Located in the heart of Europe, at the very borders of the Balkan Peninsula, between the Mediterranean and the Alps, Slovenia is the world’s first country to be named a green destination. In this text, discover a little bit more of its most breath-taking places. We hope to tickle your imagination, inspire you to explore more on your own, and hopefully visit these wonderful places one day.
Triglav National Park
Slovenia has one national park, although much of the country is alluring enough to earn that status. Triglav National Park gained its name from the highest peak, Triglav, with which the Slovenians have a strong connection, so much so that it is part of their national flag. But Triglav is not the only high peak in the area. Others include Mangart, Jalovec, Prisojnik, and Spit, giving you an abundance of natural sights and heights to explore among mountains and glacier-formed valleys.
What to do and what to see:
1.Hiking – the most popular activity in the park, especially in the summer months, which is a recommendation for the less experienced. More experienced hikers can go into the Julian Alps peaks during the winter months too. Either way, trails are created to take you through the most astonishing landscape while passing various flora, fauna, and views along the road.
2.Look into the waterfalls – some of the country’s most majestic waterfalls are in the Triglav National Park, with Savica and Pericnik being two of the best. There are viewing platforms at both, so you can just stand, watch, listen and be amazed. And during the winter months, when the waterfalls freeze over, you can hire a guide and go ice climbing – something different and undoubtedly thrilling, but bear in mind, it is only intended for adrenaline junkies.
3.Walk on Devil’s Bridge – Tomlin Gorge is home to a broad bridge that passes over a colossal gorge drop to the ground. Suspended between two mountain walls, with green vegetation on either side of the rocks, you are literally hanging in mid-air – that alone is a jarring experience!
4.Mount Triglav – this is the highest mountain in the country and is a remarkable place to hike, climb and just breathe. According to a legend, a person can only be considered a true Slovenian if they have climbed the mountain. We encourage you to try, and perhaps, someday, you also become a part of Slovenian legend.
Bohinj
A place that definitely deserves the prize for the best adventure destination in Slovenia. Bohinj is a rectangular-shaped basin in the Julian Alps. Bisected by the Sava Bohinjka River, Bohinj’s main natural feature is Lake Bohinj. The entire basin is circumscribed on three sides by the tall mountain ranges of the Julian Alps. On the fourth side, the bay leads toward Lake Bled. Bohinj encompasses more than twenty picturesque villages.
What to do and what to see:
1.Ribcev Laz – a small, scenic town on Lake Bohinj’s east bank, a little bit touristy, but its charm is undeniable. It’s an excellent base for travelers with an unprecedented view over Lake Bohinj and the readily available water sports equipment rental facilities. Aside from the brick bridge and the church next to it, you can quickly reach some great relaxing spots on Lake Bohinj’s perimeter north of the town.
2.Mostnica Gorge – two-mile miles stretch of the Mostnica River where the river has eroded deep gorges. The stunning turquoise water and mini waterfalls, and rapids formed in the limestone landscape are truly mesmerizing. If you feel like it, you can even hike up to the Mostnica River source, the Okrepcevalnica Slap, crossing beautiful meadows and traditional houses.
3.Savica Slap – A waterfall northeast of Lake Bohinj, Savica Slap is famous for its A-shaped double waterfall resulting from a fault line. It is a beautiful waterfall that hangs on the limestone cliff. And with the zestful water and atypical shape, it is one of the most visited attractions.
Lake Bled
Almost a fairy-tale location that leaves you no choice but to fall in love with it. Encircled by mountains, it has a Church on the island rising from the middle of the lake and an other-worldly Castle balancing on the edge of a cliff. This list of things to do in Bled is not too long, perfect as you can relax and soak it all in. But, for example, hire a boat and make your own way out to the island, or just float in the middle of the water enjoying a few hours just soaking up your surroundings from a perfect vantage point. Or cycle around the lake, explore the churches, get a great viewpoint atop of the Castle or trek through the local terrain. It is a perfect place just to unwind, relax and just slow down a bit.
Vintgar Gorge
A few miles outside the town of Bled, you’ll find the Vintgar Gorge, one of the greenest places, where the turquoise waters flow between the gorge’s steep rocky walls. The canyon was dug by the mountain river Radovna, which is not so big, at least in that part of the canyon, but it seems robust. Attractive wooden paths that you walk on in Vintgar are skillfully designed. It looks fabulous because these wooden paths are mostly attached to the rocks above the river, which in some stretches bubbles and swirls its way through rapids and mini waterfalls. In others, it’s so passive you can see right through to the swimming fish and the riverbed below. You definitely would not say it is not green enough because of the thick foliage, the trees above, and the mosses and wildflowers clinging to the rocks.
At the end of the path, you reach the Šum waterfall, Slovenia’s largest waterfall, set underneath the old stone bridge of the Bohinj railway, built-in 1906, and there is also a small hydroelectric power plant, and even a little café if you need a break. Do not miss it if you decide to travel to Slovenia.
The Caves of Postojna and the Predjama Castle
Postojna Caves are home to one of the most impressive and second-largest stalactite caves in the world. It is one of the biggest attractions in Slovenia. The typical tour of the Postojna Caves takes approximately 1.5 hours. First, you will be divided into smaller groups at the entrance – depending. Afterward, you will take a train for about 10 minutes through the cave. During the train ride, you begin to realize just how incredibly immense the dimensions of these cave systems are. The second part of the tour is on foot. You will walk for about 1 hour through innumerable sections, where you can admire the strangest stalactite formations. The route also leads you through the so-called “Spaghetti Hall,” where thousands of thin limestone formations hang down from the ceiling. The cave has a constant temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius, so you should definitely take something extra to wear, especially in the summer. Although the walking path is pretty sturdy, you can’t go wrong with grippy, comfortable shoes. Postojna Cave is rich in biological species of the underground world. The most famous is the Olm or Proteus (lat. Proteus anguinus), an aquatic salamander, a rare specimen.
Not so far from Postojna, another highlight of the region is the Predjama Castle. This mysterious Renaissance castle, built into the mouth of a large cave high up a mountain in South Central Slovenia. It is a fantastic sight to see and is the largest Cave Castle in the world. It dates way back to the 12th century, which, you must agree, is really impressive.
That was, as some would say, just "the tip of the iceberg" because Slovenia is home to hundreds of beautiful places, just waiting to be explored, so you might want to scrap the idea of spending a couple of days here and get settled in for a little bit longer! We honestly hope we inspired you to see and embark on a journey. And be sure to have your camera ready, because, trust us, you'll need it.
