Slovenia, located in Central Europe, was formerly a part of Yugoslavia. Since its separation, the country has experienced significant development and integration into the European Union, as well as becoming a member of the Schengen agreement.
Despite not being a popular destination for many Indian travellers visiting Europe, Slovenia offers remarkable natural attractions and historical sites, with stunning scenery spread throughout the country.
Slovenia was part of our 15 day Central Europe and Balkans trip. In this post, I will share our experience of Slovenia.
Currency
Slovenia uses the Euro as its currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, although it’s worth noting that some parking meters and public toilets only accept coins.
Roads and Tolls
Slovenia boasts well-maintained roads comparable to those found in any developed country, providing an enjoyable driving experience. The maximum speed limit on Slovenian roads is 130 km/hr. To drive on expressways, a vignette is required, which can be conveniently obtained online. (Link here)
Our Travel
During our visit to Slovenia, we spent three nights in the country, allowing us approximately 2.5 days to explore. Like many tourists, we concentrated our attention on the western part of Slovenia, visiting Lake Bled, the Postojna Caves, and the capital city of Ljubljana. However, Slovenia has so much more to offer that one could easily spend 2-3 weeks exploring its various attractions.
We travelled from Innsbruck, Austria, and entered Slovenia through the Karawanks Tunnel. Our accommodation was conveniently located near Lake Bled, serving as a base from which we explored the surrounding areas. This arrangement allowed us to avoid moving our luggage daily since our places of interest were all within a 100 km radius.
On our first evening, we visited the nearby Završnica Lake, providing a taste of the natural beauty we would encounter during our trip.
Lake Bled and Bohinj
Lake Bled is undoubtedly Slovenia’s most renowned destination. We dedicated an entire day to this beautiful lake, participating in various activities. One notable experience was circling the lake, a 6 km walk that took us approximately 4 hours, accounting for breaks and photo opportunities. We also took a detour to climb Mala Osojnica, which offered breath-taking views of Lake Bled. Additionally, we explored the nearby Bled Castle, which proved to be a fascinating historical site.
A half-hour drive from Bled led us to Lake Bohinj. Initially expecting an experience similar to Lake Bled, we were pleasantly surprised. Due to a recent snowstorm, the route to Bohinj was covered in snow, creating a unique and enjoyable adventure for us.
Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, and Ljubljana
On the third day of our Slovenian journey, we visited the Postojna Cave, a 100 km drive taking approximately one hour. The cave stretches 24 km in length, with 5 km accessible to tourists. The first 3.5 km of the cave can be covered by a train, providing a truly unique experience. We continued on foot, accompanied by knowledgeable guides who offered captivating explanations of the cave’s formations.
Unlike my usual practice of observing castles from the outside, I made an exception for Predjama Castle. Its intriguing location within a cave mouth prompted us to explore its interior. We were captivated by the castle’s construction and the provided audio guide greatly enriched our understanding of its historical significance. Climbing the stairs within the castle requires a reasonable level of fitness. Watch the video of our trip here.
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, boasts several historical sites, including Ljubljana Castle and the Dragon Bridge, among others.
Other Places of Interest
Given our limited timeframe of less than three days, we were only able to visit the aforementioned locations. However, Slovenia offers additional remarkable destinations worth exploring. The Triglav National Park is particularly captivating during the summer months, while Skocjan features another impressive cave system. Slovenia’s short coastline is home to beautiful small towns like Piran. In the eastern part of the country, one can discover notable castles in Maribor and Ptuj, as well as explore wilder cave systems and mining areas.
Useful Information and Tips
- Slovenia’s compact size allows travellers to reach any part of the country in less than three hours.
- During our visit in April, parking was not an issue. However, it is important to note that popular tourist destinations, such as Lake Bled, can become crowded during the summer, making parking challenging.
- For attractions like the Postojna Cave, it is advisable to book tickets in advance to minimize waiting times. Online ticketing options are available.
- We found Slovenians to be exceptionally friendly, and despite not understanding the Slovenian language, we did not encounter any difficulties during our trip.
Leave a Reply