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Entering Slovenia feels like you’ve stepped into a real-life fairy-tale book. All of the country’s top destinations have an air of magic, including a renaissance castle built into a cliff, vibrant turquoise rivers cascading through limestone canyons, and lush greenery everywhere. It’s underrated but deserves to be at the top of adventure travel lists—travellers enjoy fewer crowds and a more authentic experience. We’ve compiled the ultimate travel guide to inspire you to add Slovenia to your list and tips to help out when you get there.
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Lake Bled church on the Island Slovenia Fall forest and mountains
About Slovenia
The country’s name may not be easy to remember (Slovakia? Slovania?), but once you visit, you’ll never forget it. It marks the crossroads between Eastern Europe and Western Europe and has had myriad leaders and cultures colouring its history, creating the unique country it is today.
Officially the Republic of Slovenia, gaining independence from former Yugoslavia in 1991, its population of 2.1 million (2020 estimate) consists of various ethnic groups, mainly South Slavic. The majority are Slovenes, making up more than 80% of the population. The South Slavic language Slovene is the official language, with Hungarian and Italian recognized as regional languages. Dropping a thank you in Slovene, hvala (HVAH-lah), will go a long way with the locals! (This also works in other Slavic countries if you’re venturing into other former Yugoslavian territories.) Catholicism dominates the religious realm, so you can expect many-a-beautiful cathedrals to visit and admire. History buffs will have much to uncover in this rich tapestry of a young country.
Why else would you visit Slovenia? Why not! For adventurers, it’s an outdoor playground, including the Julian Alps, immense canyons, incredible biking routes, and vivid turquoise rivers for rafting, kayaking, and swimming on a hot summer day. For its size, it has a surprising amount of biodiversity, and more than 50% of its lands are protected. A visit here will undoubtedly fill your soul, inspire you, be the reset you didn’t know you needed. Incorporate Slovenia into your Central Europe trip, or let Slovenia be the star, as it deserves to be.
Best Places to Visit in Slovenia
Take your pick of the tops sights below to immerse yourself in this enchanting country. From the capital city to the far corners, each destination within Slovenia offers a unique experience—all of which will make you fall for this country even more.
Lake Bled
Slovenia’s most iconic place consists of a medieval castle perched on a tiny shrub-covered island, Bled Island, in the middle of Lake Bled. Stunning peaks create the backdrop, and on a sunny day, the lake will sparkle just a little bit bluer. Tourists flock here from all over to catch a glimpse of this magical place. For the best viewpoint, hike to Mala Osojnica to snap a photo of the postcard-perfect scene.
Ljubljana
(Pronounced: lyoob-lyAH-nah.) Usually, visiting capital cities means you can check the regular boxes of museums, landmarks, cathedrals, and the like; and a day or so would be sufficient. But Ljubljana is a different breed. It’s one of the smallest capitals in Eastern Europe, and it has a youthful flair thanks to the 50,000 university students inhabiting the city. Visiting Ljubljana will not disappoint, especially for foodies, xenophiles, and anyone who appreciates urban greenery. This place has heart, both figuratively and literally, as it’s the geographical centre of Slovenia.
Triglav National Park
Slovenia’s northwest corner draws adventurers from all over who want to visit the wondrous Triglav National Park. It stretches over a significant portion of the Julian Alps and contains Slovenia’s highest peak, of which the park is named after. The park, spanning 880 kilometres squared, comprises great mountains, deep canyons, turquoise rivers, lush forest, and above-average biodiversity. Visit the Pericnik Waterfall, the mystical Vintgar Gorge, or climb to Mount Triglav on the Kredarica Hike. When planning your itinerary in Slovenia, don’t omit Triglav National Park.
Piran
When you reach Piran, you might feel like you’ve crossed into Italy. This coastal gem on the Adriatic Sea shares the sunny seascapes of coastal Italy without leaving Slovenia. Since nothing is too far within Slovenia, you can easily incorporate a visit to Piran into your journey. It’s a quiet town on the sea with endless plazas to sip espresso or wine and pebble beaches to stroll at sunset. A unique oblong shape forms the old town, making it difficult to get lost but easy to spend a day walking its length.
Lake Bohinj
The lesser-known but equally stunning lake in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj, offers various adventures in its surrounding area—or a peaceful respite from crowds where you can take a moment to appreciate the placid blue-green waters. Nearby, you can walk to Savica Waterfall or hike the Vogel and Rodica route to get a birds-eye view of Lake Bohinj. The Vogel Ski Center sits adjacent to the lake, where you can ride the Vogel Cable Car in the summer or hit the slopes in the winter. Take a full-day walkabout and explore the area on the Bohinj Pastures Route Hike.
Soca River Valley
Quite possibly the hidden jewel you didn’t know you needed, the Soca River Valley harbours more beauty than you can imagine. First of all, the Soca River itself shines a stunning shade of turquoise that seems surreal, and it’s lined with limestone rocks, verdant forest, and the Alps in the background. Wander through this enchanting natural area to find the vivid river cascading over cliffs, suspension bridges hanging across, and so many trails serving you Disney movie realness.
Ljubljana old City bridge and kayakers on the river Slovenia
Predjama Castle
Here’s a hyperbole you probably haven’t considered: the largest cave castle in the world. The Predjama Castle, built more than 800 years ago, is perched amid a 123-metre-high cliff and has never been penetrated. More than just an impressive sight, the castle has a network of secret tunnels running through the cliff behind it. Between Ljubljana and the Slovenian coast, this remarkable building sees many tourists each year. It’s well worth the visit.
Skocjan Caves
Slovenia has over 10,000 caves, the most popular of which is the Postojna Cave, where a cutesy train takes visitors on a ride through the underground world. For us, though, the Skocjan Caves are equally as grand and impressive, not to mention they’re recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 200 m deep and a tunnel network spanning 6.0 km, a humanmade walkway will lead you through this eerie location that even has waterfalls inside. Walk among the chambers for a taste of what it’s like to live underground.
Drive to Mangartsko Sedlo
If you decide to rent a car while travelling throughout Slovenia, include a tour on Magart Road, the highest road in Slovenia, reaching 2,055 m. It’s a narrow drive for 12.0 km, with few barriers between you and super steep cliffs. At Mangartsko Sedlo, you’ll get panoramic views of Slovenia and neighbouring Italy. Include this white-knuckling experience when you visit the Soca Valley.
Maribor
This is the second-largest city in Slovenia, but few venture here when they only have a finite number of days. If you have flexible time or a propensity for wine drinking, definitely include Maribor on your itinerary. Situated in the northeastern corner, Maribor houses the oldest grape-producing vine in the world, about 450 years old. Visit the Old Vine House, and in September, have a full-on wine experience at the Old Vine Festival. Aside from all the wine-related activities, many religious buildings dot the town, making for a pleasant and culturally-informative visit.
Kranj
Just 30 minutes away from Ljubljana, Kranj welcomes visitors into an enchanting atmosphere. It’s young, hip, bohemian, and has one of the country’s most stunning old towns. Surrounded by mountains, Kranj’s old town sits perched above a confluence, hugging a narrow limestone ridge. A wander through this place will take your breath away with the Julian Alps covering the backdrop. Explore its castles, tunnels, and archaeological sites. Kranj marks a great half-day stop between Ljubljana and Bled.
Best Things to Do in Slovenia
Slovenia offers an enticing list of activities for adventurous travellers, history buffs, xenophiles, and water lovers, who also want to indulge with some relaxation and gourmet feasts—all on a budget.
Hiking and Backpacking
There’s an untapped (or nearly untapped) hiking paradise in the Julian Alps in Slovenia. Because fewer people travel to this country, the natural areas are well-preserved and unspoiled. Hiking and backpacking here means fewer crowds and sweeping vistas all to yourself. Slovenia comprises impressive mountainous landscapes filled with grassy slopes, limestone peaks, plateaus, turquoise streams and rivers, and those iconic Alp vibes. One of our contributors listed the Top 10 Julian Alps Hikes to cut down your research and give you more time to go out and do them!
Water Activities
Slovenia is heaven on Earth for water-loving adventurers. With almost 27,000.0 km of rivers and streams, kayaking and rafting industries are booming here. The Soca River sparkles a breathtaking shade of turquoise, and its waters are the perfect chilly temperature to cool off on a hot day. The world-renowned Euro Masters Regatta has been hosted on Lake Bled for decades (on and off).
Maribor slovenia second largest city in slovenia
Mountain Biking and Cycling
With its network of mountainous trails and stunning roads, it’s no surprise that biking is a popular activity in Slovenia. From single-tracks to road cycling along the rivers, beginner to advanced cyclists will find an appealing route to get the heart pumping. Bovec boasts 395.0 km of trails to explore, and the Soca Valley has a dynamic landscape with trails fit for road cyclists and extreme mountain bikers.
Cultural Activities and Sightseeing
On your days off from adventure, or for the xenophiles among us, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Slovenia for a cultural fix. Visit one of the many castles, like the Predjama Castle peeking out of the cliffs, or take a walking tour on the cobbled streets of Ljubljana’s old centre. Many churches and cathedrals are worth visiting, and museums that please all types of tastes from illusionist to historical, and one in Piran dedicated to shells. Spoil yourself with a tasting at one of the 28,000 vineyards in Slovenia, and make sure to eat as many local delicacies as you can.
Great Adventure Trips in Slovenia
From trekking the Julian Alps to sightseeing on some of Slovenia’s best walking routes, incredible adventures await in this country covered in wilderness. On the 10Adventures website, you can choose to plan your trip by using our detailed route guides or join a tour offered by a reputable tour operator. Here’s a look at the top adventure trips available in Slovenia.
Discover Slovenian Alps Hiking Tour
This 8-day tour is the perfect way to get a taste of the capital, Ljubljana, and the Julian Alps. You’ll spend several days exploring fantastic hiking trails and have a day to explore the enchanting capital. This trip also includes visits to the famous Lake Bled and equally charming Lake Bohinj. End the tour with a trip to the vineyards to cap off your trip with some locally-produced wine.
Hike and Bike Northwest Slovenia Tour
If you’re a proponent of efficiency, this 3-day tour is for you. Admire the impressive limestone cliffs in the Krnica Valley, swim in the cold turquoise water of the Soca River after a long bike ride, and sleep in rustic mountain huts. Enjoy local Slovenian hospitality in this jam-packed quick-and-dirty tour.
Julian Alps Hut-to-Hut Trek
Another quick but epic tour, the Julian Alps Hut-to-Hut Trek, takes you around the Valley of the Seven Lakes in Triglav National Park. Sleep in remote mountain huts to get a sense of living in the wild after long days hiking to some of the best views Slovenia has to offer. On the last day, you’ll get to stop at Lake Bohinj for a refreshing dip before the tour ends.
Piran Slovenia on the Adriatic Sea
The Best Walks in Slovenia
For a comprehensive walking tour on routes around the Italian border, this 8-day tour hits the bullseye. Starting in Ljubljana, you’ll have two days exploring the city and nearby countryside before heading to Triglav National Park. Visit Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, the Soca Valley, and round out the tour with a relaxing day and night in Piran on the Adriatic coast.
Mount Tosc Hike
If you’re staying in Bled, you can take a day trip to Mount Tosc, just over 20.0 km away. On this challenging 7-hour hike, your efforts will be rewarded with sweeping views of the southern slopes of Mount Triglav. After a steep climb, you’ll get otherworldly views of the surrounding area, including a glimpse at Lake Bohinj below.
Slovenia’s Outdoors
There’s a reason that Slovenia made the cut for 10Adventures’ early list of route guide destinations—the mountainous, natural, incredible landscape makes for some epic outdoor adventure opportunities. Geographically varied and boasting biodiversity uncommon for such a small country, Slovenia’s outdoors is nothing short of impressive.
Geography
Mountains and hills cover most of the Slovenian landscape, save for a small portion near the borders of Hungary and Croatia, where the land flattens. In the northwest, Slovenia shares the Alps with neighbouring Austria and Italy. The southwest, known as the Karst region, comprises a network of limestone peaks, rivers, gorges, and caves. On the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia gained a small stretch of coastline, just 46.0 km, between Croatia to the south and Italy to the north.
Biodiversity
Despite its small size, Slovenia is a biodiversity hotspot, thanks to the combination of protected land and different ecological systems. Luckily, much of this land is protected, so the 24,000 animal species can thrive without worry that their habitats will be destroyed. Among this above-average number of species includes a small, but stable population of wolves, some 800 bears, Chamois (goat-antelope), Alpine Ibex (wild goat), Hoopoes (vibrant birds), Lipizzan (horse breed), and all kinds of other animals that don’t sound real.
Beautiful clear water and mountains at Lake Bohinj
Slovenia Travel Costs
Even on a modest budget, travellers can have an incredible trip in Slovenia with plenty of options to travel cheaply or with a hint of luxury. Expect to budget $45–$240 CAD per day for your adventures in Slovenia. The Euro is the official currency since Slovenia is part of the EU, making it easy to travel throughout the region without exchanging money. ATMs are widely available, and most businesses accept credit and debit cards. Keep some cash on hand for super local haunts and small towns.
While relatively cheaper than nearby Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Croatia, Slovenia’s prices run higher than the rest of the Balkans. Depending on whether you’re exploring northern Slovenia, staying in urban centres, hiking in national parks, or relaxing on the coast, you’ll see prices rise and fall. (Prices will vary throughout Slovenia, so we’ve listed the average costs. All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars and based on single-occupancy.)
Accommodation
Cheap: $27/night
Mid-range: $63/night
Luxury: $133/night
Restaurant Meal
Cheap: $13
Mid-range: $26
Luxury: $45
Food (groceries)
Cheap: $12/day
Mid-range: $29/day
Luxury: $57/day
Soca River Valley hiking biking suspension bridges
Daily Transportation
Cheap: $9/day
Mid-range: $21/day
Luxury: $48/day
Intercity Transportation
Cheap: $23
Mid-range: $51
Luxury: $109
Entertainment
Cheap: $7/day
Mid-range: $15/day
Luxury: $30/day
Alcohol
Domestic beer 500ml: $3.70
Import beer 350ml: $4.45
Bottle of wine: $18
Bottle of Champagne: $27
Tipping
Travellers in Slovenia generally tip between 10% and 20% of their bill, depending on their customer experience. Tipping is most welcome, and although it’s not an obligation, it’s a great way to show appreciation for excellent service. You may even get faster service if you return to the same restaurant and they remember your generosity.
The Vintgar Gorge in the Julian Alps of Triglav National Park
Slovenia Travel Safety
Jet set to Slovenia with peace of mind—it’s one of the safest countries in Eastern Europe. Your biggest concern will be the rare but possible pickpockets or bag snatchers. Use common sense and follow the general advice for any destination. Avoid walking alone in poorly-lit or deserted streets, keep your valuables in a safe place, and pay particular attention to your belongings in more crowded places like public transportation and tourist hotspots. To lessen your worries about petty theft, consider an anti-theft pack like Metrosafe’s hip pack.
If you’re travelling to Slovenia for outdoor adventures like trekking or skiing, make sure you’re adequately equipped and well-informed about weather conditions and hazards. Inform a family member of your whereabouts and when they can expect to hear from you when you have cell service. Acquire accurate maps and GPS tracks, and if you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own, we recommend hiring an experienced guide.
When in doubt, talk to your local hosts in hotels and hostels and get on-the-ground information about safety. They can tell you the places to avoid and how to stay safe. If something unfortunate happens, prepare for the financial repercussions by obtaining quality insurance coverage. We have been using World Nomads for years—they offer excellent coverage geared towards nomadic folks and travellers.
Best Time to Visit Slovenia
Depending on your reasons to travel to Slovenia, you can choose the appropriate season from the descriptions below. Overall, the best months to visit Slovenia for general sightseeing, hiking, and cycling are May and September. Both are shoulder months when you’ll have pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and slightly lower prices on accommodations.
Spring
Rather than using the title “Spring,” this should be titled “May”—it’s the best month to visit Slovenia. In the northwest, the snowmelt occurs, making prime conditions for white-water rafting. And countrywide, you’ll have warm, dry weather creating the perfect weather for outdoor activities. Sunny days can hit up to 23oC, which means lake season gets into full swing. In May, the temperature in the Julian Alps rises enough for enjoyable backpacking trips—although you still may hit some below-zero temps overnight.
Summer
Because Slovenia is home to several inviting lakes and a precious section of coastline, it becomes a popular destination when temperatures rise, reaching up to 29oC. If you’re travelling here in the summer, expect to share the sights with crowds of tourists. For those who don’t mind crowds and slightly higher prices, Slovenia shines in this weather with super-green vegetation and rivers, lakes, and sea to dive into for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Fall
September, like May, enjoys some prime weather conditions for outdoor activity, and you may miss the summer crowds as they head back home in August. That said, October and November leave much to be desired. Both October and November have the most rainfall, and the low temperatures begin creeping towards 0oC. If you’re travelling during the fall, be prepared for occasional foggy, damp days, with some light snow towards the end of November.
Winter
In the northwest, the Slovenian alpine sees a significant amount of snow, creating ideal skiing and snowboarding conditions. Temperatures will fall to about -5oC, and you’ll get several days with precipitation. Snowfall on the roads can make driving more challenging, so if you’re looking for a ski trip, plan to stay in one location and avoid intercity travel.
The Vintgar Gorge in the Julian Alps of Triglav National Park
Best Ways to Get Around Slovenia
Slovenia is a relatively small country, especially if you’re coming from North America, but its sights are spread out—so you will need to find the most efficient way to get around. Whether you’re willing to spring for a rental car or want to save some money by taking the bus, you can find a way to travel throughout Slovenia that suits your budget. The main three options are bus, train, and car.
The bus network in Slovenia remains a tried-and-true transportation method. It’s usually efficient, and tickets are reasonably priced. The system reaches every major city and most popular smaller towns, too. You’re looking at $6–$26 CAD for tickets from 25.0 km–200.0 km. It’s important to note that Fridays are especially busy, and service is limited on Sundays and holidays. Plan ahead if you’re travelling on the weekends.
Slovenian Railways offer comprehensive options for getting around this small country. It has both slow and speed trains (LP and IC). Often, you’ll have to return to Ljubljana for connections, as its central station doubles as the centre of the country. Opting for the train can save you a bit of money, and the most value comes from long-distance travel. They’re roomy, and it’s always a pleasure to travel slowly and ride the train through a foreign countryside.
For a spectacular vacation, rent a car and drive through Slovenia’s magnificent landscape at your own pace. Also, the bus and train system can’t reach every corner of the country. In your car, you’ll be able to access unique spots and have the ultimate freedom to drive through the Soca Valley and to the Mangartsko Sedlo, the highest road in the country. To meet some like-minded travellers, check out BlaBlaCar, a carpooling company that connects people seeking rides all over Europe—you could end up on the road trip of a lifetime with perfect strangers.
Best Places to Stay in Slovenia
With some quick research, you’ll find a ton of unique stays in Slovenia, from glamping in the wilderness to Old Town apartments in city centres. You’ll find various luxury and mid-range options and much cheaper hostels.
Vintgar Gorge in Bled Slovenia
Useful Travel Tools
To help you navigate around Slovenia, we’ve listed some of our favourite travel tools. These valuable websites bring you one step closer to setting off on your Slovenian vacation.
To Book Accommodation
Finding hotels and long-term accommodation is easier than ever. We use these tools to find the best deals: booking.com, hotels.com, expedia.com, and agoda.com. For long-term rentals or more unique listings, check with Airbnb.com and vrbo.com for unique homes and guesthouses. Budget-savvy travellers can search for hostels in their desired locations on Hostelling International.
To Book Flights
Get the best deals on your flights to Slovenia by using sites like Skyscanner or CheapOair. The Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport (LJU) is Slovenia’s primary airport, which you can reach from other major cities in Europe. You could also fly to nearby Pula, Croatia; Trieste, Italy; or Klagenfurt, Austria, and cross over the border.
To Rent a Car
To rent a car in Slovenia, you must be at least 18 years old, and those under 25 will be subject to a young drivers surcharge. Rent a car to explore this marvellous country at your own pace. Europcar.com is a great tool to find an affordable rental in Slovenia. You can also check rentalcars.com to compare providers and find the best deal.
To Get Gear
Since Slovenia has plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities, you’ll want to make sure you have top-quality gear. Our favourite brands endure many seasons and would be great additions to your pack. For high-end jackets and technical equipment, check Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and Helly Hansen. If day hikes will fill your itinerary, and you want to try some trail running, check Salomon and the Running Room. Plan on camping or need some hiking accessories? Browse the gear at MEC, Trail Outdoor Leisure, Blacks or MSR.
Other Useful Travel Services
Save some cash when you leave your car at the airport during your trip using Airport Parking Reservations. Just enter your home airport and departure dates, and the website will do the rest.
Russian chapel vrsic pass slovenia triglav national park
Visa Requirements When Travelling to Slovenia
The Schengen area contains Slovenia, so travellers hailing from the US, Canada, or the UK will be granted a 90-day stay (within 180 days) upon entry to the Schengen area. Note that this tourist visa begins when you enter the Schengen area, not each country. Tourists will need a valid passport with an expiry date at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. There is a fee for the Schengen 90-day stamp, but the cost varies depending on where you get it.
No matter where you’re coming from, all travellers entering Slovenia must register with the police within 72 hours of arrival. This will usually be arranged by your hotel, but if you’re not staying in a hotel, you’ll have to do it yourself at a police station. Failing to register could cause complications and fines upon departure.
Travellers from Canada
Upon entry to the Schengen area, Canadian travellers will be granted a 90-day tourist stamp for visa-free travel for 180 days. For stays longer than 90 days, a residency permit will be required. You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return ticket. See more information on the Government of Canada’s website.
Travellers from the EU
Travellers from the EU who travel by car through the Schengen area do not have to show a passport; however, other transportation methods will require that you show ID. EU nationals can stay in Slovenia for up to 90 days. Beyond 90 days, a long-term visa or residency permit will be required.
Travellers from the UK
Upon entry to the Schengen area, travellers from the UK will be granted a 90-day tourist stamp for visa-free travel for a period of 180 days, provided that the traveller’s passport has at least six months of validity left. For stays longer than 90 days, a residency permit will be required. You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return ticket. See more information on the UK Government’s website.
Travellers from the US
Upon entry to the Schengen area, travellers from the US will be granted a 90-day tourist stamp for visa-free travel for a period of 180 days. For stays longer than 90 days, a long-term visa or residency permit will be required. You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return ticket. See more information on the US Government’s travel advisory page.
Predjama Castle built in caves Slovenia
Interesting Facts About Slovenia
Even though tourism in Slovenia has skyrocketed over the last decade, it remains a country with an air of mystery. Here are several interesting facts to get you more acquainted with this fantastic place.
- You can find more than 10,000 caves in Slovenia, with Postojna being the longest, running 20.0 km underground.
- Slovenia has a short coastline, just 46.0 km long, but every step is picture-perfect.
- Slovenia is one of the most sustainable countries in the world.
- Around 90,000 beekeepers live among the population of two million—try the local honey at every chance you get!
- Lake Bled is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
- More than half the country’s land is protected.
- The world’s longest stone-arch bridge railway runs 220 m across the Soca River in Slovenia.
- You can find one of the oldest vines in Maribor—estimated to be around 450 years old.
- More than 900 bears roam the Slovenian forests.
- Mount Triglav, the country’s highest peak (2,864 m), is depicted on the Slovenian flag.
- The Linden tree symbolizes love, friendship, loyalty, and resilience in Slovenia. The tree can survive for centuries.
- Wine is integrated into their culture—by some estimates, there is one winery for every 70 people.
- The Vilenica International Literary Festival is held every year in different locations, including on a Karst Plateau and inside a cave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slovenia
That wraps up our travel tips and details about this underrated country, but you may still be curious. We don’t want to leave you with more questions than you had before, so here are some frequently asked questions about travelling to Slovenia.
What is the cheapest way to travel across Slovenia?
As with many countries worldwide, taking public transportation is the cheapest way to get around. The bus system in Slovenia extends to all the large cities and many small ones. Enjoy gazing out the window at this country comprised of fairy-tale landscapes—all while saving a bit of cash!
Do they speak English in Slovenia?
Most younger generations of Slovenians speak English fluently, along with their native tongue, Slovene. Older generations are more likely to speak Slovene, and Serbo-Croatian or German.
What is Slovenia famous for?
Generally, tourists flock to Slovenia to visit the idyllic Lake Bled or explore the extensive cave system, of which Slovenia has more than 10,000.
What’s the food and drink like in Slovenia?
Distinct regions all across Slovenia offer various gastronomical tastes, but one item remains common: the Carniolan sausage. Get an order of this pork and bacon sausage served with crusty bread, sour cabbage, and mustard, or find it floating in thick stews. Another staple is the zlikrofi, a delicious potato-filled dumpling similar to ravioli. For a sweet-tooth fix, grab a potica, a buttery pastry filled with sugar, spices, walnuts, poppy seeds, and honey.
Beverages abound in Slovenia, and you will never go thirsty. Around 28,000 vineyards cover an exceptional amount of land, with some of the oldest vines still producing grapes. Craft beer lovers, rejoice. Slovenia has been through a bit of a renaissance with beer—microbreweries are popping up all over. If you venture around long enough, you’ll also notice that schnapps is ubiquitous. Creating this sweet spirit continues to be a favoured pastime, concocted with local fruits like pear, peach, and lemon. Overall, Slovenia’s cuisine will please even the most hard-to-please foodie travellers but may not hit the mark for travellers with dietary preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free) and restrictions.
What are some quick tips to cultural etiquette in Slovenia?
- Since the predominant religion is Catholicism, if you’re visiting a religious site or church, make sure to wear respectful attire (no short skirts or sleeveless tops).
- When conversing in Slovenia, your distance will depend on your relationship with the other person. Family members and friends stand closer together than colleagues and strangers. Take clues from the locals.
- Make eye contact! Avoiding eye contact can be seen as untrustworthy or that you’re trying to hide something.
- Slovenians are punctual people and view being late as a sign of disrespect.
- Shaking hands is a common form of greeting and meeting new people (though this will likely be on pause during the pandemic).
Hiker on Vrsic mountain pass
Is Slovenia a family-friendly destination?
Absolutely! It’s one of the safest eastern European countries, and it’s an adventure playground! Kids can hike, bike, take train rides through caves, and do all kinds of water activities.
How long should I stay in Slovenia?
Don’t be fooled by its small size—there’s so much to see and do in Slovenia that you could quickly fill a week-long vacation. If you have more flexibility with time off, you can extend your stay in whichever town appeals to you the most. Note that most travellers regret not spending more time in Slovenia, so plan accordingly. If you can work remotely, Slovenia has become a hub for digital nomads. Take a look at Numbeo to get an idea of daily costs for long-term stays.
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