Published on: January 9th, 2018
Last updated: June 12th, 2024
When you arrive in Slovenia you might think "I've got this": it's green, pretty and small, so it can't be so diverse. You couldn't be more wrong... Utterly dispelling this myth, I took a trip around some of the most beautiful landscapes this country exploring the wild countrysides, medieval castles and captivating cities.
Otočec Castle
To start my magical Slovenian adventure, I stayed in the medieval Otočec castle.
This atmospheric building must have come out of a fairy-tale: surrounded by lush greenery, the flowing waters of Krka river, and complete with a suspended bridge…
I arrived in time for dinner and I was mesmerized – I thought a tame, pink dragon or other mystical creature was going to appear any minute… instead, more incredible dishes arrived!
When the sun begins to set on a warm summer’s day, this serene river is where you want to be.
Ljublijana
This pretty little city is full of life. You can dine at some really sinful restaurants by the river, eat two or three colourful gelatos a day with no sense of guilt, and party till late.
Clearly, I did none of those things… I only explored the culture and took a boat by the river. Here’s the evidence!
The two lakes
As we made our way inland, we were posed with the eternal Slovenian dilemma: which Alpine Lake is better, Bled or Bohinj?
Do you prefer insanely turquoise waters with a perfect isle in the middle, which hosts a tiny panoramic Baroque church? I thought this one would be my favourite for certain…
Or do you prefer an emerald lake in a stunning forested valley where you can kayak or take the cable car to Vogel mountain to enjoy the perspective?
Perhaps maybe this one was my favourite… Good news is you don’t have to choose between these two beautiful lakes and you can experience both in the same day!
Postojna Caves
In the south western part of the country, this 24 kilometre-long karst cave is the atmospheric heart of Slovenia. An underground web of dark passages, it is a fascinating exploration of what goes on below the earth’s surface. One of those places where you are left with no words and you also want to scream for joy.
Predjama Castle
Close to the caves on the return journey, we stopped by this impressive castle carved into the rock like a Michelangelo’s non-finito sculpture!
A trip with surprises thrown in at every turn, you leave Slovenia feeling privileged – like you’ve just discovered Europe’s best kept secret.
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