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Travelling through Slovenia, which is tucked away between Austria, Italy, and Croatia and has a tiny stretch of immaculate coastline, is a visual feast of breathtaking scenery. 

Its terrain can include underground caverns, lakes, and rivers that are unbelievably blue, as well as carpets of lush forest covering craggy slopes. There are also rolling expanses of vines that resemble Tuscany. The primary distinction? There is rarely nobody else to share it with. 

To give you a greater understanding of Slovenia’s status as a “hidden gem,” consider that in 2024, over 62 million tourists visited Italy, over 21 million visited Croatia, and over 46 million travelled to Austria. In contrast, Slovenia received slightly more than 6 million tourists. There will be more space on the beaches, hiking paths, museums, cafes, and dining establishments. 

Which Regions Are Worth Visiting?

From coast to mountain, Slovenia is a tiny country packed with things that you must not miss. Whether you visit the western or eastern side, you will not be bored. The Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park offer countless trails and via ferrata routes for those seeking adventure. 

On the other hand, if you wish to visit the cities and take a look at the many castles and amazing architecture of Slovenia, you can either start in the capital, Ljubljana or with one of the smaller gems of the country, such as Maribor.

Slovenia’s Capital City, Ljubljana

Slovenia’s capital, which was named the European Commission’s Green Capital of Europe in 2016, is the epitome of a walkable city. Although it’s rather simple to walk the full length of Ljubljana in a single day, car traffic is prohibited in the centre, so you’ll find enthusiastic bikers navigating the city. 

If you do, be sure to visit its lively eateries, cafes, and other popular places like KingSpin Casino or Crownplay, which extend onto the banks of the Ljubljanica River and provide terrace seating throughout the summer.  

From the charming 12th-century Ljubljana Castle to Prešernov Trg, the main square of the Old Town, Ljubljana offers a visual feast. Every plaza in the city has breathtaking architecture that uses eye-catching decoration and stone to tell the tale of the city.

Fans of early-modern architecture will be thrilled to see the creations of renowned Slovenian architect Joň Plečnik, who designed several of Ljubljana’s most famous landmarks, including the National & University Library’s interior and the Triple Bridge, both of which are UNESCO-protected pieces of cultural property. 

Lake Bled Offers a Breathtaking View

Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most famous attractions, is like something from a fairy tale. Bled Island is situated in the centre of the blue lake, and Bled Castle, perched atop a rock, is over 100 meters high. 

Built in 1655, the Church of Assumption and the South Staircase (designed by Južno Stopnišák) are located on Bled Island. These structures are a real sight to see, almost as beautiful as the nearby Crownplay and Kingspin Casino.

It is customary in the area for the husband to carry his new bride up the 99 steps that make up the staircase. The island is accessible by pletna, the Slovenian equivalent of a gondola, which explains why it’s one of Slovenia’s most romantic travel locations. 

Triglav National Park, A Peak of The Alps

There are many lakes in Slovenia, but the biggest is Lake Bohinj, which is located in the Triglav National Park. In the summer, the lake is a hive of activity where you may swim or sail across the water before hiking or riding farther into the park (if you walk long enough, you’ll see the stunning Savica Waterfall).

You may experience the cuisine and customs of the locals by hiking into the rural hamlets and local places where people socialize like Crownplay and Kingspin Casino, north of the lake, which go beyond the natural beauty. The Alpine Dairy Farming Museum in Stara Fužina, which produces everything from dairy and cheese to meats, honey, and jam, teaches about the passion and legacy of the locals. 

Visit While It Doesn’t Get Busy

Slovenia is still one of the few European countries that are considered “hidden gems” and is frequently overlooked in favour of more popular travel destinations such as Italy or Greece. This doesn’t mean that it’s not worth visiting though. 

One of the best parts of traveling through Slovenia is the fact that you will rarely need big crowds or long lines anywhere. The natural beauty and the cultural heritage can be experienced without the hectic business of a major tourist spot.

This gives you a unique opportunity to experience Slovenia in a more authentic way and to take things at your own pace. We hope we have convinced you to give this small country since Slovenia has much to offer, you just have to take a better look at it.