Slovenia is the choice for anyone who enjoys outdoors and activity packed travels. The country has spectacular landscapes and the Slovenes sure know how to make the most of them – and to point you to the best spots. On weekends you’ll see white-collar workers and craftsmen pull on their sportswear and jump into the nature.
So, if you’re heading to Slovenia, you know what to do. Whatever you do, don’t forget your hiking shoes. A good place to start is to summit the Mount Triglav (2,864 m) which is especially good choice since rumor has it that every true Slovenian will make their way up to the top at least once in their life.
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Adventures in the wilderness
If you find your way to the Triglav National Park and around the Soča Valley be prepared: your holiday will be packed with exciting moments and adventures that will raise the adrenaline levels in your blood. The lifeline of the valley, Soča River, sparkles in all shades emerald and flows through one of the most picturesque landscapes in Slovenia but don’t be fooled, it’s much more than just a pretty sight. Go kayaking and rafting with other adrenaline enthusiasts, or take the bird’s view to the whole area and admire the valley as you race through the air on one of the two zipline parks which, by the way, happen to be among the biggest of the kind in Europe.
Slovenia also offers a perfect terrain for cycling. Challenge yourself and try some of the most popular and also most demanding routes, including the Vrsic pass in the Kranjska Gora ski area and the Mangart Mountain in the Julian Alps.
More to the northeast, close to neighboring Austria, is located the Mariborsko Pohorje which also belongs to the list of amazing cycling destinations. And when you need to take a break around here, in the Štajerska area, take your pick amongst a wide range of spa resorts: perfect if you want to pamper yourself and don’t feel like enduring hardships in vain!
Fascinating juxtapositions
Slovenia might be one of the smallest EU member states but what is lacks in size and population it makes up in big adventures. Experience different climate zones by enjoying the snow on the ski slopes in the morning and then change gears and elements as you head to the sandy beaches and water activities in the afternoon.
In Slovenia you might hurt your neck admiring the gorgeous mountainous views above the eye level, but we recommend you also take a look down and into the many underground caves in the Karst plateau between Venice and the capital Ljubljana. Especially on the "don’t miss"-list is the Skocjan Caves, whose underground rivers and stunning formations inspired sci-fi writer Jules Vernes to write Journey to the Center of the Earth. So fascinating real nature and even more fascinating sci-fi stories. Or is it the other way around, who knows! Pack your bags and go see for yourself whether the truth is stranger than fiction.
Foodie gem
Located between the fertile plains of Pannonia, the Alps and the sunny Mediterranean Slovenia is influenced by different food traditions. In northern and eastern Slovenia you’ll find solid Austrian-inspired sausage specialties, schnitzeld, sauerkraut and strudels. In Prekmurje, next to Hungary, large quantities of bograč are consumed – a Slovenian goulash named after the clay bowl from which it is traditionally eaten. On the coast, besides clams and other seafood, you get plenty of Italian-based dishes such as ravioli, gnocchi, risotto or the local pasta variant fuži.
Alongside with the traditional dishes young talented chefs have been cultivating the gastronomic heritage and bringing the local food to a new level. Keep an eye on Ana Roš for her achievements at her restaurant Hiša Franko: in 2017 she was named the best female chef in the world. If you want to see where some of the good produce come from, go visit the hinterland to coastal towns such as Piran and Portoroz and join a truffle hunt or drop by in some of the organic farms.
With everything else going for Slovenia, the country is also a home of really, really good wine. Several local producers have made an international breakthrough, so Slovenian quality wine is not a hidden secret anymore, but still absolutely worth exploring.
Yugo-nostalgia
When traveling in Slovenia you may come across Tito images, red-star T-shirts and souvenirs from the former Yugoslavia. Slovenia has its share of Yugo nostalgics – people who, through the cultivation of old bands, partisan films or Yugoslav products, glorify or express a romantic view of the Communist past.
Slovenia is among the most progressive of the Balkan countries, as well as one of the most economically prosperous of the republics of former Yugoslavia. Compared to Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia had it easier when it comes to the war. However, the transition from socialist command economy to market economy hasn’t been all smooth sailing, and the country has been hit by both the financial crisis and political corruption scandals since independence in 1991.
Make the most of your trip to Slovenia
Public transport works pretty well in Slovenia and it’s easy to get around by bus, so we definitely recommend you move around and see also the places whose names you can’t pronounce. Maribor and Ljubljana are well connected by train and from there it’s also fast and easy to reach neighboring cities across the border such as Vienna and Zagreb.
