, it can take you 3 hours.
What is the Best Time to Visit the Planina Zajamniki? Sunny days, especially weekends, draw the most visitors. If you want to stay clear of crowds, come on the weekdays.
Kranjska Gora in the Julian Alps
Kranjska Gora’s alpine resort is located in the Julian Alps and offers a variety of things to do in Slovenia. The resort regularly hosts the FIS Ski World Cup for Women Giant Slalom and Slalom, as well as Men’s Slaloms, for those interested in winter sports.
Additionally, the ski resort offers numerous activities to winter sports enthusiasts, from beginner to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Other activities in and near Kranjska Gora are climbing, hiking, cycling, and ziplining. You can also visit the mountain villages to appreciate the local culture and historic architecture.
Tips
How to Explore Kranjska Gora? You can easily explore Kranjska Gora on foot. You can visit the meadows and forests as well as go to Lake Jasna to look at the Zlatorog statue.
Can You Swim in Lake Jasna? Yes, you can swim in Lake Jasna, connected by the Mala Pišnica and Velika Pišnica rivers.
What Activities Can You Visit Near Kranjska Gora? Some of the nearby destinations you can visit include the Soča Valley, the Vršič Mountain Pass, the Isonzo Front, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and Radovljica.
Lots of Tourist Attractions in Slovenia but Nothing like Bled
Heart of Bled
What are some of the most unique tourist attractions in Slovenia to see? One of them is visiting the Heart of Bled, of course!
Heart of Bled is a huge heart-shaped monument, which was created a couple of years ago. Situated at the centre of town, it overlooks the gorgeous lake and the Bled castle.
Tips
When is Heart of Bled Open? The Heart of Bled opens every day from 12 AM to 11:59 PM.
What Attractions Are Near Heart of Bled? Some fun things to do in Slovenia’s Heart of Bled are the Free Tour Bled, 3glav Adventures, Altitude Activities Galerija Mikame, and Maya Bled Transfers.
How Do You Get from Lake Bohinj to Bled? To get from Lake Bohinj to Bled, take the 40-min bus ride traveling to the Ribčev Laz village.
How Do You Get from Vintgar Gorge to Bled? To get from Vintgar Gorge to Bled, take an 8-min taxi ride or a 9-min direct bus ride.
Lake Bled
Lake Bled is among the best tourist attractions in Slovenia. You can spend an entire day in Lake Bled, and it still won’t be enough.
The spectacular scenery hypnotises you with its beauty. Each year, the small island and lake attract tourists from every part of the world. Take a pletna boat to travel to the Island of Bled.
The island is a wonder on its own with a walkway, consisting of 90 steps, leading to the Church of Mary the Queen. Remember to ring the church’s bell for good luck!
You can also swim in the lake in the summer and hike across Mala Osojnica Hill to take in the dramatic and fabulous sights before you.
Tips
What is the Bled Boat Rental Price? You can rent a pletna boat for 20€ per person from Mlino Port for pletna boat, near Hotel Park, and the Rowing Centre. You can rent a regular boat from a boat rental place.
Tickets to Bled Island: Tickets to reach Bled Island vary in price between 12€ to 20€. You can hire a ride on the spot. See map
Can I book a tour? You can book a tour of Bled or book Bled sightseeing full day.
How Long Does It Take to Visit the Island of Bled from Lake Bled? You can reach the island via a pletna boat, which takes 20 min one way, rent a rowboat, or swim to the island. If swimming, bring extra clothes, otherwise, you won’t be able to explore the church.
Bled Castle and Lake Bled
Another one of the many tourist attractions to visit while in Slovenia is Bled Castle. In Slovene, Bled Castle is called Blejski Grad.
Slovenia’s oldest castle tops the list of things to do in Slovenia. If your thing is visiting castles, you might as well look for other incredible castles in Slovenia and make a list.
The remarkable and historical castle sits on a 130-m high cliff above Lake Bled.
The castle boasts a Gothic drawbridge and arch and inside, you’ll find a restaurant, a chapel, courtyards, a wine cellar, gift shop, blacksmith shop, print shop, and a museum.
Every year, the castle hosts renaissance and medieval events.
Tips
What is the Bled Castle Entrance Fee? The entrance fee for adults is 13€, students 8.50€, and kids aged 14 years and younger is 5€.
When Does Bled Castle Open? Bled Castle opens on the following dates and timings:
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, and Dec (8 AM to 6 PM)
- Apr, May, and Jun (9 AM to 5 PM)
- Jul, Aug, Sep, and Oct (9 AM to 7 PM)
How to Reach Bled Castle? You can reach the Bled Castle via a 20-min bus ride, 3-min taxi ride, or a 14-min walk. Once there, use the set of stairs created beside the lake’s walkway to visit the castle.
Notorious Sports Tourist Highlights in Slovenia
Nordic Centre Planica
Nordic Centre Planica is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Slovenia for sports enthusiasts. The centre houses the world’s largest skiing jumping hill. Cross-country skiers come to the centre to train and compete in competitions.
Did you know the centre has over 40 world records to its name? Wow!
You can visit the Planica Museum to witness and revisit the centre’s 80-year history. Other activities include two ski jump simulators, an interactive station to judge ski jumps, and a hologram to converse with some of the greats.
Few events happening at the centre to look out for include the World Snow Day, FIS OPA Cross Country Continental Cup, FIS World Cup Nordic Weekend, FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup, and FIS Ski Jumping World Cup.
In fact, Nordic Centre Planica will host for the first time the World Championships. FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2023 will be held between 21 Feb to 5 March 2023.
Tips
When Does the Planica Nordic Centre Open? The centre opens Mon to Thu 9 AM to 6 PM, and Fri to Sun 9 AM to 8 PM.
What Activities Can You Do at the Planica Nordic Centre? The best things to do at the centre include signing up for a training camp, recreational sport, and adventurous activities such as cross-country skiing, zipline, flying in the wind tunnel, curling, and Frisbee throwing.
How Much Does the Zipline Ride Cost? The zipline is one of the centre’s hottest attractions and costs 29€; for child and adult 49€. You need to reserve your zipline ride beforehand.
Soca Valley: Soca River
You can view the Soča Valley and the Soča River from the Solkan Bridge. If you are up for a daring adventure, you can bungee jump off the bridge to come face-to-face with the beauty of the Soča Valley.
Other things to do in Slovenia’s Soca Valley are going rafting and canoeing on the Soca River where you’ll encounter forests, canyon walls, steep turns, and waves.
You can also opt to hike through Soča Gorge or visit the waterfall and take a dip in the water. Families and friends can drive on the trail leading to the mountains to stand and admire Slovenia, Italy, and Austria — all at the same time!
Tips
How to Visit the Soca Valley? You can visit the Soča Valley from Lake Bled and Ljubljana or drive through the Vrsic pass as well. However, it is not open in the winter. The Vrisc pass offers a wonderful view of the Julian Alps. You can also book day tours from Lake Bled and Ljubljana.
How Long Does It Take to Explore the Soca Valley? You need to plan a full day to explore it. Can You Swim in the Soča Rivers? Yes, you can.
Zelenci Nature Reserve
The Zelenci Nature Reserve, located near Kranjska Gora, is recognised for its geological and natural charm.
Established in the Slovene wilderness, it enamours people with its beautiful features such as its lake with emerald green water, the Drni moorland decorated with flora and fauna, wooded Karavanks and Vitranc forests, and several hiking trails and walkways.
Tips
How to Visit the Zelenci Nature Reserve? From Kranjska Gora, go by car, travel west on road #202, and then pass the Podkoren town to arrive at the reserve. On foot, take the path that leads to Podkoren town. By bus, you will have to walk to the reserve from either the Rateče or Podkoren town.
When is the Best Season to Visit the Zelenci Nature Reserve? Discover and enjoy the reserve all year round.
What Are Important Things to Know Before You Visit the Zelenci Nature Reserve? Don’t wander off, respect nature, beware of snakes. Swimming isn’t allowed.
Best Restaurants in Slovenia
Here is a list of the best restaurants in Slovenia:
1. The Original Bled Cream in the Park Café
Park Café’s original Bled cream cake turns 69 years old! The cake gets its deliciousness from its crispy crust and fluffy cream and custard filling.
2. Public Bar & Vegan Kitchen
Public Bar & Vegan Kitchen has received rave reviews for its vegan creations. They have earned a place in the hearts of many vegans and continue to win over non-vegans with their tasty menu.
3. Authentic Slovenian Cuisine ‘Gostilna Lectar”
Authentic Slovenian Cuisine serves you homemade and handmade dishes in the Lectar restaurant. The Gostilna Lectar serves traditional recipes perfected by grandmothers. They introduce authentic Slovenian recipes to younger generations and give older generations a taste they fondly reminisce about.
4. Gostilna Murka to Try Traditional Slovenian Dish Gorenjska Prata
Gostilna Murka serves the popular traditional Slovenian dish, Gorenjska Prata. Gorenjska Prata is related to one of the most important religious holidays – Easter.
Where to Stay in Slovenia?
Find the perfect accommodation to spend your vacation in Slovenia here:
Penzion Pr Anzl
Penzion Pr Anzl, situated in Bled, offers luxurious and spacious rooms with a playground for kids, hence making it perfect for families. The hotel provides guests with numerous activities such as cycling and skiing with Lake Bled a short walk away.
The Forest Edge Apartments Bled
The Forest Edge Apartments Bled is a three-star hotel located near Bled Castle, Bled city centre, Straza Bled Ski Centre, and the Bled Jezero train station.
Adora Luxury Hotel
Adora Luxury Hotel or ex Vila Istra overlooks Lake Bled, Triglav Mountain, and the island. Although slightly expensive, the attractive scenic view makes money well spent. With several attractions easily reachable by foot, you can start your holiday the same day you arrive.
How to Rent a Car in Slovenia?
If you don’t want to explore Slovenia on foot and via public transport, you can rent a car. Renting a car in Slovenia is easier than you think. You can check out Atet and Sixt to rent a car in Slovenia.
Visit the Coolest Tourist Attractions in Slovenia Where Dreams Come True!
Slovenia can make your dream of having the perfect vacation come true. With an array of tourist attractions in Slovenia to explore, you will have a trip filled with excitement and memories.
