2 Weeks in Slovenia

What You Should Know Before Going On A Slovenia Tour

Where is Slovenia?

Slovenia is a country located in Central Europe well known for its robust nature and landscapes. Bordered by four European countries, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Italy, and the Adriatic Sea. Slovenia was a part of Yugoslavia from 1918 until it became an independent nation in June 1991.

Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia, located in the center of the country. Slovenia has a population of 2.1 million people, and its national language is Slovenian, with many residesidents also speaking Hungarian and Italian.

Is Slovenia safe?

Slovenia is a very safe country to visit. The U.S Department of State travel advisory rates Slovenia as a “1” on a scale of 1-4 in safety. With one of the lowest crime rates in the world, travelers of all types will feel safe touring Slovenia, including female solo travelers.

While violent crime is extremely low, there is the potential for petty theft and pickpocketing, so travelers are urged to keep a close hold on their belongings. Travel to Slovenia is uncomplicated (especially by booking a tour through Stride!). Slovenia is part of the EU, which allows for U.S. residents to visit for up to 90 days without a Visa.

When is the best time to visit Slovenia?

Slovenia’s travel season stretches year round with attractions and activities ranging from season to season. Slovenia has a continental climate, with cold, snowy winters, and warm summers, averaging temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius (87 degrees Fahrenheit).

If you are interested in taking advantage of Slovenia’s vast nature and outdoor related activities, the spring and summer months would be the best for your Slovenia trip.

Slovenia is known for exciting and scenic mountain climbing, hiking, cycling and adventure sports, such as white water rafting down the beautiful Soca River. During the winter season, take in the gorgeous snow capped mountain views as you hit the famous ski slopes.

Who will enjoy traveling in Slovenia?

Slovenia is a perfect destination for travelers who enjoy the outdoors and scenic nature adventures. Year round, Slovenia offers an abundance of opportunities to visit and explore top landmarks such as Triglav National Park and the majestic Škocjan Caves.

If high intensity activity is not what you’re looking for during your Slovenia travels, not to fear!

Stride offers many tours that take in all the natural wonders of Slovenia in a more relaxed fashion. Have a picnic on fairytale Lake Bled and soak up some Slovenian culture while you tour the picturesque capital city of Ljubljana. Make sure to pack your camera! Slovenia has once in a lifetime views you won’t want to forget.

Is Slovenia in the EU?

Yes, Slovenia is a part of the European Union. Slovenia joined the EU in May 2004 and uses the Euro as its currency. As a part of the EU, U.S. citizens can travel in Slovenia (and other EU countries) for up to 90 days Visa free. Check with your country’s Slovenian embassy for the most current Visa information.

Do most Slovenia tours also visit other countries?

There are 155 tours on Stride that visit Slovenia. A good portion of them primarily explore Slovenia and all that it has to offer travelers, but there are also a bulk of tours that stop in Slovenia as well as other surrounding European countries.

Common destinations paired with Slovenia are Hungary, Italy, Croatia, the Julian Alps, The Adriatic Coast, and a vast majority of the Balkan region. Longer trips, anywhere from an average of 2-4 weeks, often explore multiple European countries by means of boat, train, plane, or bus, and focus on active travel, cultural immersion, famous sightseeing, and authentic touring.

10 Top Things to Do in Lake Bled

Lake Bled is Slovenia’s iconic town -- a picturesque cluster of white buildings with bright red roofs, nestled between green hills and surrounding a peaceful lake, it’s no wonder its the most photographed spot in Slovenia.

Here is a list of the top things you must do your on your next visit to Lake Bled:

1. Visit the Lake Bled Castle

Perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, a short hike to the castle will afford you with the best view for miles around. For history buffs, there is also a museum walking through the history of the area and the castle itself.

2. Take a Ride at Straza Bled

Take a “roller coaster” ride in the semi-automatic sled run down Lake Bled’s own ski resort, it’s sure to get your blood pumping!

3. Take a Ferry to Bled Island

This is the tiny, tear-drop shaped island in the center of the lake. At its center, there is the ornate and magical Church of Assumption, which is definitely worth a look around. Afterwards, take a rest and enjoy a drink from the island’s cafe.

4. Vintgar Gorge

A two hour walk from the lake, this is hidden treasure features a dramatic ravine, crystal-clear water, and a gorgeous waterfall. It’s definitely the perfect day time activity!

5. Take a Hike

Even without a specific location in mind, the trails around Lake Bled are fantastic. Try exploring Triglav National Park. Lake Bled is the origin for several longer, multi-day hikes.

6. Try Lake Bled's Version of a Millefeuille

After a day of exercise, treat yourself to the divine Kremšnita cake -- a kind of cream cake, and a Slovenian specialty.

7. Paddleboat on Lake Bled

If it’s summertime, there is no better way to drink in your surroundings than on your own little paddleboat. There are various vendors that rent the boats around the lake, and if you find yourself getting hot on the water -- jump in!

8. Take a Ride on a Pletna

This is the alternative to rowing your own boat. This traditional Slovenian flat-bottomed boat is made by locals and hand paddled by two oarsmen.  

9. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Soca River

If you’re looking for adventure, look no further. Whitewater rafting combines fun and beauty as you go down the Soca River, which is a stunning, impossibly cerulean color. There are multiple whitewater rafting tours that start in Lake Bled.

10. See Lake Bled on a Hot Air Balloon

This bucket-list item could be made no better than doing it over Lake Bled, one of the most picturesque locations in the world.

Top Slovenia Tours

Slovenia has so much to offer and each tour operator’s goal is to create a well-rounded trip. They also know what type of tour is best for the country. Slovenia is known for its beautiful natural scenery. Many tours offer unique excursions that highlight the country’s flora and fauna.

Slovenia Bike Tours

Many tour operators offer bike tours through Slovenia and other nearby countries. Most itineraries include Slovenia’s top attractions like Triglav National Park, Lake Bled, Soča River, and Piran. Some tours even stop by Slovenia’s wine country which is known for its historical and pristine wines.

Because of the alpine terrain, another thrilling option to explore the peaks of Slovenia is mountain biking. If mountain biking isn’t your passion, but you still want to experience the mountains in a different way than the traditional form of cycling, you can also go on a motorcycle tour of the country.

Hiking in Slovenia

Slovenia’s hiking tours are mainly concentrated in Triglav National Park. And a large portion of the Julian Alps is a part of Triglav National Park making some of the best hiking trails in the world. Most tours also spend time in Slovenia’s charming towns like Ljubljana and Piran. While these trips are all very active, each hiking tour varies on the level of difficulty. Some can be more relaxed while others can be quite extraneous. When looking at each tour, make sure to note the suggested mileage of each hike to get a better idea of how challenging it is.

Wildlife of Slovenia

On your hiking tour, keep your eyes open for wildlife and some of the natural features of Slovenia. You may see a chamois, a distinct kind of mountain goat, a brown bear, mountain ibex, or a herd of roe deer.

If you’re in Postojna cave, maybe you’ll see the infamous “Human Fish”, or the proteus. This animal is one of the symbols of Slovenia as it can only be found in a single cave, and one of the most incredible on earth. It can live for over 100 years, go without eating for 14, and although it is an amphibian, it lives entirely underwater.

Slovenia and Croatia Travel

Slovenia is a relatively small country, and if you are staying here for an extended amount of time, it is suggested that you visit some of its neighbors. Croatia shares Slovenia’s southern borders and is often included when taking a tour of Slovenia. Most tours that include both countries focus on each location’s unique culture, history and terrain. You will visit towns that date back to medieval times and hike through beautiful landscapes. While exploring both countries, you will see how Slovenia and Croatia are a great compliment to one another.

Luxury and Culture in Slovenia

Although it is renowned for its pristine natural sights and the various opportunities to explore the outdoors, there are other ways to experience Slovenia. Luxury tours will also focus on culinary and historical aspects of Slovenia, from its involvement in World War II, to its fascinating and complex cultural identity. On these tours, you will be staying elegant hotels, rather than hostels, where you can take a warm bubble bath after a long day outdoors.

Slovenia is also typically a stop along the way of many luxury Danube river tours.

Climate and weather in Slovenia

Slovenia’s climate is a combination of Alpine and Mediterranean European. The coast benefits from mild winters and warm summers, while Ljubljana can be quite rainy during early spring and late autumn each year. Slovenia is also a winter destination for those that enjoy winter sports and the white stuff, with some areas in the Julian Alps offering skiing in winter months.

Every May, Bohinj hosts the Meadow Flower Festival on the slopes next to Lake Bohinj---by all accounts quite a beautiful sight. Spring and Autumn draw in far fewer crowds in popular areas such as Bled and Ljubljana than in the summer. As with much of Europe, weather is (increasingly) subject to sudden change, so a waterproof or umbrella may come in handy even in summer.