Welcome to Slovenia

Slovenia is Europe's best-kept secret — a country the size of Hesse that offers a diversity in a small space that makes larger countries envious. Within two hours by car, you can switch from the snow-covered Julian Alps to emerald-green river valleys to Mediterranean coastal towns on the Adriatic. A country where the superlative does not mean size, but density.

• Greenest country in Europe — Over 60% of the land area is forested, Ljubljana was the "Green Capital of Europe" in 2016, and the entire state is certified as a sustainable travel destination (Slovenia Green). Sustainability here is not a marketing buzzword but a lived philosophy.
• Lake Bled — The small island with the pilgrimage church in the middle of the turquoise lake, overlooked by a medieval castle on the rock — one of the most iconic postcard motifs in Europe. And the best part: Reality surpasses any photo.
• Triglav National Park — Slovenia's only national park protects the heart of the Julian Alps: rugged peaks up to 2,864 m, the legendary Soča Valley with its unreal turquoise water, and a wilderness that attracts hikers and climbers from all over Europe.
• Postojna & Škocjan — Two of the world's most spectacular cave systems. The Postojna Caves with their underground train and the UNESCO-protected Škocjan Caves with their 146 m deep canyon are breathtaking.
• Ljubljana — One of Europe's most charming capitals: car-free old town on the Ljubljanica River, a castle on the hill, fantastic café culture, and the legacy of architect Jože Plečnik, who shaped the city into a total work of art.
• Mediterranean Coast — Slovenia's Adriatic coast is only 46 km long, but all the finer: The Venetian Piran with its narrow alleys, the main square by the sea, and the salt pans of Sečovlje are pure Mediterranean feeling.
• Cuisine — 24 gastronomic regions on an area smaller than Saxony: from alpine Carinthian noodles to Istrian truffles to the best white wine in the world from Goriška Brda. Slovenia has more Michelin stars per capita than most European countries.
• Thermal Springs — Over 80 natural thermal springs are spread across the country. The tradition of thermal bathing dates back to Roman times. Today, Terme Čatež, Olimia, and Rogaška Slatina are modern wellness oases.

Slovenia is the opposite of mass tourism: compact instead of sprawling, sustainable instead of overcrowded, authentic instead of staged. A country that can be overviewed in a week but not exhausted in a month.

Slovenia can be divided into four major travel regions — each with a completely unique character, and all reachable within two hours:

Ljubljana & Surroundings

For whom: City explorers, culture fans, gourmets
The compact capital on the Ljubljanica River combines Habsburg heritage, Art Nouveau, and the total work of art by architect Jože Plečnik. Car-free old town, a castle on the hill, open-air dining on the riverbank, and the best food scene in the country. Additionally: the Ljubljansko barje moorland (UNESCO) and Predjama Castle at the city's gates.

Julian Alps & Triglav

For whom: Hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers
The heart of the Slovenian Alps: the Triglav National Park with its namesake (2,864 m), the fairy-tale Lake Bled, the quiet Lake Bohinj, the incredibly turquoise Soča, and the Alpine town of Kranjska Gora. Hiking, climbing, canyoning, rafting, and skiing — the full program.

Karst & Coast

For whom: Cave explorers, Mediterranean lovers, wine connoisseurs
The karst landscape with the world-famous caves of Postojna and Škocjan (UNESCO), the Lipica Stud Farm (birthplace of the Lipizzaners), and the short but fine Adriatic coast with the Venetian Piran, the port city of Koper, and the salt pans of Sečovlje. Additionally, the wine region Goriška Brda — Slovenia's "little Tuscany".

Eastern Slovenia

For whom: Wine drinkers, wellness fans, history enthusiasts
Slovenia's second city Maribor at the foot of the Pohorje Mountains, the world's oldest vine, the thermal springs of Olimia and Čatež, the medieval town of Ptuj (Slovenia's oldest city), and the gentle hilly landscape of the Štajerska and Prekmurje wine regions.

1. Visit the island on Lake Bled — Let yourself be rowed to the island of Mary by the traditional Pletna boat, climb the 99 steps to the pilgrimage church, and ring the wishing bell. The view from the castle over the lake and island is unforgettable. → Chap. Julian Alps
2. Marvel at the Soča Valley — The unreal emerald-green water of the Soča winds through narrow gorges and wide gravel beds. Rafting, kayaking, or simply sitting on the shore and not believing the color of this river. → Chap. Julian Alps
3. Explore the Škocjan Caves — The 146 m deep underground canyon with the roaring Reka is one of Europe's most magnificent natural spectacles. Rightly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. → Chap. Karst & Coast
4. Experience Ljubljana from the river — A boat trip on the Ljubljanica through the car-free old town, past Plečnik's colonnade and the lively riverside terraces — the most charming way to discover the capital. → Chap. Ljubljana
5. Cross the Vršič Pass — 50 hairpin bends lead over Slovenia's highest Alpine pass (1,611 m) — with panoramic views that take your breath away. → Chap. Julian Alps
6. Enjoy the sunset in Piran — From the city wall walkway, view the Venetian old town labyrinth and the Adriatic in golden light. Piran's Tartini Square by the sea is one of the most beautiful squares in the Mediterranean. → Chap. Karst & Coast
7. Gaze at Mount Triglav — Climbing Slovenia's national symbol (2,864 m) is an initiation ritual. Those who don't make it to the summit enjoy the view from Lake Bohinj or the Pokljuka Plateau. → Chap. Julian Alps
8. Eat cream cake at Lake Bled — The legendary Kremšnita (cream cake) at Hotel Park on Lake Bled is a cult. Puff pastry, vanilla cream, whipped cream — simple and perfect. → Chap. Julian Alps
9. Ride the train through Postojna Cave — An underground train takes you 3.7 km deep into Europe's largest stalactite cave system. The brilliant stalagmites in the concert hall are 500,000 years old. → Chap. Karst & Coast
10. Hike through the Vintgar Gorge — 1.6 km on wooden walkways above the emerald-green water of the Radovna, past waterfalls and rock overhangs — one of Europe's most beautiful short hiking trails. → Chap. Julian Alps
11. Relax in the thermal springs of Olimia — After a day of hiking or sightseeing, immerse yourself in the warm natural pools and let your gaze wander over the green hills. → Chap. Eastern Slovenia
12. Taste wine in Goriška Brda — Slovenia's "little Tuscany" with gentle hills, wineries, and the legendary orange wine (Rebula) — Europe's most exciting wine region that hardly anyone knows. → Chap. Karst & Coast
13. Admire Predjama Castle — A knight's castle built directly into a 123 m high rock face. There is no other building like it in the world. → Chap. Karst & Coast
14. Have breakfast at the market in Ljubljana — Plečnik's market halls on the Ljubljanica: fresh fruit, cheese, cured meats, and the best coffee in town under the open sky. Fridays: Open Kitchen street food festival. → Chap. Ljubljana
15. Visit the world's oldest vine in Maribor — The Žametovka vine has been growing at the Stara trta house in Maribor for over 450 years. It still bears grapes — the wine from it is given as a state gift in miniature bottles. → Chap. Eastern Slovenia