Hello Budget Ventures, this is James, and today I am going to tell you about my favorite places in the beautiful country of Slovenia. So, here is my Slovenia top 10. One of the most underrated countries in all of Europe, from the Adriatic to the Julian Alps, Slovenia has so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. It’s a very small country; its size is almost like New Jersey, but it offers some of the most beautiful places in the world, like emerald lakes, scenic alpine villages, mountains, vibrant cities, castles, churches, and many more. Today, I am going to tell you just pinpoint things about all the places. So, no more interruption. Let’s start this blog…
Lake Bled
So, our first destination is Lake Bled. Located about a 40-minute drive outside of Slovenia’s capital, Lake Bled is one of Europe’s most scenic lakes. It’s home to Slovenia’s only island, which has a church built upon it. Now, it’s called the Church of Mary the Queen, and it was built all the way back in the 16th century. I definitely recommend renting a boat to paddle out to the island, where you can also just walk around the lake’s rim. Now, another incredible feature of Lake Bled is its castle, which was Slovenia’s oldest council of its history, dating back to the 11th century. I mean, I just love how it’s built upon a precipice and overlooks the entire lake, and it’s quite an enchanting area. If you go to Lake Bled, another spot nearby is the Vintgar Gorge, which also gives you stunning views of waterfalls and the river. Also, you can hike to the Ojstrica viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of the lake. Another point is Lake Bled is also famous for its delicious cream cake, a must-try when you’re visiting the area.
Piran
We are in the enchanting area of Lake Bled. We’re gonna head over to the coast to visit Piran. Located on a narrow peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Piran was part of the Roman Empire back in 178 BC. During medieval times, it became part of the Republic of Venice, with much of its Italian influence still prevalent today. I just love its medieval charm and orange roof buildings. While you’re there, you can visit the Tartini Central Square, named after the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini, who was born in the town, or take a walk around the edge of the town marveling at the Adriatic Sea. Piran is a hidden gem that deserves a visit. Also, the Piran Lighthouse offers breathtaking coastal views.
Julian Alps
Now, head to the mountains to visit the Julian Alps. Located in the northwestern corner of the country, the Julian Alps are home to the tallest mountains in all of Slovenia. They remind me a lot of the Italian Alps. Now, the tallest peak of the Julian Alps is Mount Triglav, which stands at an elevation of 2,864 meters. One of my favorite peaks in the Julian Alps is called Mangart. It’s located right on the Italian-Slovenian border, and what I like about it is that you can drive on Slovenia’s highest road to get there. It’s a little sketchy driving up there, but nothing like a good mountain drive. On the Italian side of Mangart, there’s this little Alpine lake called the Mangart Saddle that offers a spectacular view of Mangart’s northern face.
Lake Bohinj
Another beautiful place in the Julian Alps is Lake Bohinj. It’s the largest lake in Slovenia and it’s just about a 30-minute drive from Lake Bled, so it’s definitely less touristy. Now, there’s a lot to do on the lake. You can take a ferry to reach the other side, or you can just take a nice stroll around the whole lake. It’s just such a beautiful area with such enjoyable scenery. It also has cultural attractions such as the Church of Saint John the Baptist, a beautiful medieval church with a bell tower offering panoramic views of the lake
River Soča
Now, afterwards, we’re going to visit the River Soča. With its source being in the Julian Alps, the River Soča is considered to be one of the most beautiful rivers in all of Europe, with its distinct crystal-clear emerald waters. It reminds me a lot of the water in Switzerland’s Valle Versasca, though during World War I, the largest mountain battle in history took place there. It’s just pretty crazy to think about. Now, today, the river is a great place for kayaking and rafting. I mean, I’m not allowed to just cut it down the whole river, but they will do that next summer anyways. Such a beautiful place, definitely add that to your Slovenia bucket list.
Ljubljana
Now, afterwards, we’re gonna head over to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. While Ljubljana is one of the smallest capitals in Europe with a population around 300,000, it’s considered to be one of Europe’s greenest cities. One thing I love about Ljubljana is how the river runs right through it. I mean, it makes you feel like you’re not even in the city. Now, the crowning feature is the Ljubljana Castle, built around the 12th century, and it’s one of the capital’s most popular attractions. Now, another great thing about Ljubljana and Slovenia in general is that you can pretty much get to any part of the country with a relatively short drive.
Predjama Castle
Now, one of the most fascinating places in Slovenia is the Predjama Castle. It’s located just 50 minutes from Ljubljana, and it’s Europe’s largest cave castle. It dates all the way back to the 13th century and has a fascinating history. The castle was destroyed two times, but the castle that you see today was built in 1570 in a Renaissance style, and the castle is virtually the same today as it was all the way back then. I mean, it would have been so interesting to live here during medieval times.
Ptuj
Afterwards, we’re gonna head over to Eastern Slovenia to visit Ptuj. Located about an hour and a half drive from Ljubljana, it is the oldest recorded city in Slovenia, inhabited during the Stone Age and served as a Roman military fort in 69 AD. Today, it’s a charming city, and I love how the castle overlooks the town. Another great thing about Eastern Slovenia is that it is home to beautiful wine country, with endless rolling hills and vineyards dotting the landscape. It’s so beautiful to drive around there. Ptuj is also famous for its thermal spas, which have been popular since Roman times. The town’s thermal springs have healing properties, and you can indulge in various treatments.
Kamnik-Savinja Alps & Velika Planina
Now, afterwards, we’re gonna head over to the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. This may be one of my favorite parts of Slovenia; it’s home to stunning landscapes and quaint towns. One incredible place is the Logar Valley. It’s one of the most beautiful alpine glacier valleys in all of Europe, truly a spectacular place. Now, on the southern side of the Kamnik Alps is the Velika Planina. It’s a plateau home to a high-elevation pasture, and the plateau is one of the largest settlements for shepherds in all of Europe, hosting over 140 huts occupied by shepherds from June until September. Now, the plateau has been inhabited since the Middle Ages and truly has a magical feel. You can reach the plateau by cable car and enjoy great hiking in the summer and also skiing in the winter. It reminds me a lot of Altitucy in the Dolomites. Anyways, the Velika Planina is truly an enchanting place, one of my favorites.
Hilltop Churches
One of my favorite features of Slovenia is its hilltop churches. They dot the landscape and create some of the most picturesque scenery. One of the most notable is the Church of Saint Thomas, located in the town of Šmarna Gora, which has one of the most enchanting views as it’s perfectly placed on a hilltop with the Kamnik Alps in the distance. Another scenic chapel is the Church of Saint Primus and Felician, located in the town of Jamnik. The church was built back in the 16th century and offers one of the most beautiful settings, with a path that leads up to the church with a backdrop of the Alps. I mean, it doesn’t get more spiritual than a church in nature, right?
