Slovenia Travel
Slovenia clings to quiet anonymity, sitting on the sunny side of the Alps with a Mediterranean coastline and an Italian border. With fewer crowds than many other European locales, thrilling adventure sports, a countryside dotted with vineyards and a capital city brimming with Prague-like cobblestones, Slovenia won’t be under the radar for long. On the Web, you’ll find sites that capture Slovenia’s charm in words and photos, as well as sites to help you book flights and accommodations.
Expand All Guide SectionsSlovenia Attractions
Slovenia could be considered a concentrated version of Italy and France, mixed with a bit of Prague and a dash of Switzerland. This understated Central European country may be smaller than its better-known regional counterparts, but it offers visitors plenty to see and do. Pretty and petite, Slovenia can give you a cultural escape in the thriving capital city of Ljubljana, an adventurous ski getaway in the Alps or a soothing stay along the Adriatic. The following sites should help you begin your journey.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you’re longing for a cultural sojourn without the crowds of Paris or Rome, Ljubljana is a fine choice. Try to visit in the spring or fall when university students lend palpable energy to the city.
- To get a taste of Ljubljana, read this travel essay on BootsnAll for an insider’s perspective on the city.
- Slovenia is a year-round destination. For hiking and climbing, the autumn months are perfect; winter in the Alps is a skier’s dream; valleys around Slovenian lakes are in full bloom in the springtime; and summer begs for a coastal getaway along the Adriatic. Official tourism sites can help you decide what works for you.
Dulcinea's Picks
For official tourism sites …
The Slovenian Tourist Board
’s Web site is the country’s official guide to tourism, providing a wealth of information to help you plan your trip. Click the interactive map for descriptions of cities. The “Experience” menu provides vacation ideas and cultural highlights. You’ll also find panoramic images of Slovenia and links to tourist information centers and embassies.
Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory
offers links to Slovenian tourism offices in Europe, as well as to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Slovenia. Contact these offices for holiday ideas and advice.
For well-known travel guides …
Fodor’s
offers a brief historical overview of Slovenia, as well as sections on the basics—entertainment, shopping and sights to see. Although there is not extensive information or visuals about each attraction, Fodor’s is a good starting point for creating an itinerary because it lists many varied things to do in Slovenia.
For restaurants and entertainment …
IgoUgo
presents traveler-written reviews of restaurants and attractions in several Slovenian destinations. Reviews vary in length from one to several paragraphs, but all are detailed.
Time Out
has a keen sense of what’s new and up and coming. Their guide to the Slovenian capital is not lengthy, but it offers insight into cultural trends and the mood of the city. Hotel and restaurant reviews are punchy and to-the-point.
Concierge.com
offers entertaining tidbits about where to dine and sleep, as well as what’s worth seeing in Ljubljana. Travel insiders reveal their secrets—they know about the oak-leaf lettuce and sheepskins for sale at Central Market, for example.
For wine and cultural activities …
Wines of Slovenia
is dedicated to Slovenian viticulture. Learn about wine-growing regions in the country and the different types of wines produced. The site also includes information on where to buy and sample wines in Slovenia, which should be helpful if you plan to hit a vineyard or two during your stay.
The Slovene Ethnographic Museum in Ljubljana
has a Web site with information on collections, exhibits and events.
For the mountains and the coast …
TrekTrek
provides guided, self-guided and customized active trips in the Slovenian Alps. Find a variety of adventurous options, including walking and kayaking, as well as staff bios. The company does not list prices on its site or allow instant booking, but you can send them an e-mail requesting additional information. The expert staffers make this site particularly worthwhile.
Portoroz.si
provides information about travel to Slovenia’s Mediterranean coastal area of Portoroz, including the towns of Piran, Izola and Koper. Link to tourist agencies, make reservations and read about area highlights and activities.
For unique attractions …
Turizem KRAS
provides travel information about Postojna Cave, Sneznik Castle and Predjama Castle. Find out what to expect from your visit and get practical tour information and a historical overview of each attraction.
Kobilarna Lipica
is home to a stud farm in the Karst region. Learn about the history of the Lipizzaner, a breed of white horse, and get travel information about this recreational center near the Italian-Slovenian border.
For resort towns …
Turizem Bled
provides information about travel to Bled, an Alpine resort town and lake in northwestern Slovenia. Find practical details, links to tour providers and descriptions of recreational activities and sights, including thermal springs. Browse the organized sections to find maps and photos.
Bovec Local Tourist Board
is a resource for travel to Bovec, an area on the banks of the Soca River that’s rich in recreational opportunities. Link to area hotels and ski resorts, view photos of the lush landscape and connect to tourist information centers in Bovec.
Slovenia Travel Requirements
Before digging into a doughy ethnic dish and strolling the streets of an old Slovenian village, learn some of the country’s history and culture to enhance your travel experience. This guide introduces you to Slovenian life and explains the health and safety precautions that you might need to be aware of before you arrive.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Depending on where you are in Slovenia, you’ll hear different languages spoken. Near the borders of Hungary and Italy, Hungarian and Italian are the official languages. Many Slovenes also speak English. However, it can save you time in your travels if you learn a bit of basic Slovene.
- Slovenia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and became part of the European Union in 2004. Crime is low, as is the country’s population density. These factors contribute to Slovenia’s exuberant, upbeat vibe.
Dulcinea's Picks
For official documents, health and safety …
The U.S. Department of State
’s information on Slovenia gives an overview of entry and exit requirements, and safety and security information. Also find information on crime, traffic, medical facilities and insurance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
provides health information for travelers to Slovenia. Learn of any travel notices in effect, as well as potential diseases you may encounter. Also find advice about how to prepare for your trip and how to stay healthy during your stay.
For embassies …
Embassy World
provides a directory of contact information for diplomatic offices worldwide. You’ll find Slovenian embassies in other nations and other nations’ embassies in Slovenia.
For Slovenian culture …
Flying to Slovenia
has a section on Slovenian traditions and customs withn detailed information about Slovene celebrations, food and wine, cultural handicrafts and other activities.
The CIA World Factbook
provides a synopsis of Slovenia complete with statistics and facts. You’ll find geographical information as well as cultural, political and economic profiles.
Mat’Kurja
is a site dedicated to Slovenia. See the “Arts and Culture” section for numerous links to Slovenian museums, visual artists, musicians and literary figures.
For language …
The BBC
presents “Quick Fix” language lessons in Slovenian. Pick up a few essential words and phrases to help you travel with ease.
Thezaurus.com
is the Web site of the Institute for Slovenian Studies of Victoria. The site provides an in-depth look into Slovenian language, with tables and charts outlining grammar, parts of speech and pronunciation.
For currency …
OANDA
provides a foreign currency converter that’s current, efficient and easy to use.
Getting to Slovenia
Booking a flight to Slovenia, or anywhere in Europe, is no sweat, thanks to the Web. Eliminate the hassle of searching for the cheapest fare by visiting one or two sites that have already done it for you.
Dulcinea's Insight
- There are no direct flights from the United States to Slovenia. You’ll have to fly into another European city, and then catch a flight to Ljubljana. Consider easyJet for inexpensive flights to the Slovenian capital from London.
- You can ride a train into Ljubljana from Vienna or Budapest in two hours, or from Prague in eight hours. For a list of direct trains into Ljubljana, see the city’s transportation page. The international transport page provided by Slovenske zeleznice, Slovenia’s national train carrier, provides timetables and links to international stations.
- Knowing how to search for airfare may mean hundreds of dollars in savings. See the findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide for more tips on booking flights.
Dulcinea's Picks
SideStep
searches more than 600 airlines and more than 200 travel Web sites in order to find you the lowest fare. You can then purchase tickets directly from the supplier, quickly and easily.
The Slovenian Tourist Board
has an air travel page. Find links to Slovenia’s major airports, as well as to several international carriers providing service to Slovenia, including Adria Airways, Slovenia’s national carrier.
Rail Europe
provides information about Eurail passes, which may be useful if you plan to travel within Slovenia and to other European countries.
Slovenia Hotels
An Alpine resort, a seaside hotel, an apartment overlooking a bustling city street—in Slovenia, you can take your pick of where to rest your head. There’s a good chance that wherever you choose to stay, you’ll experience fine views of clean, lush land. This guide can help you find a place to stay in Slovenia, quickly and easily.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many sites offer photos and written descriptions of accommodations, but if you would rather take advice from a person, consider calling a city’s tourism board and asking for a tip. Posting on travel message boards is another way to seek out more personal recommendations.
- If you want to experience the Slovenia countryside and live with locals, try staying in a farmhouse, an inexpensive alternative to youth hostels. To learn which farmhouses have rooms for travelers, visit the Slovenian Tourist Board’s site.
- It’s easy to become overwhelmed by choices and make a hasty decision about where to stay in a foreign country. Before you make that mistake, see the findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide for additional resources to help you search for and book your accommodations.
Dulcinea's Picks
For hotel searches …
The Slovenian Tourist Board
has a comprehensive accommodation section; browse and book a variety of lodging options in different locations and price ranges.
Slovene Dream
is unusually personal and fun to use. A group of four frequent travelers to Slovenia give you the lowdown on their favorite hotels in blunt detail. Hotels are efficiently organized into various categories, including “Luxury,” “Romantic,” “Families,” ”Food & Wine” and proximity to ”Activities.” They’ll also design a holiday for you.
Dobre Gostilne
is based on the book From a Good Inn to a Great Place to Spend the Night in Slovenia, written by Drago Medved and Peter Rebernik. Browse listings of restaurants and accommodations organized by region or use the search option. Descriptions are friendly and informal, giving culinary specifics such as which inns offer home-baked bread and which have gardens.
For accommodation reviews …
IgoUgo
presents traveler-written reviews of various types of accommodation, including hotels, hostels and apartments. Content is detailed and often includes photos. You’ll find advice, warnings and descriptions from travelers.
For camping …
Campingo.com
has a list of Slovenian campsites with detailed information about location, facilities and services. View photos and reader comments for most campsites.
Slovenia Transportation
Navigating a foreign country can be intimidating, but this guide can help you prepare. You’ll find maps, transportation schedules and vital contact information for bus and train stations in Slovenia, and before you know it, you’ll be navigating like a local.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Buses are the fastest and most preferred method of public transport within Slovenia. Most routes commence in or connect via Ljubljana. See the link to the central bus station in Ljubljana for information.
- The only express train route in Slovenia is between Ljubljana and Maribor. Trains are generally efficient but on the slow side. Some train routes offer sightseeing opportunities, particularly through the Soca Valley.
- To access remote areas of Slovenia and to view the countryside at your own pace, consider renting a car. Gas is relatively inexpensive in Slovenia, and you can easily book a rental online. Traffic travels on the right side of the road.
Dulcinea's Picks
For buses …
Avtobusna postaja Ljubljana
provides maps, timetables and a route-planning tool for buses traveling between Ljubljana and various cities in Slovenia.
For trains …
Slovenske zeleznice
, Slovenia’s national train carrier, provides timetables and maps to help you plan for train travel within the country.
For driving …
The Slovenian Tourist Board
has a “By car” page that provides an overview of driving rules and documentation to be aware of, as well as links to car rental agencies.
Auto Europe
provides car rentals in Slovenia, with multiple pick-up and drop-off locations, including airports and rail stations in several cities. Search for and book a car fitting your specifications.
Mappy
lets you zoom in for close-up views of roadways in Slovenia and gives you directions for your travel itinerary. Mappy also finds nearby hotels.
Slovenia Travel Forums
The advice of travelers can be a huge asset to your own trip. Luckily, the Web is full of forums and blogs dedicated to traveling, including to Slovenia.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Consult a few different blogs and forums to be sure that you’re getting a range of opinions before you travel. Use your discretion before letting a stranger’s words sway your opinion; it may be beneficial to read profiles of bloggers and people who’ve posted in forums.
- Consider the archives of newspaper travel sections. Reading articles from years past can give you insight into a country’s character, what it has been through and how travelers’ opinions of a place may have changed.
Dulcinea's Picks
For traveler-created guides …
Virtual Tourist
has a “Slovenia Travel Guide” that includes traveler reviews of numerous destinations around the country. Often, reviews include photos and offer ideas for hotels, restaurants, nightlife and the occasional packing list.
For travel forums and essays …
Lonely Planet
’s “Thorn Tree” is a travel forum presenting a variety of viewpoints and trip ideas. The Slovenia “branch” is full of good stuff, like how to drive into the country from Italy and how to organize your time if you have only two weeks to spend in the country.
Frommer’s
has a “Travel Talk” section for Slovenia. In it, travelers and would-be travelers can post questions and answers related to Slovenia. Entries read somewhat in the style of a Frommer’s guidebook; they tend to be formal and dense with detail.
National Geographic Traveler
recently published this essay by editor Keith Bellows about an unexpected Slovenian experience.
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