Slovenia is a scenic country with an earthly paradise of snow-capped peaks, turquoise-green rivers and Venetian-style coastline. It enriches its natural treasures with harmonious architecture, charming rustic culture, vibrant cities, charming villages and scenic beaches.
TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
1.POSTOJNA CAVE
As Slovenia’s most visited sight it never fails to work its magic on the tourist industry. Created by the Pivka River two million years ago, the 'cave’ is in fact a series of caverns, halls and passages 20.6km long. Via a underground train you can see 5.7km of the tunnel while the rest can be seen by foot. It is home to the endangered Proteus anguinus, a blind salamander known as 'the human fish' because of its pinkish skin colour.The temperature in the cave is constant 8°C to 10°C with a humidity of 95 per cent, so a waterproof jacket and decent shoes are essential.
2.LJUBLJANA CASTLE
The castle is an architectural mishmash, but most of it dates from the early 16th century when it was largely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake. In the Viewing Tower with the remarkable Chapel of George from 1489 you can view a 12 minute Virtual Film. The Slovenian History Exhibition guides you through the past via historic objects and multimedia exhibits. You can either walk up to the castle but the fastest and easiest way to get to the top is via the funicular, which ascends from Krekov trg in the Old Town every 10 minutes.
3.CANKARJEV DOM
It is named after author / playwright Ivan Cankar (1876 – 1917) who was widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Slovenian language. It is Ljubljana’s premier cultural and conference center with a dozen smaller performance spaces offering a wide array of performance arts such as musical events, and theatrical productions. A very unusal cube shaped monument to Cankar is standing in front of the building.
4. SALT- MAKING MUSEUM IN SECOVLJE
Salt-making has been one of the traditional mainstays of Slovenia's coastal economy. In the center of all the channels, pools and dikes you will find the Salt-making Museum, it focuses on all aspects of salt-making and the lives of salt workers and their families. Salt is still produced today in the traditional way.
5.PTUJ CASTLE
Ptuj is one of the oldest towns in Slovenia. Inside the Castle you will find the Ptuj Regional Museum with a treasure trove of period rooms including the Chinoiserie Room with original tapestries, painted wall canvases, portraits, weapons and furniture. In the Festival Hall you will find the `Turkerie portraits’ of aristocrats, generals and courtiers in Turkish dress that became all the rage in Europe in the early 18th century. Also on display is costumes and other items related to Kurentovanje, Slovenia’s foremost traditional carnival.
6.CITY MUSEUM OF LJUBLJANA
The museum focuses on the history, culture and politics of Ljubljana via imaginative multimedia and interactive displays. Highlights is the reconstructed street that once linked the eastern gates of Ljubljana to the Ljubljana River, a collection of well-preserved classical artefacts and the models of buildings that the celebrated architect Jože Plečnik never got around to erecting.
7.LAKE BLED
The lake with its cobalt blue water is one of Slovenia’s top attractions. You can visit the small museum and the Church of the Assumption with some 14th century fresco fragments and a gold baroque altar on the tiny, tear-shaped island toward the western side of the lake. Ring the ‘wishing bell’ in the 15th century church belfry if you need a special favour, and it will be granted. You can reach the island by pletna (condola).
8.KRANJSKA GORA SKI RESORT
As Slovenia’s largest and best equipped ski resort in the winter and in summer with limitless options for hiking, cycling, mountaineering and Intersport. It is also the gateway to the trip over Vrsic Pass (1611m), which leads into the Soca Valley via a tortuous Alpine road with some of the most dramatic vistas and scariest bends in Europe.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- Triglav National Park
- Soca
- Lake Bohinj
- Bled Castle
- Tripple Bridge
- Vrsic Pass
- Tivoli City Park
- Alps
- Sneznik
- Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
- Volcji Potok Arboretum
- Mangart
- Zelenci
- International Centre of Graphic Arts
- Ljubljana Zoo
- Museum of Modern Art
- Predil Pass
- Slovenian Museum of Natural History
- Predjama Castle
- Vintgar Gorge
- Dragaon Bridge
- Maribor Pohorje Ski Resort
The best way to get around Slovenia is by car hire, taxi, bike and coaches.
The alpine northwest sees abundant snow December until March, while warm, dry conditions May until September are ideal for climbing, hiking, cycling and adventure sports. Snow melt makes white water rafting a great option by late May.
