Destinations
Slovenia is not one of the countries that feature high on our priority list when we think Europe. Probably one of the most underrated European countries, it has every ingredient that makes for a great vacation, with beautiful landscapes, gorgeous greenery and crystal clear lakes. The country is really small so does not require a lot of time to cover and makes for a great combination with Croatia, Austria or even Italy.
Here are 5 places in Slovenia that are bound to take your breath away!
#1 Ljubljana's lively vibe
The country's capital city has an amazing vibe and great nightlife. The winding Ljubljana River with its charming bridges, outdoor cafes and restaurants lined along the river, the lovely castle perched on top of the hill in the backdrop and the laid back atmosphere is what you can look forward to in this city. Do not miss the dragons perched on the famous Dragon Bridge in the Old Town, one of the most photographed attractions in the area.
Ljubljana River
#2 Breathtaking views of Lake Bled from Blejski Grad (Bled Castle)
Lake Bled is one of the best places to visit in Slovenia. The gorgeous lake has the clearest green waters ever and a walk around the lake is just the ticket for enjoying a relaxing day and connecting with nature. If you're feeling up for a little adventure and for some gorgeous views of the lake, hike up the Bled Castle (although the hike is hardly about 30-45 minutes, it is quite steep) or drive up to it. The castle has a few cafes, a souvenir shop and breathtaking views of the lake and the island in the middle of the lake.
Click here to book your car.
Alternatively, you can take a boat to the island and explore it or climb up the stairs to Villa Bled and sip on a cup of coffee at their terrace restaurant which has great views of the island and the lake.
View from Bled Castle
Walk around Lake Bled
#3 Green pools of Triglav National Park
On the drive from Lake Bled towards Lake Bohinj, you will encounter some of the most beautiful valleys and pools. This is part of the Triglav National Park, which has some of the most magical landscapes you'll see. Unspoilt diverse nature, mountains and lakes, forests and pools - this is what you can expect in this part of Slovenia. Don't forget to take a refreshing dip in one of the green pools on your way.
Triglav National Park's green pools
If you have the time, you could even consider camping in Slovenia.
#4 Calm and beautiful Lake Bohinj
Located in the valley of Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj's calm waters are very inviting to those who might be interested in renting a kayak and exploring. The lake is hardly a 1-hour drive from the capital city and although not as popular as Lake Bled, it is definitely worth a visit.
The active people can look to hike the 12-km trail along the lake (which takes about 5 hours) or choose a part of it. You may also choose to drive or walk towards Savica waterfall, about 4 km ahead of the lake (be ready to climb 500 steps to the viewing point). If time allows, take a cable car up to Mt Vogel for spectacular views of the lake.
Lake Bohinj
#5 Vintgar Gorge
Located hardly 15 minutes ahead of Lake Bled, this is a place with wilderness where you can enjoy a short hike amidst waterfalls and pools. Take a walk along the wooden platform, which is about 1.5km long; it can slippery and wet along the way but the experience is spectacular. With cute little cafes at the starting point as well as the end point, you will reach a viewing platform overlooking the Šum Waterfall.
Suggested budget city-centre hotel stay in Ljubljana: City Hotel
Shreya Saha
The view of the lake from Bled castle is incredible. That is one shot I will go to Ljubjana for. But even the Vintgar Gorge looks very interesting. It would be nice to walk there. Slovenia is in y list since long, I will really go there soon, someday.
Archana Singh
I have been dying to go to Slovenia. Last year almost made it there. I cant tell you how desperately i wanna see Lake Bled from Blejski Grad (Bled Castle). And, your post just added more fuel to the fire 😛
Medha Verma
That’s an iconic spot to capture a picture of the lake and the island in the middle of the lake 🙂
Vicky and Buddy
All of the water looks gorgeous! I’ve been wanting to visit Slovenia for awhile because I haven’t explored much of that part of Europe. Plus I hear it’s a lot cheaper to visit. I need to get there soon before it gets too crowded!
Punita Malhotra
Almost made it to Slovenia when we travelled to Croatia, but had to skip it due to lack of time. Maybe that’s a good thing, because when we plan for it, we will be able to include all the useful inputs from posts like these. Stunning locales in this country!
Medha Verma
I also clubbed it with my trip to Croatia but I ended up regretting that I spent only 3 days, could’ve spent more time and done so much more!
Bella WW
I traveled to Slovenia last year but I only got the chance to visit Blade Lake and I loved it! The country itself is so gorgeous and green that it makes me want to go back as soon as possible. Love your photos!
Claire
I keep hearing such good things about Slovenia, I really must go! I love the dragons on the bridge, and Lake Bled is absolutely stunning! That gorge too looks more like a tropical paradise than a European river 🙂
Medha Verma
Slovenia is gorgeous, I wish I had more time there!
Marissa
I’ve wanted to go here for a long time, but this has further convinced me! I’d love to get that iconic shot of Lake Bled from Blejski Grad. I enjoy hiking, so I wouldn’t mind the steep 45-minute hike up there!
Medha Verma
Some people even take a boat to the island in the middle of the lake, maybe you can consider adding that to your list too 🙂
Paige
This is quite the guide! I’m hoping to travel in Eastern Europe this summer, and you just made an insane pitch for Slovenia. I bookmarked this for inspiration while planning. Bled Castle looks so jaw-dropping and Vintgar Gorge looks stunning as well! It’s a good thing they’re so close together, huh?
Medha Verma
If you have more time, there’s a lot more to see! I hope you plan for at least a week and visit Piran, Triglav & Maribor too 🙂
Skye Class
I’m reading this blog at the perfect time, as Slovenia is definitely on my itinerary for the near future. Lake Bohinj has been mentioned to me by a few people now. Vintgar Gorge also looks really fun. Doesn’t sound like the longest walk, but certainly a beautiful one. I’m also interested in exploring eastern Slovenia, as I’ve heard there are some nice places out there as well.
Medha Verma
Well, I felt sad that I couldn’t make it to Piran and Maribor, will have to make it back to visit those two places!
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
Slovenia’s countryside is so appealing. Lake Bled, of course, but Triglav National Park and Lake Bohinj are on my list of places to visit. The pristine landscape is a hidden European gem in plain sight. I’d love to spend a couple days hiking and exploring.
Medha Verma
I had 3 days and I was wishing I had more, its a gorgeous country!
Eloise
Hiking the lake, walk around the gorges to a waterfall… Ok. Slovenia now does have all my attention. Although I lived most of my life in Europe, I have to admit I don’t know much about Slovenia. I’d really like to see all these places you’ve listed and learn more about the country. Hopefully soon!
Medha Verma
It is such an underrated destination!
Followingtherivera
This is very useful for me, especially as I’ll be visiting Slovenia next year. I definitely hope to see Lake Bled, and so much more in the country. The capital also looks pretty too, I can’t wait to visit!
Medha Verma
Lake Bled is gorgeous Lisa, you’ll love the country x
Rahat Arora
Slovenia is such a beautiful country! I didn’t know much about these popular places.
Medha Verma
Yea it truly is 🙂
Janine Thomas
Slovenia is a beautiful country to visit. I loved the dragon bridge in Ljubljana. I only wish that I had more time to explore some of the other places in your post.
Medha Verma
Yea, Ljubljana is pretty but once you step out of the capital city, it gets lovelier! The countryside is amazing x
Jordan Around The Globe
My breath is taken! Looks like an awesome trip and you seemed to have an amazing time! I will definitely have to go and experience the aforementioned myself
Medha Verma
You must! 🙂
WhodoIdo
Slovenia is very high on our list. Ian even researched getting married at Lake Bled! The views from Bled Castle are STUNNING. Slovenia has beautiful scenery with breathtaking views of mountains, lakes and gorges. It truly is magical! : )
Medha Verma
Wow getting married at Lake Bled would definitely be a magical experience x
Helene
I would love to visit Slovenia! I’ve heard a lot of great things, especially recently. Many of my friends have been by Interrail… Thanks for the guide, I’ll be looking at this if I plan a visit!
Medha Verma
Cheers x
Mario
Some nice places you listed here – starting considering Slovenia as a travel destination (maybe i should just add some days off after my planned trip to Bosnia (with a Bosnian friend) next summer for rafting to do a detour there? 😉 ). I definitely need more days off… 😀
Medha Verma
That’s a great idea, it isn’t too far from Bosnia. I hope you do x
Earths Pilgrim
Amazing clicks and breathtaking place…This is definitely going on top of my checklist of next destinations
Medha Verma
Thanks x
Indu
Visited several countries in Europe but not Slovenia till now. After reading your beautiful post I may plan now.
Medha Verma
I hope you do, cheers x
LaiAriel R. Samangka
Wow, this is truly amazing trip. I love all the places that you shared to us and would love to traipse my feet on each of these beautiful spots. I love all your stunning photos as well, you must have a good eye for any subjects. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Medha Verma
Thank you x
Chad
I 100% agree, Slovenia is highly underrated. I deserves a spot on the European itinerary 🙂
Medha Verma
Cheers x
Constance
Love your photos! Slovenia looks amazing and I can’t wait til I’m able to go and see Lake Bled in real life!
Medha Verma
It’s amazing Constance, hope you get to go soon x
Jem
It looks absolutely stunning! Beautiful pictures and really informative, might just have to add Slovenia to my bucket list! Thanks for a wonderful post
Medha Verma
It absolutely deserves to be on one’s bucket list! x
Danielle
I see tons of photos of Lake Bled and it looks SO stunning! I wish to go someday soon! I love this post
Medha Verma
Thanks Danielle x
Jack
Great article! Slovenia is a beautiful country, I went there a few years ago and absolutely loved it;)
Medha Verma
I’m sure you did. Cheers 🙂
Tracey
Slovenia looks like a wonderful place to visit. Very colorful! I’m not so sure about the green pools though! LOL
Medha Verma
Haha why… they’re so clear and gorgeous. A dip in them is so refreshing!
Anushka Aggarwal
Those views are breathtaking and astonishing. Slovenia is seriously beautiful would love to visit someday 🙂
Medha Verma
Cheers x
Dominic
Slovenia has been creeping up on a lot of must-see lists lately. Looking at some of these places you featured I can see why. I’d love to see that Gorge and Bled Castle!
Medha Verma
Yes it has and you see why 🙂 Lake Bled and the castle are stunning!
Nitin
Hi we guys are planning to do 2 nights each in Ljublajana and Lake bled . Do you think that’s enough . Also did you cover Piran. Any views on that ?
Medha Verma
Hi Nitin, yes 2 nights in each of Ljubljana and Lake Bled is enough. As for Piran, I did not visit but I’ve heard great things about it. It seems a lot like many towns in Croatia and since I was short on time and already visiting Croatia on the same trip, I decided to skip it.
Cristina
This is definitely on my bucket list ! Never considered it though, but you convinced me 🙂
Medha Verma
It’s beautiful, you’ll love Slovenia 🙂
Becca Talbot
Slovenia isn’t one of those places I’ve ever really considered – until now! It looks like a great country to explore, so will have to add it to my list 🙂 flights there are also quite cheap from the UK, so that’s a plus! x
Medha Verma
It sure is beautiful Becca. And small, easy to cover in a few days!
amit
I’ve had a quite a few friends that have gone on trips to Slovenia and absolutely loved it, I’m always hearing great things. I really want to get over there myself, this post has been bookmarked for future reference 😀
Medha Verma
You should, before this little hidden secret is out 😉
Miranda
Slovenia is such a beautiful country! I didn’t know about these gorgeous places; I especially love Lake Bled and Ljubljana River
Medha Verma
Lake Bled and the castle next to it were definitely my favorite too!
Suman doogar
Nicely written, now I wanna go there soon..
Medha Verma
Thanks 🙂 I hope you do!
Aysha
Lake Bled is the only one I’d heard of until reading this. They all look beautiful, definitely some more places to add to my never ending bucket list!
Medha Verma
It’s really beautiful for those who like nature, hills, meadows, lakes. And it’s not crowded!
Kate
Slovenia is one of the top countries that I want to visit in Europe! Those lakes and national parks look absolutely spectacular. How is Slovenian food?
Medha Verma
Very similar to Italian food actually 🙂
Shaun
I visited Bled 10 years ago and have wanted to return wver since. Looks like I have a few other places to check out in Slovenia!
amit
I’ve heard so many good things about Slovenia from friends that have traveled there in the past. This post just confirms to me that I need to experience it for myself 😀
Medha Verma
You must, it is amazing especially for nature lovers 🙂
Prasun
Sounds interesting. Hopefully will visit someday !!
Zainab
All the lakes look so stunning, it looks like the perfect place for a summer walk!
Medha Verma
It sure is!
neha
wow….seems such a lovely place…hv not read much abt it elsewhere..thanks for providing a wonderful insight…would definitely include in my list of countries to visit in europe?
Deepak Verma
You make it so interesting that my bucket list will start overflowing.
Medha Verma
Ha ha 🙂 There’s so much beauty in the world!