go to slovenia travel

• About Slovenia
• Your DMC partner
• Book a video call
• Experience Spain and France with Kara 2021/10 days
• Experience Slovenia&Croatia/incl.flight/6 days
• Experience Central Europe tour/10 days

MORE THAN 40 UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Stand out from the crowd

BUSINESS TRIPS

Upgrade it with Travel Experiences

PRIVATE TRIPS

Made for you and suited to your taste

MORE TRAVEL IN LESS TIME

Visit multiple countries in one trip

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

[email protected]

FIND YOUR ACCOMMODATION WITH Booking.com

Please note prices are informational and vary depending on the time of the year.

Contact us to get an accurate price for the service you require., your dream trip is closer than you think..

STO Slovenska turistična organizacija STO

Dear readers.

Our mission is to inspire your visit to Slovenia by sharing the excellent and unique experiences Slovenian tourism has to offer at www.slovenia.info . Discover inspiring stories and plan for a time when we are able to travel safely again. Let’s be responsible today for a better tomorrow.

MY WAY OF RELAXING BODY & MIND.

Boutique. green. diverse..

Welcome to a country that embraces you with lush greenery reflecting our commitment to sustainability. In this unique land, the Pannonian, Alpine and Mediterranean worlds converge, weaving together a tapestry of natural, cultural and culinary diversity. Discover the world of unique boutique experiences and exceptional people. Stroll through vibrant city streets and squares seamlessly blending with countless picturesque countryside paths. Slovenia is a place where rich cultural tradition harmonizes with the contemporary artistic expression. Here, outdoor activities and exquisite cuisine based on seasonal and local ingredients intertwine with health and well-being.

Slovenia. A land of inspiration, where unforgettable memories are made.

Stories from Slovenia

Find inspiration for your trip in the stories from Slovenia.

Primož Roglič – from ski jumping to cycling to Olympic gold

Discover the cycling routes of Slovenia, the homeland of Primož Roglič, a top cyclist who became the Olympic champion at the Tokyo Olympics.

Creative workshops

A heritage of handicraft skills and crafts that you can try yourself.

Tourism in vineyard cottages, dreams amidst vines

Wake up in the embrace of vineyards!

Unusual museums in Slovenia

Enter the world of Slovenia's unusual museum collections.

Which corner of Slovenia would you like to discover today?

Enter your chosen destination for more information on activities.

Inspiring places

Slovenia's greatest treasures are waiting for you. How will you feel Slovenia?

Postojna cave

Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are world-class attractions!

Piran and salt pans

Piran, the most beautiful town of Mediterranean Slovenia.

Logar Valley

Listen to the waterfalls humming away in the green valley.

Soča Valley

Soča, the emerald river of a thousand special features

Lake Bled and a castle perched on a cliff is one of the most beautiful Alpine resorts in Europe.

UNESCO World Heritage

Slovenian treasure troves of world heritage

Velika planina

The largest shepherds’ settlement in Europe.

Ljubljana. Vibrant. Lively. A city that combines the charm of a small capital and the confidence of big European cities.

Lipica is a renowned cradle of the Lipizzaner horse breed in Europe.

World’s Oldest Vine

For more than 450 years, the world’s oldest vine has remained firmly rooted in the heart of Maribor.

Slovenia at a glance

The Slovenian currency is the Euro.

Communication

In addition to Slovenian, most people in Slovenia speak English.

Arriving in Slovenia

It takes 2 hours to fly from London to Ljubljana.

In Slovenia, you can swim in the sea in the morning and climb mountains in the afternoon.

Boutique, authentic, unique

Discover the most unique stories and experiences that you won't find anywhere else. Let yourself be inspired by the 5-star boutique experiences under the Slovenia Unique Experiences label. Here you can experience the uniqueness of Slovenia with all your senses and in an unforgettable way. In your own way.

Experience the charm of the Slovenian countryside at one of the most traditional homesteads in Prlekija.

Dreamy nights in a hayloft at the Firbas Homestead

Feel the adrenaline rush of a mountain bike ride through the abandoned tunnels of the Mežica Mine under Mount Peca.

Adrenaline-pumping mountain bike descent on the Black Hole Trail

A journey to the seven castles of Posavje to experience their rich cultural heritage, unforgettable views and culinary treats.

Magnificent seven – inspiring stories of Posavje castles

A forest adventure in which you discover the melodiousness of the trees and learn about the secrets of the forest.

Forest Melody

Sports and culinary route to the four microbreweries of Kamnik, the place with the most breweries per inhabitant in the world.

Beer Way to Freedom Tour

An adrenaline-fuelled adventure in the most famous karst cave in Europe, which will transform you from tourists into explorers.

In the footsteps of the first cave explorers - In the footsteps of Luka Čeč

A first-class exploration of Pomurje through a guided tour of the family oil mill, where you learn about the traditional processing of pumpkin seed oil...

From pumpkin to oil – the story of a family oil mill with a lasting tradition

An experience that reveals how mining has shaped the landscape of Šaleška Valley and its inhabitants.

Mysteries of submerged villages

A 1930s-style noble experience that puts you in the shoes of a legendary entrepreneur on a private visit to what was once Europe's most prestigious leather...

Flight to the tannery of Europe

A good breakfast sets you up for a day of exploration and fun in the city. Begin your day with a real Ljubljana breakfast and enjoy the always-lively...

Yummy Market Walk

Experience a world-class gastronomic adventure in Slovenia's deepest dining room. Enter a time machine and become a part of an underground adventure on...

Velenje Underground – a gastronomic adventure 160 metres below the surface

A hike on centuries-old Jezersko shepherding trails with an experienced mountaineer.

A hike with "sheep salting" above Češka koča

A woodland adventure where you will learn all you need to know about mushrooms while relaxing and having fun.

Mushrooming with Dr. Fungi

A nostalgic journey in legendary classic cars through Istria’s olive groves.

Vintage Gourmet Tour

Enter the world of the mysterious forests of Kočevje and explore the nature in all its primal glory. This area is home to the largest brown bear population...

Discover the natural habitat of bears

A culinary experience, in which you will learn about dry ageing of meat products at an acclaimed ham producer in the Prekmurje region and try your hand...

Meet Meat & Eat – a story about meat worthy of your time

In the magical ambiance of the Fonda Fish Garden, right by the sea and a stone's throw from the Sečovlje Salt Pans, you will learn in a small group everything...

Mediterranean fish cooking workshop with Irena Fonda

Turn back time and experience the festive season and Slovenian traditions as they used to be in the days of Prešeren on an authentic Gorenjska homestead.

Sound of holiday

An experience that reveals the rich pastoral heritage of the Velika Planina plateau and offers a comfortable break and a modern culinary experience in...

Experience Velika Planina

A documentary experience that opens the door to secret rooms where unusual hotel activities took place during the Iron Curtain period.

Secret rooms of the Hotel Jama

Maribor’s mix of good food, wine and music.

Rock'n'Roll of flavours

Become a part of an underground adventure in which you will row through the flooded tunnels of the largest lead and zinc mine in this part of Europe.

Kayaking adventure through the underground of Mount Peca

A unique three-day experience for lovers of fly fishing, pristine nature and clean rivers that includes local cuisine and an unforgettable adventure –...

Fish & Fly Trio

Taste the world's first sparkling wine produced in complete darkness.

Untouched by Light Experience – tasting a sparkling wine untouched by light

Learn about the story of the best farmed fish in the world and enjoy its incredible taste. 

An unforgettable day at the Fonda Fish Garden

An epic tour with the architect of UNESCO's Ljubljana. An intimate experience of the visionary master and his great mind.

Master Plečnik

Slovenian art and culture: legends, pioneers and modern mystics.

Embark on an enriching journey into the vibrant tapestry of Slovenian art and culture. Meet the creators, legends and pioneers who have left an indelible mark. Travel through a fascinating history, from the fiery origins of the Slovenian language, shaped by Trubar, to the enduring legacy of architect Plečnik, renowned for his human-centric urban designs. Explore exciting experiences, from the charming streets of the vibrant capital of Ljubljana, to the stunning Kostanjevica na Krki, where contemporary art intertwines with sacred heritage.

Watch the video

My way of connecting with cultural flair

Unveil the charm of a contemporary, creatively vibrant Slovenia, distinguished by its world-class artists, an array of year-round inspiring events and a rich cultural heritage. 

Revitalised spaces of industrial heritage

From industry to culture – former factories and industrial areas that are today cultural centres, museums and galleries.

Slovenia's cultural transversal

Galleries and museums, festivals and events, and hidden treasures of art in Maribor, Ljubljana and Nova Gorica.

Museums and galleries where you can also enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine

Where can you top off your visit to the museums and galleries with a good coffee or a glass of wine?

My way of finding active adventures

Slovenia's rugged landscape serves as the ultimate playground for year-round outdoor activities. Breathe in the freshness of nature as you explore new paths, encounter exciting experiences and embark on thrilling adventures.

Top locations for stand-up paddleboarding in Slovenia

Stand up on your paddleboard and begin your unforgettable water adventure in Slovenia.

Water trails in Slovenia

Take a refreshing stroll along the most beautiful water trails.

Cycling in Štajerska with the Roglič family

Discover the charms of the wine-growing regions around Ormož and Ptuj with Primož Roglič's family.

I cheer on. I encourage. My way.

Slovenia has a heart that beats for sport. Combine your break in Slovenia with cheering on your favourites or discover its stunning landscapes through the eyes of Slovenian champions. Experience a spectacular atmosphere in the heart of Europe! Throughout the year, top sporting competitions and races take place, with Slovenian athletes fighting for the highest prizes. Let’s cheer together!

Goran Dragić's Farewell Game I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon

On Saturday, 24 August, Slovenia will host the ultimate basketball spectacle, the farewell game of Slovenian basketball virtuoso Goran Dragić, I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon.

Tadej Pogačar – winner of Tour de France 2024 and Giro d'Italia 2024

Get to know the Slovenian grandmaster of great cycling races, Tadej Pogačar.

Spend a day in Ljubljana with basketball ace Goran Dragić

Ljubljana, the birthplace of Goran Dragić, is a city with a green soul and a dynamic heart, which intertwine with the warmth of homeliness.

Janja Garnbret & Brooke Raboutou – progress through fun

Two elite sport climbers joined forces to prepare for the Olympics, using their free time to explore the beauty of Slovenia.

Sports Fans of Slovenia

Feel the cheering atmosphere in Slovenia.

Kristjan Čeh and his fiancée visit Ptuj

Discus thrower Kristjan Čeh returns to his hometown of Ptuj for a romantic visit with his his fiancée.

SLOVENIA: IT'S ALL IN OUR NATURE.

Courage. Passion. Pride. Perseverance. Slovenia has all this in its nature.

Janja Garnbret – The queen of sport climbing

Meet the Slovenian female climber and ambassador of Slovenian tourism who pushes the boundaries of sport climbing.

My way of recharging the batteries

Find your own oasis of tranquillity and relaxation at Slovenia's natural spas and health resorts. Revitalise your body and mind. Tap into the energy of nature. Indulge in pampering and fun in the water.

Water experiences in spas – Aquafun

Thermal water parks = fun. Experience it in spas.

Cultural attractions just a step away from spas and health resorts

Combine holidays at spas with nearby cultural attractions.

Enjoy thermal experiences on the coast

Feel the power of the sea and thermal energy – pamper yourself on the Slovenian coast.

My way of tasting Slovenia

Treat your taste buds to the exquisite flavours of Slovenia. Indulge in the culinary expertise of our finest chefs as they showcase the authentic tastes of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Where to buy fresh local products?

Taste the noble gifts of Slovenian soil and the tasty produce of Slovenian farms.

Gastronomic pleasures at summer gardens and terraces

Sit and enjoy the food in the most beautiful summer gardens and terraces of Slovenian restaurants.

Grape harvesting in Slovenia

Experience the grape harvest the Slovenian way!

My way to a green future

Adopt a sustainable mindset. Opt for green travel choices. Seek green destinations and stay with environmentally conscious providers. Be inspired by Slovenia's green stories.

Nature parks

Discover a wealth of various plant and tree species.

Slovenia's hidden gems: summer outdoor holidays

Escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of Slovenia's hidden gems.

Top water experiences in green destinations in Slovenia

Be refreshed as you enjoy water activities at selected green destinations.

Mark your calendar with must-see events

Stay informed on Slovenia’s latest happenings and discover exciting upcoming events.

At the major new exhibition at the Maribor Art Gallery, we unfold a spectrum of views, positions, and forms in artworks from the UGM Collection...

Spekter. 70 Years of the UGM Collection

The Open Kitchen, Ljubljana’s picturesque culinary market and a delightful meeting point for curious foodies and other bon vivants has been uniting the...

Open Kitchen

Every day from 17 June to 29 September, you can choose between wine tastings, tastings of local delicacies and experiences of the wonders of Karst and...

Kraspass Gourmet

Every year in August and September, a series of culinary events begins in Posavje under the umbrella brand TASTE POSAVJE, which was registered and protected...

We Celebrate The Flavors of Posavje

The Open kitchen is returning to Delpinova.

The Open kitchen in Nova Gorica

The Julian Alps Trail Run is the largest Slovenian trail running event, which takes place in the arms of the Julian Alps.

Julian Alps Trail Run

The GuštFest festival is a festival of nostalgia, of bringing back pleasant memories, of socializing and having fun with friends, indulging in the "street...

GuštFest 2024

An street food open-air culinary event with the most beautiful sea view, where you can taste Istrian dishes and other delicious treats all in one place.

Pier of tastes IV

A cultural, culinary, and enological nod to the 450 year-old Guinness record holder, the oldest grapevine on earth.  

The Oldest Grapevine Festival

The Open kitchen is returning to Slovenj Gradec.

The Open kitchen in Slovenj Gradec

The most delicious event of the year, Altroke Sweet Istria, returns to Koper on Saturday, September 28.

Altroke Sladka Istra

Souvenirs of wonderful stories.

Let collectibles, cheering props, products for children and leisure time embellished with the I feel Slovenia brand remind you of the stories you experienced in Slovenia or inspire you to make new discoveries in the country of boutique tourism. Choose them in the only official online shop. Worldwide delivery guaranteed. Choose something for yourself!

Top IG Stories

Find your inspiration for travelling through the most visible, unique Instagram Stories on social networks @FeelSlovenia.  Let the Instagram Stories take you through places and first-person adventures, colourful graphics, handwritten notes and an innovative combination of various visual media.

Share your way with the world

Check out @FeelSlovenia on Instagram and let the whole world know what’s your way of feeling Slovenia with #ifeelsLOVEnia & #myway.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive a green piece of Slovenia in your inbox, and learn about holidays, seasonal offers, upcoming events and travel options.

The form contains errors

Please verify the marked fields and try again.

I feel Slovenia Shop - Buy Souvenirs On-line

Awards and recognitions

General Terms and Conditions     

The General Terms and Conditions determine the conditions and manner of using the Slovenian Tourist Board’s Media Library services. In the Media Library, users have at their disposal high-resolution photos and audio-visual recordings of the products and services offered by Slovenian tourism, which are to be used solely for non-commercial purposes as defined below.

General rules of application

Registration is required to use the Media Library’s services. Registration is available to any legal entity in the Republic of Slovenia and abroad, regardless of their legal form, whose activities involve marketing, promoting and presenting Slovenia as a tourist destination .

Photos and audio-visual recordings (hereafter: materials) may be used free of charge for all non-commercial publications that constitute promotion of Slovenia as a tourist destination, abroad or in the Republic of Slovenia , in accordance with these General Terms and Conditions.

The right to use the materials is not limited in terms of time or place (the use is permitted in Slovenia and other countries) unless a restriction relating to location and duration of use is specifically provided for an individual item of material .

The Slovenian Tourist Board reserves the right to revoke a user’s right to use certain materials at any time.

The rights acquired based on these General Terms and Conditions may not be transferred to third parties.

Citing the source and authorship

Photos and audio-visual recordings may only be used with consistent citation of author/co-authors and source: www.slovenia.info .

Rights of use

A registered user of the Media Library shall obtain the following non-exclusive economic rights to use the downloaded photos and audio-visual recordings:

• the right of reproduction and distribution,
• the right of making available to the public,
• the right of public presentation,
• the right of including photos in other copyright work.

The above rights refer to all forms of non-commercial and free-of-charge online posts, print media, audio-visual media services and other communication channels, regardless of the type of media (print, digital), which includes:

• Digital catalogues, e-magazines, newsletters (solely for the purposes of free distribution);
• Publication in print and other media that report on the Slovenian tourism products and services or promote Slovenia as a tourist destination;
• Use on social media as part of organic posts (reporting on an event, press releases (solely unpaid posts);
• Printed promotional materials, prospectuses, leaflets, brochures (solely for the purposes of free distribution);
• Promotional events in the Republic of Slovenia and abroad (e.g., tourism fairs, exchanges, workshops, presentations, etc.) that are exclusively or predominantly intended to promote Slovenia as a tourist destination.

The above forms of use include solely a free-of-charge form of using materials for the purposes of promoting tourism activities and services in the Republic of Slovenia or presenting Slovenia as a tourist destination.

Prohibited forms of using materials/commercial use of materials

Using materials for commercial purposes , such as reproduction on postcards, T-shirts, books, magnets, embedding audio-visual inserts in one’s own promotional materials, all forms of external advertising (stationary billboards, digital advertising, etc.), use in advertisements unrelated to the promotion of Slovenia as a tourist destination, use on websites that are not intended to present Slovenian tourism products and services and similar activities, is not included in these General Terms and Conditions and is prohibited .

It is strictly prohibited to use materials on media and distribution channels that are marketed or sold to users (books, school textbooks, other commercial publishing, calendars, postcards, fast-moving consumer goods (clothes and other products), advertising of non-tourism products and services, reproduction of materials on vehicles, etc.).

For more information regarding permitted forms of use, please contact us at  [email protected] .

Audio-visual materials (video)

Using audio-visual materials is allowed only in the unchanged form available in the Media Library . Transformations, adaptations, clips, embeddings, and instances of using individual shots in one’s own audio-visual works, even if intended for promotional purposes, is prohibited.

Breaches of General Terms and Conditions

Any breach of economic and/or moral rights of the authors of photographs or audio-visual recordings may constitute a criminal offence and may result in substantive and damage liability of the user.

The entity breaching copyright pertaining to the material shall reimburse the Slovenian Tourist Board for all the damage incurred to it due to the breach of rights.

The Slovenian Tourist Board shall not be liable for any use of photos and video recordings that is contrary to these rules. The user of the material shall be entirely responsible for the content and manner of use.

General provisions

These Media Library General Terms and Conditions shall apply for all instances of using the material unless the Slovenian Tourist Board and user agree on special terms of using the material in advance and in writing for a specific instance of using the material.

These General Terms and Conditions shall be subject to occasional amendments. Upon the user’s publication of the material, the version of the General Terms and Conditions that is current at that particular time shall apply for the use of materials. If the user disagrees with the amendments made to these General Terms and Conditions, they shall immediately cease using the material and remove it from all media and other communication channels.

For more information, please contact us at  [email protected] .

Slovenian Tourist Board Ljubljana, 1 June 2022

Confirm Cancel

ALMA Virtual Traveller

Alma is a ChatGPT-based virtual travel guide designed to help you find information and inspiration for your next visit to Slovenia. She is full of ideas for great experiences , knows Slovenian destinations and the variety of activities you are particularly interested in, so she can offer you personalised content and inspiring stories available on the official slovenia.info tourism portal. Our virtual advisor was inspired by the intrepid world traveller Alma M. Karlin; therefore, we named her ALMA. For an optimal experience, we suggest talking to Alma as a real interlocutor, mentioning the destination you are interested in, the activities you want to experience and when you want to visit Slovenia . All information provided by Alma is for information purposes only and may contain limitations and errors.

Privacy settings

Essential cookies.

These cookies enable the correct display of content on the website. These cookies are used to show you the appropriate version of the page for your screen size, remember your choice of cookies, and enable the services that you use on the website to function properly (login, registration, etc.). More about cookies

Functional cookies

Do you allow us to show you content from other sources on the website and remember your language selection?

Statistical cookies

Do you allow us to collect anonymised data on the viewing of our content? We will improve your user experience.

Segmentation cookies

Do you allow us to record your activities on this website? This allows us to learn about your interests and offer you the features and content about Slovenian tourism that most interest you.

Advertising cookies

Do you allow us to occasionally offer you advertising content from other websites that best match your interests?

I give my consent to the Slovenian Tourist Board to use cookies that enable the display of content (e.g.: audio clips, video clips, images) from other online sources (YouTube, Spotify, etc.) and remember my language selection on the www.slovenia.info website. I also confirm that I have been acquainted with my rights related to the provided personal data.

Personal data controller: Slovenian Tourist Board, Dimičeva ulica 13, Ljubljana Phone: +386 1 5898 550 Email:  [email protected]

I give permission for the Slovenian Tourist Board to record and store anonymised data about my activity on the website, which will be used to provide a better user experience for visitors to the portal in the future. I also confirm that I have been acquainted with my rights related to the provided personal data.

Personal data controller: Slovenian Tourist Board, Dimičeva ulica 13, Ljubljana, Phone: +386 1 5898 550 E-mail: [email protected]

I give permission for the Slovenian Tourist Board to record my activities on the website regarding my visits to individual types of content in order to produce and display better quality content that is of interest to me. As the Slovenian Tourist Board strives to display high-quality and interesting content on the website, it wishes to measure responses to the displayed notifications and content, track user activity on the website, and create user profiles for targeted advertising, and therefore automatically processes and analyses personal data and assesses user interest in displaying and receiving notifications. I also confirm that I have been acquainted with my rights related to the provided personal data.

I give permission for the Slovenian Tourist Board to record and store information about my interests, displays, and clicks on advertising content for the purpose of providing specific, topical, high-quality, and targeted advertising content, as well as for the purpose of measuring the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and limiting the repetition of advertisements. These settings apply to advertisements displayed by the Slovenian Tourist Board via advertising on social media platforms (e.g.: Meta, LinkedIn, etc.), international search engines (e.g.: Google), as well as through online applications and activities that directly address the user. Such cookies allow us to track our campaigns online. I also confirm that I have been acquainted with my rights related to the provided personal data.

Slovenia Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is crazy to me because it’s incredible! Known for its mountains, ski resorts, fabulous wine, extensive cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe — but with a fraction of the crowds and for a fraction of the costs.

Ljubljana, the country’s vibrant capital, is considered one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities while Lake Bled, Slovenia’s Insta-famous hotspot, is just as stunning in person as it is in photographs.

Inhabited since prehistory, the Romans established numerous outposts around present-day Slovenia. The region was later annexed by various powers, including the Holy Roman Empire and the Hapsburgs. Slovenia saw heavy casualties during World War I and was seized by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy during World War II. After the war, the region was part of Yugoslavia until Slovenia (and Croatia) gained independence in 1991.

Today, this often-overlooked country is a favorite of hikers and history buffs, owing to its rugged landscape and contentious past. There’s a slew of outdoor activities here, making it the perfect destination for active travelers looking for less-crowded landscapes.

This travel guide to Slovenia can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this incredibly undervisited country.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Slovenia

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in slovenia.

1. Wander Ljubljana

Ljubljana (pronouced lyoo-blyah-nuh) is a city built on myth and legend. According to Greek mythology, Jason and the Argonauts slayed a dragon here. Wander around the old town, gaze at the Baroque architecture, and climb the clock tower to take in the view.

2. Visit Piran

Piran is one of the most picturesque cities on the Adriatic coast. Its crown jewel is its old town, which is one of the best-preserved historical centers in the Mediterranean. Take in the historic Venetian architecture and relax in one of the many plazas.

3. Enjoy the views at Lake Bled

One of the most popular destinations in Slovenia, Lake Bled attracts thousands of visitors every year. Its main draw is the island in the middle of the lake, which is home to a 17th-century church. Visit the nearby Bled Castle overlooking the lake too (admission is 13 EUR).

4. Do some water sports

Slovenia has 7 sizeable lakes. From stand-up paddle boarding to kayaking to rappelling down waterfalls, there’s something for every fitness level and interest. Expect to pay around 15-20 EUR for a SUP or kayak rental and 65 EUR for a canyoning trip.

5. Go wine tasting

Wine lovers visiting Slovenia should head towards the Vipava Valley. Tucked beside the Italian border, the mild climate and closeness to the sea makes for ideal winemaking conditions. Expect to pay at least 150 EUR for a full day wine tour.

Other Things to See and Do in Slovenia

1. visit predjama castle.

Located one hour south of the capital, Predjama Castle was originally constructed in the 13th century. It is now a Renaissance-style castle with a Gothic façade, built right into the side of a cliff. (Fun fact: a Slovenian robber baron once called the castle home.) There’s also a “secret” tunnel that leads to the nearby Postojna Cave. The cave stretches over 24,000 meters and is open to the public (it’s the second-largest cave system in the country). Admission to the castle is 13.80 EUR, the cave is 25.80 EUR, and a combined ticket is 35.70 EUR.

2. Go hiking in Triglav National Park

The Triglav National Park is Slovenia’s only national park. Opened in 1981 and spanning 880 square kilometers (310 square miles), the park is named after the country’s tallest mountain. Thanks to its mountains, hills, lakes, waterfalls, springs, and rivers, the park is a magnet for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. You can also kayak, raft, skydive, parasail, and even scuba dive here. It’s a beautiful park and well worth a visit. To extend your time in the park, you can stay overnight in one of the mountain huts (from 80 EUR) or the lodge (from 26 EUR). It’s free to visit the park, though some attractions require small fees to visit (generally 2-5 EUR).

3. Tour Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle was built in the 16th-century and boasts some of the best views of the city. Perched on Castle Hill above the city, you can take a self-guided tour and wander the grounds yourself or take a guided tour to learn more about the castle and its history. Inside the castle are several permanent exhibitions on its history, the Museum of Puppetry, an escape room, and a café and restaurant. Admission is 13 EUR and includes a guided tour and a return funicular ticket (since the castle is up a hill).

4. Hang out in Velika Planina

Located northeast of the medieval town of Kamnik, Velika Planina translates to ‘Big Pasture Plateau’ — and that is pretty much what it is. This huge, empty plateau is dotted by a handful of small traditional wooden houses surrounded by the towering snow-capped Alps. From June through September, the houses are used by local shepherds whose livestock graze on the plateau, creating a seasonal village open to tourists. Be sure to sample some of the amazing cheeses and local dishes (like barley stew or hota , a bean and sauerkraut hotpot). To get here you either need to drive to the top or take a 10-minute gondola lift ride from Kamniska Bistrica, a nearby village, which costs 17 EUR for a roundtrip ticket.

5. Tour the Skocjan Caves

Located one hour from Ljubljana, this enormous cavern system spans over 1,000 acres. It’s considered one of the most important cave systems in the world as it is one of the largest, home to a unique ecosystem. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and there are underground streams and rivers, massive stone formations, and a 47-meter-high bridge you can cross. The caves have been in use for millennia, appearing in written sources as far back as the 2nd-century BCE. They are awesome! Guided tours start from 18 EUR. You can also arrange day trips from Ljubljana.

6. Go skiing

For the best skiing, head to Vogel in the Lake Bohinj area. It offers both downhill slopes and cross-country trails. The regular ski season lasts from December all the way until May. Expect to pay around 10-30 EUR for a lift pass. You can also get multi-day passes that bring down the price per day. Osovje, Luce, and Dole Pri Litiji are some of the most affordable places to ski if you’re on a budget.

7. Visit the Rogatec Open-Air Museum

The Rogatec Open-Air Museum is a small but fascinating living museum that highlights what life was like in rural Slovenia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Located near the border with Croatia , you’ll learn about everything from basket weaving to blacksmithing to how livestock was kept and managed. Admission is 3 EUR. It’s a bit cheesy but if you have time (or are looking for a family-friendly activity), stop by!

8. Hike to Lovrenc Lakes

For an easy and beautiful hike that won’t take much time, head to Lovrenc Lakes. Located near Pohorje in the northeast, this one-hour trail begins at the Rogla Ski Center. Follow the wooden footpath that leads to the middle of the bog where there’s a viewing tower to climb for stunning views over across the marsh and forest. There are longer full-day trails and mountain bike paths too. Admission is free.

9. Do some underground cycling

Underground biking is one of the more unusual experiences that you may not find anywhere else. Near Mezica in the north, cyclists can explore the Slovenian underground by taking a tour underneath Mount Peca via its disused lead and zinc mine shafts. There are 5 kilometers (3 miles) of underground trails that you can explore with tours costing 40-50 EUR. You can also kayak sections of the underground mine too (tickets are the same price).

10. Drink beer from a fountain

The only beer fountain in the world is in the Slovenian town of Žalec. Located in the hop-growing capital of Slovenia, the Green Gold Fountain opened in 2016. Choose between six different beers to taste (including a green beer specially brewed just for the fountain). Simply buy a special mug for 8 EUR and sample each of the six beers on tap in the fountain. The fountain operates from April to October. Continue your beer adventure by visiting the nearby Eco-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing Industry in Slovenia.

11. Take a food tour

Slovenia travel costs.

Accommodation – Hostel dorms with 4-6-beds cost 16-22 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and self-catering facilities are common. For a private room, expect to pay 40-50 EUR per night.

Budget hotels start at 40 EUR per night. Many budget hotels include free breakfast (but not all do) so if you’re on a budget be sure to book a hotel that includes free breakfast.

Airbnb is another budget-friendly option in Slovenia, with private rooms starting at 35 EUR per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 70 EUR per night (though prices average double that if you don’t book in advance).

For those traveling with a tent, campgrounds are available around the country. Prices start around 12 EUR for a basic plot without electricity. Wild camping is illegal.

Food – Slovenian cuisine is influenced by Italian, Austrian, and Balkan cooking. Spicy sausage, goulash, and schnitzel make regular appearances and are easy to find in most restaurants. Burek , a flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese, is a local favorite for when you’re on the go. Other popular dishes are žlikrofi (potato-filled ravioli) and žganci (a porridge served with sauerkraut). On the coast, there’s plenty of mussels, fish, and squid.

An inexpensive dish at a restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 8-11 EUR, and a pizza costs about the same. International food, such as Thai and Indian cuisine, can only be found in the capital. Expect to pay between 7-13 EUR for a main dish.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 6 EUR for a combo meal, though you can get a doner kebab for around 3 EUR. A beer costs 2.50-3 EUR, a glass of wine is 3-5 EUR, and a cappuccino or latte costs 2 EUR. Burek , the flaky pastry mentioned above, can be found in cafes around the country for 2-3 EUR.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal at a restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 15-18 EUR, including a drink. Prices are closer to 25 EUR for a steak dinner with a drink.

Some of my favorite places to eat and drink were Restaurant Manna, Vino & Ribe, and My Dumplings of Slovenia.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs 30-40 EUR for basic staples like meat, potatoes, cheese, pasta, and seasonal produce.

Backpacking Slovenia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, expect to pay around 50 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, doing free activities like walking tours and hikes, and using local transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of about 120 EUR, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, eat out at budget-friendly for most meals, drink a bit more, do some castle tours, go cycling or kayaking, and take some taxis to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 225 EUR per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, take taxis everywhere, do as many activities as you want, rent a car, and book some private guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Slovenia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Slovenia is one of the cheaper countries in Europe. If you’re trying to save money, it’s easy to do so, especially since most of the outdoor activities are free. Here are some ways to save money in Slovenia:

• Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours are a fun and budget-friendly way to learn about a new destination. Ljubljana Free Tour has a free tour that covers all the major sites in the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Get the Ljubljana Card – This city card grants entrance to 20+ museums, a free guided tour, a trip on the funicular, a boat cruise, free public transportation, and a half-day bike rental. The card comes in 24, 48, and 72-hour versions costing 31-45 EUR respectively.
• Ride Flixbus – Flixbus is an affordable way to get around the country (and region). They have Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and decent enough seats for overnight and long-haul bus journeys.
• Cook your own meals – If you’re on a tight budget, book accommodation that has a kitchen. Buying your own groceries may not be as glamorous as going out to eat, but it keeps your budget intact
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing (or a similar sharing economy site) is a great way to not only save money but you’ll meet knowledgeable locals who can help you better understand the city and its people.
• Walk everywhere – All of the major cities in Slovenia are quite walkable, so skip the public transportation if you want to save a few extra euros.
• Enjoy the free spaces – There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country. Save your budget and enjoy the outdoors!
• Bring a reuseable water bottle – The tap water in Slovenia is safe to drink so bring a reusable bottle to avoid buying single-use plastic. LifeStraw makes bottles with a built-in filter so you can ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s especially helpful if you’re out hiking).

Where to Stay in Slovenia

Slovenia has some great hostels in all the popular backpacker spots around the country. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Slovenia:

• Hostel Vrba (Ljubljana)
• Aladin hostel (Ljubljana)
• Proteus (Postojna)
• Hostel Lukna (Mojstrana)
• Hosteller (Bled)
• Adriatic Piran (Piran)
• Uni Youth Hostel (Maribor)

How to Get Around Slovenia

Public transportation – Public transportation prices vary by city but expect to pay around 1.20 EUR for a standard adult ticket.

Bus – Flixbus is one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel around Slovenia (and into neighboring countries as well). The 90-minute journey from Ljubljana to Bled is 5-9 EUR while the 75-minute bus ride from Ljubljana to Koper is 8-13 EUR. The 2.5-hour ride from Ljubljana to Zagreb, Croatia costs 12-18 EUR.

Train – Trains connecting Slovenia with other European cities run daily. Thanks to Slovenia being part of the Eurail network, it can be a great budget way to travel both internationally and domestically. This post has everything you need to know about the Eurail Pass .

Slovenia Railways is the sole company operating domestic trains. You can find the full timetable and pricing on their website. It is always better to buy your ticket in advance as prices can double if you buy them last minute.

The 2.5-hour train ride from Ljubljana to Koper costs 11 EUR while the hour-long trip from Ljubljana to Bled is 5 EUR. The trip to Zagreb, Croatia from Ljubljana takes around 2.5 hours and costs 24 EUR while the 3.5-hour journey to Graz, Austria is 13-18 EUR.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Fly – There are no domestic flights in Slovenia as it’s a small country.

Car rental – Car rentals cost around 25-30 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Be sure to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) as you need one for the rental.

When to Go to Slovenia

While it is a small country, Slovenia has a very diverse climate in its three distinct regions. In the mountains of the north, there’s an alpine climate, the central lowlands have a more continental climate, and the west has a more Mediterranean climate.

Summer is the busiest and most popular time to visit. From June-August, the weather is much more reliable though prices rise slightly and there are far more tourists around (especially at Lake Bled). Expect daily highs around 23°C (73°F).

To beat the crowds, the best time to visit is during the shoulder season — either April-May or September-October. The weather is warm enough to hike and explore but you won’t have to compete with the growing number of visitors.

Unless you plan on skiing, it is probably best to skip the winter months. Slovenia gets cold and temperatures can drop below freezing.

How to Stay Safe in Slovenia

Slovenia is not just one of the safest places to visit in Europe — it’s one of the safest countries in the entire world. Ranking 6th on the Global Peace Index, Slovenia is a country where you can travel freely without any noteworthy concerns for your safety (the United States, for reference, is ranked 117th).

Of course, you still want to use some common sense. Don’t flash any valuables and keep an eye out for pickpockets in busy areas like public buses or bus/train stations. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.).

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in the vehicle overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

While scams here are rare, to avoid getting ripped off, read my post on common travel scams to avoid.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Slovenia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Slovenia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in London

10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

The Perfect 7-Day Croatia Itinerary

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Travel Guide Slovenia

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• Travel guide
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Stable, prosperous and welcoming, Slovenia is a charming and comfortable place to travel, with architecturally grand, cultured cities, and lush pine-forested countryside, perfect for hiking and biking in summer and skiing in winter. The country managed to avoid much of the strife that plagued other nations during the messy disintegration of the Yugoslav Republic, and has integrated quickly with Western Europe, joining the eurozone at the start of 2007. Administered by German-speaking Habsburg overlords until 1918, Slovenes absorbed the culture of their rulers while managing to retain a strong sense of ethnic identity through their Slavic language.

Where to go in Slovenia

Travel ideas for slovenia.

Created by local experts

Gorgeous gems of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia

From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.

Gourmet Tour

You will visit three different adjacent countries and experience traditional local food and wines. You will visit some of the most intriguing restaurants and wineries in the area taste the delicious contrast between fine restaurants, and more traditional, authentic taverns.

Balkan Extended

The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.

Love Thy Neighbor - Croatia and Slovenia

Slovenia and Croatia are neighboring countries, and the close proximity of Slovenian and Croatian Istria make them a perfect destination for a single trip. The area has numerous stories waiting to be discovered, from magical alpine landscapes of Slovenia to charming historical towns inland.

Croatia and Slovenia: An Adriatic Adventure

This expansive trip celebrates the splendour of Croatia and Slovenia, with their wondrous hilltop towns and stunning cities, such as Dubrovnik, Ljubljana and Split. Experience the wine and olive oil-making traditions of these two countries, and go truffle hunting on the Istrian Peninsula.

The Best of Croatia and Slovenia

Combine the highlights of neighboring countries Croatia and Slovenia on this self drive trip. Explore Dubrovnik, Plitivce Lakes, Zadar and Zagreb in Croatia before heading out to see Lake Bled and Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. Make stops along the way and soak in the culture, food and history.

Slovenia’s sophisticated capital, Ljubljana, is pleasantly compact and cluttered with fabulous Baroque and Habsburg buildings. Elsewhere, the Julian Alps provide stunning mountain scenery, most accessible at Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, and most memorable along the Soča Valley. Further south are spectacular caves, including those at Postojna and Škocjan, while the short stretch of Slovenian coast is punctuated by two starkly different towns: Piran and Portorož. In the eastern wine-making regions, Ptuj is Slovenia’s oldest and best-preserved town, while the country’s second city, Maribor, is a worthwhile stopover point on the way to Austria.

Top image: Lake Bled from Mt. Osojnica, Slovenia © Shutterstock

Discover more places in Slovenia

Population 2 million

Area 20,273 sq km

Language Slovenian

Currency Euro (€)

Capital Ljubljana (population: 280,000)

International phone code t 386

Travel advice for Slovenia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Slovenia

• Culture and Etiquette in Slovenia
• Eating and drinking in Slovenia
• Getting around Slovenia: Transportation Tips
• How to get to Slovenia
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Slovenia
• Travel Tips Slovenia for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Slovenia

The Rough Guides to Slovenia and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration for Slovenia here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Slovenia?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

50 things to know before traveling to Slovenia

Despite not being a trendy destination, Slovenia is a beautiful country with many tourist attractions worth visiting. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know before going to Slovenia, including the costs, the people, the best destinations, and the food.

In this guide, we’ll help you plan a fabulous trip to Slovenia by providing travel tips that will allow you to travel to Slovenia freely, stress-free, and making the most of what the country has to offer. And believe me, that’s enough!

Therefore, and to make the information easy to understand, this is a comprehensive travel guide, divided into topics to facilitate the planning of your trip to Slovenia.

Page Contents

Things to know about Slovenia and the Slovenes

Where is slovenia.

#1 With only 20 273 km2 (less than 1/4 of Portugal), Slovenia is a relatively small country. Situated in Central Europe, it borders Austria to the north, Hungary to the east, Croatia to the east and south, and Italy to the west.

Despite being very small, Slovenia also has a small coastline of less than 50 km on the Adriatic Sea.

#2 Slovenia is a peculiar country, as it lies between three linguistic and cultural worlds – Germanic, Latin, and Slavic. It is wedged between three major regions and strongly influenced by all three.

This privileged location at the crossroads of several European civilizations has given rise to a country full of cultural peculiarities and, therefore, unique and very interesting to travel.

#3 One of the things you need to know before traveling to Slovenia is that it is a very mountainous country, especially in the northwest part of the country where the Julian Alps are located. In this region, close to the borders with Austria and Italy , we have the Triglav National Park and the other highest points in the country.

The highest peak in Slovenia is Triglav, with 2864 meters of altitude, but several other peaks in the Julian Alps also surpass 2500 meters. Triglav is so important to Slovenia that its iconic triple peak is featured on the country’s flag.

#4 In addition to the mountains, it should be noted that it is also considered one of the greenest countries in Europe, with almost 60% of its area being covered by forest areas. Only Sweden and Finland have a higher percentage.

Forests, rivers, and mountains are very important for Slovenia and Slovenians.

#5 Currently, Slovenia is a rich and developed country with high economic growth after independence and entry into the European Union.

Despite the high growth, Slovenia’s per capita GDP is still slightly lower than that of the EU but has already surpassed that of Portugal , Greece, or Spain . Regarding human development, Slovenia has a very high HDI (Human Development Index) value, placing it 23rd in the world.

What are Slovenians like?

#6 Despite its small size, Slovenia has about 2 million inhabitants, of which only about 300 thousand live in the capital, Ljubljana, the capital and largest city in the country. All other Slovenian cities are much smaller, mainly Maribor, Kranj, and Koper (due to the seaport).

Thus, despite being an urbanized country, the cities are quite small. Besides Ljubljana, most attractions are outside the big cities, as shown below.

#7 Slovenian is the official language of Slovenia, and practically the entire population speaks it. In the respective border regions, many people speak Italian, Hungarian, and German.

Obviously, nobody in Slovenia expects tourists to know how to speak their language as it is not spoken in any other country. Of course, if you learn a few words or expressions, they’ll love it!

#8 However, note that practically all Slovenians speak several languages. In our experience, almost everyone speaks English, even people who have nothing to do with the tourism industry.

So, if you know how to speak English, you won’t have any problem communicating in Slovenia. At least we didn’t have it, and it was even one of the countries where we most easily found people who spoke almost perfect English.

Furthermore, if you speak Italian or German, you will also be able to easily communicate in the regions closer to Italy and Austria.

#9 Our experience dealing with Slovenians was almost always positive. Being able to communicate easily helps the interactions a lot, but they were practically always very helpful and friendly. Tourism is quite developed, so they are used to dealing with foreigners.

However, there were several exceptions and always in the same situation – tourist offices. Whenever we go to a destination, we like to go to tourist offices to ask some questions and see what suggestions are given. Usually, we get some very interesting tips.

In Slovenia, no! We went to three different places, and the experience was always negative. We weren’t maltreated, but there was always an obvious indifference and responses much more blunt than we get from people who have nothing to do with tourism. It was weird…

#10 One of the things that impresses us about Slovenia is how important sport and physical activity is for Slovenians. The number of people who practice one or more sports is incredible.

So it’s only natural that they are so good at many sports, namely basketball, cycling, skiing, and climbing.

#11 In cycling, the number of people you see cycling is really impressive, whether mountain or road. Whether adults, teenagers, or seniors. In a more professional manner, amateurs, or pure and simple leisure way.

It is also worth noting the number of cycle paths throughout the country. Lots of roads have parallel bike paths where you can ride your bike safely.

It is no coincidence that two of today’s best cyclists are Slovenians: Pogačar and Roglič.

How is the weather in Slovenia

#12 Despite being a small country, Slovenia has a very diverse climate due to its geography. We can even separate the climate into three different climatic regions: continental (inland), alpine (in mountainous areas), and Mediterranean (near the coast) climates.

In the northeast, we have a continental climate with long cold winters and hot summers. In winter, average temperatures are around zero degrees, and in summer, they reach 25º. The rain is abundant but distributed throughout the year, with some months of summer being the wettest.

In the alpine areas, the climate is mountainous, with a lot of rain and snow in winter and temperatures well below zero. In summer, the temperatures are more pleasant. In the Mediterranean, summers are hot (25-30º), winters are much milder, and rain is concentrated mainly in autumn and winter.

When to travel to Slovenia?

#13 This varied climate allows visitors to enjoy the country almost all year round. In summer, the coast is quite pleasant (but it doesn’t have sandy beaches), as well as the valleys of the National Parks and the capital.

In winter, Slovenia is an excellent destination for skiing and winter sports. The mountains are perfect for practicing this type of sport, as in neighboring Austria and Italy.

Thus, Slovenia is a year-round tourist destination with both winter and summer attractions, with the peak season clearly being summer. At this time of year, it is necessary to pay attention and book tickets, tours, and even hotels in advance.

In our opinion, the best time to go to Slovenia is during shoulder season – May and June, September and the beginning of October. At this time, there will be no crowded places, and the temperatures are still pleasant.

Is it safe to travel to Slovenia?

#14 Slovenia is a safe country where you will hardly find crime, let alone violent crime. However, as in all countries, it is necessary to be careful when using public transports and close to major tourist attractions, as there is always the possibility of some scams and pickpockets.

In our experience in Slovenia, we never felt the least bit in danger, and we always felt very safe, even walking at night and with our family. We also did not notice any scheme to deceive tourists.

In the mountains, you need to pay special attention to rapid weather changes, avalanches, and not get lost on mountain trails.

Finally, if you drive, pay attention and practice defensive driving. Slovenians are quite impatient behind the wheel and do a lot of dangerous maneuvers.

Travel in Slovenia

Tourists in slovenia.

#15 Slovenia is a very popular destination, receiving millions of tourists every year, especially from central Europe. In 2022, it received almost 6 million tourists, corresponding to more than 15 million nights spent and 2.7 billion revenues.

Most tourists in Slovenia are European, namely from Germany , Italy , and Austria . The main tourist regions are the Mountains, Triglav National Park, Ljubljana, and the coast. As we said at the beginning, it is a popular destination throughout the year, peaking in summer (July and August).

UNESCO Heritage Sites in Slovenia

#16 Slovenia has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some shared with other European countries. Of these five places, three are cultural heritage, and two are natural heritage. You can see the complete list here.

It also has four more places on the UNESCO tentative list.

Of all these places, the most interesting is undoubtedly the Škocjan cave, which is a fabulous destination. The others didn’t seem very attractive to us as tourists, so we didn’t visit them.

What to visit in Slovenia?

#17 Ljubljana is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Despite being the country’s capital and largest city, it is far from being a big city or a big European capital. And therein lies its charm.

Ljubljana is a very pleasant city, with a historic center with many pedestrian streets where you can freely walk and explore the city at your own pace. It is known for the riverside area with its numerous cafes and terraces.

The imposing castle, the cable car to the top, and the riverside area are probably the main tourist attractions. As everything is very close, you can visit the main attractions in one day. We really enjoyed our time in Ljubljana.

#18 Lake Bled is perhaps the most touristic region in Slovenia, and it’s easy to see why. The lake is amazing, with crystal clear water, an island in the middle with a church, and even an imposing castle on one of the banks.

This has been a very popular area since the 19th century and has many types of accommodation, from historic hotels to hostels and campsites. The entire region around the lake is very pleasant, with pedestrian paths, cycle paths, and various outdoor sports.

It’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

#19 Relatively close to Bled (30 km) is Lake Bohinj, the largest lake in Slovenia. This is a much less developed lake, with fewer hotels, cafes, and restaurants around it. So, although both are mountain lakes with clear water, the experience is quite different.

Some of the main activities on the lake include swimming (only in authorized areas), kayaking or SUP, walking along the trails on its banks, or through the Mostnica Gorge.

Very close to Lake Bohinj we also have the well-known Savica waterfall and the Vogel cable car that takes us to the top of one of the mountains that surround the Lake.

#20 Still in the Bled region and quite close to the Lake and the city, we have the Vintgar Gorge walkways. This is a hike for the whole family and can be done by everyone.

The Vintgar Gorge is a beautiful place that can be easily visited by walking along the walkways. It’s a short and easy walk, but it’s also one of the places not to be missed in Slovenia.

In this article, we shared everything you need to know to do this short trek.

#21 The Soča river Valley (pronounced Socha) is another of the best adventure destinations in Slovenia. The river is famous for its turquoise waters and for forming several tight gorges of less than 5 to 10 meters.

This is a region full of waterfalls, trails, mountains, and gorges. Some of the places not to be missed here include:

• Tolmin’s Throat
• Kozjak Waterfall
• boka waterfall
• Vršič Pass.

The Soča River is also one of the most popular for water sports like SUP, rafting, and kayaking.

#22 The Slovenian coastline is often overlooked for being small and lacking in sandy beaches. However, the towns of Izola, Portoroz, and especially Piran are very nice.

Piran is a historic city which was part of the Republic of Venice, and therefore, you can still see remnants of typical Venetian architecture. It is also a completely pedestrian city, as cars are not allowed in its historic center, making the experience even more pleasant.

We should also note that although there is no sand, the beaches are very good for swimming as the Adriatic water is warm in summer and there are no waves.

#23 Very close to the border with Italy, in Lipica we have a very different attraction than usual. Since 1580, there has been a National Stud Farm in Lipica, created by the House of Habsburg to train the horses of the famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna that demonstrate the haute école. That is, the well-known “dancing white horses.”

Nowadays, it is still in Lipica that these horses are bred, and it is there that you can see the daily show, take a riding lesson, visit the museum, or simply walk around the place. In addition to all the history, it is a huge equestrian center and, if you’re lucky, you can see the horses grazing or roaming the fields.

If you like animals and horses in particular, this is a place not to be missed.

#24 Still in the south of Slovenia but a little further inland, we have two of the most famous landmarks in Slovenia , Postojna Cave, and Predjama Castle.

These two places are very close and are therefore almost always visited together, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

Predjma Castle is considered the largest castle in the world built inside a cave. But it is much more than that; it has an interesting history, and it is a fascinating visit as we are exploring a cave and a castle.

#25 Postojna Cave is one of the most famous and popular destinations in Slovenia, and there are many reasons why:

• It is the most visited cave in Europe;
• The second largest cave in Slovenia;
• Part of the visit is done by train inside the cave;
• It is the habitat of one of the strangest animals we know, the Olm or Proteus – a species of Salamander.

If you want to visit this cave, we advise you to see our article, where we explain everything you need to know before going to Postojna.

#26 If Postojna cave is accessible to everyone, Škocjan cave is a very different experience (but equally incredible) and only possible for those who are used to walking as it involves climbing at least 500 stairs. There are variants where you have to climb more than 1000 stairs.

Although smaller, it is also huge, including one of the largest underground canyons in the world and huge chambers of exceptional beauty.

But the most exciting part is perhaps when we have to cross the suspension bridge 50 meters above the Reka River, inside the cave. It is an unforgettable experience.

What to eat in Slovenia?

#27 Slovenian food is greatly influenced by the cuisine of the Austro-Hungarian empire (of which Slovenia was part until the first world war), by the cuisine of the Balkans, and by Italian cuisine, due to the proximity and because the coast was part of the Republic of Venice for centuries.

Traditional Slovenian cuisine is based on simple and hearty dishes, with various types of soups, stews, and other similar dishes.

However, the most common dishes on the coast are based on fish and other seafood, such as squid and mussels. Both grilled and fried.

If you want to see in more detail what Slovenian food is and what to eat in Slovenia, check out our article (in English).

#28 The best places to eat traditional Slovenian food are the traditional restaurants called Gostilna. These are usually small family restaurants that prepare dishes in the typical way, and the result is often delicious.

They are also usually a little cheaper than the restaurants themselves.

There isn’t much typical Slovenian street food, but you can find some Balkan food like Ćevapi in the bigger cities.

#29 If you don’t like or are tired of this type of food, it should be noted that there are a lot of opportunities to eat international food, namely Italian and German. But also from other places.

Slovenia has loads of pizzerias, and the ones we tried were excellent. There are also many restaurants serving typical food from neighboring countries, such as Schnitzel (breaded meat), Apfelstrudel (apple jam), or Goulash (stew of Hungarian origin, very common in Slovenia).

Typical dishes not to be missed in Slovenia

#30 As we mentioned earlier, Slovenian food is typically food with substance, heavy, and based on local ingredients. In this context, stews and soups are the dishes that appear the most and that we like the most.

Some of our favorites include:

• Jota – Stew made with sauerkraut, beans, potatoes, and smoked bacon or sausage. The acid in sauerkraut gives it a taste different from other stews.
• Obara – one of the national dishes of Slovenia. It has a comforting and savory stew flavor. It is made with vegetables such as carrots, turnips, green beans, peas, and onions, it usually has meat and internal organs.
• Golaž or goulash – Originally from Hungary, it is also very typical in Slovenia. It is a stew made with meat, onion, tomato, paprika, and other spices. It has a strong flavor of smoked peppers and tomatoes and is delicious. It is served with bread or polenta.
• Gobova Juha – is a traditional Slovenian mushroom soup. It’s quite good, Slovenians use mushrooms a lot in their cooking.

#31 However, in addition to these dishes, there are also others a little lighter and more curious. Štruklji, in particular, is a unique, delicious dish that you cannot find in any other country. Some of the ones we try and recommend are:

• Carniolan sausage or Kranjska klobasa – a smoked semi-cured pork sausage made with cuts of pork and bacon, seasoned with salt, black pepper, and garlic. It’s one of the easiest foods to find in Slovenia.
• Štruklji – is made from rolled dough stuffed with savory or sweet ingredients. It can be baked or boiled; the fillings are usually cottage cheese, nuts, apples, and poppy seeds, but there is a wide variety of fillings.
• Ocvirki – They are basically cracklings. The ones we ate were pretty good. Well fried and dry.

In addition to these dishes on the coast, there is also a lot of fresh fish, shellfish, squid, cuttlefish, and other seafood. Normally you can choose whether you want breaded or grilled.

#32 Unexpectedly, some of the things we ate and enjoyed the most were traditional sweets and cake. The best-known and the ones we like the most are:

• Potica – rolled dough cake made with a sweet, thin yeast dough usually filled with nut paste – although there are other fillings such as hazelnut, tarragon, quark, or poppy seeds.
• Prekmurska Gibanica – layer cake considered Slovenia’s national specialty. Made with layers of poppy seeds, walnuts, apples, raisins, and a layer of curd between filo pastry, it’s a mouthful of different textures and flavors.
• Kremna Rezina or Bled Cream Cake – Made with a crispy, buttery pastry, filled with a layer of vanilla cream and whipped cream, topped with filo pastry, it is soft and silky and melts in your mouth.
• Sweet Štruklji – We’ve talked about Štruklji above, but both sweet and savory are delicious. It is made with the same ingredients, phyllo dough, and flour, but has sweet fillings, such as apple, chocolate, pistachio, and orange, among others.

Finally, we have to mention honey since Slovenia is a big honey producer, and beekeeping is almost a national hobby. Slovenian honey is known for its taste and quality. It is, therefore, natural that you see honey for sale in many touristic places as it is a great souvenir to bring home.

Money and costs of traveling to Slovenia

Currency, withdrawals, and payments.

#33 Slovenia is one of the members of the Euro Zone, so if you come from another Euro country, you don’t have to worry about exchange rates, exchange rates, or costs of exchanging currency. You can withdraw money or make payments without any kind of foreign currency commission.

Many establishments accept cards, so you won’t need to use much cash if you want. However, in Slovenia, ATMs (of banks) do not charge a withdrawal fee, so you don’t need to worry about it.

Pay attention to the EuroNet ATMs, as they charge hefty fees, like everywhere else!

Costs of traveling in Slovenia

#34 Slovenia is a surprisingly expensive country to travel to, or at least a lot more expensive than we expected. We think it is more expensive than Portugal or Spain , and practically at the same level as Italy. Incomparably more expensive than eastern countries like Bulgaria , Croatia, or Romania .

It is difficult to predict how much you will spend per day, as it depends greatly on the type of traveler. On this trip, we traveled as a family and by car, which is usually a little more expensive than backpackers using public transport.

Still, we spent about 76 Euros per person per day. However, reaching 150 or 200 Euros a day is easy without splurging much because prices in the most popular places increase greatly in the high season.

#35 Like almost everywhere else, accommodation is one of the biggest travel costs. In Slovenia, a bed in a cheap hostel in Bled or Ljubljana will cost 30-40 Euros daily.

While a room for two in a cheap hotel will cost 75-100 Euros, an average hotel can cost between 100 and 200 Euros, and a luxury hotel hardly ever costs below 200 Euros per day. These prices can be even higher at the peak of the high season.

In Slovenia, as in all of Europe, we suggest that you use booking to book accommodation as it has a huge variety of hotels, guest houses, hostels, and even local accommodation, at the best prices.

#36 Another cost that weighs heavily on the travel budget in Slovenia is tickets and admission to monuments. They are much more expensive than in almost any other country we visit.

For example, access to the Postojna caves costs almost 30 Euros, and the combined ticket with Predjama Castle costs more than 40 Euros per person. And that doesn’t even include the car park.

#37 Besides being a globally expensive country, what impressed us the most is that everything is paid for! From simply not having one free parking space to paying to see a waterfall or go on a trail… We even saw charging to take a pet to the walkways…

Obviously, we are not suggesting that you do not visit them if you are going to a destination it is also to see the attractions, but you should take this into account when planning the trip so as not to be surprised.

#38 Being a very expensive country, it is important to try to control expenses. One of our favorite ways to save a few bucks is to have only one meal at a restaurant, opting for another fast-food (not necessarily pizza or hamburger) or street or supermarket food for the next meal.

It’s a kind of 3 in 1, you save money, you waste less time, and you can go to the supermarkets to see what the locals usually buy. On the other hand, it is also important to go to some restaurants to have the opportunity to try the local food, which has very interesting dishes, as mentioned above.

Is it necessary to tip in Slovenia?

#39 No. There is no tipping culture in Slovenia. Even in restaurants, we don’t feel any pressure or expectations in this regard. Of course, if you want to reward good service, you can and should do so, but this is not something to be expected.

Note that if you take a free walking tour, you must tip, as in all other places. The tip is the only income of these guides.

How to travel in Slovenia

#40 When planning your trip, it’s important to consider whether you need to rent a car and whether there are good alternatives. The best way to travel in Slovenia will completely depend on the type of trip you are planning.

If you are planning a more urban trip, a car is unlikely to be necessary and could even be a source of costs and problems. Yet, knowing that the main highlights of Slovenia are not urban and are much easier to visit by car than by public transport, we advise you to travel by car.

What’s more, driving the Julian Alps is spectacular! We have the freedom to walk where we want, stop where we want, drive on those mountain roads, and visit small lakes and natural monuments.

Public transport

#41 Due to its small size and location in the center of Europe, Slovenia has good transport connections to Europe, especially by land. It is relatively easy to take trains or buses from wine countries to Slovenian cities, especially Maribor and Ljubljana.

On the other hand, there’s only one international airport (Ljubljana), and there aren’t that many low-cost flights to Slovenia. So what often happens is to fly to one of the neighboring countries, rent a car there , and enter Slovenia by car.

That’s what we did, and it’s easy (just remember to get authorization to cross the border and buy the motorway vignette). Some cities you can fly to are Venice, Verona, and Bergamo in Italy, Zagreb, Croatia, and Graz in Austria.

#42 As we had a car, we did not use public transport in Slovenia. The information we collected says that it is good and reliable and that it is possible to go to the main cities and attractions relatively easily, but it takes a lot longer.

To look for the best option, we usually use the site rome2rio because, in addition to giving us different means, it also gives an estimate of time and price.

Driving in Slovenia

#43 If you follow our advice and decide to travel by car, one of the things to know when traveling in Slovenia is that traveling by car quickly adds up. If you don’t go by car (which from most places has its own high costs), you have to:

• Car hire – estimate 200 to 250 Euros per week minimum.
• Mandatory Insurance – There’s no way to avoid this.
• Paying for fuel – in Slovenia, gasoline is cheaper than diesel.
• Paying tolls – To use Slovenian motorways, you have to buy a vignette at the border or the post office. The vignette allows us to drive on any highway during its validity period. The 30-day one costs around 30 Euros, and the 7-day one costs 15 Euros (2023), which turns out to be much cheaper than in most other European countries.
• Parking – Besides being very difficult to park in large cities and historical centers, it is expensive and always pays. One of the things that struck us is that there are virtually no free parking spaces across the country. Don’t overlook this cost.

#44 In general, driving rules in Slovenia are similar to those in the rest of Europe, so driving is not a big problem. You drive on the right, and any European license is valid in Slovenia, obviously. The right priority rule also exists in Slovenia. At roundabouts, priority is given to whoever is circulating in the roundabout, but this is almost always indicated.

Except for motorways, which have a speed limit of 130km/h, speed limits are similar to those in Portugal, ie, 90 km/h outside towns and 50 km/h in urban areas, but all of this is well signposted.

#45 Regarding driving itself, one of the most important things to know when visiting Slovenia is that Slovenians are extremely impatient when driving. It is surprising that in a country that is already so developed, people still misbehave so much behind the wheel.

In addition to the impatient drivers in larger cities that are common everywhere, on national roads, highways, and even mountain roads, you constantly see dangerous maneuvers and excessive speed. I even saw lights and beeps while driving at the speed limit…

Anyway, it’s nothing you can’t do if you’re used to driving abroad. It just takes some patience and care to avoid unnecessary hassle.

Other tips for traveling to Slovenia

Internet in slovenia.

#46 All the accommodations we checked had free WIFI access, and all the ones we evaluated during our research had this information, so WIFI shouldn’t be a big concern. Still, we always advise you to check the comments about the quality of it.

If you want to use mobile data, you can use the data card of any European country and pay the same amount you pay in the country of origin. So, if you have data in one, you have data in Slovenia and the rest of the EU.

Cleanliness / Pollution in Slovenia

#47 In general, Slovenia is a very clean country. We found it on par with Austria and Luxembourg, some of the cleanest countries we have ever visited. There may, of course, be exceptions from less clean places, but they are smaller and less serious than in most other countries.

In fact, in rural areas, in the National Park, and in other tourist or nature areas, it is extremely clean. So, nothing to point out here; on the contrary, Slovenia is an example to follow.

Power Plugs

#48 Electricity inputs in Slovenia are type C and F, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50 Hz, similar to the rest of Europe. Thus, those traveling from continental Europe do not need any adapters.

If you are traveling from a country with another type of entry (such as England , or the USA ), this is the adapter we recommend . In addition to being an adapter, it also has several USB ports to charge your cell phone and other equipment directly.

Documents for traveling to Slovenia

#49 Since Slovenia is part of the Schengen area, European citizens do not need any special documents to travel to Slovenia. You only need a valid identification document: your citizen card or passport and your driving license if you want to drive.

Otherwise, click here for more information on how to enter Slovenia and the Schengen Zone and which nationalities need a Visa.

As you would expect, you also don’t need any kind of vaccine to go to Slovenia.

Slovenia Travel Guide

#50 If you want to buy a travel guide with this and all the information you need to travel, we suggest the Lonely Planet guide . You can buy it by clicking here or on the image below.

Pin it for later

Sharing is caring!

This Tiny European Country Is Home to Cliffside Castles, Emerald Lakes, and a Green Capital City

Everything you need to know in order to get the most out of a trip to slovenia..

• Copy Link copied

With tall, craggy mountains, emerald lakes, and a good selection of national parks, Slovenia is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Photo by Julia Nimke

Slovenia packs a lot into a small footprint. Within its borders, travelers will find snow-capped peaks, beaches on the Adriatic Sea, pint-size medieval towns, and a green capital city.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Slovenia:

Things to do

Visit ljubljana.

Slovenia’s capital has a thriving arts scene and ample walking and biking paths. Wander Old Town and be sure to stop at Prešernov Trg (the main square) and the Triple Bridge . Then, swing by Central Market for snacks to take on the funicular to the medieval Ljubljana Castle for a picnic.

Hike the Juliana Trail

Writer Peggy Orenstein trekked 10 sections of the Juliana Trail , starting in Kranjska Gora and ending in Bovec , over nine days. The trail’s official website explains the various sections and provides information on mileage, elevation gain, and scenic viewpoints. For assistance with planning, contact the booking center, which will help organize an itinerary and offers luggage forwarding.

Catch the view at Lake Bled

For some of the best views of this Alpine lake, head up to Bled’s clifftop castle, which was first mentioned in written records in 1011. From the ramparts, visitors can see Lake Bled ’s island, which is accessible by traditional, wooden pletna boats. Once on the island, ascend the 99 stairs to the church to ring the wishing bell.

Where to eat and drink

Aljažev Dom

Set in Triglav National Park , the shingled Aljažev Dom lodge is a popular spot for a post-hike lunch. Named after Slovenian mountaineer, writer, composer, and priest Jakob Aljaž, the restaurant offers apple strudel and house-made soups.

Bled Castle Restaurant

Superlative wines, stellar views: Located in Bled castle, this restaurant also serves a five-course tasting menu with seasonal dishes (such as a Krškopolje pig filet with sweet potato purée, roasted baby cabbage, and chimichurri). Reservations are a must.

A family-run log cabin restaurant and guesthouse in Kranjska Gora, Kosobrin focuses on hearty Slovenian classics, such as dumplings, sausages, and cream cakes.

Hiša Franko

Chef Ana Roš Stojan’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Kobarid, some 75 miles northwest of Ljubljana, draws visitors for its multicourse tasting menu, which is centered on foraged and seasonal ingredients—think watermelon, pimpinella, cucumber, and langoustine from the Kvarner Gulf in the northern Adriatic Sea.

Where to stay

Hikers on the Juliana Trail can experience sauna culture at the Hotel Bohinj in Ribčev Laz.

Photos by Julia Nimke

Grand Hotel Toplice

Book now: From $250 per night. sava-hotels-resorts.com

Paul McCartney and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright have both been guests at this hotel, which dates to the mid-19th century. The furnishings are decidedly Old World— expect heavy brass keys and antique furniture in the 87 rooms, 28 suites (many of which have balconies overlooking Lake Bled), and presidential apartment. The property is a member of Small Luxury Hotels and includes a spa, a terrace bar, and an indoor mineral pool.

Kendov Dvorec

Book now: From $200 per night. relaischateaux.com

This Relais & Châteaux hotel is located a couple miles north of Idrija. Historically known for lace and its now-closed mercury mines, the town today draws cyclists, fly-fishing enthusiasts, and hikers. Originally built as a home in the 14th century, the mansion has 11 rooms and landscaped gardens.

InterContinental Ljubljana

Book now: From $175 per night. ihg.com

Slovenia’s first five-star hotel has 165 modern rooms with generous windows, deep soaking tubs, and marshmallow-soft bedding. Take advantage of breakfast: The restaurant is on the 20th floor, with impressive views of the city.

Hotel Bohinj

Book now: From $215 per night. hotelbohinj.si

A few minutes’ stroll from Lake Bohinj, this property has an Ecolabel certificate from the European Union for its sustainability practices. It counts 62 rooms, a salt wall room, saunas, and hot tubs among its offerings.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 26, 2024

Slovenia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued after periodic review without changes

Exercise normal precautions in Slovenia.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Slovenia.

If you decide to travel to Slovenia:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive 
• Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Slovenia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months recommended; at least three months beyond your planned departure from  the Schengen area .

One page required for entry stamp.

Not required for stays under 90 days within each 180-day period.

10,000 euro limit.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy ljubljana.

Prešernova 31 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia Telephone:  +(386) (1) 200-5500 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(386) (1) 200-5500 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Slovenia, but do not require a visa for tourist or routine business travel of less than 90 days. Note: The 90 day visa-free time-frame starts as soon as you enter the Schengen Zone – a border-less area made up of a number of European countries including Slovenia, Austria, Hungary and Italy. Travelers can stay up to a cumulative 90 days within the period of the immediately preceding 180 days. That means if a traveler stays 90 days, s/he will need to be outside of the Schengen zone for 180 days to reset the clock. Remaining in Slovenia or the Schengen Area beyond 90 days without a residency permit may incur large fines, deportation, criminal charges, and/or travel restrictions.
• If you wish to stay in Slovenia for longer than 90 days, you will require a long stay “D” visa or a residence permit . Applying for residency is time consuming. U.S. citizens must submit an FBI criminal records certificate less than three months old apostilled by the Department of State . 
• Foreigners must carry official identification at all times (U.S. passport or a Slovenian residence card).
• You must obtain a stamp in your passport upon entering the Schengen Area and show it when departing.
• Non-EU citizens staying longer than three days must register with the police within 72 hours of arrival. Hotels and apartments or houses rented through a company will register you. In all other cases, you must register yourself at a police station. Failure to register can result in hefty fines.

Visit the Embassy of Slovenia website for current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .
• You will need s ufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page .

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Slovenia.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites. For general information about Italian customs regulations, please read our  Customs Information page and our  Italian Customs  website.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, rudimentary Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Slovenia’s overall crime rate is low. Incidents of purse snatching and pickpocketing are most common in tourist areas, with robberies and acts of vandalism reported in Ljubljana primarily late at night.

• Use common sense, avoid isolated areas after dark, take security precautions, and report any incidents to the local police.
• Residential break-ins occur, particularly in Ljubljana. Residences left unattended for extended periods with poor security measures are most vulnerable.
• Vehicle break-ins and thefts also occur. Always lock your vehicles, use vehicle anti-theft devices, and park in well-lit areas or in residential or hotel garages. Bicycle theft is disproportionately high compared to similarly situated cities. Ensure your bicycles are secured before leaving them in a bicycle rack or bike park.
• Exercise caution at so-called "gentlemen's clubs." Such establishments have presented foreign customers with inflated bar bills and threatened those who refuse to pay.
• U.S. citizens have reported sexual assaults in at least one nightclub in recent years. Use caution when accepting open drinks at bars or clubs, and don’t leave your drinks unattended.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Demonstrations: There are occasional strikes, protests, and other public demonstrations in Slovenia. Protests in Ljubljana are usually held in areas around Kongresni Trg (Congress Square), opposite the Slovenian Parliament, in other locations in central Ljubljana, and sometimes near the U.S. Embassy. Some participants have occasionally expressed anti-U.S. sentiments. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 

• Be vigilant near crowded venues.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• For additional information, check the  Embassy’s website.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 113. For medical emergencies, dial 112. Contact the U.S. Embassy aby calling +386-1-200-5500. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local English-speaking attorneys
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas.

Outdoor adventure sports are increasingly popular with tourists in Slovenia. Such activities involve inherent risk, and travelers are encouraged to be mindful of their own personal limitations, as well as accessibility and connectivity issues that might hinder emergency response. Many of the mountain rescues in Slovenia involve foreign nationals who were ill-prepared: hiking or climbing without proper footwear and protective equipment, unprepared for altitude sickness, drinking insufficient water, leaving marked trails, and even handling poisonous snakes. If you are hiking/climbing you should let family/friends know in advance where you will be going and register at mountain huts. If you experience an emergency, call 112 for Slovenian police.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Your U.S. passport will not prevent you from being detained, arrested, or prosecuted. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Slovenia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Make sure you receive a receipt for your purchase when you buy something in Slovenia. Slovenian law allows inspectors to request to see your receipt of purchase upon exiting the business. If you do not present a receipt, you can be fined.

Slovenian authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the import, export, and use of firearms. You should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate General in Cleveland if you are planning to transport a firearm into or out of Slovenia.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Special Circumstances: Slovenian banks do not accept paper checks, including travelers checks, from the United States. ATMs are common in all major cities and are increasingly common in rural areas. Credit cards are broadly accepted.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Although same-sex marriage is not legal in Slovenia, the LGBTQI+ community is protected by anti-discrimination laws, and there are no legal or governmental impediments to the organization of LGBTQI+ events. Local NGOs assessed that violence against LGBTQI+ persons was not uncommon, and there have been several isolated violent incidents targeting LGBTQI+ individuals in Slovenia.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Slovenia prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and ease of movement or access. Expect accessibility to be limited in lodging and general infrastructure, especially outside of the main cities, but common in public transportation and communication/information.

Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different in Slovenia from what you find in the United States. Under Slovenian law, persons with disabilities should have access to buildings, information, and communications. In practice, however, modification of public and private structures to improve access is a work in progress, and many buildings are not easily accessible. Most tourist destinations around Slovenia are accessible by those with disabilities.

Rental, repair, replacement parts for assistive devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants are widely available.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers .

• For emergency services in Slovenia dial 112. Ambulance services are widely available and reliable. When contacting an ambulance, if you do not speak Slovenian, you may need to find a Slovenian speaker who can explain your location.
• Medical care throughout Slovenia is comparable to that found in the United States.. Emergency responders may determine that patients requiring specialized and more complex medical care need to be transported to Ljubljana Clinical Center (public hospital) by air.  
• While many medical providers in Slovenia speak excellent English, that may not be the case for all medical staff.
• There is a list of English-speaking medical providers and 24-hour pharmacies on the U.S. Embassy’s website .
• Although most government-run institutions in Slovenia provide care at little or no cost to Slovenian nationals, foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, are expected to pay the full cost directly. That said, prices in government-run clinics are very reasonable. Private clinics are also an option. For both, you will pay up front and can later seek reimbursement from your health insurance provider.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinics for preventive vaccinations can provide more information.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Almost all prescriptions available in the United States are widely available in Slovenia (although may be under different names). You may need a prescription for medications (such as Ibuprofen when over 200 mg) that could be purchased over-the-counter in the United States.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought  into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Ljubljana has air pollution levels similar to those in major U.S. cities. Visit the European Environment Agency’s website for information on air quality in Slovenia.

Water Quality:

• The tap water in Ljubljana and other cities in Slovenia is suitable for drinking. Precautions for safe food storage and preparation are the same as would be practiced in the United States. Detailed laboratory reports about the water quality are available in Slovenian language. Slovenia does not put fluoride in the tap water, so long term residents might want to consider fluoride supplements for their children.

General Health Language:

• Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
• Slovenia has a high incidence of Lyme disease and encephalitis, both transmitted by ticks. For stays longer than three months, consider getting a vaccine to prevent tick-borne encephalitis. This vaccine is not available in the United States, but is available in Slovenia. Use insect repellent and inspect your body after being outdoors.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Slovenia has a well-developed, connected, and clearly-marked road network with road signs and traffic rules consistent with those used throughout Europe.

• Be alert to aggressive drivers both in cities and on highways. Many serious, high-speed accidents occur in Slovenia.
• If anyone is injured, an ambulance can be reached by dialing 112.
• Police routinely conduct breathalyzer tests on all drivers involved in accidents, regardless of whom they suspect is at fault. If major damage has occurred, do not move your vehicle. The police will wish to survey the accident scene as-is. Obtain the name, contact information, and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
• If your car breaks down, call 1987 for roadside assistance and towing.
• Obtain English traffic and road conditions from the  Automobile Association of Slovenia , Traffic Information Center for Public Roads , or by calling (01) 530-5300.

Traffic Laws: Third-party liability insurance is required for all vehicles and can be purchased locally. Travelers driving rented automobiles from Croatia into Slovenia are generally able to purchase Slovenian insurance at the border.

• Highway vignettes (windshield stickers) are required for all passenger vehicles and motorcycles using highways. Steep fines for driving without a vignette are one of the most common problems faced by U.S. citizens in Slovenia. Purchase a vignette in-country. If driving into Slovenia from neighboring countries, buy your vignette at a gas station before reaching the border.
• If you are stopped for not having a vignette, or for a moving violation, you may have the opportunity to pay a reduced fine ticket on the spot. If you choose not to, the police may confiscate your passport until you pay the fine.
• Don’t drink and drive. The maximum legal blood-alcohol limit is .05%. The limit is.00% for drivers with less than two years’ experience, drivers under 21, and truck or bus drivers. 
• first-aid kit
• spare headlight bulbs
• a warning triangle
• reflective vest/jacket
• blank European accident form (to complete in the event of an accident)
• Using hand-held phones while driving is illegal.
• Turning right on red is illegal.
• Bicycles are very common on Slovenian roads and drivers must yield to them.
• Between November 15 and March 15, all cars must have winter or appropriate all-season tires. Police may require chains in heavy snow.

You need a valid U.S. driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally drive. After one year, you must get a Slovenian driver’s license. The  American Automobile Association  and the American Automobile Touring Alliance issue IDPs.

For more information on the above, see the Embassy’s page on  Driving in Slovenia .

Public Transportation: Trains and buses are available between cities, and buses provide reliable service within cities such as Ljubljana.

Taxis: While taxis are generally safe and reliable, first ask for an estimated fare and ensure the meter is running during the journey.

Bicycling: Cities have well-developed bicycling networks with marked bicycle lanes along most roads and many rules governing cycling .

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the websites of  Slovenia's national tourist office  and the  Slovenian Roads Agency for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Slovenia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Slovenia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Slovenia should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings . View weather warnings specific to Slovenia .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Slovenia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, slovenia map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Slovenia Tours & Trips

• Choose from 50+ Slovenia tours
• 100+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

Table of contents

The best Slovenia tour packages

What people love about slovenia tours, most popular destinations in slovenia, travel slovenia your way, top operators in slovenia.

• Slovenia tours for every group
• Tours for every traveler

Best time to visit Slovenia

Contact our slovenia travel experts.

Compiled by

Steff Slovenia travel expert at TourRadar

Stunning Slovenia

“Our hotels in Ljubljana and Bohinj were spectacular! Our service from Palma was superb and Anja our contact was precise and gracious.” Margaret Pavelich, traveled in June 2023

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year
• Discover Piran and Koper's Venetian charm
• Explore Ljubljana's historic sites and castle hill
• Visit Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave

Slovenia Hiking: Alpe Adria Trail 5days- self guided

“Hotels are good, nature is beautiful, the trails are not too difficult if you have some hiking experience.” Oleksandr Bocharov, traveled in May 2022

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes
• Arrange transfers to nearby airports
• Explore Drezenica by the River Soca
• Dine in scenic Kranjska Gora

Slovenia Bikepacking Tour

• Explore Kranjska Gora's rugged landscapes
• Cycle from Pohorje to Slovenj Gradec
• Conquer Vršič Pass, the highest in Slovenia

Bike From Alps To Adriatic Sea - Mountain Bike Trans Slovenia

“Fun trip packed with tons of scenery. Be in good shape, plenty of climbing!” Ashton Lawton, traveled in October 2022

• Mountain Bike
• Cycle from Belopeška lakes to Kranjska Gora
• Explore Tolmin Gorge on a cycling tour
• Bike over Vršič Pass through Soča Valley

Lakes & Cities of Slovenia

• Discover historic Škofja Loka by bike
• Ascend Vogel Mountain by cable car
• Cycle through alpine villages to Lake Bohinj

Slovenia is truly stunning, and our tour guides were wonderful. Full consideration was given to our interests and our comfort, and we experienced an amazing trip throughout this wonderful country.

Everything is organised quite well, you get a hotel booked in each town and they transfer your luggage after you check out from each of them. You also get a dinner and a breakfast in each of the hotels but one(the one in Trenta - they have no restaurant). There was a tiny mix up with one of the hotels - where the name of the hotel we were informed about was different from what the travel voucher said, but Marco(who we communicate with via tourradar) helped us to find the correct one, even though our contact specified in the travel vouched was not picking up his phone. Perhaps because it was quite late - around 8pm, because in the mornings there was no issues reaching him. Also, if you don't feel like walking the whole distance you can ask them to transfer you half way or something like that, which we did on the 3rd day cause we were quite tired. But be sure to think about this in advance, before you take the trip. Overall - would recommend: hotels are good, nature is beautiful, the trails are not too difficult if you have some hiking experience. Just be sure to pack enough water because there is absolutely no water fountains along the trails, which we found weird, but I suppose you can drink directly from Soča river as it seemed super clean.

This was my first trip with a Life Adventures and it greatly exceeded expectations in every way. The organization and logistics were all superbly organized and carefully planned. Thanks for a great trip, I’m already looking forward to the next one!

Discover the ideal tour package for you through Alps. On TourRadar you'll find trips starting from 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 16 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most tour departures.

Discover the ideal tour package for you through Gorenjska. On TourRadar you'll find trips starting from 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 11 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most tour departures.

Self-Guided

Go off the beaten track with a self guided adventure of Slovenia. Travel and experience the freedom of creating a holiday on your own terms. With 79 tours lasting from 3 days up to 11 days, fulfil your wanderlust and set off on your own adventure!

Find the perfect tour for your family, catering to all ages with over 79 family tours available in Slovenia.

Pedal through Slovenia's picturesque landscapes, from the charming coastal town of Piran to the vibrant capital, Ljubljana. Cycle around Lake Bled, savor local wines in Vipava Valley, and explore Postojna Cave's stalactites. Slovenia might be small, but it boasts adventures galore.

An Explorer tour in Slovenia promises thrilling adventures and diverse landscapes. Slovenia's vast and varied terrain offers great opportunities for hiking, biking, and discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, ensuring an exhilarating and unforgettable journey.

More travel styles:

"Great stay in Slovenia. The hotel was officially 5 star but definitely has aged. Nothing was perfect but everything was good. The View from the room was superb.

PALMA DMC & TO is an expert in:

"Tour radar were super. I had a person on the end of the phone who was very clear to understand when we initially called to enquire and book our trip. We were connected with a tour company in the area we wished to tour, and the communication with them was great - they wisely used whatsapp as well as emails (unbeknown to me I couldn't access emails abroad). We then interacted with two guides who did their parts exceptionally well. Our accommodation was booked by tour radar and we were settled in without any problems. Our guides took us through technical areas of the mountain range and made us feel comfortable and safe. We were dropped off at our accommodation at the end of our tour with absolutely no complaints. What a super adventure!

LIFE Adventures is an expert in:

"The places and the transportation organized are very well done. The flexibility of the activity enable us to still explore much of the city at our own pace. Only the hotel I wish can improve a level up. Everything else is very well done!!!

Intrepid Travel is an expert in:

• Food & Culinary

Slovenia tours for every type of group

Who are you traveling with?

Explore Slovenia on a pre-planned itinerary and meet like-minded travelers

• Itineraries between 3 days and 11 days
• Starting from €108 per day

Small Group

Visit Slovenia with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities

• Itineraries between 3 days and 13 days
• Starting from €73 per day

Personalized

Customize your Slovenia itinerary to match your interests and pace

• Starting from €69 per day

Visit Slovenia with your own group or solo

Slovenia tours for everyone

Discover unforgettable adventures designed for all ages! Whether you're young or young at heart, our adventures offer excitement and wonder for everyone.

• September 2024 popular 67 tours
• October 2024 61 tours
• November 2024 26 tours
• December 2024 popular 20 tours
• January 2025 16 tours
• February 2025 17 tours
• March 2025 17 tours
• April 2025 26 tours
• May 2025 popular 41 tours
• June 2025 popular 43 tours
• July 2025 42 tours
• August 2025 43 tours

Expert in Slovenia at TourRadar

Joseph is one of our seasoned Slovenia Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Slovenia tours answered!

• Choose from 79+ Slovenia tours
• 125 verified reviews by TourRadar customers

Write us a message

Discover TourRadar

The best times to visit Slovenia

May 3, 2024 • 5 min read

Lake Bled is a year-round destination and highlight of Slovenia © Andrea Comi / Getty Images

Slovenia is an all-year destination. Every season has its appeal, but the best time to visit depends on your interests and priorities.

The annual tourism season gets rolling in spring, as high-elevation mountain passes reopen to car traffic and the country basks in the first of what will be many warm, sunny days ahead. With the coming of summer, the Alpine snowmelt feeds rivers like the Soča, giving them that froth that’s so much fun for whitewater rafting. Summer also kicks off Slovenia 's hiking and climbing season. To beat the mid-summer heat, people flock to lakes at Bohinj and Bled and to the Adriatic coast. Around the country, music and cultural festivals kick into high gear. Warm weather also means lots of opportunities for cycling . With the rise of e-bikes, routes that were normally reserved for experts are now open to enthusiasts of all levels.

Autumn brings with it the food harvest – including grapes to be made into wine. Wine cellars all over Slovenia open up for the first tastings of the new harvest year. Of course, thermal spas are always operational and a perfect way to spend a day (or week). The winter months are famous for skiing, and there are plenty of slopes to choose from. Following a brief lull that settles over the country after the Christmas and New Year holidays, the action picks up in February, with the annual Carnival festivities – and the whole calendar starts back up again.

May to October is the best time to explore the outdoors

This is high season in Slovenia. Late spring brings the first wildflowers to the mountains and is the perfect time to plan an early foray into the higher elevations. The area around Lake Bohinj, in the Triglav National Park, celebrates with an annual International Wild Flower Festival . The lofty pastures of Velika Planina erupt into purple as the first crocuses pop up from the cold earth.

June typically means sunny skies, but not yet too hot. It’s ideal weather for hitting the trail (hiking or biking) or exploring cities like Ljubljana , Maribor and Ptuj. Popular destinations like Lake Bled and Ljubljana still feel fresh. Cafes and restaurants have pulled their tables out onto the sidewalks, but the large crowds of visitors that typically descend in July and August have not yet arrived.

Navigate like a local with these tips for getting around Slovenia .

By midsummer, the days start to get warmer, as temps in lower-lying areas sometimes swell into the 30s (Celsius, upper 80s Fahrenheit) – though the mountains are always at hand to provide relief from the heat. Sun-seekers swarm to the Adriatic Coast to take a dip in the sea. Resorts along the country’s short coastline can get crowded, and it’s necessary to book accommodations here well in advance. The normally chilly waters of Lake Bohinj and Bled warm to swimmable temperatures, and this is prime time for water-based fun like SUP, rafting and canyoning – though advance booking here is advisable as well.

July and August are also perfect months for visiting one of the country’s 20 or so spa resorts. To cater to families, many spas have now added elaborate water-park features, like outdoor slides and wave pools. For relief from the heat, don’t overlook the incredible caves of the Karst region, like Postojna and Škocjan , where temperatures underground hover at a cool 12°C (54°F) year-round.

September and October often bring those “perfect” days, with plenty of sunshine and cooler temperatures. The Adriatic is still swimmable, but many of the crowds have already gone home. September is great for summiting Mt Triglav , and mushroom-hunting shifts into high gear. This is also the time for hikes and al fresco wine tastings in areas like Goriška Brda in the west, and around Maribor, Brežice and Metlika in the east.

April and November are the best months to be a gastronome

Early spring and late autumn are considered shoulder seasons. Big cities like Ljubljana and Maribor are as lively as ever, but the rest of the country eases up a notch.

Slovenian chefs typically take an “eat what nature gives you” approach in every season – yet the gastronomic delights are perhaps most delicious during the first signs of spring and at harvest time. After a winter of delicious stews, a new litany of seasonal delights becomes available as the snow melts and spring blossoms. This is a good time to visit the southwestern coastal area to take in some sun and enjoy fresh seafood.

In November, as the grape and olive harvests conclude, it seems the entire country stops to toast Mother Nature for another bumper year of superior wine.

December to March is the best time to enjoy snowy delights

Fewer visitors means that winter is technically low season in Slovenia. For locals, however, this third of the year is anything but a break. Rare is the Slovene who doesn’t partake in some (or a lot of) winter activity, like downhill or cross-country skiing, ski-jumping and snowshoeing. Cold, snowy weather keeps things busy near Kranjska Gora and at other popular winter resorts, like Vogel , near Lake Bohinj, Krvavec, Mariborsko Pohorje, Rogla, Gače and many others.  

The cold-weather months are also well-suited to a spa stay. Sure, the outdoor water slides are closed for the season, but the indoor pools, hot soaks and wellness treatments offer a comforting way to repair following a wintry jaunt in the open air.

One of the most important cultural celebrations in Slovenia is the Carnival (also known locally as Pust), and if you’re in the country in February or March you’re bound to run into at least one elaborate celebration. The largest is the Kurentovanje in Ptuj, held over 11 days with more than 100,000 people attending every year.

Add these top experiences to your itinerary .

This article was first published Apr 19, 2022 and updated May 3, 2024.

Explore related stories

Sep 9, 2024 • 4 min read

If your idea of a thrilling summer holiday involves cycling hundreds of miles through gravelly mountain trails, read on.

Aug 9, 2024 • 6 min read

May 24, 2024 • 9 min read

May 3, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 14, 2024 • 16 min read

Nov 9, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 7, 2023 • 4 min read

Sep 25, 2023 • 4 min read

Mar 17, 2023 • 8 min read

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

See All Slovenia tours

See More Slovenia Trips

5 million happy guests and counting

Sail on crystal-clear waters of lake bled.

Take a fairytale journey across the turquoise waters of Lake Bled, sailing past the tiny chapel on Bled Island where a temple to the Slavic Goddess of Love once stood. The romantic atmosphere continues to Bled Castle, an ancient fortress with views over Slovenia’s lakes and powdered peaks.

Visit a traditional Slovenian village

We’ll take you deep into Slovenia’s mountains to reveal their beautiful villages. Wander the narrow streets and town squares, lined with stone built houses, terraced gardens and pretty painted murals. Each village has a distinct character with magical customs and ancient traditions.

Relax in Tivoli Park in Ljubljana

Spend a peaceful afternoon strolling through Tivoli Park. A web of footpaths takes you through the manicured gardens that surround two historic mansions. Discover the fish pond, botanical garden and the glasshouse with an exhibition of tropical plants, or explore the maze of walking trails leading into Rožnik Hill.

See the Gingerbread Museum

Discover the traditional Slovenian art of lectarstvo in an extra sweet workshop where even the signs are made from gingerbread. The museum is housed in a centuries-old inn, where you’ll learn the history and watch a making and decorating demonstration, before getting a taste of the freshly-baked gingerbread.

Visit Ljubljana Castle

Exploring Ljubljana Castle is one of the most impressive things to do In Ljubljana. You’ll find a number of ancient rooms dating back to the 12th century and several museums (including the playful Museum of Puppetry). We’ll also take you up the 19th century watchtower, complete with panoramic views over the city.

Our top 5 things to do in Slovenia

From sailing Lake Bled and exploring medieval castles, to discovering traditional villages in evergreen forests, our trips to Slovenia easily take you from the iconic to the unexpected.

National Museum of Slovenia

Housed in a neo-Renaissance palace dating back to 1885, the National Museum of Slovenia features an impressive collection of cultural treasures. Among their prehistoric exhibition, you’ll find a 60,000 year old Neanderthal flute, thought to be the world's oldest musical instrument, while their Roman collection includes thousands of statues, paintings and stone monuments.

Slovenian Museum of Natural History

The Slovenian Museum of Natural History houses global collections showcasing the world’s biodiversity, including one of Europe’s best-preserved woolly mammoth skeletons. Set in the same building as the National Museum of Slovenia, the Museum of Natural History is the oldest cultural and scientific institution in Slovenia.

Slovenian Ethnographic Museum

With ethnographic collections dating back to 1821, the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum was established to showcase the traditional culture of Slovenia. It’s located in a former barracks complex in Ljubljana, and presents Slovenia’s heritage including traditional handicrafts, wisdom and skills such as weaving, pottery, blacksmithing, beekeeping and glass-painting.

Best museums in Slovenia

Slovenia’s museums are a highlight of all our Slovenia travel experiences. Discover the world’s oldest musical instrument, or see one of Europe’s best preserved woolly mammoth skeletons.

Kranjska Klobasa (Carniolan sausage)

Also known as the Carniolan sausage, Kranjska Klobasa is one of Slovenia’s most popular culinary specialties. A smoked and cured sausage, made from a blend of pork and bacon cooked inside pig’s intestine, Slovenians have been eating this delicacy since the 19th century, and there’s a Kranjska sausage festival held each year.

A festive pastry made with rolled paper-thin dough, Potica is Slovenia’s most famous dessert. It’s baked in a special potica baking mould called potičnik, and most often filled with walnut, poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, tarragon or hazelnut. There are more than 80 known fillings including salted ones with bacon.

Prekmurska gibanica (Prekmurian Layer Cake)

A delicious combination of cake and pastry, Prekmurska gibanica is a national specialty of Slovenia and one of the country’s most loved desserts. The pastry layers are filled with apples, walnuts, poppy seeds and cottage cheese, and are often topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Best food in Slovenia

From delicious preserved meats like the Kranjska sausage to tasty Nanos and Tolminc cheeses and divine desserts like Potica, we'll introduce you a hearty blend of Slovenian food.

What to pack for Slovenia

Waterproof coat

Come prepared for the rain - Ljubljana is one of the wettest cities in Europe, with showers throughout the year.

Comfortable shoes

Whether you’re wandering around Ljubljana Old Town or hiking through Slovenia’s scenic mountains, a comfortable pair of shoes or boots is essential.

From the emerald waters of Lake Bled to the enchanting forests of Triglav National Park, Slovenia will inspire your lens.

An adaptor plug

Voltage in Slovenia is 230V and the sockets are of Type C or F, with standard European 2-pin plugs.

Sunglasses are necessary in every season, whether you’re strolling through Tivoli Park in summer, or exploring the gleaming snowy alps in winter.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Netherlands

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy