top of page
Image de Arnaud STECKLE

SLOVENIE

Badge miamm
Badge waouuuh
SOMMAIRE

Slovenia remains to this day one of my most beautiful discoveries.

This country is full of an incredible variety of landscapes and atmospheres.

 

It dazzles with its Adriatic coastline and Italian-style villages, its mountains and lakes with a thousand shades of blue, and its pastel colored capital city.

This small piece of land, wedged between Italy and Croatia, struggles to find its way to the sea and is home to two million lucky people. Its lush nature invites you to take a deep breath of fresh air, a breath you’ll hold on to until you return to the grayness. The little gems of this land have often made me widen my eyes in wonder.

Before you go ...​

​​​

Language : Slovenian

Currency : Euros

Flight Time (from Paris) : approx. 2h

Time Difference (from Paris) : none

Documents (from France) : Within Europe, an ID card is sufficient / outside the EU, a valid passport is required.

Basic Vocabulary : 

  • Hello ...................... Dobro jutro

  • Thank you .............. Hvala

  • Yes .......................... Ja

  • No .......................... Ne

  • Good bye .............. Adijo

SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE


THE CAPITAL - LJUBLJANA

 

Although modest in size, Ljubljana is worth seeing. The capital stretches along both banks of the Ljubljanica River. Along this river that naturally guides the promenade, you discover cobbled streets, abundant vegetation, and pastel-colored buildings typical of Eastern European capitals. The heart of the city is mainly on the left bank, where elegant squares such as Prešeren Square or Park Zvezda are lined up.

  • The city center

 

On the right bank, you’ll find the castle, the St. Nicholas Cathedral, and the former historic center of the city. The promenade runs along the main street Stari trg. This historic street is home to the Town Hall Square and its beautiful Three Rivers Fountain of Carniola. The small 20th-century wooden houses now house charming boutiques and trendy cafes.

La capitale
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
  • Boat Tour on the Ljubljanica River

 

To enjoy the river's panoramas, a small boat departs from the Mezarski Most bridge for a scenic ride (ticket 10€). The peaceful walk, half city and half countryside, gently drifts along the river. The lucky ones can enjoy the few lounge chairs installed at the front of the boat.

SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
  • Vodnik Market

 

This market, located on Vodnik Square, is closed on Sundays. On the other days, it hosts a charming array of food stalls. You can shop for groceries and have lunch at large communal tables. The street food stands offer various local specialties, including burek, a delicious cheese pastry.

  • Castle

 

At the foot of the castle walls and its park is the funicular station. A small glass cabin takes you effortlessly to the top (one-way 3€). The ascent leads to the most visited part of Grajski grič Park. Here stands the Ljubljana Castle, a perfectly restored 12th century medieval fortress. Several areas are accessible to the public for free, but access to the castle and walls costs 12€.

SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
Les grottes

 

THE POSTOJNA CAVES

 

The Postojna Caves extend over 24 km of chambers and offer a 200-year history. These caves, the largest and oldest in Europe, are also the most visited—and the most expensive (28€, with an online reservation recommended to avoid the wait). The spectacle is sublime and striking: cold walls drip and form ice organ pipes that rise to the full height of the caves. The tour, which takes place at 10°C in the earth’s depths, is divided into two parts: 1.5 km on foot, then 3.5 km by small train. The entire visit lasts 90 minutes.

SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE

 

THE COAST - Izola, Koper, Piran

  • Izola

 

This coastal town, less known than its neighbors, has an authentic charm. The old town of Izola, more modest, remains free from mass tourism. With its small picturesque harbor, pebble beach, and typical restaurants, this charming village offers an ideal base to explore the coast. In the historic center, a maze of alleys winds between buildings with colorful facades. A long pebble beach lines Izola, offering various swimming facilities and even sea-side pools.

La côte
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
  • Piran

 

Piran is the most beautiful town on the coast but also the busiest in summer. This Slovenian village with an Italian flair is famous for its beauty, salt pans, and rich historical heritage.

The majestic Zvonik bell tower (ticket 3€), a true emblem of the village, dominates both land and sea. In the lower town, the picturesque streets of the historic center converge towards Tartini Square, lined with charming pastel-colored houses. Climbing to the famous bell tower and St. George's Parish Church, a superb viewpoint reveals a breathtaking view of the marine horizon, with the Piranski Svetilnik lighthouse below.

Log

Piran is very beautiful and therefore very visited, so it is not recommended to stay there. Parking is a real battle, and it’s expensive… You must try to arrive early to find a spot at the Arze parking, a bit further, or, if unlucky, at Formače (8€ for 2 hours).

Logo

Nearby, the Portorož resort offers little besides its large hotels and beaches equipped with sunbeds. There’s nothing exceptional, except perhaps for a stop at the Grand Hotel Kempinski for a drink or a visit.

SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
  • Koper

 

Once the administrative capital of the Iberian Peninsula, this medieval town expanded with industrialization and port activity on the outskirts. Thus, the container terminal and its imposing mechanical arms are omnipresent in the backdrop.

While most visitors focus on the waterfront, the historic center is also worth a visit. Koper is one of those cities whose charm lies in its streets, where it’s pleasant to get lost, stroll, and explore hidden alleyways. Pretorska Square hosts the majestic Campanile, which rises 54 meters high. Climbing the 250 steps offers a panoramic view of the city (ticket 5€).

SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE


DIVING IN FIESA​​

 

The Nemo Divers PADDI diving club, located in Fiesa (20 minutes from Izola), offers excellent dives along the Slovenian coast. Prices are €60 for a diving baptism and €40 for Open Water Divers. The instructors stand out for their professionalism, kindness, and exemplary patience—qualities essential to guide beginners in this discipline.

Plongée
Logo

I warmly recommend Boranj, who, beneath his Viking-like appearance, straight out of a drakkar, is a truly wonderful person, very reassuring.


THE LAKES - Bled, Bohinj

  • The lake of Bled

 

After a 45-minute drive, the landscape changes dramatically, evoking Switzerland, Lake Como, or Annecy. You go from the warmth of the bright sun to the coolness of the mountains, from dry bricks to floating water lilies, with a fresh air that reveals another side of the country.

The town itself is not particularly interesting, but it is inseparable from the lake that overlooks it, with its small green island and church. This image embodies Slovenia, the country's true gem. There is no doubt that the reputation of this place matches its beauty. Around the lake, every opening in the vegetation reveals a new perspective, each one different, allowing you to appreciate the diversity of landscapes. You’re captivated by the changing atmospheres. Heading left, you discover a series of wild swimming spots along the rocks, grassy areas, wooden walkways over the water, and eventually the hotel and shopping area.

The St. Mary's Assumption Church, located on the island, is prettier to contemplate from the shore. Around the lake and higher up, the St. Martina Parish Church, away from the beaten path, is a pleasant surprise. It is located near a more authentic souvenir shop than those in the city center.

Logo

Around the lake, several activities are available: renting a boat or paddle (respectively €20 for half an hour and €10), hiking trails to the Mala Osojnica or Ostrijca viewpoints, and many more.

Les lacs
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
  • Hotel Triglav and Vila Bled

Dining in a restaurant suspended in time and space...

Hotel Triglav, an institution dating back to 1906, retains its authenticity and offers a glimpse into its past history. Inside, a charming wooden terrace suspended from the facade allows you to enjoy an unobstructed view of Lake Bled, particularly beautiful at sunset. The setting is exceptionally tranquil, and the dishes come one after another with great finesse, both in service and on the plate. Each dish is explained, shedding light on the philosophy of the local, traditional, seasonal cuisine of this century-old hotel (€45 for a three-course menu, with an appetizer, excluding wine).

Savoring a local pastry in a romantic setting...

Vila Bled is a magnificent hotel nestled in the trees on a hillside, offering easy access from the shore and an unbeatable view of the lake. The atmosphere is serene and relaxing, perfect for savoring a Kremsnita, a typical regional pastry that combines the textures of a flan, millefeuille, and cheesecake.

SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
  • The lake of Bohinj

 

Lake Bohinj is much larger than Lake Bled. To circle it or reach the other side, you must take small boat shuttles. The shores of the lake offer peaceful picnic spots, ideal for a relaxing afternoon, swimming in the cool water and sunbathing on a towel.

The panorama around the lake is impressive, denser and wilder than Bled's. In the summer, the lake attracts both swimmers and hikers, while in winter, it appeals to skiers thanks to the Vogel ski resort.

Overlooking this vast expanse of water, the small Cerkev Sv. Janeza Krstnika church, perched high, offers a nice view of the lake.

SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE


PARAGLIDING ABOVE THE LAKES

 

Around the lakes of Bled and Bohinj, a wide range of activities is available to visitors, such as paragliding, canyoning, rafting, canoeing, diving, and cycling. Just wander around the town and pick up brochures to compare the various offers available.

The Fun Tourist club offers a paragliding flight above Lake Bled for €130.

The departure is by van from their office. After 20 minutes of driving through the forest, the vehicle reaches a small plateau, ideal for take-off. The butterflies in your stomach start fluttering as the void approaches, preparing to jump, harnessed and slightly skeptical, before the wing finally lifts off.

The flight lasts 20 minutes, offering plenty of time to enjoy the wind, the view of the lake, and the sensation of height at 2,000 meters. You feel a little like a bird, but mostly tiny in front of the vastness of the landscape, the sound of the wind in your ears amplifying this feeling.

Parapente
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE


HIKING IN VISEVNIK (4h round trip)

According to the divers of Fiesa, the hike "well-known by the locals and not too difficult" is the one to Visevnik. It is the ascent of a mountain in the Julian Alps, located 30 minutes by car from Bled.

The road begins at 1,400 meters above sea level, at the Pokljuka-Rudno Polje parking lot, just after the "Triglavski Narodni Park" sign. Then, simply follow the "Visevnik" sign to the summit, which stands at 2,050 meters.

The landscapes vary from small, steep woods, grassy slopes under old ski lifts, flowery meadows, and trails lined with small pines, offering a beautiful variety of scenery to accompany the effort of the long climb.

A first panoramic pass allows you to stop and admire the clear view of the mountains and Lake Bohinj, which appears as a small blue dot in the distance.

The rest of the climb becomes more rocky, but just as spectacular, to reach a majestic summit, matching the efforts made. Up there, black ravens soar from the clouds, and a sudden temperature change is felt. This is not a loop; the descent is via the same path.

La randonnée
Logo

Do not forget to bring good shoes, water, snacks, poles if needed, and warm clothing for the top (it was around 10°C in mid-August).

SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE


KAMNISKA BISTRICA SPRING

 

This small crystal-clear water spot, with shades of blue and green, is surrounded by an easily accessible rocky path. It’s a perfect place for a picnic and to observe brave swimmers daring to plunge into particularly cold water.

Nearby is the International Picnic Center Pri Jurju tavern. A charmingly rustic and authentically pleasant place that serves Turkish coffee in large mugs featuring SpongeBob SquarePants, giving it a grandparent-style atmosphere (€2 for coffee). The owner of the tavern is an unwavering fan of General Tito, whose memorabilia fills the interior in every imaginable form. Directly near the inn, you can spot the former hunting lodge of Tito at the edge of the small forest.

La source
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE


VELKA PLANINA

 

At the top of the chairlift, about a hundred small dark gray chalets are scattered across a vast plateau, forming a striking contrast with the green valley below.

This flat piece of land, nestled at 1,700 meters above sea level in the heart of the mountains, seems to float among the clouds, offering breathtaking panoramas. To top it off, the gentle ringing of the bells of free-roaming cows evokes a scene straight out of a Milka commercial, adding a calming touch to this enchanting place.

Numerous hiking routes are available, as the entire plateau is accessible. The large 2-hour loop leads to the village of Mala Planina, with a detour to a charming wooden church.

Velka planina
Logo

The journey is in two parts : a lift ride followed by a chairlift. The ticket is valid for both ways, round trip. Be careful with the chairlift hours : the last lift departs at 6 pm, otherwise you’ll have to walk down or spend the night at the mountain's summit. Ask about the hours when you arrive.

SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE


LES GORGES DE VINTGAR

 

The Vintgar Gorge is a must-see in the region (€10 entrance + €5 for parking), and it’s recommended to go early to avoid the crowds. The walk, very popular, reveals waters in a thousand and one shades of blue and green, offering almost fairy-tale landscapes, with rays of sunlight filtering through the emerald water.

Les gorges
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
Logo

After 1.6 km and 30 minutes in the gorge, you arrive at an intersection of three paths: to the left, a short and steep trail; to the right, a longer and flatter one; and straight ahead, a path leading to the waterfall. A small café at the intersection allows for a break before heading back, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE
SLOVENIE


To go further ...

​​

  • Predjama Castle : for a taste of castle life on the cliffside

  • Pericnik Waterfalls : to venture into the Triglav Natural Park

  • Smartno Village : to discover Slovenia’s wine-growing lands

​​​​

Logo
Badge miamm

1. Dvor, Dvorni trg 1, 1000 Ljubljana,

 

Established since 1986, this authentic restaurant by the Ljubljanica River, adorned with various gastronomic awards, is never empty. It’s best to arrive a little early (or late) to avoid the queue. The pizzas are delicious and generously portioned.

SLOVENIE
Badge happy hour

2. Nebotičnik, Štefanova ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana

 

This rooftop offers a panoramic view of the city. It may not be the cheapest place to have a drink, but the view, especially at sunset, is definitely worth it.

Logo
Badge miamm

3. Fritolin Pri Cantini, Pvomajski trg 10, 6330 Piran 

 

Hidden away from the crowds in the main square, this small restaurant serves local dishes to nibble on and share on large plates.

SLOVENIE
Badge happy hour

4. Na Studentu, Jadranska cesta 51g, 6280 Ankaran

 

This small beach bar, a “reggae tavern” style, is located by the water. It offers a very laid-back atmosphere with music, sunsets, children, teens, adults, foosball, cold beer, and a little ladder for direct access to the sea.

SLOVENIE
Badge miamm

5. Hôtel Triglav, Kolodvorska cesta 33, 4260 Bled

 

This restaurant feels like it's suspended outside of time, offering refined local cuisine, a panoramic view, and excellent multi-course service.

SLOVENIE
Badge happy hour

6. Vila Bled, Cesta svobode 18, 4260 Bled

 

This hotel is beautiful and intimate, with a great view of the lake. It’s perfect for a chic afternoon tea with a view.


TO EAT & DRINK
​​​

Badge douce nuit


TO SLEEP
​​​

Logo

1. Airbnb, Ribenska cesta 1, 4260 Bled, Slovénie (125€/night)

 

The apartment is well-located near the lake. The accommodation is well-decorated, clean, spacious, and has everything you need for a good stay.

Logo officiel Seashell and Croissant
bottom of page