Things to Do in Slovenia

At an elevation of more than 1600 meters, the Vrsic Pass is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia, crossing the eastern Julian Alps. Part of the Russian Road built for military use in the early 19th century, the pass connects Upper Carniola with the Trenta Valley. This includes a series of 50 numbered hairpin turns leading up to the pass. A Russian Orthodox chapel stands on the north side of the pass near hairpin 8 and a Russian cemetery can be found near hairpin 4. Both the chapel and cemetery honor the Russian prisoners of war who died in an avalanche while building the road. On the south side of the pass, a bronze monument honors Slovenian mountaineer and writer Julius Kugy.

Those wishing to stretch their legs along the way can park near the top of the pass and follow a footpath to a mountain hut. From there, the path leads up to a summit for panoramic views of the surrounding area. The route can be covered on foot in about 45 minutes.

Formed by the Reka River, which still flows through this underground canyon, the Škocjan cave system is a 4-mile (6-kilometer) network of interconnected caves and one of Slovenia’s most impressive natural attractions. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes cavernous chambers, pools, sinkholes, and jumbo-size stalactites and stalagmites.

Visitors can explore the Škocjan cave system during various guided tours. Lasting 1.5–2 hours, the Through the Underground Canyon tour includes access to many of the dramatic subterranean landscapes, such as the Silent Cave, a dry canyon replete with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones; and Cerkvenik Bridge, which is suspended about 160 feet (50 meters) above the Reka River. Between April and October, it’s possible to take the Following the Reka River Underground guided tour, which follows the river path. 

Visitors can prebook tour tickets for the caves and make their own way to the site. Alternatively, visit as part of a half-day or full-day tour from Ljubljana, Koper, Rovinj, or Trieste in Italy. These longer tours typically combine a cave visit with other Slovenian attractions, such as Lipica Stud Farm or the seaside town of Piran. 

Škocjan Caves are situated about 28 miles (77 kilometers) southwest of Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, and about 16 miles (26 kilometers) east of Trieste in northern Italy. Take the train from Ljubljana to Divača station. Shuttle buses run from the station to the caves.

Tours through the caves run year-round but are more frequent during the busy summer months (June–September). The caves are quieter in winter and the water levels of the Reka River are often higher, meaning the roar of the current can be louder. 

If, after seeing the caves, you want to further explore Škocjan Caves Regional Park, follow the self-guided Škocjan Educational Trail. This circular 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) walking route begins at the park’s visitor center, where you can see models of the underground canyon and exhibits explaining the unique karst landscape. The route leads past various geological features, including sinkholes, and through the villages of Betajna and Škocjan.

Located in Ljubljana’s vast cobbled square of Mestni Trg, the Baroque Magistrat was built in 1719 by Slovenian architect Gregor Maček and today contains the office of the mayor as well as being a popular landmark with visitors to this elegant, pocket-sized city. The town hall is approached by an impressive flight of steps, has an ornate whitewashed façade incorporating an arched Venetian-style balcony, and is topped with a fancy pediment and clock tower. This incarnation replaced the previous Gothic town hall, which was built in 1418 but subsequently destroyed in a violent earthquake in 1511.

A monument to Yugoslavia’s first king, Peter I, was erected in the entrance hall in the mid-1920s but this was destroyed by Italian Fascist troops when they occupied the city in 1941 – nowadays a 17th-century statue of Hercules the lion has taken its place. The walls are covered with oil paintings and there are often a couple of art or history exhibitions on the go in the pretty inner courtyard. Outside the Magistrat stands the Robba Fountain, one of the city’s best-loved Baroque monuments. It was the last masterpiece of Ljubljana sculptor Francesco Robba, completed in 1751 and depicting three river gods representing Slovenia’s main rivers.

The coastal wetlands of Secovlje are also home to the nation’s largest saltpans. Thick, murky green walkways wind between expansive wet water areas that capture and hold vast amounts of salt that naturally occurs here. While the pans alone are a site to see, the Secovlje Salina Nature Park has been attracting travelers for decades, thanks to its extensive biodiversity, natural beauty and picturesque landscapes.

With more than 270 different species of birds, the nature park draws ornithologists and birders to Fontanigge, the southernmost section of the park, where vegetation is perfect for white herons and a picturesque estuary leads to a quiet river. But Secovlje Salina offers plenty of options for travelers who aren’t so interested in our flying friends. An extensive network of bike and walking trails as well as the Lera Salt Shop and the Saltworks Museum round out a visit to this Mediterranean destination.

The twin peaks of Grmada and Smarna Gora are both swathed with oak and beech forest and sit in northern Slovenia; their humps are clearly visible from its enticing capital city of Ljubljana, which spreads out into a giant basin below the mountain. Smarna Gora is the eastern of the two peaks and reaches up to 669 meters (2,194 feet); woven with 15 hiking trails, it is one of the most popular weekend destinations for the folks of Ljubljana. They flock out to the forest to enjoy walking, jogging, mountain biking, and climbing through narrow craggy limestone gorges and canyons; while in winter Smarna Gora becomes a snowy paradise for Nordic skiing and tobogganing. It is also a haven for wildlife, with foxes, martens, squirrels, buzzards and hawks commonly spotted; sightings of deer and brown hare have been recorded but are rare.

Depending on fitness, it takes between 45 and 60 minutes to climb Šmarna Gora, which is topped by the 18th-century Baroque church of the Virgin Mary – although a pilgrimage church has existed in this site since medieval times – from which there are spectacular views over the city to the Julian Alps. A popular restaurant shares the same spectacular panoramas, sells typically Slovenian treats such as puffy donuts called miske (mice) or stuffed dumplings, and gets rammed every summer weekend. Close by is an ancient bell, reputed to bring good luck to anyone who rings it.

With its pretty landscaped gardens, shaded woodlands and idyllic walkways, it’s easy to see why the people of Ljubljana flock to Tivoli Park on sunny weekends, but there’s plenty to see and do in the park year round. 

The tranquil parkland is the city’s most popular green space, a 5-square kilometer stretch laid out in 1813 and an easy walk from the city center. This is the place to break away from the urban sprawl and fill your lungs with fresh air, and a number of walking and cycling trails, mini golf courses and adventure playgrounds are dotted throughout the park.

Walk the long promenade flanked by Plečnik-designed lampposts and you’ll come to the grand Tivoli Mansion, with its entrance watched over by a set of 4 tongue-less guard dog statues. Built by Jesuits in the 17th century, the Baroque-style mansion is now home to the International Centre of Graphic Arts and hosts a number of exhibitions and events throughout the year. The Museum of Modern History is another one of the park’s highlights, along with the Ljubljana Zoo, an outdoor swimming pool, a live music venue and a sports park. As you stroll through the park, keep a look out for the many notable sculptures – the bronze ‘Boy with a Whistle’ by Zdenko Kalin, Slobodan Pejic’s inspired piece set around a fallen oak tree and the statue of celebrated Slovene poet Edvard Kocbek by sculptor Bostjan Drinovec, are all exquisite works. 

Established in 1774, the National and University Library of Slovenia is one of the country’s most prestigious institutions. Tucked away in Plečnik Palace on the edge of the medieval center of Ljubljana, the Jože Plečnik-designed, four-story building is patterned with contrasting limestone and brickwork and centered around a pair of internal courtyards. The impressive library reading room fans out around a monumental marble staircase scattered with 32 gray and black marble columns.

Open to guided tours, the library holds some 1.3 million books, 8,700 rare manuscripts, and other multimedia resources. It also contains five major collections of Slovenian artifacts, from medieval manuscripts to maps, all of which are available to view in a series of ornate exhibition rooms. The National and University Library is included on many walking tours of Ljubljana, and a visit can be combined with a cruise down the Ljubljanica River or local beer tasting for an experience that's one for the books.

Piran’s Tartini Square is one of the most impressive plazas in Slovenia, and that's not just because of its grand Venetian and neo-Renaissance surroundings. Originally outside city walls, the square first served as a fishing dock, and by the end of the 19th century, was completely overrun with sewage, prompting city officials to build the public square on top. Today, the pedestrian-only plaza sits between Piran's Town Hall and Court House, and serves as a scenic venue for concerts and events, as well as a popular meeting spot for city locals. Go for the people-watching or for excellent views of the surrounding hills, architecture, and Adriatic Sea.

Within the square, you'll see a 19th-century monument of the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, for whom the square is named for, and two stone flag poles from the 15th century at either side of its entrance.

The Postojna Cave—a subterranean wonderland of karst tunnels, caverns, and galleries, adorned with dramatic stalagmites and stalactites—is one of Slovenia’s most remarkable natural wonders and among the country’s most visited tourist attractions. It stretches along the Pivka River for an impressive 12.5 miles (20 kilometers). 

Visitors can discover the underground world of Postojna Cave on a 1.5-hour guided cave tour, which includes a ride on an electric train and an 0.9-mile (1.5-kilometer) hike through cave areas such as  the Great Mountain, the Concert Hall, and the Brilliant Passage. Full-day Postojna Cave tours run from Ljubljana, Koper, and Bled, as well as from Zagreb or Rovinj in Croatia, and are often combined with nearby attractions such as Predjama Castle, Lake Bled, or the Skocjan Caves.

Postojna Cave is located 34 miles (55 kilometers) southwest of Ljubljana, about a 50-minute trip by road. The easiest way to visit is by private car or as part of a guided tour, but it is also possible to arrive by public transport—buses from Ljubljana stop close to the Jama Hotel, while train services connect to Postojna town (1.2 miles or two kilometers away). 

Postojna Cave is open year-round, but the most popular time to visit is between May and October, when tours are held hourly. Winter sees fewer crowds, but it’s best to book ahead as there are sometimes only four interior tours per day.

After exploring the beautiful caves, pay a visit to the nearby Predjama Castle, the largest cave castle in the world. Then, visit the Proteus Vivarium to discover the large number of animals that dwell in the caves, including the famous olms or “baby dragons.” Other highlights include the EXPO Postojna Cave Karst, an exhibition on the cave’s unique karst landscapes, and adventure tours of the neighboring Pivka Cave and Black Cave.  

One of Ljubljana’s most iconic landmarks, the striking Triple Bridge connects the central Preseren Square with the Old Town and castle, running over the Ljubljanica River. The aptly named bridge is not one but three adjoining bridges, with the central 19th-century car bridge flanked by two pedestrian bridges that appear to blend seamlessly into one. Today, all three bridges form part of the city’s pedestrian-only sector and from each side-bridge, stairways lead up to tree lined terraces, offering spectacular views along the riverside.

The inspired creation of celebrated local architect Joze Plecnik, the bridge is one of a series of his works that have become synonymous with the city. Constructed in 1931, it’s largely regarded as Plecnik’s architectural masterpiece, with the elegant stone balustrades and period street-lamps providing a grand frontage to the Old Town. Scattered with flower sellers and picnickers during the day and glittering beneath the city lights by night, the Triple Bridge is undoubtedly one of Ljubljana’s most atmospheric walkways. 

Shaped over the millennia by the raging waters of the River Radovna, the Vintgar Gorge slices through 1.6 km (one mile) of the Borst and Hom hills in northwestern Slovenia. First discovered in 1891, the narrow, winding river gorge was then impenetrable thanks to the vertical erosion of the limestone rock, but two years later a sandy trail and wooden pathways were built along the canyon length to open up its awesome waterfalls, icy cold pools and boiling rapids to visitors as it repeatedly crosses the river. One man‐made spectacle to look out for while hiking through the canyon is the stone arch of the Bohinj railway bridge, constructed in 1906 and hanging 110 feet (33.5 meters) above the river, which has become a magnet for adrenaline‐fueled whitewater rafters. The trail ends at the impressive Sum waterfall – the highest in Slovenia and spewing 52.5 feet (16 meters) into a pool at the head of the gorge. From Sum, walkers can retrace their steps along the gorge or make a circular tour towards the east, walking over the peak of Hom, past the pilgrim church of St Catherine and on down to Bled.

The Renaissance-cum-Baroque castle in Ptuj stands over Slovenia’s oldest town on a bend in the Drava River and its site has been occupied since pre-Roman times. In the 16th century the castle began to take on its present shape, replacing the medieval fortress commissioned by an archbishop of Salzburg, of which only the Western Tower now remains. It has been extended piecemeal since then and was transformed into the Ptuj Regional Museum in 1945, showcasing a host of treasures from Slovenia’s cultured, aristocratic past.

The six permanent exhibitions are woven into a tour of the castle apartments and include Slovenia’s biggest collections of ancient armor and handmade musical instruments on the ground floor plus a series of fine paintings of the Habsburg Imperial Family in the Castle Gallery. The most sumptuous chambers are found on the first floor, where period furniture, Chinoiserie, tapestries and paintings are laid out in reconstructed rooms dating from the late 16th to the 19th centuries.

The Festival Hall houses a rare collection of Turqueries, which are 17th-century Turkish portraits of military commanders, dignitaries and fine Ottoman ladies. However, the real stars among the museum’s collections are the traditional shaggy costumes and animal masks worn during Ptuj’s Kurent (Shrove Tuesday) carnival to stave off winter spirits; they are displayed in castle’s former stable block.

Stretching from Triglav National Park to Nova Gorica in Slovenia, the Soca Valley is home to the outdoor adventure hotspots of Bovec and Kobarid. Bovec in particular is known as the adrenaline capital of the country, serving as a base for white water rafting, kayaking, paragliding and hiking. It is also home to a zip line that lets visitors soar at speeds up to 40 kilometers per hour more than 50 meters above the ground. Other options include mountain biking, bungee jumping, canyoning, fishing, horseback riding and, in the winter months, ice climbing.

Beyond the adventure activities, the Soca Valley is home to several historical sights, mostly relating to World War I, when millions of troops fought in the surrounding mountains. Those interested in the heritage of World War I can follow a well-marked hiking trail known as the Walk of Peace through the valley past several outdoor museums.

Located in the New Town at the foot of the iconic Triple Bridge, Preseren Square is one of Ljubljana’s most famous public spaces and a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists. Perched by the riverside on the cusp of the Old Town and feeding many of the city’s main thoroughfares, Preseren Square makes the perfect spot from which to explore the city. 

This is the busy heart of Ljubljana, lined with elegant shopping boutiques and atmospheric cafés, and ringing with the sounds of street musicians and entertainers. Although laid out in the late 19th century by architect Maks Fabiani, many of Preseren’s buildings underwent a makeover in the 20th century, bestowing an array of impressive Art Nouveau façades on the square. Additional architectural highlights include the 16th century Franciscan Church of the Annunciation; the Secessionist Hauptmann House, designed by Ciril Metod Koch; and the exquisite Urbanc House (Centromerkur). 

Dedicated to beloved national poet France Preseren, the square’s namesake is honored by the prominent central statue, a poignant sculpture by Ivan Zajc, which depicts the poet gazing over at the statue of his great love across the square. 

Known as the Emerald Beauty thanks to its sparkling green waters, the Soca River in western Slovenia is one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Flowing from the Trenta Valley in the Julian Alps, the river connects 12 cities as it makes it way to the Adriatic Sea. The river is best known for water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting and fly-fishing. The fly-fishing season stars in April and rafting is popular April through October. The valley surrounding the Soca River offers a wealth of activities for visitors, from hiking and mountain biking to paragliding and canyoning. It is also home to the Walk of Peace, a well-marked hiking trail that follows the heritage of World War I and includes stops at several outdoor museums along the way.

One of the most popular towns along the Soca River is Bovec, which has been called the adrenaline capital of Slovenia. It is the perfect jumping off point for your active vacation in the mountains, but especially white water rafting, kayaking, paragliding and hiking.

Built in the first half of the 12th Century Podsreda Castle is a classic example of traditional Romanesque architecture. Though this iconic hillside structure fell into disrepair during World War II, exhaustive renovations have since taken place in an effort to restore Podsreda to its original splendor.

Travelers can tour the grounds, which are tucked into a rustic mountain slope that overlooks the quiet, picturesque township that shares the same name. Well-kept gardens, towering white columns, impressive double windows and decrepit remains of original interior paintings are just some of the highlights of a visit to this whimsical destination. Travelers who tour the grounds during summer months are likely to stumble upon wedding ceremonies, too, since the castle serves as a popular romantic backdrop to exchanging vows.

Uniting Ljubljana’s historic and colorful Baroque center with Jurčič Square, the 13th-century Shoemaker’s Bridge (Cevljarski Most) is an integral part of Ljubljana, past and present. Once a point at which to collect tolls on foodstuffs, spices, and textiles, today, the oldest bridge in the city is a gathering point for street artists and stallholders in summer and a popular stop on many city walking tours. Redesigned by Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik in 1931, the stone bridge is adorned with six pairs of pillars and crosses over the Ljubljanica River, connecting to the imposing Three Bridges (Tromostovje) by walkway along the Ljubljanica.

Explore the city's most famous bridges and architecture on a guided day tour of Ljubljana and the Alpine town of Lake Bled, with included round-trip transportation departing from most nearby cities.

Triglav National Park is one of Europe’s largest nature reserves, with over 340 square miles (881 square kilometers) of mountains, lakes, glacial valleys, and alpine meadows. Best known for its rocky mountain vistas and rich biodiversity, the park is an ideal spot for hiking, climbing, rafting, and other wilderness activities. 

Most day trips to Triglav National Park leave from Bled and visit highlights such as Kozjak Waterfall, Boka Waterfall, and the Tolmin Gorges. For a more active experience, join a guided hike or opt for a rafting trip, canyoning tour, or mountain biking excursion. It’s also possible to visit Triglav National Park on a day trip from Ljubljana, which often includes a cruise around Bled Lake and Bled Castle, a motorail ride through the Julian Alps, and a visit to panoramic viewpoints of Vintgar Gorge. 

Triglav National Park is located in the northwest corner of Slovenia, close to the Austrian and Italian borders. By road, it lies roughly 15 minutes from Bled and one hour from Ljubljana. Buses travel to the park from Bled during summer, and it’s also possible to arrive by private vehicle or guided tour. 

You can visit Triglav year-round, but summer (June through September) is the most popular time for hiking and outdoor activities, when the mountain breeze provides a welcome relief from city heat. It’s also possible to hike during winter, but all activities are dependent on the weather, which can be very cold. 

Whether you want to climb Mount Triglav (the park’s highest mountain), cruise around the lakes, or hike through alpine valleys, there are ample opportunities for outdoor exploration in Triglav National Park. If you’re looking for adventure, you can go white water rafting along the Emerald River; try your hand at canyoning in Soca Valley or Grmecica Canyon; enjoy mountain biking through Bohinj Valley and the Julian Alps; or take a scenic horseback ride around Bohinj Lake, which is also a hotspot for water sports during summer. There are also over 6,214 miles (10,000 kilometers) of hiking trails to choose from, with everything from short walks to challenging mountain summits. During winter, you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding at Vogel Ski Resort.