26 Epic Things to Do in Slovenia (Guide for First-Time Visitors!)

Last updated on January 25th, 2026

Slovenia may be one of Europe’s smaller countries, but you’ll be shocked by how much there is to do! This guide shares 26 of the best things to do in Slovenia. Plus what to expect at each stop and tips for planning your trip!

Slovenia is located between Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary. And even though it’s small (roughly the size of the US State of New Jersey!), it’s one of the most beautiful countries with so much to see and do!

Logar Valley | Best day trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia

We spent nearly two weeks road-tripping around the country in a campervan. And after getting to explore the Julian Alps, the Adriatic coastline, massive cave systems, picturesque castles, and rushing waterfalls, it became one of our favorite European destinations we’ve ever visited!

In this guide, we’re sharing 26 of the best things to do in Slovenia. Plus some trip planning logistics, and a few personal tips from our time exploring this beautiful country.

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Things to do in Slovenia

1. Explore Ljubljana’s Old Town

Things to do in Ljubljana, One Day in Ljubljana Itinerary

Even though it’s the country’s capital and largest city in Slovenia, Ljubljana is one of the most walkable and charming cities in Europe! We spent a (rainy) day exploring the city and found so many fun things to do here.

Best things to do in Ljubljana

There are so many fun things to do in Ljubljana! Start by wandering through the pedestrian-only Old Town. Here you will find colorful baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, cobblestone streets, and delicious Slovenian food along the Ljubljanica River. Two of the most famous landmarks in Ljubljana include Triple Bridge, which connects both sides of the river, and Dragon Bridge, which is known for its four iconic dragon statues.

From there, you can ride the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle (more on that below). Or head up to the rooftop terrace at the Nebotičnik Building for a drink and a beautiful sunset over the city.

If you visit Ljubljana in the warmer months, it is also fun to see the city from the water on a wooden electric boat or by renting a paddleboard. We’ve got the perfect one day Ljubljana itinerary ready to go!

Ljubljana also makes an awesome home base for exploring more of the country. Make sure to check out our full guide to the best day trips within two hours of Ljubljana.

2. Try traditional Slovenian foods

Lake Bled | Best day trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia

One of the best parts of traveling in Slovenia is trying all the food! Traditional Slovenian cuisine is hearty, comforting, and honestly just delicious. We had so much fun trying different dishes as we moved around the country. By the end of our trip we had a whole list of new favorites!

Traditional Slovenian Dishes to Try

Štruklji: Rolled dumplings made with dough and filled with everything from cottage cheese to apple or tarragon. They can be sweet or savory, steamed or baked, and are often served as a side or dessert. We tried a few different kinds in Moji Štruklji in Ljubljana and at Planšarija Logarski Kot in Logar Valley. They were all delicious!

Kremšnita: This famous cream cake is originally from Bled and made with layers of puff pastry, custard, and whipped cream. You will see it in bakeries all around Slovenia. But the most famous version is at Confectionery Zima in Lake Bled and it is so good!

Jota: A hearty stew made with sauerkraut, beans, potatoes, and sometimes sausage.

Kranjska klobasa: Known as Carniolan sausage, this smoked pork sausage is one of the most iconic foods in Slovenia. You’ll find it on restaurant menus, at markets, and even at gas stations. We tried it at Klobasarna in Ljubljana and it was so flavorful.

We’re working on a full blog post all about Slovenian food and where to try these dishes around the country. Keep an eye out for that soon! But for now, we have a few recommendations in our best places to visit in Slovenia guide.

3. Attend Open Kitchen on Fridays

If you’re in Ljubljana on a Friday between mid-March and late October, don’t miss Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna). It’s one of the most popular food events in Slovenia! Held in Pogačarjev Square, this outdoor market brings together chefs from all over the country to serve up everything from traditional Slovenian dishes to international street food.

We were really excited to check it out, but sadly, it was rained out during our visit. Definitely check the forecast because it’s weather dependent! But the locals we talked to absolutely raved about it. It’s such a fun way to sample a bunch of Slovenian favorites in one spot.

4. Wander through one of the country’s 14,000 caves

Postojna Cave | Best day trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia

If you want to experience one of the most unique things to do in Slovenia, exploring one of its caves is a must! The country is home to over 14,000 of them, which is an absolutely staggering number. But most visitors start with Postojna Cave or Škocjan Caves, the two most famous and easiest to reach.

Postojna Cave

Postojna Cave is the most famous cave in Slovenia and the only one in the world where you can ride a train into the cave. The cave stretches for over 24 kilometers (15 miles), and it’s part of a massive underground system carved out by the Pivka River. It is filled with giant stalactites, towering columns, and huge open chambers.

The tour starts with a 10-minute train ride through the tunnels (which is super fun), followed by a guided walk along paved paths through some of the most scenic parts of the cave. You can also check out the world’s only underground post office!

Want more information about visiting Postojna Cave? Check out our detailed guide to visiting Slovenia’s Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle.

Skocjan Caves

Located about 45 minutes southwest of Postojna, Škocjan Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feels a bit more rugged and wild. It’s actually one of the largest known underground canyon systems in the world. Here you can explore over 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) of passages, waterfalls, collapsed sinkholes, and massive chambers carved by the Reka River.

5. See the Venetian architecture in Piran

Things to do in Piran | Best places to visit in Slovenia

Piran | Best places to visit in Slovenia

If you’re heading to the coast, make sure to stop in Piran, one of the prettiest towns in Slovenia. Located on a tiny peninsula along the Adriatic Sea, Piran feels more like a slice of Italy than anywhere else in the country (and that’s no accident!). For nearly 500 years, this tiny seaside town was once part of the Venetian Republic, and you can still see the influence everywhere. Plus, you can walk across the whole town in about 15 minutes, which makes it super easy to explore.

Best things to do in Piran

Tartini Square is the central plaza and a great place to start your visit. It’s surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the town hall and Venetian House, and has a statue of Giuseppe Tartini, a famous violinist born here.

For one of the best views in Piran, climb the bell tower at St. George’s Church. (It looks a lot like the one in Venice!). The view from the top is incredible. You’ll see red rooftops, the sea, and even into Italy and Croatia on a clear day.

Just a short walk uphill from the church, the city walls offer another amazing view over the town and coast. They were built between the 7th and 15th centuries, and it’s totally worth the few euros to climb up. We did both the bell tower and the walls, and highly recommend doing both if you have time.

Want to learn more about Piran? Check out this guide to see 14 fun things to do in Piran, plus lots of helpful tips for your visit!

6. Swim on the Adriatic Coast

Slovenia only has about 27 miles of coastline, and the beaches here aren’t sandy like you might find elsewhere in Europe. Most are rocky or built right into the promenade. But the Adriatic is incredibly clear and we couldn’t believe how calm and blue the water was!

Best places to swim on the Adriatic coast

Moon Bay: One of the most beautiful spots along the coast is Moon Bay. This hidden cove is located in Strunjan Nature Park. It takes about 20–30 minutes to hike down to the water (and the same back up!). There are also no facilities here, so bring everything you need.

Piran Promenade: One of the easiest ways to swim in Piran is to just jump in off the stone promenade! There are ladders all along the waterfront, and locals swim here all summer long.

Portorož: This is where we ended up swimming! Portorož is more developed than the other towns along the coast. But instead of a big beach, people mostly jump in from the docks that stretch into the water.

7. Visit a castle

Predjama Castle | Best day trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia is full of castles (more than 500, actually!), so visiting at least one is such a fun way to experience the country’s history. They’re scattered all over the country, which makes it easy to pop into a few as you travel between the Alps, the coast, and some of the bigger cities.

Best castles to visit in Slovenia

Predjama Castle

Built into the side of a 123-meter cliff, Predjama Castle is the largest cave castle in the world and one of the most unique places we’ve ever seen! You can tour the inside and learn about the knight Erazem, who allegedly used secret tunnels in the cliff to survive a siege. It’s located just 15 minutes from Postojna Cave, so it’s easy to combine the two. And we share everything you need to know to visit both in our detailed guide to Slovenia’s Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle.

Bled Castle

Overlooking Lake Bled from a rocky cliff, Bled Castle is the oldest castle in Slovenia and one of the most iconic. The castle began as a medieval stronghold above the lake to protect the region. It has been expanded and rebuilt many times and even served as a home for the Bishops of Brixen. Today, you’ll find a small museum, a printing shop, and a wine cellar where you can bottle your own wine.

Ljubljana Castle

Perched on a hill above the capital city, Ljubljana Castle is a 900-year-old medieval fortress that has served as everything from a defensive stronghold to a military base and even a prison. Today you can ride the funicular to the top (3.5 EUR one way) to check out the castle’s history. The castle grounds are free to explore or you can pay to check out a few exhibits. We rode the funicular up and walked back down!

Celje Castle

Celje Castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Slovenia. It is a really fun stop if you love history or viewpoints. The castle dates back to the 14th century and was once home to the Counts of Celje, one of the most powerful families in Slovenian history. You can wander through the ruins, climb up the reconstructed tower, and explore the different courtyards and walkways.

8. Ride e-bikes through Logar Valley

Located in the Solčavsko region near the Austrian border, Logar Valley (Logarska Dolina) is one of the most beautiful valleys in Europe. And is hands down one of our favorite places we visited in Slovenia! Surrounded by the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the valley stretches for about 7 kilometers (4 miles) and is home to alpine meadows, wooden farmhouses, waterfalls, and some of the most scenic roads in the country.

One of the best ways to explore the valley is by bike, and we highly recommend renting an e-bike. We did this during our visit and absolutely loved it! It was such a fun way to see everything in the valley and get up those STEEP mountain roads. You can rent e-bikes in nearby Solčava or from a few hotels inside the valley. We rented ours from our campground!

Along the way, you can stop at different mountain huts for a meal. And at the far end of the valley, you can hike to Slap Rinka, one of the tallest waterfalls in Slovenia at 90 meters. There’s a short trail that leads to the base of the falls, and right next to it is a little Eagles Nest mountain hut (Orlovo Gnezdo) where you can grab a drink if it’s open!

While here, make sure to also drive the Solčava Panoramic Road, which has multiple stunning viewpoints that overlook Logar Valley.

Learn more about Logar Valley, including the best things to do, where to stay, and other important things to know in our ultimate guide to visiting Logar Valley!

9. Walk through Velika Planina

Things to do in Slovenia — *Photo by Karolina Lesniak on Unsplash*

This was one spot we really wanted to visit but didn’t have time for. And we’re still a little bummed we missed it! Velika Planina is a high alpine pasture above the Kamniška Bistrica Valley, known for its rolling meadows, grazing cows, and traditional wooden huts (over 140 of them!) that have been used by Slovenian shepherds for centuries.

The easiest way to get there is by taking the cable car from Kamniška Bistrica, then riding the lift or hiking up to the top. Once you arrive, you can wander between the traditional herdsmen huts, visit the small Preskar Museum, and walk out to viewpoints like Zeleni Rob. If you visit in summer, the shepherds are living up here for the season. You can often try an authentic shepherd’s lunch of sour milk and žganci (buckwheat mush).

There are also a few fun side stops in the area if you have time. The springs of the Kamniška Bistrica River sit right below the plateau, along with two narrow gorges and the Orglice Waterfall. It is a beautiful place to explore either before or after your visit to the top.

10. Visit Slovenia’s wine country

Slovenia has three main wine regions, and even though we don’t drink, visiting wine country looks incredible for the scenery alone! The country is especially known for orange wine (so cool!), where white grapes ferment with their skins, giving the wine its color and often tasting fuller bodied than regular white wine.

Goriska Brda

Goriška Brda, which literally means “the hills,” is the most well known wine region in Slovenia and easily one of the prettiest. It sits along the Italian border and is best known for white wines like Rebula and Pinot Grigio, along with reds like Merlot and Refosco. The town of Dobrovo is in the heart of the region and makes it easy to go winery hopping from there!

Vipava Valley

The Vipava Valley is located in western Slovenia between the village of Podnanos and the Italian border. And it is one of the country’s most underrated wine regions! The main towns here are Ajdovščina and Vipava, and the whole area is known for its warm climate, rolling vineyards, and crisp white wines.

Stajerska

Štajerska is located in northeastern Slovenia and is one of the greenest and most fertile wine regions in the country. It is known for its rolling vineyard-covered hills and historic towns like Maribor. The region stretches along the Drava and Savinja Rivers and into the foothills of the Pohorje Mountains. It creates ideal conditions for fresh, aromatic wines like Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Traminer.

11. See the iconic Lake Bled

If you have seen photos of Slovenia, chances are they were of Lake Bled. This dreamy alpine lake is located in the Julian Alps and is one of the most iconic (and touristy!) things to do in the country. It is best known for the church sitting on an island in the middle of the lake and Bled Castle. We spent about 36 hours exploring this area and loved every minute of it.

Best Things to do at Lake Bled

For the best views of the lake and the island, hike to Ojstrica or Mala Osojnica. It’s a short but steep trail, and the view from the top is incredible. We used this route!

You can also walk or bike the 4-mile paved path that loops around the lake. It is flat, easy, and bikes are easy to rent, which makes the loop even quicker.

Another classic Bled experience is paddling out to Bled island. You can rent a rowboat or hop on a traditional wooden pletna to get there. Once there, climb the 99 stone steps to the Church of the Assumption and ring the bell for good luck.

On the opposite side of the lake, you’ll find Straza Bled, a small ski slope in winter that turns into a fun toboggan track in summer.

Watch our 36-hour Lake Bled adventure on YouTubeto see how we spent a day and a half exploring Slovenia’s most iconic lake. And for even more ideas, check out our list of the top things to do in Lake Bled, plus itinerary options for a day trip or two days!

12. Chase waterfalls

Fun fact: the word slap means “waterfall” in Slovenian! And we had no idea Slovenia had so many waterfalls until we started exploring. It quickly became one of our favorite things we did during our trip.

Slap Savica (near Lake Bohinj): A short, paved hike leads to a dramatic, 78-meter A-shaped waterfall called Slap Savica that actually feeds into the lake. There is a small entrance fee (€5) to enter the trail area.

Slap Kozjak (near Kobarid): If you’re exploring the Soča Valley, Slap Kozjak is one of the most unique waterfalls in Slovenia! Located just outside the town of Kobarid, this gorgeous waterfall drops about 15 meters into a deep emerald-green pool, tucked inside a narrow limestone gorge carved by the Kozjak Stream.

Slap Peričnik (near Mojstrana): This hike to Slap Peričnik is super fun because you can walk behind the lower waterfall! The trail is steep but short (about 10–15 minutes). In the summer, you’ll need to take a free shuttle from Mojstrana to reach the trailhead.

Slap Boka (near Bovec): The tallest waterfall in Slovenia is Slap Boka! You can see it from a roadside pullout, but there’s a short (and fairly steep) trail to a viewpoint that gives you gorgeous views of the waterfall, the valley and Soča River.

We visited most of these on our 12-day campervan trip and loved how many were easy to access! If you’re looking for even more trail ideas, check out our full blog post on the best hikes in Slovenia. We included trail info, parking tips, and what to bring!

13. Explore Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj has some of the best things to doin Slovenia if you’re looking for stunning alpine scenery without the massive crowds of Lake Bled. Located in Triglav National Park, this incredibly clear glacial lake is Slovenia’s largest natural lake. And many of the area’s best waterfalls and gorges are just a short drive away, including Slap Savica and Mostnica Gorge.

Best things to do at Lake Bohinj

Start your visit in Ribčev Laz, the small village at the east end of the lake. This is where you will find the iconic stone bridge and St. John the Baptist Church. From here you can walk along the shoreline, rent a rowboat, or join a boat tour to see the mountains from the water.

One of the top things to do at Bohinj is ride the Vogel Cable Car. It climbs more than 1,000 meters up the mountain and gives you a gorgeous view of the lake and the Julian Alps.

14. Spend a day in Kranskja Gora

Kranjska Gora was one of the spots we were most excited to visit and it was such a fun area to spend a day. This little alpine town sits up in the northwest corner of Slovenia near the Italian and Austrian borders, with easy access to Triglav National Park, Vršič Pass, and some of the most scenic mountain views in the country!

Best things to do in Kranskja Gora

Lake Jasna is one of the easiest and prettiest places to visit in Kranjska Gora! And one of the best things to do here is walk or bike around the lake then check out the famous bronze Ibex statue.

Just a few minutes from town, you can visit Zelenci Nature Reserve. This short boardwalk trail leads to a cold spring that bubbles up through the marshy landscape and feeds the Sava River.

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Slovenia, we have a full guide with our favorite stops from our trip!

15. Ski during the winter

If you’re visiting Slovenia in the colder months, spending a day on the slopes is easily one of the best winter activities. The resorts here are on the smaller side compared to places like the Alps in Austria or Switzerland, but Slovenia is proof that bigger is not always better!

Kranjska Gora: Kranjska Gora is Slovenia’s most popular ski resort and often hosts World Cup races. It’s located in the northwest corner of Slovenia near the borders of Italy and Austria and the ski area stretches along Vitranc Mountain toward Planica, which is famous for its massive ski jump.

Vogel (Lake Bohinj): Vogel sits above Lake Bohinj and offers some of the best high alpine views in the country. Along with downhill skiing, Vogel is also a great spot for off piste skiing, snow parks, cross country skiing, and even snow rafting!

Mariborsko Pohorje (Maribor): The largest ski area in the country is Mariborsko Pohorje, with over 40 kilometers of runs and the longest night skiing trail in Europe. You can even ski all the way into the city of Maribor, which is pretty unique.

16. Drive Vrsic Pass

Julian Alps | Best day trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia

Driving the Vršič Pass was easily one of the most memorable things we did in Slovenia. This scenic mountain road is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia and winds through the heart of the Julian Alps, connecting Kranjska Gora to the Soča Valley. It’s full of incredible views, tight switchbacks (there are 50 of them!), and plenty of worthwhile stops along the way.

Some of the best stops along the way are:

Russian Chapel, a small wooden church built during WWI that sits just a short walk from the road.
Pagan Girl viewpoint (Ajdovska deklica), which features a natural rock formation resembling a woman’s face.
Slemenova Špica hike, which and has gorgeous views of the surrounding Julian Alps.

17. Walk through a gorge

Vintgar Gorge | Best day trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia

Before visiting Slovenia, we had no idea how many gorges the country had… or how truly gorge-ous they would be! They ended up being one of the best things we did on our entire trip to Slovenia because they’re easy to explore, super scenic, and make for a really fun half-day adventure.

Vintgar Gorge (near Lake Bled): The most famous gorge in Slovenia is Vintar Gorge, and for good reason. Here, you get to walk along a wooden boardwalk alongside the rushing water, over bridges, and past waterfalls. It’s about 1.6 km one-way, very easy, and best done early in the day to avoid the crowds.

Mostnica Gorge (near Lake Bohinj): Mostnica Gorge is about 12 km round-trip through a beautiful canyon with bright turquoise water, cool rock formations, and way fewer people than Vintgar Gorge.

Tolmin Gorge (near Kobarid): Tolmin Gorge is a 30-minute drive from Kobarid in the Soca Valley and is another beautiful gorge formed by the Tolminka and Zadlascica rivers, which come together at the only confluence of gorges in Slovenia!

18. Hike in Triglav National Park

Spend a day (or more!) hiking in Triglav National Park! This is one of the best things to do in Slovenia and such a fun way to see the Julian Alps in all their glory. Triglav is the only national park in the country, and it covers a huge stretch of northwestern Slovenia. The park is named after Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak at 2,864 meters, and the whole area is stunning.

Triglav National Park is most famous for its multi-day hiking routes, where you can go from one alpine hut to another for several days at a time. But if you’re like us and just want to enjoy some really good day hikes, there are tons of great options. Here are some of our favorites!

Slemenova Špica (Vršič Pass): Our favorite hike in all of Slovenia! Slemenova Špica starts above Vršič Pass and takes you through forests, meadows, and open ridgelines before reaching a grassy plateau called Sleme. The views at the top are unreal, with mountains in every direction. We even saw sheep grazing up here!

Valley of the Seven Lakes (near Lake Bohinj): If you’re looking for a true Julian Alps experience, the Valley of the Seven Lakes is a gorgeous full-day hike. It takes you into the heart of the park and past a series of alpine lakes tucked between dramatic limestone mountains. The full loop is long, so many hikers turn around at Dvojno Jezero (Double Lake), which is a beautiful spot.

Mount Triglav (near Mojstrana): If you’re looking for the ultimate Slovenia adventure, consider summiting Mount Triglav, the country’s highest peak! Most routes are done over two days with an overnight stay in a mountain hut. The upper sections are exposed and require via ferrata gear, but for many Slovenians, climbing Triglav is a national rite of passage.

To learn about more epic things to do in Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps, check out our detailed guide with our favorite stops and hikes!

19. Drive up to the Mangart Saddle

Driving up the Mangart Saddle ended up being one of the prettiest and most exciting drives we did in Slovenia! The road sits in the far northwest near the Italian border and climbs to about 2,000 meters (6,562 feet), making it one of the highest roads in the country.

At the entrance, you will pay a 10 euro toll. Then, you’ll hhen head up a narrow, steep, fully paved road with tight switchbacks and a handful of short rock tunnels. The road is definitely on the skinny side. We drove it in our campervan, which made a few sections feel a little sketchy!

Because of past landslides, the final part of the road is closed to cars. You will park near the top and walk the last kilometer to reach the saddle. The road is usually open from late June to mid-October, depending on the weather, so check conditions before heading up.

20. Go canyoning in Bovec

Canyoning is one of the most popular things to do in Bovec. And it ended up being one of the craziest and most fun things we did in Slovenia! We booked an intermediate tour with Nature’s Ways, and spent a few hours working our way down a canyon by rappelling, sliding into clear pools, scrambling over rocks, and jumping into pockets of bright blue water. The highlight was being lowered down a 45-meter (148 foot) waterfall, which ended up being one of the coolest experiences of the whole trip!

21. See the Soca River

Bovec | Best places to visit in Slovenia

Seeing the Soča River is easily one of the best things to do in Slovenia, and absolutely worth making time for during your trip. The river is famous for being bright turquoise, and it winds through some of the most stunning parts of the Soča Valley. You can stop at viewpoints, walk short trails, or pair your visit with other adventures in the area, but even just pulling over to see the water is worth it.

The best places to see the Soca River

Great Soča Gorge: This is one of the most popular stops and for good reason. The gorge is narrow, dramatic, and the water below is incredibly clear. There’s a short trail along the top where you can peek down into the canyon and see the river rushing through, plus a few spots where you can climb down and sit closer to the water.

Brv Brjeka:Just a little farther down the river is a simple wooden suspension bridge with amazing views of the bright blue water below. You can walk across it, take photos from both sides, and watch kayakers float through the wide stretch of river.

22. Go whitewater rafting on the Soca River

We didn’t get the chance to do this on our trip, but it is high on our list for next time because the Soča is truly one of the most beautiful rivers we have ever seen! The water is unbelievably clear and such a bright shade of blue that it almost doesn’t look real. Rafting here is a fun way to see parts of the valley you can’t reach from the road.

Most whitewater rafting trips start near Bovec, and you can choose between class II to III rapids. Trips usually run from late spring through early fall when water levels are best. We recommend booking ahead in the summer since it is a popular activity, especially on warm days.

23. Explore WWI History in Kobarid

Kobarid is one of the most important WWI sites in Slovenia, and it’s one of the best things to do in Slovenia if you want to learn more about the history of the Isonzo Front. The main stop is the Kobarid Museum, which shares details about the Battle of Caporetto and the warfare that took place in this valley.

After the museum, many visitors walk the Kobarid Historical Trail, a 5-kilometer loop that passes old trenches, viewpoints, and major landmarks connected to the battle. It’s an easy way to see the landscape where the fighting actually happened and includes sites like the Italian Charnel House, a memorial honoring Italian soldiers who died during the Battle of Caporetto in 1917.

Kobarid is easy to visit on your own, and everything is close to the town center. Museum tickets are around €11 per adult, and guided tours are available. The historical trail is free, takes about two to three hours, and starts right in town.

24. See the Lipica Stud Farm

The Lipica Stud Farm is the original home of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses. It has been operating continuously since the 1500s and is one of the oldest stud farms in the world!

Most people visit on a guided tour, which takes you through the stables, training areas, and the historic grounds, while learning how the Lipizzaner breed came to be. You’ll also get to meet many of the horses during the tour (over 300 of them!). Tours run throughout the day, are offered in Slovenian and English, and usually last about 50 minutes. If you visit in spring, you may even get to see the newborn foals. Tickets start around €16 to €19, depending on the season.

25. Go on a bear watching tour

Seeing one of Europe’s largest populations of wild brown bears roaming the Dinaric forests is truly one of the best (and most wild!) things to do in Slovenia.

Southern Slovenia, especially the Karst region, is known for its dense forests, sinkholes, caves, and rugged limestone hills, which creates an ideal habitat for wildlife. Brown bears have lived here for centuries and this area remains one of the strongest bear populations in Europe, which makes it an incredible place to see them in the wild!

Most tours, including those with Bear Watching Slovenia, start in the late afternoon. A guide will take you by car into a remote section of the forest before leading you on a short walk to a wooden hide. These hides are designed to minimize human scent and noise, and you’ll spend about two to three hours inside watching for bears. Tours usually run from mid-May to mid-September and cost around €199 per person.

26. Take a day trip to a neighboring country

Slovenia is located in Central Europe, which makes day trips to nearby countries incredibly easy. The borders are just minutes away, and some really gorgeous places sit right on the other side. If you want to squeeze in a little extra adventure, crossing into Italy or Croatia for the day is such a fun way to do it.

Best day trips from Slovenia

Trieste, Italy

Trieste is an easy day trip from Slovenia’s coast (30–45 minutes) and is known for its strong coffee culture, grand architecture, and mix of Italian and Austro-Hungarian history. The waterfront is a great place for a walk and Piazza Unità d’Italia is one of the largest seaside squares in Europe!

Laghi di Fusine, Italy

If you are staying near Kranjska Gora, Laghi di Fusine is one of the easiest and most scenic half-day trips you can take. These two alpine lakes sit right below the Mangart massif and the water is unbelievably clear. There are short loop trails around both lakes, so you can see everything in just a couple of hours.

Rovinj, Croatia

This is one of Croatia’s prettiest coastal towns and it’s such a fun one to wander. Rovinj has narrow stone streets, colorful buildings, and a pretty harbor that’s fun to explore. It’s about 1.5 to 2 hours from Slovenia depending on where you’re staying, but totally manageable as a day trip.

Zagreb, Croatia

For more of a city experience, Zagreb is a great option. You can explore the old town, visit the markets, check out a few museums, and enjoy lunch before heading back to Slovenia.

Planning Your Trip to Slovenia

Seven Lakes Valley | Best day hikes in Slovenia

When to Visit Slovenia

We visited Slovenia in September and thought it was a great time to go! The weather was warm, the trails were great, and the busy summer season had started to slow down. But anytime from late spring into early fall is a wonderful time to plan your trip.

How to Get to Slovenia

Most international visitors fly into Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU). This is a small airport about 30 minutes from the capital city. If flights are pricey, you can also look into flying into Venice or Zagreb and driving into Slovenia, since both are just a couple of hours away.

If you’re already traveling around Europe, trains are another good option. The national rail company is Slovenske železnice, and it connects Ljubljana to most larger cities.

Buses are another reliable option once you are in the country since the network covers most regions. The only challenge is actually finding the right route since so many companies operate in different regions. Some of the larger ones you’ll see most often are Nomago, Marprom, and Arriva.

How to Get Around Slovenia

Renting a car is the easiest way to explore Slovenia. The country is small enough to drive across in just a few hours. And having your own vehicle makes it much easier to reach places like Logar Valley, Mangart Saddle, and the smaller mountain villages that are harder to get to by bus or train. Just make sure your rental has a vignette (a toll sticker required for driving on highways). You’ll also need an International Driving Permit if your license isn’t from the EU.

For our trip, we rented a campervan from Slovenia Camper. This made traveling really convenient since we always had a place to sleep and cook. The only challenges were parking in busy areas and navigating some of the narrow mountain roads (especially Vršič Pass!).

That said, if you plan to stay mostly in cities or take guided day trips, you could easily rely on buses or trains. It’s an affordable and reliable option if you do not want to drive.

Things to Know Before Visiting Slovenia

Slovenia uses the euro

Slovenia is part of the European Union, so you will be using the euro (€) during your trip. Prices are generally reasonable compared to many Western European countries. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, although having a little cash on hand is helpful for smaller shops, parking lots, and rural areas.

Many people speak English

Slovenian is the official language, and in some regions, especially near the coast, you will also see Italian on signs. A lot of menus and trail markers are not in English. But most people you meet, especially in cities or tourist areas, speak English very well. Learning a couple of simple Slovenian phrases, like hvala (thank you), is appreciated and makes interactions more fun.

Public restrooms aren’t always free

You’ll sometimes need to pay a small fee to use public restrooms, especially in gas stations or transit stations. It is usually around €0.50, so keep a few coins in your bag!

Save this Guide to the Best Things to do in Slovenia

26 Epic Things to Do in Slovenia (Guide for First-Time Visitors!)

About the Author

This blog post was written by our writer Nicoll. Learn a bit about her below!

After six years of full-time travel, Nicoll is now a mountain-loving mama living in Colorado with her husband Jake, their sweet baby girl Teagan, and their pup Gunner. She loves hiking, riding her dirt bike, and finding joy in the little things.