Slovenia Travel Guide: Travel Tips & Must-See Places
With its beautiful lakes, incredible landscapes, adventurous mountains and breathtaking views, Slovenia is a must see place in Europe and also one of the most underrated country’s in Europe.
You also want to explore Slovenia, but don’t know what you need to knwo before you visit? When is the best time to visit? Or what you can experience in this beautiful country? Then I would like to help you to plan your adventure in Slovenia in detail with this ultimate Travel Guide. So let’s plan your next journey:
Overview:
- What to know before you go to Slovenia
- Best time to visit
- How long will you need?
- What to pack
- Top Things to do in Slovenia
What to know before you go to Slovenia:
Toll Sticker (Vignette): If you’re coming to Slovenia with your own car, you’ll need a toll sticker (vignette) to use the highways. You can purchase a 7-day, 30-day, or annual vignette here.
Know your limits: Slovenia is known for its beautiful Alps and breathtaking hiking trails. While many of these trails are stunning, they can also be physically demanding. Before setting off on a longer hike, make sure you’re aware of the trail conditions and whether you’re physically and mentally prepared to handle them.
Be prepared: When going on a hike, don’t just know your limits, be fully prepared. Let someone know where you’re going and when, be mindful of changing weather conditions, carry the right equipment, and always bring enough food, water, and first aid supplies.
Best time to visit:
When the best time to visit Slovenia is depends mainly on your interests. The main tourist season runs from April to around October. This period is ideal for hiking, swimming in lakes, and enjoying relaxing summer days with pleasant temperatures and good weather. During this time, many travelers visit Slovenia, which means that prices for accommodation, car rentals, and other activities are significantly higher.
The low season, from November to December, is particularly well-suited for winter sports. During this time, especially in the Alps, there is often heavy snowfall.
How long will you need?
How much time you should plan for a trip through Slovenia or a holiday there depends on how much you want to see. The most impressive area in Slovenia is the Triglav National Park. If you want to do a lot of hiking, sightseeing, and exploring there, you should plan at least 7 days. However, 10 to 14 days would be even better, so you have time to relax between the many hikes.
Slovenia has a lot to offer, so if you want to explore multiple parts of the country, staying more than 14 days can definitely be worthwhile. That said, 1 to 2 weeks is a good amount of time to see and experience a lot of what the country has to offer.
What to pack
In addition to cosmetics, medication, clothing, electronic devices, and other general travel necessities, there are a few specific items you should definitely include in your packing list for a trip to Slovenia:
Hiking boots: If you plan on doing several hikes in the mountains, sturdy hiking boots are essential. Depending on the kind of excursions you’re planning, comfortable shoes like sneakers may also be suitable.
Comfortable clothing: In addition to hiking boots, make sure to bring clothing that allows you to move freely and that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty during your adventures in Slovenia.
Water bottle: For longer hikes, it’s important to always carry enough water. You can either buy bottled water in supermarkets or bring large reusable bottles that you can refill as needed.
First aid kit and plasters: Especially if you enjoy hiking or plan to be very active during your trip, make sure to carry some basic first aid supplies and plasters for small injuries or emergencies.
Backpack: For day trips, activities, and hikes, a backpack is essential. It should be large enough to carry everything you’ll need for the day.
Towel: Especially in summer, Slovenia offers plenty of opportunities to swim in lakes or rivers. Always have a towel with you in case you want to take a dip, even during a hike.
Swimwear: Along with a towel, don’t forget to pack your swimwear for those spontaneous swims in lakes or rivers.
Rain jacket: Even in summer, rain showers are possible in Slovenia. It’s common to have brief rainfalls even on otherwise sunny days, so a light rain jacket is always a good idea.
Sunscreen & sunglasses: On sunny days, don’t forget to apply sunscreen and bring a pair of sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Top Things to do in Slovenia:
Visit Lake Bled
Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most famous landmarks. In the middle of the lake lies a small island with a charming church. You can visit the church by taking a boat tour or simply admire as a beautiful photo spot. There are plenty of places around Lake Bled to go swimming and enjoy the summer sun on the grassy areas. If you prefer being active, the lake also offers a variety of walking and cycling paths.
The small town of Bled, located by the lake, has a relaxed atmosphere with its cozy cafés, restaurants, and picturesque houses, perfect for a peaceful and enjoyable vacation.
Get in touch with history and enjoy a great view from Bled Castle
Perched high on a cliff overlooking the lake is Bled Castle, which can be seen from all around Lake Bled. Not only does it make for a great photo opportunity from below, but it also offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and the town of Bled from above. You can visit the castle with a day ticket for 17€.
Hike up to the Ostrica Viewpoint
From Lake Bled, you can reach the trailhead to the OstricaViewpoint with just a short walk. Along the hike, there are several turn-offs leading to different lookout points, all offering stunning views over Lake Bled and its beautiful surroundings.
Hike to the Seven Lakes
One of the most beautiful hikes I’ve done in Slovenia is the hike to the Seven Lakes through the Julian Alps. Just nature, no phone signal, lots of wildlife, and endless mountain views.
The hike to the Seven Lakes and back takes at least 6–8 hours and includes several steep sections. Make sure you’re well-prepared before heading out. Keep in mind that there’s no cell reception along this route.
Drive along the Vršič Pass
The Vršič Pass offers breathtaking views of Slovenia’s mountains, forests, and natural landscapes during a scenic drive. There are many spots along the way where you can stop to enjoy the view, take a dip in a river, or start a hike.
Enjoy the Soča River Viewpoint
At the end of the Vršič Pass, there are several places where you can stop and admire the turquoise-blue waters of the Soča River. One of the most beautiful spots is the Soča River Viewpoint, located just a few hundred meters from Napoleon’s Bridge. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful nature, go on short hikes, or even try out some water sports.
Soak in the blue water at the Soča Tröge
Another great place to admire the clear blue water of the Soča River and even go for a swim is at the Soča Tröge. This natural gem is also located along the Vršič Pass.
Explore the Peričnik Waterfall
Slovenia is home to many waterfalls, but one of the most impressive is the Peričnik Waterfall, located not far from Bled. From the nearby parking area, a 15 – 30 minute hike leads you to the waterfall. What makes Peričnik especially unique is the narrow path that allows you to walk behind the waterfall itself, a truly memorable experience.
Make a day trip to Ljubljana
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and features a beautiful, well-kept city center. While it doesn’t offer a large number of activities, it’s perfect for a relaxed day of exploring. A day trip is usually enough to see the main sights and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.
Visit the small town of Kranj
Not far from Ljubljana lies the small town of Kranj. It has a charming and peaceful historic center, but the town itself is quite small and doesn’t offer many activities. If you have extra time, a short visit to Kranj can be a nice addition to your trip. However, if your time in Slovenia is limited, it’s better to prioritize other destinations and experiences.
Relax or hike at Lake Bohinj (Bohinjsko Jezero)
Just a 30-minute drive from Lake Bled is Lake Bohinj (Bohinjsko Jezero), a beautiful natural lake surrounded by mountains. It’s a great place to swim, relax on the grassy shores, or go for a scenic hike around the lake and through the surrounding nature.
