Click here to show map

Welcome to our one-page guide to the key sights and attractions that Slovenia has to offer. If outdoor activities and sports are your thing, these have their own individual pages as follows: rafting, kayaking, canyoning, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, golf, fly-fishing & summer adrenalin parks. See menu on the left for guides on great day trips and tours, spa & wellness centres, Slovenia wine and our festival and event calendar. For detailed information, photos and maps on individual regions please click here.

 

Click to jump to individual regions:

MOUNTAINS & LAKES: Bovec & Soča Valley, Kranjska Gora, Lakes Bled & Bohinj, Lower Gorenjska, Kamnik Alps & Pohorje

COASTAL REGION: Piran & Adriatic, Karst & Goriška Brda

SOUTHERN & EASTERN: North East, South East, South

LJUBLJANA AREA: Ljubljana City & Surroundings

 

Bovec & Soča Valley

 

Soča River

The emerald green Soča River flows some 138 km through western Slovenia and into north-eastern Italy. Marketed as the 'Emerald Beauty' it's said to be one of the rare rivers in the world that retains its stunning colour throughout its ... Read more

Tolmin Gorge

As the lowest and southern most entry point into Triglav National Park, the Tolmin Gorges are Tolmin's most important natural feature. Combining a number of unique attributes including the Bears Head; a natural bridge created by a ... Read more

Soča Valley

Rich with stunning scenery, abound in colour, wending waterways and cascading waterfalls. The Soča Valley is nothing short of breaktaking. It forms just part of Triglav National Park and is home to the emerald green Soča River, ... Read more

Nadiža River

The turquoise water, numerous pebble beaches and carved out pools make the Nadiža River a popular place for fly-fishermen and bathers alike. It is one of the cleanest and warmest Alpine rivers and is, according to folklore possessed with ... Read more

Kobarid

Boasting the highest number of excellent restaurants in Slovenia, Kobarid is at the historic crossroads of important routes running the Soča Valley. Various archaeological sites testify to the rich life and strategic importance of ... Read more

Bovec

Located in north-west Slovenia, Bovec has a rich, colourful history. It borders Triglav National Park and is the centre of the Upper Soča Valley region. A once important trade route between Vienna and the port of Trieste, the ... Read more

Most na Soči

Located on a rocky crest above the confluence of Soča and Idrijca rivers Most na Soči was given its current name in 1955; originally called “Sveta Lucija ob Soči”. An artificial lake, the same colour of ... Read more

Trenta Valley

The horse-shoe shaped Trenta Valley was first mentioned in a note in the 14th century. It was mined for Iron Ore for over 200 years until the mine closed in 1778. Rising costs for digging, transport and competition bought about the halt in ... Read more

Kozjak Waterfall

The Kozjak stream, one of the tributaries of the Soča River springs from under Mount Krnčica and runs through many chutes and drops over six waterfalls; only two of which are accessible to visitors. The lower chute is where Kozjak ... Read more

Mangart Mountain

Part of the Julian Alps, Mangart Mountain is on the Italian-Slovenian border and towers at an impressive 2,679 m; the 3rd highest peak in Slovenia. First climbed in 1794, Mangart mountain is very popular with visitors during the summer season. It ... Read more

Ski Bovec Kanin & Sella Nevea

At an impressive 2200 m, stunning Bovec-Kanin is Slovenia’s highest Ski Resort. With its position above the beautiful Soča Valley, it has views over Triglav National Park and the majestic Julian Alps in one direction, and the ... Read more

Triglav National Park

First protected in 1924, offically renamed in 1961 and now covering some 838 km2, Triglav National Park is the only National Park in Slovenia and one of Europes oldest parks. Named after its highest mountain 'Triglav' (2,864m) it covers 4% ... Read more

Kranjska Gora

 

Planica Ski Jumping

Planica is an Alpine Valley that runs from the border village of Rateče and extends into the Tamar Valley. Home to the worlds highest ski jumping centre and many world record setting jumps. The first ski jump was constructed before 1930 with a ... Read more

Dovje - Mojstrana

The twin villages of Dovje and Mojstrana rest in one of the most stunning locations in Slovenia, yet they differ greatly in character. Assuming opposite banks of the Sava River they are located along the main traffic route through the Lower Sava ... Read more

Peričnik Waterfall

As one of Slovenia's most stunning and well known waterfalls, Peričnik is a remnant of the ice age when the largest glacial valley, the stunning Vrata Valley was shaped. Cascading at first 16 m down to the first ridge and then a ... Read more

Vrata Valley

Partly etched into the base of the imposing North Face of Triglav, this glacial valley is a popular tourist destination and has been since the end of the 19th century. An amphitheatre of mountains with Triglav towering at its end, the ... Read more

Tromeja - 3 Borders

The three border area of Austria, Italy and Slovenia, also called Pec (1,510m) connects German, Slavonic and Romance culture. A popular destination for locals and tourists the summit plays host to yearly meetings of the three nations. Read more

Vitranc World Cup

Pokal Vitranc (Vitranc Cup) is an annual ski competition for the best male skiers in the world. Held since 1961 in the village of Podkoren near Kranjska Gora the event brings competitors from all over the world to compete against time and ... Read more

Lake Jasna

Located just 2 km from Kranjska Gora, Lake Jasna is a stunning alpine lake covering a surface area of 2.2 ha. A popular tourist destination, the views from here towards to surrounding mountains are nothing short of breathtaking. The lake is ... Read more

Zelenci Nature Reserve

Zelenci, considered as being the source of the Sava Dolinka River was declared a nature reserve in 1992. It encompasses not only the emerald green lake, after which it was named, but also its surrounds, to make up a total area of 47 ha. Re-emerging ... Read more

Vršič Pass

Vršič Pass; the saddle between Mojstrovka and Prisank Massif joins the townships of Trenta and Kranjska Gora. With some 50 curves in the road, it's a welcome relief to take a break at the top and be in awe of the ... Read more

Ski Kranjska Gora

Slovenia’s most famous mountain resort,  Kranjska Gora, boasts this title, partly due to hosting annual ski jumping at the world’s highest jumping centre at Planica, and World Cup skiing (Pokal Vitranc) on the Podkoren slopes. ... Read more

Triglav National Park

First protected in 1924, offically renamed in 1961 and now covering some 838 km2, Triglav National Park is the only National Park in Slovenia and one of Europes oldest parks. Named after its highest mountain 'Triglav' (2,864m) it covers 4% ... Read more

Lakes Bled & Bohinj

 

7 Lakes Valley

This 8 km long alpine valley between Bohinj and Trenta is home to what is known as the Seven Lakes Valley. Despite there being a total of ten, not seven and several of them often drying out and being not much larger than pools, they retain their ... Read more

Bled Castle

Sitting atop a steep cliff, Bled Castle (Castellum Veldes) was first mentioned in 1011 in a deed of donation issued by German Emporer Henry II in favour of the Bishops of Brixen. Later the castle passed to the Habsburgs in 1278. Documented as ... Read more

Lake Bled

Lake Bled is of mixed origins, glacial and tectonic. It came into existence after the Bohinj Glacier melted. During the last ice age the glacier deepened it's natural tectonic hollow giving it its present form, the melting ice filling the ... Read more

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is the largest, permanent, natural lake in Slovenia, covering an area of 318 ha. This stunning lake is at its finest in all seasons. Used as the starting point for various day trips and hikes, the Lake has been a ... Read more

Pokljuka Plateau

Located in Triglav National Park, Pokljuka plateau measures some 20 km in length, almost the same width and rests at an altitude of 1,300 m. It offers an amazing experience regardless of the season and is the gateway to many mountain paths. ... Read more

Radovljica

Located just above where the Sava Dolinka and Sava Bohinjka join to become the Sava River, stands the enchanting medieval town of Radovljica; and along with it, numerous preserved monuments of civil engineering. The most important of ... Read more

Sava Bohinjka River

Finding its source under the Komarča Ridge, from springs fed by the Seven Lakes Valley, the Sava Bohinjka is better known as the Savica and features the Savica Waterfalls along its path until it reaches Lake Bohinj. Flowing ... Read more

Savica Waterfall

The Savica Waterfall is one of, if not, the most famous waterfall in Slovenia. Cascading some 78 m into a crystal clear pool below, it was imortalised by Slovene poet France Prešeren in his poem 'Krst pri Savici'. Formed of two ... Read more

Vintgar Gorge

Vintgar Gorge opens for visitors from the beginning of April until early November and is one of Slovenia's most popular natural formations. It has been attracting visitors for over 100 years. First discovered in 1891, it wasn't opened to ... Read more

Ski Vogel

Without doubt Vogel is one of Slovenia's best all round resorts, offering a superb beginner / family ski experience in a beautiful position overlooking stunning Lake Bohinj. It also offers some harder and longer pistes to suit more ... Read more

Triglav National Park

First protected in 1924, offically renamed in 1961 and now covering some 838 km2, Triglav National Park is the only National Park in Slovenia and one of Europes oldest parks. Named after its highest mountain 'Triglav' (2,864m) it covers 4% ... Read more

Lower Gorenjska

 

Škofja Loka

Considered the most beautifully preserved medieval town in Slovenia, Škofka Loka dates back over 1,000 years. For 830 years it was owned by the Bishops of Freising, who left a permant mark on the city. Positioned at the confluence of the ... Read more

Lake Zbilje

Created in 1953, Zbiljsko Jezero is an artifical lake formed from when the Sava River was dammed to provide water to the nearby Medvode hydroelectric power station. The lake is now an important habitat for many bird species as well as being a ... Read more

Franja Partisan Hospital

Exisitng today as a museum and protected as a cultural monument of national sigfinicance, the Franja Partisan Hospital was a secret hospital built and used during World War II. Hidden away amongst the rugged terrain in the remote Pasica Gorge in ... Read more

Idrija

Located in western Slovenia where the sub-alpine and karst environments meet, the town of Idrija has a long mining history that extends back to the late 15th century. Once home to one of the worlds largest mercury mines, now closed, the town is ... Read more

Ski Krvavec

Without doubt Krvavec is one of Slovenia’s best resorts. Its immediacy to Ljubljana airport makes it the closest ski resort to an international airport in the world. Reached by gondola from the valley floor, Krvavec has a range of slopes to ... Read more

Preddvor

Nestled under the steep slopes of the perfect pyramid shaped Mount Storžič (2,132 m) between the towns of Kranj & Tržič is Preddvor - a charming small town, edged by the Kokra River and dotted with 4 Castles - Preddvor ... Read more

Kamnik Alps & Pohorje

 

Kamnik

As one of the oldest towns in Slovenia, Kamnik was first mentioned in the 11th century. It was later first mentioned as a town in 1229, at the time when it was an important trading post along the route between Ljubljana and Celje. Kamnik ... Read more

Logar Valley

Said to be one of the most beautiful Alpine glacial valleys in Europe, the Logar Valley extends into the Kamnik-Savinja Alps from the north. Tradition and nature have found harmony here. Set amongst towering peaks, over 2,000 m in height, the ... Read more

Velika Planina

Located in the heart of the Kamnik Alps, Velika Planina mountain plateau is a settlement of wooden huts, homes mostly to summer herdsmen who bring their cattle to graze the highland pastures. With few permanent residents, it is one of the very ... Read more

Rinka Waterfall

As the second highest waterfall in Slovenia and one of its most beautiful, Rinka Waterfall drops some 105 m from a small river above into a pool below. One of 20 waterfalls in the Logar Valley it is the souce of the Savinja ... Read more

Maribor

First mentioned as a market near the castle in 1204, Maribor recieved township privileges in 1254. The castle, known as 'March Castle' was built on Piramida Hill above the township. Maribor grew quickly and is now the second largest city in ... Read more

Grintovec

As the second most prominent mountain in Slovenia and the highest in the Kamnik Alps, Grintovec stands at an imposing 2,558 m. The first recorded climb was in 1759 by Giovanni Scopoli. The mountain is a popular place for hiking and ... Read more

Mali Grad

Mali Grad 'Little Castle' was once part of a castle built in a strategic position. The castle was first mentioned in 1202, but its origins are older. The castle burned at the end of the 13th century, the northeastern part was demolished and ... Read more

Zaprice Castle

Zaprice Castle was built in the 14th century by the Deinger von Apecz family and then rebuilt in the early 16th century by Jurij Lamberg. During the 17th and 18th centuries it was once again rebuilt in the Baroque style and enlarged into a ... Read more

Volčji Potok Botanical Gardens

Opened to the public in 1952, the Volčji Potok Arboretum originally formed part of the Souvan family estate in 1885, which was taken over by the University of Ljubljana in 1952 and legally declared a place of cultural and natural ... Read more

Piran & Adriatic

 

Piran

The stunning coastal town of Piran is rich with history that extends way back into the past. This ancient seaport retains its medieval charm in its narrow winding streets, huddled houses, numerous squares and churches. The influenece of the ... Read more

Koper

The port town of Koper rose from an ancient settlement built on an island in the Gulf of Koper. Known in ancient greek as Aegida (goat town), it was later changed to Capris, from where its modern name evolved. Sights on offer in Koper include the ... Read more

Portorož

Closely connected to Piran, Portorož (Port of Roses) was known as a holistic healing centre as far back as the 13th century, when monks from the St. Laurence Monastery were treating rheumatic illnesses, amongst others, with concentrated salt ... Read more

Izola

Izola is an old fishing town with a rich history. The latin name for island is 'izola' and Izola used to be an island that was connected to the mainland by a stony bridge. Established by refugees from Aquileia in the 7th century, the ... Read more

Sečovlje Salt Pans

The first record of salt production is in 804 when there were several small salt pans owned by monasteries in Piran. Active since the 13th century, the Sečovlje Salt Pans now produce salt in order to preserve natural and culture heritage. In ... Read more

Holy Trinity Church

There is division as to the actual origins of the Holy Trinity Church in Hrastovlje. The first suggestion places it as having been built in the 12th century in Romanesque style, whilst the second suggests Early Venetian Renaissance from the 15th ... Read more

Strunjan Nature Reserve

The Strunjan Nature Reserve is part of the Strunjan Nature Park and is located along a 4 km stretch of Adriatic coast between the Simon and Strunjan Bays. It is the longest section of unspoilt coastline in the ... Read more

Piran Cathedral

The Cathedral of St. George (Piran Cathedral) sits atop a hill overlooking Piran. This church replaces one that had previously been built in the 12th century, resting in the same place. It was the life work of Venetian stonemason Bonfante ... Read more

Tartini Square

Named after composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini, Tartini Square is Piran's largest and main town square. Once an inner dock for smaller fishing boats, it was located outside the city walls. During the middle ages the dock became ... Read more

Karst & Goriška Brda

 

Škocjan Caves

As one of the largest known underground canyons in the world; it's no wonder that Škocjan Caves is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times and provides both, great cultural and historical ... Read more

Postojna Cave

Created by the Pivka River, the Postojna Cave is the second longest cave system in Slovenia at 20,570 m and home to the 'Olm', the largest troglodytic amphibian in the world. Since being open to the public 188 years ago, this underground ... Read more

Štanjel

Once an ancient Roman fort, the village of Štanjel stands proudly atop a hill; its geographic location making it an important settlement in this area since the iron age. Walls built around the village in the 15th century were foritfied ... Read more

Lipica Stud

Named after the Lipa (linden) tree, Lipica plays host to the Lipica Stud, home of the famous Lipizzan horse. It was Charles II, Archduke of Inner Austria who decided in the 16th century to establish a new stud farm; the Spanish horse was ... Read more

Predjama Castle

Several successive castles have stood on the site where todays Predjama Castle now stands. The misfortunes of those castles as are colourful as those who have owned it over the centuries; none least, the robber baron Erazem Lueger. He met his end ... Read more

Kanal

Named after the shape of the valley, Kanal's history extends back to old times. The town was an important river crossing point across the Soča River, with the first brige being built by the Romans. The current bridge was built after World ... Read more

Vipava Valley

Located in the Slovenian Littoral, the Vipava Valley runs between the towns of Nova Gorica and Vipava. The valley offers magnificent scenery from hills and mountains, to ruined castles, beautifully preserved gothic churches and charming villages ... Read more

Dobrovo Castle

Built around 1600 on the foundations of an older structure, Dobrovo Castle is almost a perfect square with square turrets on each corner. Located in the LIttoral region of Slovenia, the castle remains today much like it was when built. One of the ... Read more

North East

 

Babičev Floating Mill

First built in 1890, the Babičev Floating Mill forms an invaluable part of Slovenia's rich cultural heritage. The original mill, bought by the Babič family in 1912 was destroyed by fire some 15 years later. A new mill was constructed in the ... Read more

Ptuj

Ptuj is the oldest city in Slovenia; with evidence of settlement since the Stone Age. The name originates from the time of Emporer Trajan and was once an important centre for military, commerce, customs and administration. The city boasted a ... Read more

Goričko Regional Park

Wedged between the Austrian and Hungarian borders, the Goričko Regional Park covers an area of 462 km2, over 11 municipalities and 91 villages. The nature park tips the scales in serveral areas when compared to the rest of Slovenia, boasting the ... Read more

Rotunda Church

The charming Romanesque Rotunda Church in Selo, otherwise known as the Church of the Virgin Mary and St. Nicholas, is estimated to have been built during the first half of the 13th century, around 1205 - 1235. Situated among the hills ... Read more

Church of the Ascension

Bogojina Church of the Ascension was extensively rebuilt in the past and the original plan in 1924 was to totally rebuild the church. Using plans by Slovene architect Jože Plečnik the new church was built between 1924 and 1925 and later furnished ... Read more

South East

 

Otočec Castle

Said to have been built in the 13th century, around 1252, Otočec Castle sits on a small island in the middle of the Krka River and is the only water castle in Slovenia. Though its foundations where built in the Middle Ages, its renaissance ... Read more

Podsreda Castle

Podsreda Castle is another important example of Romanesque architecture in Slovenia. It was built in the first half of the 12th century, high upon a hill overlooking the township of Podsreda (where Tito spent some of his childhood). The castle ... Read more

Brežice Castle

Brežice Castle like many other castles has had quite a colourful history. Long before 1241 a wooden defensive structure stood on the site where todays castle now stands. Since that time, several incarnations of castle have taken their place in ... Read more

Pleterje Monastery

Situated in a valley at the foot of the Gorjanci mountains, the Pleterje Monastery was founded by Count Herman II of Celje in 1403, with construction being completed by 1407. In 1471 Turkish raids destroyed the buildings, which were then ... Read more

Kostanjevica Monastery

Built in 1234 on a marshy plain near the Krka River, Kostanjevica na Krki Monastery was originally built as a three nave church. A bell tower was added in the 15th century and the naves were shortened. Monastery buildings were added during the late ... Read more

South

 

Lake Cerknica

Lake Cerknica, the 'disappearing lake' is an intermittent lake filled mainly by autumn rains and the early spring thaw. The lake water comes from Karst springs that bubble up on the lake's edge and flow out underground through ... Read more

Snežnik Castle

Whilst the date of Snežnik Castle's construction remains unclear, it's existence was first implied around 1269. As a possession of the Patriarchate of Aquileia, it was first mentioned as the manor of Sneberk in 1461. Successive owners have ... Read more

Križna Jama

Named after the nearby Holy Cross church in Podlož, Križna Jama or Cross Cave is noted for its chain of 50 subterranean emerald green lakes. It is the worlds 4th largest cave ecosystem by biodiversity, with 45 species of organisms having been ... Read more

Rakov Škocjan

Protected since 1949, Rakov Škocjan is the oldest landscape park in Slovenia. It was first mentioned in the 15th century, with the first noted description of the valley in 1689. Partly formed by the collapse of a cave roof and the River Rak, ... Read more

Iška Gorge

Separating Inner and Lower Carniola the Iška Gorge is a striking gorge carved deeply into the limestone dolomite plateau by the Iška River; a section between Iška Vas and Strahomer disappeared underground during floods on 20th ... Read more

Kočevski Rog

In an area that was once a strategic part of the Holy Roman Empire; then known by its German name Gottschee, Kočevski Rog is a densely forested karstified plateau in the Kočevje Highlands. The dense forest enables the survival of brown bears, ... Read more

Military History Park

A unique museum, the Park of Military History in Pivka provides an interesting glimpse into the history of Slovenia's involvement in war and it's path to independence. Weapons and machinery left behind by various armies engaged in battle on ... Read more

Ljubljana City & Surroundings

 

Metelkova

Metelkova; the autonomous social centre in Ljubljana is located on the site of what was a former military barracks, the Slovenian headquaters of the Yugoslav National Army. The history of Metelkova as a cultural space extends back to ... Read more

Ljubljana Castle

Perched on top of Castle Hill overlooking the city, Ljubljana Castle remains a symbol of the Slovenian capital. Archeologists suggest that the area of the present castle has been continuously settled since 1200BC. The castle's role has ... Read more

Opera House

The Neo-Renaissance Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, previously named the Provincial Theatre was built between 1890 & 1892 by Czech architects. The building has recently undergone extensive renovation and extension works, that saw ... Read more

Ljubljana Markets

In 1895 an earthquake destroyed an old monastery building, housing a college for girls. Once the damaged building had been removed a venue for the Ljubljana Markets was provided. The long market building that we see today, designed by Jože ... Read more

Dragon Bridge

Originally named 'The Jubliee Bridge of the Emporer Franz Josef I', to commemorate his forty year rule. It was not renamed 'Dragon Bridge' until July 1919. Replacing and older oak bridge, the bridge was part of a larger urban ... Read more

Three Bridges

The central bridge of the Three Bridges or 'Tromostovje' has connected both sides of the Ljubljanica river since 1842, having itself replaced an old medieval wooden bridge, which linked Central Europe and the Balkans. In order to prevent ... Read more

Tivoli Park

Stretching right into the city centre, Tivoli Park is Ljubljana's largest and most beautiful. Created by joining together parks that surrounded two mansions, it was designed by a French engineer Jean Blanchard in 1813. Since first being laid ... Read more

Old Town Centre

Ljubljana is awash with charm and a rich history that extends back to a time around 2000BC, when the Ljubljana Marshes were inhabited by people who lived in pile dwellings. The oldest preserved architecture is from the Roman period, although the ... Read more