The 13 most beautiful places to visit in Slovenia

Did you plan a stay in Slovenia? Discover the 13 most beautiful places to visit in Slovenia, the green pearl of the Balkans!

Too often forgotten about tourists, Slovenia is a dynamic country located on the edge of Balkans and the Adriatic Sea.

From the former Yugoslavia, this small alpine country focuses on a historical diversity of cultures, such as the Slavic, Germanic, Romantic and Hungarian culture. Since its independence in 1991, the small Switzerland of the Balkans has been able to preserve mass tourism and highlight its many assets. With its alpine peaks, preserved forests, many captivating caves, sunsets on the Adriatic coast and its fairy glacial lakes, Slovenia holds its reputation as a green and sunny heart of Europe.

Want to take a breath of fresh air and relax in a charming country where nature is queen: visit Slovenia! We have selected for you the 13 most beautiful sites to see in Slovenia.

1. Ljubljana

Ljubljana, which means “the beloved” in Slovenian, is one of the greenest and most pleasant cities in Europe. The Slovenian capital was elected “European Green Capital” in 2016. During your visit, you will find that Ljubljana is an architectural melting-pot.

Multiple influences of the past mark the neighborhoods and buildings of the city: the medieval style is omnipresent in the old city, while the baroque charm is felt on the place Mestni Trg , which welcomes the City Hall. Don’t miss the Triple bridge built by the architect Jože Plečnik and the lovely place Stari trg which goes up to a must-see place when you decide to visit Slovenia: the Castle of Ljubljana .

2. Lake Bled

Considered as one of the jewels of Europe, the glacial lake of Bled is certainly the most famous place in Slovenia. The majestic mountains and the islet in the heart of the lake blend perfectly to offer a small corner of tranquility isolated from urban hustle.

Take height, especially by joining the castle of Bled — nestled on a cliff more than 100 meters high — in order to have a breathtaking view of the Julian Alps, the emerald lake and the baroque church Sainte-Marie de l’Assomption which sits in the middle of the island. The trail, six kilometers long, which surrounds the lake, will offer you romantic and fairytale landscapes.

3. Postojna Caves

Slovenia alone has nearly 7,000 caves. You can't visit Slovenia without turning around Postojna caves the most famous of the country. Old two million years and longer than 20 kilometers, these underground cavities are among the largest karst caves in the world.

A tourist train ride will take you to an underground labyrinth to admire the multiple assemblies of stalactites and stalagmites with mysterious shapes. Then a walk of 1.7 kilometre underground will allow you to experience the experience of a captivating journey in an unreal setting of limestone sculptures, built by tiny drops for millions of years.

4. Predjama Castle

This castle troglodyte is an amazing building built on the rock side, just above a gouff, in a steep cavity at 123 meters high. Located a few kilometers from the Postojna caves, it is renowned for being the largest castle in the world built in a cave. Behind the building opens a huge maze of galleries that allowed the occupants to go and come secretly, hence its name which means “in front of the cave”.

Built in the 12th century and renovated in 1583, this castle always impresses as much by its harmony with nature and from its heights you can enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding landscapes. Don’t hesitate to continue your visit inside the castle to discover the various rooms dating from the medieval era.

5. Piran

It is one of the most authentic and photogenic cities in the Balkans. Piran — located on a peninsula plunging into the Adriatic Sea — is an ancient harbour town surrounded by medieval ramparts, completely classified as a historical and cultural monument. Walking around Piran is going back in time to discover the magnificent Venetian Gothic architecture of alleys, squares and buildings.

The Italian influence in this seaside city will remind you of the city of Venice. Come and admire the magnificent main square Tartinijev Trg , as well as its sumptuous Venetian house of the 15th century with its balconies and finely shaped windows. From the ramparts you will reach an exceptional view of the Piran roofs. From the top of the campanile Church of San Giorgio , strongly inspired by that of Venice, you can also discover a panorama of the Adriatic Sea.

6. The gorges of Vintgar

This walk along an emerald and tumultuous green river is to be put on your list if you plan to visit Slovenia. ♪ Gorges encased in Vintgar , discovered in 1891, are considered the wildest site in the Bled region.

You will take small walkways and wooden staircases on a hillside over two kilometers to discover a narrow canyon, enchanting vegetation, translucent water cascades and magnificent views at each turn. The path ends with an imposing and radiant cascade called Šum and up to 13 meters.

7. Parc du Triglav

This mountainous site, unique National park and the largest protected area of Slovenia, established in 1924, occupies 4% of the national territory and covers almost all the Slovenian Julian Alps. He shoots his name Mont Triglav , height of 2864 meters, which culminates in its center.

Climb up the summits, thanks to the many marked paths, to admire a breathtaking panorama or practice an aquatic activity on the emerald vivid waters of the Soča valley to observe abundant fauna and the magnificent green alpine valleys. The park of Triglav will appeal to nature and hiking lovers.

8. Chutes de Savica

Located in the Triglav National Park, in the heart of the Julian Alps, these waterfalls - 78 metres high - spilled into Bohinj Lake and became the most emblematic of Slovenia. The lakes in the Triglav Valley feed this waterfall, known as the “Source of Life” – after the waterfall was blown for several kilometres in underground canals.

The specificity of these falls is that a part of the flow is carried out by another tunnel from which a second drop of 25 meters escapes. A shaded path and 533 steps will take you to the top to admire crystalline and refreshing water. This majestic cascade nestled in the woods is a must when you choose to visit Slovenia.

9. Velika Planina

This green mountain plateau, perched at 1500 metres above sea level, is the one that best represents the soul and authenticity of the country. This superb site, located a few kilometers north of the capital Ljubljana, owes its reputation to its natural beauty and preserved.

You will cross wooden shepherd huts in the village Velika Planina and see meadows lost sight. You will have the choice to climb to a cable car to reach the top or take one of the many hiking trails. If you had to select only one mountain walk to do during your trip, this is the one we recommend.

10. Lake Bohinj

Located north of the country, the Lake Bohinj is the jewel of Triglav National Park. It is less popular than Bled Lake but more wild. It therefore deserves the detour and a mandatory stop when you plan to visit Slovenia.

This lake, the deepest in the country with its 45 meters, reveals a wild nature and exceptional biodiversity. You will cross many species of plants and fish. Take a place in a canoe to observe a unique panorama of the lake with transparent waters surrounded by the mythical mountains of the Alps.

11. Vršič pass

The Vršič pass — located near the Italian and Austrian borders — owes its reputation as the highest pass in Slovenia, but also to its 50 pin turns, all numbered, which must go on to achieve it.

From the top of the pass, you will have the chance to have a fabulous view of the Triglav National Park, the mountains and its vertiginous cliffs, the Trenta Valley and the Triglav National Park. Mount Prisojnik which is more than 2547 metres.

12. Ptuj

Want to visit one of the oldest cities in Slovenia? Located northeast of the country, the city of Ptuj , who pronounces Ptouille, will delight you.

This charming picturesque village of 17,000 inhabitants, unveils an attractive medieval city centre. Walk through the quiet little streets to admire the pretty red roofed houses that make this village famous. The Ptuj Castle is a major attraction and will teach you more about the history of the region.

13. The caves of Škocjan

Wilder and less frequented than the Postojna caves, Škocjan are undoubtedly to be seen during your stay in Slovenia. These limestone caves in the Karst region, south-west of the country, have been listed since 1986 as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In underground galleries, which span nearly five kilometers, you will see impressive cavities of more than 100 meters deep, natural bridges, canyon, stalactites and fascinating stalagmites — of varying size and colours — including the largest 15 meters.