Excursions around Ljubljana

Ljubljana's location in the center of the country makes it the ideal base camp for day trips in all directions.

Škofja Loka — The Most Beautiful Small Town

Only 25 km northwest lies Škofja Loka, one of Slovenia's best-preserved medieval towns. Narrow alleys, a hilltop castle (museum, entry 6€), Gothic houses, and the oldest preserved Passion in Europe (Škofjeloški pasijon, since 1721, performed every 6 years). Perfect half-day trip—reachable in 30 minutes by bus (3€). Few tourists, lots of charm.

Ljubljansko barje — The Moor

South of Ljubljana stretches the Ljubljansko barje moorland, a vast plain of wet meadows and peat bogs. In 2002, the oldest pile dwellings in the world (5,600 years old) were discovered here—UNESCO World Heritage. Today, the moor is a nature reserve with rare birds, butterflies, and orchids. Best explored by bike (rental bike in Ljubljana: from 2€/hour with BicikeLJ).

Predjama Castle (Predjamski grad)

About 60 km southwest of Ljubljana, often visited in combination with the Postojna Cave: The Predjama Castle is built directly into a 123 m high cliff—a unique structure that has defiantly hung in the cliff since the 13th century. Inside: a museum with the history of the robber knight Erasmus of Lueg, who held out here for months against a siege because a secret passage supplied him with provisions. Entry: 16.90€. Combo ticket with Postojna: 40.90€.

Kamnik & Velika Planina

North of Ljubljana lies Kamnik with its pretty old town and the gateway to Velika Planina—one of the most beautiful alpine pastures in Europe at 1,666 m altitude. In summer, cows graze here between small wooden shepherd huts. Cable car + chairlift: 22€ return. In winter: cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The alpine hut settlement is unique in the Alps.