Slovenia tours & vacations

Slovenia is a beautiful destination no matter what time of year it is but the best time to visit depends on your interests and what you want on the itinerary. The warm summer months (July-August) warm up the coast, but the Julian Alps continue to experience more moderate temperatures. This is the time to relax by the shores of Lake Blend or hit the hiking trails. While summer brings the warmest weather, spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are a great time to visit cities like Ljublijana and Blend without the crowds, as well as have the hiking trails to yourself (for the most part). The alpine snow melt in spring also means ultimate white water rafting as the snow feeds the rivers.  

A special time to visit Slovenia is May to June during the International Wildflower Festival in Bohinj, where colorful meadows and wildflowers paint the landscape. But don’t cross winter off your list – the snow dusting this mini European haven is straight out of a fairytale and European Christmas markets are as magical as it gets.  

Squeezed between Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia, Slovenia is covered in snow-dusted peaks, mountain meadows and alpine lakes. The Julian Alps dominate the landscape in the north with lush forests, karst caves and small Adriatic coastline throughout the rest of the country. The varied landscape allows travellers to hike in the Alps, explore underground rivers, cycle through charming towns and relax by the sea in a single trip.

Things to try in Slovenia

Bled Cream Cake (Blejska kremsnita)

A trip to Slovenia isn’t complete without trying the town of Bled’s renowned cream cake. Light and creamy custard meets delicate puff pastry layers in this Slovene staple.

Struklji (rolled dumplings)

This traditional Slovene dish is extremely versatile, but at its most basic, it’s a dish of rolled dumplings made from dough and filling. The Struklji can be steamed, boiled or baked, served as a side dish or main, and stuffed with sweet or savory fillings like cottage cheese, walnuts, raisins, chocolate, tarragon or beans. The pastry pairs well with either meat and sauces or served as a yummy dessert.  

Carniolan sausage

Often served warm with sauerkraut or turnip or simply served cold with a bread roll, mustard and grated horseradish, this staple is made only with the best pork meat and hard bacon for the ultimate sausage experience (no, meat does not taste the same everywhere you go).  

Jota

This light and tasty stew is made with beans, potatoes, sauerkraut, dried pork and spices but can be prepared in many ways in different regions. The classic way to eat this stew is with crumbled bread underneath and olive oil drizzled on top.  

Schnapps

Slovenia’s national drink is a must when visiting the country. Also known as zganje, it comes in a variety of flavours like pear, peach, lemon and other fruits. Sure, you can buy some at the store, but locally made zganje is the way to go.  

Lake Bled

When you picture Slovenia, you probably picture Lake Bled with its famous fairytale-like church floating in the water with the mountains as the backdrop. Lake Bled is one of the most well-known attractions in Slovenia and for good reason. Sitting at the edge of Triglav National Park, Bled paints the iconic Slovene scenery: Lakes, lush forests and unbeatable alpine views.  

Ljublijana

Slovenia’s tiny capital city is as charming as it is unique. A stroll through the pedestrian-only Old Town is a must, with its famous streets, squares and bridges hovering over the River Ljubljanica that runs through the city. Ljublijana is known as one of the greenest and most vibrant cities in the world, and you can take in the best views from Ljubljana Castle. Keep your eyes out for dragon symbols scattered around – the city is known as ‘dragon city’ due to its ties to Greek mythology.  

Piran

If you’re looking for a pristine coast and Mediterranean vibes, Piran is your spot. The narrow town streets, local seafood, and Venetian architecture will make you feel like you’re in Italy without the crowds. To get the best view of this picturesque and laid-back down, walk up to the church of St George up on the ridge and take in the scenery from the top of the bell tower.  

Triglav National Park

Step into the alpine paradise of Slovenia’s only national park. Overflowing with glacial lakes, rugged peaks, rivers, waterfalls, and meadows, it offers endless opportunities for you to get active with hiking and climbing or just take in the beauty and reconnect with nature. Nestled in the Julian Alps, it’s a slice of Slovenia’s magic and a hotspot for outdoor adventurers.  

Kranjska Gora

This little mountain getaway is a small town located right in the heart of Triglav National Park. Winter sports enthusiasts get their adrenaline pumping on the slopes, but the town transforms into a paradise for nature lovers in the spring and summer months with stunning hikes and walks throughout the alpine scenery. For the most spectacular view, visit the small Jasna Lake, where Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak and park namesake, is right in the center of the backdrop.  

Bohinj Lake

Sitting within Triglav National Park, Bohinj Lake is a stunning escape into Slovenia’s pristine and natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering peaks, offer the perfect place for water activities like swimming, kayaking and rafting. Or stay dry and hike around the lake for incredible views and head over to Savica waterfall to bask in its 78-meter plunge into the valley below.  

Humans have called Slovenia home since prehistoric times, with Illyrian and Celtic tribes roaming around before the Romans moved in and built cities like Emona (now Ljubljana). After the Roman Empire fell, Slavic tribes settled, eventually becoming part of the Frankish Empire. By the 19th century, Slovenians started pushing for their own identity. After two world wars and life in socialist Yugoslavia, Slovenia declared independence in 1991 and joined the European Union in 2004.  

Slovenia’s culture blends nature, tradition and creativity with a warm, easygoing vibe. Given the landscape, most locals live an active lifestyle through hiking, cycling, skiing and mountaineering and preserve their heritage through storytelling, folk songs and crafts like pottery and woodwork. Festivals like Kurentovanje, a UNESCO-recognized carnival with masked figures chasing away winter, bring communities together. Add eco-consciousness and genuine hospitality, and you’ve got a country that celebrates life in every season.  

The official currency of Slovenia is the Euro (EUR).  

Credit cards are widely accepted in major towns and cities in Slovenia, but smaller restaurants and markets may only accept cash, so it’s always safe to have both cards and cash on you, just in case.  

There is access to ATMs in most towns and cities, so taking out cash should not be a problem. If travelling to rural areas or parks, it’s recommended to take out cash before travelling outside of urban areas.