My Top 5 highlights in Slovenia
- Wibke Helfrich
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Although Slovenia is a small country, it offers a diverse range of landscapes: from high mountains and picturesque lakes to Mediterranean coastal towns. Here are my 5 highlights you shouldn't miss.
Highlight No. 1: The picturesque, lukewarm (24 degrees) Lake Bled.
Sometimes I see a photo and think, "That looks beautiful, I have to go there." I felt the same way about a picture of Bled: with its bluish-green lake, the postcard-perfect church on a small island, the imposing medieval castle clinging imposingly to a rocky cliff, and the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karawanks forming a picturesque backdrop.
And the scenery is also impressive in person. This naturally attracts many tourists from all over the world – Bled is certainly the top highlight in Slovenia and, accordingly, is crowded in midsummer. It's best not to come here during the summer holidays.
My tip: Hike to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint!
A ten-kilometer hike leads around the picturesque lake up to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint.
From there, you have a wonderful panoramic view of the lake, the castle, and even the Hochstuhl. At 2,237 meters, it is the highest peak in the Karawanks.
Highlight No. 2: Turquoise blue, clear water, a deep gorge and high mountains – this is the “Soška pot”
The turquoise-blue and crystal-clear Soča River is not without reason considered one of the most beautiful Alpine rivers. The Soška Pot hike in Slovenia is part of the Alpe-Adria Trail and leads from its source through three gorges into the wide alluvial plain to Bovec.
My tip: You can walk the whole route in one day or, thanks to the good bus connections, in stages.
Highlight No 3: Slovenia: Fabulous 3-day hike to the summit of Triglav
Every Slovenian should have stood on the country’s highest mountain at least once in their life.
International mountaineers have now also discovered the peak for themselves. A hike in Triglav National Park is no longer an insider tip. At sunrise, a queue forms for the ascent to the summit. The climb requires mountaineering skills, as well as a via ferrata set and a helmet. The final section is secured with steel cables. However, once you've left the direct summit climbs behind you, the Julian Alps reveal their most beautiful side. In summer, colorful mountain meadows bloom. Chamois and wild mountain goats climb the rugged limestone cliffs, and marmots can be heard in the distance.
The highlight of this hike is the overnight stay in the small Zašavska Koča hut, which offers spectacular views of the mountains and lakes.
The descent on the final day leads through the picturesque Valley of the Seven Lakes . A hike couldn't be more varied.
Highlight No. 4: The (dragon) capital Ljubljana.
My tip: You definitely shouldn't miss the Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most) with its famous dragon figures!
It is the most famous symbol of Ljubljana.
Legend has it that the city was founded by the Greek hero Jason, who stole the Golden Fleece from King Aetes and killed a dragon on his journey. Since then, this mythical creature has been an integral part of the city's history. To allow dragons, pedestrians, and cyclists to move freely, a large part of the old town is closed to car traffic. In summer, you can sit comfortably in the numerous, tastefully decorated flower-filled cafés by the river and admire the many architectural structures, such as the famous Triple Bridge , the beautiful Prešernov trg Square or Ljubljana Castle , which crowns a 375-meter-high hill east of the Old Town.
Highlight No 5: Slovenia knows how to be seaside: The picturesque Piran on the Slovenian coast
The Venetian-inspired town is picturesquely situated at the tip of a narrow peninsula and is, according to the Lonely Planet travel guide, one of the most beautiful towns on the Adriatic .
And although the old town is one of the best-preserved historic cities in the entire Mediterranean, it isn't overrun by tourists. Rather, it's a lively hub of sunbathers, swimmers, restaurant-goers, anglers, and fishing boats. In one of the many sea-view bars, you can enjoy a sundowner while watching the hustle and bustle of the harbor and the old town.
My tip: the self-service restaurant “Fritolin Pri Cantini”.
Here, you'll often have to wait in a long line before placing your order at a small window. Some diners eat right in front of the window at tables under vines and in the beautiful square shared by several restaurants.
Prvomajski trg 10, 6330 Piran, Tel.: +386 70 531 703
You can find more tips for activities in the Balkans here .
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