Slovenia tends to fly under the radar for western travelers visiting Europe. Located in the south-east of the continent, Slovenia is a hidden gem that is seriously underrated. What more could you want than stunning natural landscape, a network of underground caves, a fascinating royal heritage, sublime architecture, and yummy local cuisine?
You will never run out of things to do in Slovenia, and it's really not an overly expensive travel destination. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there will always be something fantastic to see or do in this beautiful country. Keep reading to find out what 10 things you should do during your trip to Slovenia.
10 Admire The Famous Monuments
Slovenia may be under the radar as far as European vacation destinations go, but that doesn’t mean the country isn’t packed with famous monuments. You will never run out of things to do in Slovenia because everywhere you turn there is another iconic landmark to see.
Be sure to check out the historic bell tower at Mount Saint Mary, the Butcher’s Bridge, as well as the stunning Ljubljana Cathedral in the capital city. These landmarks are shrouded in history and have helped shape Slovenia into the country it is today.
9 Go Hiking And Enjoy The Sublime Views
In addition to boasting several famous landmarks, Slovenia also offers outstanding beauty as far as the eye can see. While the towns and cities are great for admiring the architecture and man-made points of interest, the countryside is all about enjoying the natural landscape.
There are endless places to go hiking in Slovenia, each of them rewarding visitors with sublime views of the surrounding country. One of the most famous destinations within Slovenia is the Vogel Recreational Park, which you can visit in summer or winter. For gorgeous views, also check out Big Pasture Plateau and Triglav Lakes Valley.
8 Explore The Ancient Caves
A lot of countries in Europe offer spectacular views of the natural landscape, stunning scenery, and idyllic medieval towns. But Slovenia stands out from the rest thanks to its system of ancient caves that you can explore. One of the best things to do in Slovenia is checking out some of these wondrous caves.
You can take guided tours of the marvelous underground networks and learn all about how the caves were formed, how long they’ve been standing, and what they’ve been used for over the years. Don’t miss Postojna Cave and the Skokjan Caves!
7 Check Out The Heavenly Lakes
Some European nations are known for their alpine mountains. Others are known for rolling green hills, while others are famous for divine coastal views. Slovenia’s claim to fame as far as backdrops go is its selection of picturesque crystal lakes. Some are good for watersports, but with others, it’s enough just to sit back and admire the beauty.
It doesn’t matter where you are in Slovenia, there will always be a peaceful lake somewhere nearby. You can enjoy this for yourself in Triglav National Park, and some other famous lakes to check out include Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj.
6 In The Winter, Go Skiing
Now, this activity will depend on the weather. But if you happen to be traveling to Slovenia in the winter, you could enjoy some winter sports. If you’re a skier, there are lots of facilities in Slovenia that will cater to your interests. The ski fields here really are like no other.
Vogel Ski Resort is one of the most popular destinations for ski-lover and has everything you could possibly want on a skiing holiday. There is also Maribor Pohorje Ski Resort, which again is an ideal place for getting your skiing fix!
5 Discover Prehistoric Artifacts In The Ljubljana Museum
Although Slovenia is less well-known to westerners than other European countries, it still has a fascinating history that is well worth exploring. You can do this by taking guided walking tours of the different cities and the points of interest within them. While in the capital city, Ljubljana, be sure to check out the captivating Narodni Muzej Slovenije.
The museum not only offers exhibitions and artifacts from recent Slovenian history but showcases prehistoric artifacts as well. This is the ultimate activity for history buffs and can be quite rare as far as European museums go.
4 Taste The Wine In Maribor
No matter what you do in Slovenia, you have to stop and enjoy the delicious food and wine available. If you’re something of a wine connoisseur, be sure to visit the small city of Maribor, which is located in the east of the country. Not only does it boast the oldest vine in the world, but it is also the best place to go in the country if you enjoy drinking good wine.
Though a range of dishes is available in Slovenia, you’ll want to try as many authentic Slovenian meals as you can. The local cuisine is really tasty!
3 Visit The Ljubljana Central Market
If you’re sick of sightseeing and visiting museums, you could always head to the Ljubljana Central Market and do a little shopping. Located close to the famous Dragon Bridge, the market boasts an outdoor produce market, an indoor market, and also an open kitchen. To try authentic Slovenian fare, come here!
As well as being a place to shop, the market is also a place for locals to meet and socialize. The atmosphere is fantastic and you’ll feel like a local, even if you don’t end up buying anything.
2 Dine In Tartini Square
Situated in the town of Piran, Tartini Square is one of the country’s most famous squares and features an interesting history. But you don’t really go there to embrace history. You go there to people-watch, relax, and enjoy delicious food in the local restaurants.
Because of the square’s great location, you can easily get to the nearby castle from there. There are also fantastic views of the coastal city’s harbor, and buses departing from the square that connect to other towns nearby. Aside from restaurants, there also coffee shops and gelato shops to enjoy.
1 Tour The Many Castles And Palaces
History-lovers should visit the many museums in Slovenia, but that’s not all you can do to soak up the country’s history. You can also tour and explore the vast variety of castles and palaces that are still standing. Many of them were first erected centuries ago and hold a sea of enchanting stories.
There may be lines at some of the more popular castles and palaces during peak season, but you may be able to book ahead online and skip the queue depending on the castle you’re visiting. Some of the most famous include Ptuj Castle, Celje Castle, Ljubljana Castle, and Predjama Castle.