Slovenia has become a very popular holiday destination in recent years and I totally understand why. I’ve been there several times myself and I’m still discovering new beautiful places. It is in any case one of the most varied destinations in Europe. I would love to show you the most beautiful places in Slovenia!
#1 Piran
This overview of the most beautiful places in Slovenia starts with Piran, a coastal town in the southwest of the country. In Piran you can see and feel that this part of Slovenia has a very rich history. The city has been under Venetian rule for a long time and you can see that everywhere. The city lends itself extremely well to long wanderings through narrow alleys: a beautiful spot awaits around every corner. Piran is completely car-free. If you have a few days to spend in this part of Slovenia, it is recommended to also visit the salt pans just outside the city.
#2 Lake Bohinj
The very first place I visited in Slovenia was Lake Bohinj and I was immediately sold. As far as I’m concerned, this is the best introduction to this country you could possibly have. Bohinj has it all: a large lake, high mountain peaks, many outdoor opportunities and pleasant accommodations. Bohinj is a very versatile destination where you can easily spend a week, especially if you like to be active. I went paragliding here and it was really beautiful. Highly recommended if you go to Lake Bohinj.
#3 The Soča valley
If you google Slovenia, chances are you will see pictures of the Soča river or valley. Logical too, because the intense blue water is absolutely beautiful. The river is 138 kilometers long and thanks to the strong current you can practice all kinds of water sports here. In the spring, the Soča is perfect for rafting, because the current is strongest then. There are several nice villages on the water. For example, Bovec and Kobarid are good places to stay during your holiday in the Soča valley.
#4 Ljubljana
Of course, the capital Ljubljana should not be missed in this overview of the most beautiful places in Slovenia. Ljubljana feels more like a big village than a city. There are few high-rise buildings and there are many small streets with original shops and cozy eateries. There are not many major sights, but that is not a problem at all: it is especially nice to just walk around here and take a seat on a terrace by the river in time.
#5 Rajhenav Rog virgin forest
Rajhenav Rog virgin forest is located in Kočevje, a region in the south of Slovenia. This is one of the last and the oldest primeval forests in Slovenia and about 250 bears still live in this area. In addition, wolves and even lynx also live here. You are not allowed to enter the heart of the primeval forest because you disturb nature and animals. You can walk through a piece of forest that forms a protective ring between the primeval forest and the inhabited world. I made a hike here with a guide and found it very interesting and very beautiful. Recommended!
#6 Nebesa
Do you want to get away from the ordinary world and be in the middle of nature? Then Nebesa is the place for you. Nebesa means ‘heaven’ and when you check in here you immediately understand why they chose this name. Not only is the accommodation top notch, the view is also heavenly. Nebesa is located in the mountains above the Soča valley. You stay in your own house, but you can use the communal living room and the terrace. In addition, you can take as much wine, cheese and cold cuts as you want. All locally sourced, of course. Do you really want to relax completely? Then you can also use the wellness. Nebesa is a unique place that you will not soon forget.
#7 Smartno in Brda
Brda is Slovenia’s wine region and in the heart of this area is Šmartno, a medieval fortress village. With about 200 inhabitants, Šmartno is very small, but it is also so beautiful and atmospheric. Because the village is built on a hill, you have a beautiful view of the vineyards from here. In addition, it is the perfect base to discover Brda. I would definitely recommend you to stay in this village if you also visit Brda during a holiday in Slovenia.
#8 Lake Bled
Whether Bled is worth the hype is debatable, but the fact remains that Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia. The lake is surrounded by mountains and in the middle is a small island with a church on it. In addition, there is also an impressive castle on the shore of the lake. The overall picture is really beautiful. You can rent a boat for a trip on the lake. In addition, the area is also ideal for a nice bike ride.
#9 Tolmin Gorge
The first time I visited the Tolmin gorge I was deeply impressed by its natural beauty. What a beautiful place this is. The emerald-colored water, the rocks, the shades of green: everything is equally beautiful in the Tolmin gorge. There is a walking path of about 2 kilometers through the gorge and it takes you right through this natural beauty. As far as I am concerned, the Tolmin gorge is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia.
#10 Vintgar Gorge
Another gorge in this list of the most beautiful places in Slovenia. The Vintgar Gorge is just a bit more popular than the Tolmin Gorge and that is because it is fairly close to Lake Bled. So, for many tourists, this gorge is easier to visit. If you stay in the area, I definitely recommend that you also admire the Vintgar Gorge. The total route through the gorge is about 1.6 kilometers and it runs on a boardwalk. The walk is not difficult or strenuous. In total you will be busy for about 2 hours if you also want to take pictures along the way or simply enjoy the beauty of nature at your leisure. Tip: go as early as possible in high season. It can get very busy here.
#11 Predjama Castle
The most beautiful and impressive castle in Slovenia is without a doubt Predjama Castle. This castle near the border with Croatia is built against a rock. Most of the rooms are located in a carved part of this rock and the inner walls are partly made of rock walls. It’s bizarre to think that people actually lived here and that during a siege they were trapped here for months at a time. In the summer it stayed nice and cool, but in the winter it was freezing cold. Very special to see and if you find the history interesting, it is recommended to do a tour with a guide.
#12 The Postojna Caves
Next to Predjama Castle are the Postojna Caves. This is the second largest cave system in the world and I can tell you: you can see it. You board an electric train at the entrance and travel about 3 kilometers through the caves in this way. Then you continue your way on foot through several cave chambers. Hugely impressive! If you plan to visit both Predjama Castle and the Postojna Caves, I recommend ordering a combination ticket. This is cheaper than two separate tickets.
#13 Skocjan Caves
About half an hour south of the Postojna Caves are the Škocjan Caves. These are also definitely worth a visit. These caves are the only natural phenomenon in Slovenia on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A special honor that shows how special the Škocjan Caves are. These caves have only been visited since the 1990s and they are not nearly as well known as the Postojna Caves. So if you are looking for a less crowded alternative, the Škocjan Caves are a good option!
#14 Maribor
Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia with 100,000 inhabitants. Due to its location in the middle of an important wine region, it is a real wine city. In addition, Maribor can also be called a student city thanks to its university. The city is located in the northeast, just an hour’s drive from Austrian Graz. Maribor has no huge sights, but is mainly a great destination to walk through at your leisure. Be sure to admire Glavni Square and the Old Vine House. Here you can admire the oldest vine in the world. This one is no less than 400 years old! Crazy about wine? Then do the Maribor Wine Route along the best wineries in town.
#15 Otocec castle
The last sight in this overview of the most beautiful places in Slovenia is Otočec castle, a fairytale castle in the east of the country. You can have lunch and dinner here as well as spend the night. I myself enjoyed a delicious lunch full of local products and ingredients. In 2020, the restaurant received a Michelin Plate. This is awarded to restaurants that serve high quality food, but do not have a Michelin star. For just over €30 you can enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner in a super atmospheric environment. Very cool to do if you are in the area.
There are so many beautiful places in Slovenia that are more than worth a visit. In addition to these ten destinations, there is much more to discover.
