Slovenia

Central Europe is known for its rolling mountains, picturesque lakes, ski resorts and excellent outdoor activities, and Slovenia is no different. This stunning country is home to verdant landscapes and a coastline along the Gulf of Trieste. In addition to this, the country also houses ancient castles, interesting museums and a vibrant culture, making it a destination that invites travellers of all tastes and preferences.

Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana (pronounced lyoo-blah-nuh) is a fun tongue twister and a lively university city with beautiful green spaces, vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine. It has a lovely car-free city centre to explore on foot or a bicycle. The 11th-century Ljubljana Castle is the most popular landmark, located on a hill overlooking downtown Ljubljana. Other popular sites in the city include the 15th-century Town Hall, the group of three historic bridges known as Triple Bridge, the social and cultural centre Metelkova Mesto and the city’s Central Market.

Ljubljana’s central location in the country also makes it a great base to explore various other places from the capital itself. Lake Bled, located about 50km away from Ljubljana is a popular trip from the capital and one of Slovenia’s most iconic destinations. The lake’s picture-perfect blue waters with a silhouette of the Julian Alps in the background makes it a desired destination for honeymooners and backpackers alike. Here, you can walk the shores of the lake, swim in its crystal-clear waters or rent rowing boats. The medieval Bled Castle is located on a cliff over the lake and offers great views of the area. The lake also has a small island (known as Bled Island) that houses the Church of the Assumption and a museum. From Bled, a short drive will take you to Triglav National Park, the country’s only national park. The park covers almost 4 percent of Slovenia and is home to Slovenia’s highest peak, Mt Triglav. While climbing the peak is the most sought after activity, many people also visit the park just to explore and click gorgeous pictures of its gorges, lakes, canyons, caves, waterfalls, forests and Alpine meadows. The park can also be reached from the mountain town of Bovec. The town is also an adventure hotspot and you can enjoy water sports along the Soča River or set out along the Walk of Peace trail which passes through WWII sites.

To the southwest of Ljubljana lies Predjama Castle, one of the most dramatic castles in Slovenia. Built within a cave mouth, the castle dates back to the early-13th-century and features a mixture of Renaissance and Gothic architecture. The nearby Vipava Valley is known for rolling hills, vineyards and lip-smacking food. You can explore the picturesque valley and its quaint towns and enjoy hiking, trekking and paragliding at Mt Nanos. From Vipava, the UNESCO listed Skocjan Caves is only about 30km away. The 6 km long caves were carved by the Reka river and you can explore the massive underground chambers on a guided tour and walk on suspended bridges.

Slovenia also boasts of ancient towns with a rich history and stunning architectural structures like Ptuj and Piran. Ptuj is believed to be the oldest town in Slovenia. The whitewashed Ptuj Castle with its ancient wine cellars and the cobbled streets of its old town lined by traditional red-roofed houses are the highlights of this charming town. The resort city of Piran, along the Adriatic coast is one of Slovenia’s most beautiful destinations. Along with its beaches and excellent seafood, the city is best known for its well-preserved old town packed with Venetian architecture.

Slovenia is one of Central Europe’s most beautiful countries, featuring a lush natural landscape and aesthetic medieval towns. The country will be a delight for nature lovers and history buffs alike, and also for those who wish to experience medieval Europe.