Dear Fellow Travelsoul,
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a country that holds a special place in my heart. It is Europe’s hidden gem that has truly captured my soul and become one of my favorite destinations on this continent! Over the past four months, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to explore this beautiful country, immersing myself in its culture, traversing its landscapes, and creating unforgettable memories. Whether by road trip or public transport, I’ve embraced every moment – and, of course, kept it all within a budget. Without further ado, I’m excited to share with you my top eight must-visit spots in Slovenia <3
Ljubljana
Prepare to be enchanted by the charm of Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. With its quaint streets, cozy ambiance, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder this city captures the hearts of travelers from around the globe. It is such a small city, especially for a capital, but honestly, that is probably one reason why I am so in love with it. For those seeking inspiration on how to make the most of your time in Ljubljana, go check out my article: “Secrets Of Ljubljana: 10 Insider Tips For Your Adventure“.
How to Get Around
You can easily explore Ljubljana on foot since it’s a small city. Most places of interest are within walking distance, allowing you to soak in the charm of the city at your own pace. If you’re looking to cover more ground quickly, consider using the city bikes available through the “BicikeLJ” app. At only 1 Euro per week or 3 Euros per year, the city bikes offer a budget-friendly transportation option for exploring Ljubljana.
Alternatively, if you prefer public transport, you can purchase a bus card from kiosks or gas stations. Each journey costs 1.20€, and you can conveniently top up the card with as much credit as you need. It’s worth noting that buses in Ljubljana operate at intervals of around 20 to 30 minutes and do not run during the night. You can easily rely on Google Maps for information regarding connections and departure times.
Lake Bled
Perhaps Slovenia’s most famous attraction, Lake Bled with its castle island attracts visitors from near and far. It is Slovenia’s premier wedding spot due to its magical beauty. This picturesque location is an absolute must-see. You can also take a swim in its crystal-clear waters (during summer, unless you are brave enough for an ice-cold plunge in the winter months).
How to Get There
Lake Bled is accessible by bus from Ljubljana, it’s perfect for a day trip or as a stopover on your way to discover the natural marvels of Lake Bohinj. You can check out the bus schedule here. Tickets are available for purchase at the bus terminal, where you can also find additional bus information.
Lake Bohinj
Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, Lake Bohinj offers a tranquil escape just a stone’s throw away from the rather tourity Lake Bled. Surrounded by pristine hikes, this hidden gem provides the perfect escape into nature. Even in main season the lake remains calm and radiates a peaceful atmosphere.
How to Get There
You can access Bohinj using the same bus that stops at Bled. Simply remain on board for an additional 45-minute journey.
Celje
Another place worth visiting is Celje, a charming Slovenian city boasting a rich historical heritage. Here you can treat yourself with a luxorious hot chocolate at “Oaza 2.0“, wander through its old town, and climb up the Celje Caste for panoramic views.
How to Get There
You can visit Celje from Ljubljana by train or by bus. You find the bus connections here; for train information, I suggest visiting Ljubljana’s train station and speaking with a staff member. It is just an one hour train ride that brings you to this wonderful location.
Maribor
Maribor’s appeal comes from its lively university city vibe. As a historic town surrounded by lush vineyards, it is particularly enchanting during the summer and late summer months. You can wander through its charming streets and hike up a small hill surrounded by grapevines to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. Maribor can be explored in a day, I would suggest either staying for just one night or visiting as a day trip only.
How to Get There
You can reach Maribor from Ljubljana by bus or train. The quickest bus connections typically take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can view the timetable here.
Velika Planina
Coming to my personal favorite spot in Slovenia: Velika Planina. It is one of Europe’s largest herdsmen’s settlements. This expansive landscape offers a mesmerizing retreat, in winter as well as in summer. I highly recommend catching the sunset as it’s truly one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever witnessed.
How to Get There
When I visited Velika Planina, I have rented a car with a group of friends, since it is the most practical way to get there. You can also get there by first taking a bus to Kamnik and then from there to Kamniška Bistrica, where a cable car is going to take you all the way up tp Velika Planina. However, in that case you would probably have to spend a night in Kamnik, since the buses do not go too regularly back to Ljubljana. Therefore, renting a car is probably the cheapest option. If you’re considering renting a car, I recommend ATET. They offer affordable rates and have a reputation for friendly and fair service.
Piran
Slovenia isn’t just about stunning mountains and picturesque towns; it also boasts a beautiful coastline. The charming town of Piran, which is car-free, is definitely worth a visit. It offers a wonderful maritime experience, delightful shops, and incredible restaurants (although they may be slightly pricier than elsewhere in Slovenia). A personal highlight in Piran is the Town Walls, where for just 1 Euro, you can climb them and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
How to Get There
The best way to reach Piran from Ljubljana is by bus, since it is a car free city anyways. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. I highly recommend staying at least one night in Piran to fully experience its charm. You can find the bus schedule here.
Soča Valley
The Soča Valley is part of the Triglav National Park, and boasts mesmerizing azure rivers that create a truly enchanting atmosphere. Hiking through this landscape feels like stepping into a natural wonderland. I recommend exploring Soča Valley at Tolmin Gorges, since it offers some of the area’s most scenic hikes. Keep in mind, however, that the park is closed during the winter months.
How to Get There
I personally got to Tolmin Gorges by getting to Tolmin, a small Slovenian town. You can also reach Soča Valley through the towns Bovec and Kobarid. Just look up the bus connections here. I recommend checking out Soča Valley’s Website for further information.