Tuesday, October 6
LIVE
Travel and Tour World Spain Aligns with France and Other Destinations as Regional Tourism Puts Hotel Costs and Resort Access in FocusTravel and Tour World Slovenia Follows New Zealand and Others in Bold New Tourism Era as Climate Pressures Reshape Travel Seasons and Accelerate Sustainable Destination GrowthTravel Daily News Štajerska named Europe’s Best Wine Region for 2027Travel and Tour World Slovenia Changes Alpine Travel Access as Kluže Closure Diverts Traffic via Vršič for Autumn AdventureTravel and Tour World Croatia Aligns with Slovenia and More Welcomes Travellers to Historic Towns Ahead of Summer CrowdsEuronews Travel Ljubljana vs Zagreb: Which Central European capital should you visit next?Travel and Tour World Spain Aligns with France and Other Destinations as Regional Tourism Puts Hotel Costs and Resort Access in FocusTravel and Tour World Slovenia Follows New Zealand and Others in Bold New Tourism Era as Climate Pressures Reshape Travel Seasons and Accelerate Sustainable Destination GrowthTravel Daily News Štajerska named Europe’s Best Wine Region for 2027Travel and Tour World Slovenia Changes Alpine Travel Access as Kluže Closure Diverts Traffic via Vršič for Autumn AdventureTravel and Tour World Croatia Aligns with Slovenia and More Welcomes Travellers to Historic Towns Ahead of Summer CrowdsEuronews Travel Ljubljana vs Zagreb: Which Central European capital should you visit next?
Piran – SloveniaLjubljana – SloveniaLake Bled – SloveniaLake Bohinj – SloveniaPostojna Cave – SloveniaSoča Valley – Slovenia
📍 Piran📷 Etienne O. Dallaire · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
🌍 Europe🗓️ Best: May–Jun and Sep

Slovenia ✓

Emerald rivers, alpine lakes and a green little capital

🕒 –:– local time5 stories this week3 sources 6 top placesCapital Ljubljana

Advertise with usYour brand hereTop banner · 728 x 90Book this space →
Slovenia📸 Photo album · 8 photos · Ultra-HD
Slovenia📜 History of Slovenia

The story of Slovenia

Slovenia's story stretches back to the Stone Age: a cave bear bone flute from the Divje Babe cave, thought by some to have been made by Neanderthals, is one of the oldest possible musical instruments ever found, and the world's oldest known wooden wheel was discovered in the Ljubljana Marshes. Later, Celtic tribes settled the region, followed by the Romans, who founded Emona, the forerunner of Ljubljana, and built roads linking Italy to the Danube.

In the sixth century Slavic peoples, the ancestors of today's Slovenes, settled the Eastern Alps, forming the principality of Carantania. From the eighth century the region came under Frankish rule, and by the late Middle Ages most Slovene lands were part of the Habsburg domains, where they remained for centuries. The Protestant Reformation brought the first books printed in Slovene, by Primož Trubar in 1550, and the poet France Prešeren later became a symbol of Slovene identity.

Read the full history

After the First World War, Slovenia joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later Yugoslavia. It was occupied during the Second World War and became one of the republics of socialist Yugoslavia after 1945. In 1991 Slovenia declared independence and, after a brief ten-day war, became a sovereign state. It joined the European Union and NATO in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2007.

Today Slovenia is a green, prosperous country known for its Alpine scenery, caves, wine and charming towns. Visitors can explore the capital Ljubljana, the Julian Alps, Lake Bled, the Škocjan Caves and the Venetian-influenced coastal towns, enjoying a rich blend of Central European, Mediterranean and Balkan influences.

Timeline

  1. c. 3150 BCWorld's oldest known wooden wheel used in the Ljubljana Marshes
  2. 14 ADRoman settlement of Emona established
  3. 6th centurySlavic tribes settle the region
  4. 1550First book printed in Slovene
  5. 1918Slovenia joins the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes
  6. 1991Independence from Yugoslavia
  7. 2004Slovenia joins the EU and NATO
  8. 2007Euro adopted
Slovenia 🛂 Visa & entry

Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.

  • Schengen Area – Part of the Schengen Area – 29 European countries with no passport checks between them. Short visits are usually counted under the 90-days-in-any-180 rule across the whole area.
  • European Union – EU member – EU/EEA citizens can travel and stay freely.
  • Eurozone – Uses the euro.

Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:

The latest visa and entry news for Slovenia appears below as soon as publishers report it.

Slovenia✨ 10 best things to do in Slovenia

Things to do in Slovenia

  1. Row to Bled IslandTake a pletna boat to the island church in the middle of Lake Bled and ring the wishing bell.
  2. Explore Ljubljana's old townStroll along the river past cafés, bridges and baroque buildings, with the castle above.
  3. Descend into Škocjan CavesWalk through a huge underground canyon with a roaring river in this UNESCO-listed cave system.
  4. Hike in Triglav National ParkFollow trails past alpine lakes, waterfalls and peaks in the Julian Alps.
  5. Swim in Lake BohinjRelax at a quieter alpine lake surrounded by mountains.
  6. Raft the Soča RiverPaddle through emerald waters in one of Europe's most beautiful river valleys.
  7. Visit Postojna CaveRide a train into a vast cave system, then visit nearby Predjama Castle built into a cliff.
  8. Taste wine in Goriška BrdaSample local wines in vineyard-covered hills near the Italian border.
  9. Explore PiranWander the Venetian-style streets of a picturesque coastal town.
  10. Drive the Vršič PassTake a scenic mountain road with dozens of hairpin bends through the Julian Alps.
Slovenia🗺️ Where to visit in Slovenia

Where to go in Slovenia

  • LjubljanaCapital · culture & cafésA lively, green capital with a riverside old town and castle.
  • Lake BledJulian Alps · lake & castleA fairytale lake with an island church and a clifftop castle.
  • Lake BohinjJulian Alps · natureA larger, quieter lake surrounded by mountains and trails.
  • Soča ValleyWestern Slovenia · adventureEmerald rivers, waterfalls and outdoor sports like rafting and kayaking.
  • 📍
    Škocjan CavesKarst · UNESCO cavesA spectacular underground canyon and river.
  • PiranAdriatic coast · historic townA charming coastal town with Venetian architecture and seafood restaurants.
  • 📍
    Postojna Cave & Predjama CastleKarst · caves & castleFamous caves and a dramatic castle built into a cliff.
  • 📍
    MariborEastern Slovenia · wineSlovenia's second city, home to the world's oldest grapevine still bearing fruit.
Slovenia✨ Must-do experiences
  • Row a traditional pletna boat to the island on Lake Bled
  • Go rafting or kayaking on the Soča River
  • Ride the train deep into Postojna Cave
  • Hike in Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps
Advertise with usYour brand hereIn-feed (between news) · Native cardBook this space →
Slovenia🍽️ Taste of Slovenia
  • Kranjska klobasa – smoked Carniolan sausage, a national favourite
  • Kremšnita – Bled cream cake of vanilla custard and pastry
  • Potica – rolled cake filled with walnuts or poppy seeds
  • Idrijski žlikrofi – small dumplings filled with potato and herbs
Slovenia🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Slovenia

Best time to visit Slovenia

Slovenia has a varied climate: alpine in the mountains, continental in the east and Mediterranean on the coast. Summers are warm, while winters are cold in the mountains.

BestMay–September – warm weather ideal for hiking, lakes and the coast.
ShoulderApril and October – mild weather, fewer crowds and autumn colours.
AvoidNo bad time – but November and March can be grey and wet, while winter suits skiing.
3°💧Jan
6°💧Feb
11°💧Mar
16°💧💧Apr
21°💧💧May
25°💧💧Jun
27°💧💧Jul
27°💧💧Aug
21°💧💧Sep
15°💧💧Oct
8°💧💧Nov
3°💧Dec

Typical daytime highs and rain in Ljubljana (approximate averages).

Slovenia🎉 Festivals & events in Slovenia
  • February
    KurentovanjePtuj's carnival features shaggy, horned kurent costumes believed to chase away winter.
  • July–August
    Ljubljana FestivalA summer arts festival with concerts, opera and theatre.
  • June
    Festival of LentMaribor's riverside festival of music, theatre and dance.
  • September
    Cows' Ball (Kravji bal)Bohinj celebrates cows returning from alpine pastures with music and folk traditions.
  • November
    St Martin's DayWine regions celebrate the new wine with feasting and festivities.
Slovenia🧭 Slovenia itinerary ideas

How many days in Slovenia?

5 daysSlovenia highlights

Day 1-2: Ljubljana. Day 3: Lake Bled. Day 4: Lake Bohinj and hiking. Day 5: Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle.

10 daysAlps, caves & coast

Day 1-2: Ljubljana. Day 3-4: Bled and Bohinj. Day 5-6: Soča Valley via the Vršič Pass. Day 7: Škocjan Caves. Day 8-9: Piran and the coast. Day 10: back to Ljubljana.

Slovenia🎒 Backpacking Slovenia – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $50–75 a day

  • Buses are often more convenient than trains for reaching lakes and mountains.
  • Hostels are plentiful in Ljubljana and Bled.
  • Look for 'malica' or lunch menus for affordable meals.
  • Rent a bike to explore Ljubljana and the countryside.
  • Hike rather than pay for tours – trails are free and well marked.
Slovenia🛡️ Safety & money in Slovenia

Stay safe

  • Slovenia is very safe, with low crime rates.
  • Check weather conditions before mountain hikes and carry proper gear.
  • Be careful on mountain roads, especially in winter.
  • Respect nature rules in national parks.

Money

  • Slovenia uses the euro.
  • Cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to find.
  • Tipping around 10% is appreciated in restaurants.

Emergency: 112 fire & ambulance · 113 police

Slovenia🛬 Getting to Slovenia

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) is the main international airport, while many travellers also use airports in Venice, Trieste, Zagreb or Vienna. Trains and buses connect Slovenia with Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary.

✈️ Cheap flights to Slovenia: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Slovenia💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Slovenia
  • Slovenia is one of the most forested countries in Europe.
  • The world's oldest known wooden wheel was found near Ljubljana.
  • Slovenia's Postojna Cave is home to the olm, a blind cave salamander nicknamed the 'baby dragon'.
  • Maribor is home to what is recognised as the oldest grapevine in the world still producing grapes.
  • Slovenia has a coastline of less than 50 km.
Slovenia❓ Slovenia travel FAQ

Slovenia travel questions

Is Slovenia safe for tourists?

Slovenia is one of the safest countries in Europe. Normal travel precautions are sufficient.

When is the best time to visit Slovenia?

May to September is ideal for outdoor activities. Winter is great for skiing in the Alps.

How many days do you need in Slovenia?

Five days covers the main highlights. Ten days lets you explore the Alps, caves and coast.

Do I need a visa for Slovenia?

Slovenia is part of the Schengen Area, and entry requirements depend on your passport. Check the official government site or embassy before you travel.

Is Slovenia expensive?

Slovenia is moderately priced compared with Western Europe. Budget travellers can keep costs down with hostels, buses and local food.

Slovenia💰 What a trip costs
$$price level
$50–75backpacker / day
$110–180mid-range / day

Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).

Slovenia🚌 Getting around

Buses and trains connect most towns, and distances are short. A rental car makes it easy to reach the Alps and the Soča Valley.

Slovenia🛕 Sacred & spiritual places
  • Church of the Assumption, Bled Island – Island church where visitors ring the 'wishing bell'
  • Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, Brezje – Slovenia's national Marian shrine and main pilgrimage site
Slovenia🤝 Local etiquette
  • Shake hands and make eye contact when meeting people
  • Take off your shoes when entering a home
  • Stay on marked trails and take your rubbish with you in the mountains

📰 Older Slovenia stories Everything our agents ever found – keeps loading as you scroll

🧭 Nearby countries

Croatia
CroatiaIsland-hopping, walled cities and crystal-clear sea
Austria
AustriaAlpine peaks, imperial palaces and classical music
San Marino
San MarinoTiny hilltop republic with medieval towers and big views
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and HerzegovinaOttoman bridges, emerald rivers and coffee culture
Hungary
HungaryThermal baths, Danube views and paprika-rich food
Czechia
CzechiaFairy-tale castles, Gothic spires and world-famous beer
Liechtenstein
LiechtensteinA tiny Alpine principality of castles, vineyards and trails
Slovakia
SlovakiaCastle ruins, alpine peaks and a compact Danube capital
Advertise with usYour brand hereBottom banner · 970 x 90Book this space →