This article was originally published in September 2018.
Wedged between the Alps and the Adriatic, Slovenia is a compact country that’s big on adventure.
Explore some of the longest karst caves, ride glacial rapids or wander the multicultural capital of Ljubljana. And when you’re ready to refuel? Tuck into one of the world’s tastiest cream cakes.
Here are eight things you might not know about Slovenia.
1. It’s perfect for an adventure holiday
Mountains, rivers, forests, gorges – Slovenia has plenty of al fresco adventures. Hike to Mt Vogel in the southern Julian Alps, raft the glacial waters of the Soca River or bike through the vine-dotted hills of Brda. And the best part? It’s small enough to do all the above in a single trip.
2. It has a mix of cultural influences
Slovenia offers a taste of Eastern Europe without straying far from the Mediterranean coast. It was part of Yugoslavia until gaining independence in 1991, and became the first former communist country to adopt the Euro in 2007. In Ljubljana, you can still see remnants of its communist past in the concrete apartment blocks and public squares, but on the whole, the vibe is more sipping-espresso-in-the-sunshine.
3. The foodie scene is strong
Slovenia might be small, but its food scene isn’t – with 24 gastronomic regions and many distinct dishes.
Feeling peckish in the afternoon? Go for a classic plate of Slovenian cold cuts and cheese – ideally with a frothy beer. For something heartier, try struklji (rolled dumplings filled with potato and herbs) or Carniolan sausage with sour cabbage and crusty bread.
But whatever you do, leave room for a slice of kremsnita, especially in Lake Bled where this delicious custard and vanilla cream cake was born.
4. Slovenian wine is a big deal
There’s a vineyard for roughly every 70 people in Slovenia. That’s a lot of wine – and most of it stays in the country.
There are three main wine regions. Podravska, near the Hungarian and Croatian borders, is known for its sparkling whites and dessert wines. Posavska, in the southeast, produces light red varieties, while Primorska, the most famous, is all about bold reds and fruity whites influenced by Italy just next door.
Oh, and one of the world’s oldest vines – over 400 years old – grows in Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city.
5. Street art is loud and proud
Slovenia’s cities, especially Ljubljana, have a long reputation of creative resistance on issues ranging from LGBTQIA+ rights to anti-war activism. As you walk around, you’ll stumble on brightly patterned umbrellas hanging over streetlights, thousands of pairs of shoes draped over powerlines and neon pink park benches.
Ljubljana’s Metelkova district – a former army barracks turned creative hub – is particularly vibrant, with a large artist population, installations, sculptures and a renowned nightlife.
6. Lake Bled may be the prettiest lake, like, ever
Lake Bled is the postcard image of Slovenia. And rightly so – with blue-green water, a forested mountain backdrop, and a naturally formed island in the middle with a 17th-century church on top.
Rent a rowboat and glide out to the island to visit the church, then grab a coffee and a slab of the famous kremsnita by the water.
7. You can have a less-crowded beach holiday
Slovenia’s 46 km coastline shares similarities with the Italian Riviera (think yachts, gelato, cobblestone lanes and gorgeous Adriatic waters), but without the masses. It still gets busy in the summer, but it’s generally more laidback than its Mediterranean neighbours.
The coastal town of Piran is a great spot. Once part of the Venetian empire, the Old Town has kept much of its historic charm, with a lively square and narrow lanes you could spend hours exploring.
8. It has thousands of caves
Like caves? Slovenia has over 14,000 of them. The most famous is the UNESCO-listed Postojna, a 20 km karst cavern filled with eerie rock formations, stalactite-filled tunnels and unique wildlife. Look out for the elusive olm, or blind cave salamander, which has adapted to total darkness with enhanced senses of smell, hearing and vibration.
Like the sound of Slovenia? Check out our small group adventures.
