Slovenia Is A Sleeper
My guess is most of us wouldn’t know where to place Slovenia on a map. For a small country that wisely chooses to mind its own business amidst all the global political chaos, it’s not that surprising. Another facet to its low profile is that only 30 years ago Slovenia was still a part of the former Yugoslavia…soon after choosing to become a sovereign state.
Prior to my road trip around the Balkans a few years ago, the only personal connection I had to Slovenia was through a colleague of mine in China who is from Ljubljana. I remember how fondly Vanja spoke of home, and her genuine love of country made sense to me as I raced through the European gem which is largely engulfed by mountains and forests.
Ljubljana
A few days after landing in Zagreb, Croatia I headed northwest into Slovenian territory. Ljubljana was the first stop. This is the capital and by far the country’s largest city. For the basketball lovers, this is also the home of the young NBA star Luka Doncic. He is one of several other globally elite players to emerge from the Balkan Peninsula.
Ljubljana is very pedestrian friendly, whether you prefer to explore by bike or by foot. I saw a bunch of paddle boarders as well. If you’re really looking to relax, take a boat ride along one of the city’s rivers. The architecture is intriguing and the cobblestone streets give it that unique European charm.
The pace is perfect for travelers who aren’t fond of overly crowded spaces, and you have a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and shopping to choose from. After touring the Ljubljana Castle for sweeping views to the mountains, don’t miss the Central Market for a healthy snack!
Oddly enough I did meet a couple from Milwaukee who saw me repping hard with a shirt and hat! It’s always surprising to make those connections halfway around the world. On a much less enjoyable note, I also got a massive parking ticket and would’ve been towed had I arrived five minutes later. Blame it on the language barrier.
Skofja Loka
En route towards Bled and Kranjska Gora there’s a little town along the Selca Sora River called Skofja Loka. Boasting one of the best preserved medieval urban centers in Slovenia, it’s a good place to stretch the legs and have a meal.
Kranjska Gora
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast I’d make Kranjska Gora a priority during your trip. Nestled between the Julian Alps, Austrian and Italian borders, this town is your entry point into Slovenia’s most beautiful mountains. Don’t forget your hiking shoes and pray that you don’t have to ascend the mountains amongst wild thunderstorms as I did.
Many brave hikers will explore Triglav National Park where you’re afforded the opportunity to climb Slovenia’s highest mountain. If and when I make it back, I’ll definitely be attacking all 9,396 feet of the Triglav.
Bled
If I have any regrets about this road trip around Slovenia, it would be the limited amount of adventure in the very photogenic town of Bled. I consistently try to fit in a lot of sights in a short amount of time. Usually the strategy works out. But sometimes it doesn’t, and I miss out on all that a beautiful place like Bled has to offer.
Chances are you’ve seen some pictures of the Assumption of Mary Pilgrimage church on Lake Bled’s little island. You kind of get the idea from the mountain silhouettes, but it’s far more impactful under the sun. Actually, had there not been an hours long traffic delay I probably would’ve had a decent window to lay eyes on it myself.
Here’s a hot tip. Don’t create maniac last minute itineraries like me, and the responsible traveler in you will get to see a sunlit Bled in all its beauty. For the panoramic views and a little history lesson, make sure you get to Bled Castle.
Predjama Castle
Slovenia has a variety of options for the castle enthusiasts, several of which were strategically built into the sides of mountains. I found the Predjama Castle to be the most impressive.
Several hundred years ago it was first built into the mouth of a cave, definitely the first of which I’ve seen amongst my running count of world castles. This renaissance style fortress is very well preserved and provides a fairly interesting guided audio tour. Do it.
Piran
If you’re exploring Slovenia by car and just happen to be going to Piran after seeing the castle in the cave, it only takes an extra ten minutes to pass through the Italian city of Trieste. I recommend it for a brief analysis of cultures in close proximity amongst neighboring countries. Or maybe it’s just me who’s intrigued by the nuance?
Upon reaching Piran you’ll be welcomed by the Adriatic Sea. Slovenia’s major resort town is fantastic for walking. After strolling around Tartini Square, pump those legs up to the city walls for a sweeping coastal view or down along the harbor to check out a variety of boats meant for all walks of life. At this point you’ve done enough walking, so you need to reward yourself with some freshly caught seafood on a patio.
Without a doubt Slovenia has more to offer. But if you’re in a time crunch and traveling solo, then I’d prioritize these destinations in your tour. The Slovenes seem very down to earth and proud of their country. Add it to your list.
