14 things to do in Slovenia for nature lovers
Slovenia’s lush natural landscapes, vibrant historic towns and a thriving gastronomic scene make it a destination for all tastes. Snow-capped peaks, tranquil mountain lakes and rushing rivers await outdoor enthusiasts, while quieter travellers will be captivated by the cobbled streets and friendly cafés serving delicious local specialities. Although places like Bled, one of Slovenia’s most popular destinations, have become increasingly popular over the last decade, the country still has plenty to offer curious travellers who want to get off the beaten track and venture a little further inland, albeit a little earlier!
Slovenia is a country of magnificent landscapes and unrivalled natural beauty. A visit to Slovenia also means exploring its iconic lakes, magnificent green forests and beautiful beaches, which are just some of the Slovenian activities that will delight all nature lovers… Oh Slovenia, what a charmer you are!
1. Fall in love with the old town centre of Ljubljana
📸: Sandy Feet
After travelling through Europe, historic city centres all look a bit the same, but Ljubljana is very different. With its fortified castle perched above the cliffs, its cobbled pedestrianised streets, its bridges over the river and its many trendy restaurants and bars, Ljubljana knows how to get under your skin…. It’s simply irresistible! And if you don’t know where to start, we recommend the free city tour, where you’ll learn about Ljubljana’s shocking history and get all the tips you need to impress your new friends at the hostel!
Don’t forget to check out our youth hostels in Ljubljana: Everyone loves the Celica Youth Hostel, so much so that it’s the lucky winner of one of our HOSCARs!
2. Discover the fantastic Metelkova Mesto
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Metelkova Mesto, an eccentric and colourful district of Ljubljana, is one of the best places to visit in Slovenia and probably the craziest place of all. Psychedelic murals adorn the walls of the houses, Golum-like statuettes hang from the window frames, while horseshoes and car parts are combined to create amazingly intricate contemporary artworks. It’s a completely crazy place to get lost in, mobile phone in hand, to share these curious decorating choices with your entire Insta community. Metelkova, so precious…
It’s not uncommon to find artists at work here, and you might be lucky enough to see a brand new room being created before your very eyes. And after dark, the bars and art galleries come alive with street concerts, making this the place to party in Ljubljana. Not far away is the Celica Art Hostel, a prison converted into a stylish youth hostel. Here you can dance the night away and wake up in the most comfortable prison cell ever.
3. Stopover at Predjama Castle
📸: Sandy Feet
It’s not every day that you see a castle built directly into a rock, is it? The sublime Predjama Castle towers over the valley at a height of over 120 metres. A fascinating network of tunnels connects the main building with the Postojna Caves, which are only 9 kilometres away from the castle. You can ride a small train through the vast galleries and see impressive stalagmites and stalactites flash before your eyes in these huge underground caves. Please note that the cave behind the castle is only accessible from June to September.
This medieval castle has watched over the province for over 800 years and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest cave castle in the world. It has long been surrounded by numerous myths that continue to attract many visitors to Slovenia. Legend has it that the knight Erazem, the Slovenian equivalent of Robin Hood, barricaded himself and his troops in the castle for a year when he came into conflict with Slovenian and Austrian high society, where he was supplied with supplies through a tunnel leading directly into the town (which has still not been discovered). It is also said that Erazem was killed in the toilet by a cannonball fired by one of his own men…
Today, the castle is known as one of the most romantic places in the city and a favourite location for wedding photos.
A full price entrance ticket costs €13.80 in low season and €14.80 in high season. If you want to visit the Postojna galleries, you can save a few euros with a group ticket. Shuttle buses run between the two sites throughout the summer.
4. Explore Postojna Cave
Get ready for a visit worthy of the Harry Potter novels as you wander through the underground passages of Slovenia’s largest stalactite cave. Explore these impressive geological wonders formed by millions of years of rock erosion. Part of the tour takes place on a small train, the rest on foot, so make sure you wear suitable footwear.
But the most extraordinary thing of all is that you can also find baby dragons! Yes, yes, you read that right! For centuries, this endemic species, known as the “protée anguillard” or white salamander, has inhabited the dark caves of the Grotte d’Adelsberg. These strange creatures have no eyes, are extremely sensitive to light and can live up to 100 years, including 12 years without food. Part of the cave is protected by double glazing so that you can observe these creatures without disturbing them too much. The cave is located in the heart of Postojna’s Jama Park, where there are numerous restaurants and nice little boutiques for shopping.
This major Slovenian attraction attracts many people, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance. Full-price tickets cost up to €28 in high season and just €25.80 in low season (yes, that’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth it!). Make the most of the area by leaving your luggage at the Proteus Youth Hostel in Postojna. The hostel offers a shuttle service to take you around the town. It is also close to the park, where you can enjoy many outdoor activities!
5. Enjoy the best view of Bled in Mala Osojnica
📸: Sandy Feet
Lake Bled is a huge, ocean-blue lake with a small island and a proud neo-Gothic church that appears in every travel guide and advert for trips to Slovenia. In fact, it is the most popular place in the country, and for good reason! Not only is the lake in the heart of Trivlav National Park a fabulous place to enjoy a magical landscape, but it also offers a variety of activities all year round. Plus, it’s absolutely impossible to take a bad photo of it (not for lack of trying!).
With its picture postcard landscapes, Bled is a place that makes you feel like you’re living in a real-life fairytale. No wonder, then, that Bled is one of the most important tourist attractions in the region. One of the best ways to escape the tourist crowds is to visit Mala Osojnica, from where you have a breathtaking view of the resort. The small, winding path that branches off from the main road to the lake is a fairly steep 45-minute hike. But believe us, you won’t be disappointed!
Hiking is a favourite pastime in the Bled area, and there are a variety of routes suitable for both amateur and professional hikers. In winter, the lake freezes over, so don’t hesitate to hire a pair of skates and enjoy the marvellous natural ice rink. You can also swim, cycle, practise all kinds of water sports and even go zip-lining! The Pletna will take you to the island of Bled, where you can visit the famous and enchanting St Mary’s Church, built on an ancient Slavic pagan temple dedicated to the goddess of life and fertility. Visitors flock here to ring the bell and make a wish to the Holy Virgin!
Perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, Bled Castle is known as the oldest castle in Slovenia, dating back to 1011. This extremely romantic spot is the perfect place to end a long day of exploring in style.
How to get there: You can reach Lake Bled and Trivlav National Park by bus from Ljubljana. The journey takes around 75 minutes and costs €17.
Stay a little longer in the area and spend the night in one of the youth hostels on Lake Bled. Bled Youth Hostel is a super cool and friendly option, offering all sorts of activities such as karaoke or film nights and outdoor excursions such as horse riding or even paragliding.
6. Enjoy a slice of cream cake in Bled
With all the incredible things to do in Bled, you’re bound to need a sweet treat to get your energy levels back up to maximum. Luckily, the Kremsnita is one of the country’s most popular specialities and the typical pastry of Bled. This Slovenian cake consists of a generous layer of custard sandwiched between two pieces of puff pastry, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with icing sugar. A real treat!
To be honest, you can find this little wonder anywhere in the city, but rumour has it that the best cream cake can be found in Slaščičarna Zima.
7. Take a bike tour around Lake Bohinj
📸: Sandy Feet
Lake Bohinj, strong and unshakeable, is definitely the most beautiful little brother of Lake Bled, even if this comparison might annoy many! Although Bohinj is only a short bus ride away, it is often overlooked by tourists.
Take a shuttle bus to the small village of Ribčev Laz and get off next to the famous little Gothic church by the water. From here, a path leads high into the forest, past mountain peaks, enchanted waterfalls and shady benches by the water. An ideal place to take a break on a summer afternoon.
The entire 12-kilometre hike around the lake through the forest is relatively easy, but if you can, stop halfway to finish your boat trip back to the village. For the more motivated among you, there is a short detour through the forest to the enchanting Savica waterfalls.
8. Get lost in the Triglav National Park
📸: Sandy feet
In Slovenia, nature lovers have a full programme! If you can’t get enough of the breathtaking beauty of Slovenia’s landscapes (and still have a little space left on your camera’s memory card), you absolutely must spend a day in Triglav National Park.
Although there’s plenty to explore in the park, climbing Mount Vogel, which overlooks Lake Bohinj, is a hike that’s accessible to everyone. You can reach the summit via the specially marked trails or take the cable car up to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
9. Explore the Vintgar Gorge
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The magnificent Vintgar Gorge, which surrounds the Radovna River with its steep walls, is perfect for a day trip if you start from Bled. After a 4 km drive through rural villages and lush forests, you reach the gateway to this marvellous place. From here, a wooden boardwalk leads along the rock face over the sparkling river to the Šum waterfall. A tip from an expert: in autumn, when the vegetation changes colour, the view is even more breathtaking.
10. Try the seafood in Piran
📸: Sandy Feet
The charming seaside town of Piran on the tiny Slovenian coast offers a variety of terrace restaurants in a veritable labyrinth of cobbled streets that beat to the relaxed rhythm of a rural village.
Piran has a long fishing tradition and is the best place in Slovenia to eat seafood. For lunch, head to the unpronounceable Okrepcevalnica Cantina, a terrace restaurant on a small Italian-style piazza where you can savour freshly caught produce in the shade of the vines. For an impromptu afternoon, pop into one of the cafés on the main square and soak up the sun while getting to know the locals.
Make the most of your trip to the sea and stay in one of Piran’s youth hostels. Hostal Pirano is located right in the city centre and offers a range of great activities such as snorkelling, diving and hiking in the surrounding area so you can discover all the hidden treasures of the city.
11. Climb to the top of Piran’s bell tower and sunbathe on the Slovenian Riviera
📸: Sandy Feet
Don’t forget your swimsuit, because the coastal town of Piran is probably the place you never expected to find in Slovenia. Just three words: sun, beach and azure blue sea! Under Venetian rule until the 18th century, this marvellous coastal town is home to a medieval old town with Portuguese echoes, just an hour away from Trieste in Italy.
For a breathtaking view of the terracotta roofs of Piran’s old town centre, be sure to climb the bell tower of this picturesque town. If you’re a little afraid of heights, the steep stairs and wobbly railings might scare you, but the view is more than worth it.
Make sure you have your mobile phone handy though, as you run the risk of being surprised by the ringing of the bell and it won’t survive the fall!
12. Tame the rapids of the Soča
Like many Eastern European rivers, the Soča has a striking turquoise colour. It crosses the Julian Alps to make its bed in the Triglav National Park and is a true playground for all adventurers. One of the most popular activities is rafting along its banks.
Descend the mountain slopes while trying to stay on board your canoe. Be warned: the water temperatures are freezing all year round, so there’s plenty to do to keep you cool!
13. Discover the Slovenian gastronomic specialities in Ljubljana
📸: Sandy Feet
With all the sporting activities and exploring, you’re likely to burn off a lot of energy on your trip to Slovenia, so you’ll need something to cheer you up. Luckily, the country is full of delicious culinary specialities. With the many trendy cafés and bars along the river and the large weekly open-air fresh produce market with its many delicious street food stalls, you’ll spend your time eating in Ljubljana! Every day of the week, you’ll find a wide range of food on offer at reasonable prices. And if you fancy a party, visit the market on Fridays during Open Kitchen, where you can savour delicious local and international dishes while listening to great street music.
Slovenia has many delicious culinary specialities to offer, such as kranjska klobasa (smoked sausage), prekmurska gibanica (a dessert made from cream cheese, eggs, walnuts, poppy seeds and sweet apples), idrijski zlikrofi (meat and spice pockets) and the famous kisla jukha (a vinegar soup made from pork and pickled vegetables).
If you have a sweet tooth, stop by the charming Café Lolita, where you can enjoy tender, delicate pastries by the riverside that will have many drooling on your Instagram feed. Klobarsarna is also something of an institution in the Slovenian capital, serving delicious food and local specialities such as Carniolan sausage. Or grab a bite to eat at Drauga Violina (the “second violin”), a restaurant in the Old Town that employs people with disabilities. Supporting this initiative is a good excuse to try all the savoury dishes.
14. Celebrate Slovenian wine in Maribor
Maribor may seem a little over the top at first glance, but despite being the second largest city in Slovenia, it exudes the rustic charm and tranquillity of small country towns. The city with its colourful history lies on the banks of the Drava River, which feeds the Slovenian countryside lined with vineyards and wineries. Try to time your trip for 11 November so that you can take part in the celebrations of St. Martin’s Day, a Christian festival marking the end of autumn, and the Old Vine Festival. And in case you didn’t know: Maribor is also home to the oldest winery in the world!
A walk in the fresh air on nearby Pohorje is the perfect remedy for the worst hangover, and when the snow arrives, the region lends itself to all kinds of winter sports.
After a long afternoon of exploring and tasting Slovenian wines, spend the night at theUni Youth Hostel. A charming and very elegant place, just like the day’s activities!
15. Visit to the shepherd’s huts in Velika Planina
Nestled in the mountains of northern Slovenia lies Velika Planina, a community of nomadic shepherds who lead their herds through the surrounding pastures.
A wonderful place to hike in summer and to enjoy a marvellous view of the plain in winter, when the traditional huts are covered in a light blanket of snow. A real Christmas postcard!
16. Buy tonnes of Slovenian honey
The Slovenian people LOVE bees! Very much so. Slovenia is the only country that has included the protection of its native bee species in its legislation, and beekeeping in Slovenia is a thousand-year-old tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. That is why the government is doing everything it can to protect these small creatures that are essential to our survival. The country has also launched the International Day of Bees, which is officially recognised by the United Nations.
It is therefore not surprising that Slovenia is one of the largest honey producers in Europe. Three Slovenian honey varieties are protected by EU regulations, as is the unique method of treating beehives. You will be able to discover all kinds of varieties, including acacia, chestnut, fir, spruce, flower and forest honey.
Make a stop at Medeni Zakladi (“Honey Treasures”) in Ljubljana, where honey is celebrated in all its forms.
And if you want to learn more about this national passion, you can visit the Cebelarski Muzej (Beekeeping Museum) in Radovjica.
Mountains, beaches and extraordinary cities! Would you have expected to find such a variety of landscapes in Slovenia? Although this country is increasingly becoming a favourite destination for backpackers, there is still so much to discover off the beaten track. So set off and share your discoveries with us!
Have you ever been to Bled or Ljubljana? What are your favourite things to do in Slovenia? Are there any places we’ve visited but don’t know about? Leave us a comment here and let us know your tips for Slovenia.
About the authors :
Freya and Chris, a writing and photography duo, are the owners of the travel blog The Sandy Feet. They’re always on the lookout for the next adventure, whether they’re hiking in the mountains of Central Asia, getting lost in a historic Eastern European city or lazing on a remote beach in Tahiti. By sharing their experiences in unusual places, they hope to show that the lesser-explored corners of the world can be just as beautiful as the destinations we already know and love. You can follow their daily adventures on Instagram.
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