Slovenia the secret gem of Europe.

Social media has made a massive impact on the tourist industry in recent years.  Platforms such as Instagram and facebook have shined the light on beautiful destinations less noticed in the past.  Slovenia is definitely one of those destinations.  Often called the New Zealand of Europe,  Slovenia hosts a pristine nature, with its dramatic mountains, emerald blue rivers, lakes and magnificent caves.  We couldn’t help but be impressed with all it had to offer.  Slovenia disconnects you with the traditional Europe you know and you become immersed in its natural beauty.

For such a small country,  Slovenia packs an amazing amount of diversity and stunning natural beauty.  Snow-capped Alps, long, green valleys,  lakes and rivers so blue you have to remove your sunglasses to reassure yourself they are real.  Slovenia is an outdoor lovers ideal country.  The list of activities on offer is endless, with the most popular being skiing, walking, hiking in the mountains, and cycling.  Fast rivers like the Soča cry out to be rafted and there are ample chances to try out more niche activities like horse riding, ballooning, caving, canyoning and para gliding.  Slovenia really does have it all.

We decided that we wanted to add Slovenia to our list and made our way there after visiting the Dolomites in Italy.  We admit we had no idea about Slovenia or where to go.  Apart from the most popular place to visit Lake Bled ,we really wanted to get out of the tourist spots and experience its raw natural beauty.

In this blog we share with you our top natural sites to visit.  We also share places that are off the beaten track, all while keeping to a tight budget.

 

 

 

SAVE MONEY BY CAMPING!

We choose to hire a car for the 4 days.  This gave us the freedom to drive anywhere we wanted without having to rely on public transport.  It is also a must if you want to visit places at irregular times such as sunrise and sunset.   If you want to get out and see the most Slovenia has to offer, we would recommend hiring a car.  We hired with sixt at Ljubjana train station and booked it all online HERE.  We had booked through Sixt twice before in Norway and found them to be excellent.  Booking online is usually cheeper than booking at the hire company.  We paid under 79euros for the whole 4 days.

We already had a tent from our Dolomites trip so we thought why not keep it and camp under the mountains again.  Its great way to really appreciate nature and a great way to save money.  The 2 person tent cost 20 Euros and sleeping bags were 10 Euros each from Decathon.

Without a doubt one of the most exciting ways to explore a new country is to go camping and Slovenia is an ideal camping destination!  Warm climate means great camping weather! We were blessed with amazing sunshine everyday and camping was a perfect budget option very popular with other tourists alike.  It was very easy to find a camp ground as most small towns have camping grounds.

Camp grounds in Slovenia are generally clean and safe. They are usually located at the outskirts of cities as well as in the green countryside, at the rivers, mountains, lakes and the seaside, where they are particularly suitable for watersports and fishing enthusiasts.

 

 

WHERE TO START

The capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana. A beautiful small old city which makes it easy to explore.  This is a great starting point with many trains and busses departing from here daily.

To get to Ljubljana you can either fly, catch a train or hop on a bus. Slovenia’s major airport is located in Ljubljana and the capital is also the main gateway for trains arriving from other Europen countries.  Flix busses are great and cheap company that will get you here from all surrounding cities.

 

DAY 1- LJUBLJANA TO LAKE BLED

 

DEPART LJUBJANA

Welcome to Slovenia! Why not start your visit to this picturesque country  and go to the most popular and most photographed location, Lake Bled!

Lucky for travellers that are already in Ljubljana city, you don’t need to hire car from the airport.  You can find car hire companies at the train station.  We booked a car online with Sixt, who we have previously hired with before and  they were great.

Lake Bled is 56 kilometres north west of Ljubljana. The drive should take you about 50 minutes. Once you get to Lake Bled you will understand why its so popular.  Lake Bled is undoubtedly on of the most visited nature attraction in Slovenia. This beautiful lake is located 475 m above sea level in the Julian Alps in the north-western part of Slovenia.

There are many hotels and apartments around Bled but we camped at Camping  Bled.  The camp site is huge and there are many areas where you can park you car and pitch your tent.  It cost us 28 euros a night for a powered tent spot and to park our car.  If you would rather ‘GLAMP’ there are cute wooden huts that you can stay in or if you are driving a RV there were places for these also.  Bled becomes extremely busy at the start of summer.  Driving from one side of the lake to the other can take hours in heavy traffic. September was a great time to visit as most of the crowds had gone.

Once settled in enjoy a nice stroll around the lake.  Lake Bled isn’t very large so a nice stroll only takes an hour or two. There are plenty of grassy spots to sit down and enjoy the view.  You can also eat at the cafes on the eastern side of the Lake and try some famous traditional Bled cream cake.

 

 

ROW TO BLED ISLAND

Located on a small island in the middle of Lake Bled is the Church of Mary the Queen, also known as the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, or Our Lady of the Lake.  It has such a beautiful setting that photographs of it are regularly found in travel magazines. Of special interest in the church is a bell of wishes, made by Francesco Patavino from Padova way back in 1534. The legend says that those who ring the bell and make a wish, will see their wish come true.  The 52 meter bell tower which can be seen from the shore.  Also a baroque stair way from 1655, which has a total of 99 stone steps that lead up to the church.

The best way to reach the island and what we did, was to rent a canoe.  For 20 euros your free to row around the lake for 1 hour giving you plenty of time to row to the church.  Alternative options are riding a ferry across from the east shore. There are regular departures throughout the day and it takes about 20 minutes each way. It costs €12 for a roundtrip to Bled Island and this includes waiting time of 30 minutes so you can explore the island and the church

We recommend hiring a canoe as it’s more romantic and so much more fun!  The last canoe rentals are at 6pm which is a great time to watch the sun setting over the mountains and take pictures of the golden light on the water before the sun disappears.

 

 

DAY 2 LAKE BLED, BOHINJ AND BOVEC.

 

CATCH THE SUNRISE AT OJSTRICA LOOK OUT

If you want to see Lake Bled like you see it on postcards, then a hike up to Ojstrica first thing in the morning!  We had read that there are 3 best view points of Lake Bled, but this one was more favoured by photographers.  The Ojstrica hike is also the quickest and easiest to get to.  Although not too difficult, Ojestica hill is 610 meters high and involves hiking up a rocky path.  The hike takes approximately 20 minutes from the road and the view at the top is definitely worth it.

The sun was due to rise at 6:50am, we set our alarms and woke up at 5am.  The trail can be found on the main road near Camp Bled just look for the wooden posts that have a small sign “Ojstrica”.  When we got up to the top we were met with a beautiful pink and orange sky.  There were already a few people up there already.  The best time to visit is in the morning before everyone else arrives.

LAKE BOHINJ

Next destination just short half hour drive from lake Bled is the cute little town Bohinj.  An area of immense natural beauty, its not only home to lake Bohinj- The largest permanent lake in Slovenia, but also numerous gorgeous waterfalls in the Triglav national Park.

Lake Bohinj is the gateway to the Triglav National Park and is THE place to come for relaxing and getting away from the hectic pace of modern life. It’s beauty can be found in its eerie, brooding and mysterious calmness. We parked the car and walked along the river to the bridge.  Perched on the east bank of the lake, Ribcev Las is a pretty town thats most recognisable by its stone bridge that spans across a small section of the river. The church dedicated to John  the Baptist sits behind it.

In Ribcev Laz are the Tourist information centre, shosp, post office, hotel Bohinj, hotel Jezero, holiday home Na skalci, apartments and restaurants . There are many  sport activities available like climbing in the natural walls Pod skalco and Bellevue, boating with the borrowing of kayaks and canues, swimming, cycling and plenty of walking.

BOVEC

For the night we make our way to the north western  mountain town of Bovec. There are few places left on this planet with such an unsoiled nature as the beautiful Soča valley, nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. Bovec area is a perfect destination for all nature lovers.  High mountains, countless waterfalls, deep caves, crustal clear rivers in combination with adventure sport activities, there is something for everyone.  For us this was a great spot to base ourselves for the next 3 nights.

The town is only small but it has a tourist centre, small pubs, camping and water sport shops, food stores and plenty of places where you ca book water activitie tours.

We booked to stay at Polovnik Camp for 3 nights. Only a small camping ground compared to lake Bled but it had everything.  A washing machine, dryer and lockable charging lockers.  One night with a unpowered tent spot will cost 21 euros.  The camp site is situated in a beautiful park near the oldest church in the Soča Valley and is only a five-minute walk from the centre of Bovec, one of the nicest tourist sites on the sunny side of the Alps.  In town there are many companies that offer to take you rafting, canoeing and ziplinging.  All these are great but if your like us and want to go and experience nature for yourself and not spend the money than there are so many natural waterfalls, gorges and streams to see.

 

 

 

 

 

DAY 3- EXPLORE  GREAT SOČA GORGE AND SUNIKOV VODNI GAJ WATERFALL

 

EXLORE GREAT SOČA GORGE- KNOWN IN SLOVENIAN AS VELIKA KORITA SOČE

We woke up early this day to get a good star to the day.  One of the top natural beauties is the Great Soča Gorge. The wild gorge is one of the most beautiful natural sights on the Soča and an important natural treasure in the Triglav National Park.  Located just above Lepena valley, Soča river has carved the 750 meters long gorge.  The gorge is completely narrow at some points and its depth depends a lot on the water level: in the dry period it is up to 15 m deep, but at floodings Soča can fill it up completely.

It is a wonderful hike along the blue green Soča river and its canyons. The Soča trail runs along the Great Soča Gorge. At times you walk right beside the canyon which offers very impressive sights on the fast streaming river.  You’ll cross serval wooden hanging bridges which make for a great drone picture.  The hike from the gorge to the road is about an hour return how ever the total length of Soca Trail is 25 kilometres.

There is a great natural swimming hole near the car park.  The green emerald pools are fantastic diving spots and great fun when the stream carries you through.  The water was cold but refreshing. There were about 20 people all laying on the rocks enjoying the sun.  Its a great way to cool off after you finish the hike.

How to get there.

Only a short drive from Bovec and easily accessble by foot from the car park. On the road ‘Bovec – Trenta (Vršič Pass)’ turn right towards Lepena valley behind village named ‘Soča’.  Cross the Soča river and soon after that park on a parking lot by the road.  From the parking lot walk towards the bridge, just before the bridge you will see a road on the right follow that up and the path leads off there along the gorge.

 

 

SUNIKOV VODNI GAJ

Only a short walk near by is another beautiful walk down the Soča River.  Stream Lepenjica originates at the end of the Lepena Valley.  The water is initially falling in a high waterfall, followed by several small waterfalls. This small area in the middle of pristine nature of the Triglav National Park is a popular tourist destination of nature lovers and relaxation. Lepenjica is especially scenic stream, because the water carved about 100 m long and 10 m deep gorge called Šunikov Vodni Gaj.

How to get there.

Head back down to the car park and continue down on the Lapena Valley Road until you get to a car park on the right where there will be sign saying Šunikov Vodni Gaj. Follow the path and turn right over the bridge and continue on the right side of the canyon. There are plenty of great photo opportunities to capture the emerald pools and small waterfalls. Staying on the path and when you come to another bridge. Cross the bridge and follow it left until you come to the waterfall.

 

 

DAY FOUR – EXPLORE SLAP VIRJE AND SLAP KOZJAK WATERFALLS.

 

SLAP VIRJE

Another early morning for us today as it’s the last day. Today is all about waterfalls, curvy roads and wow moments.

First waterfall for the day is just a short 5 minute drive from Bovec.  This magical spot at the Virje waterfall is a perfect destination for photographers, couples in love and people looking for relaxation.  The Glijun stream boasts a multi-stranded waterfall 12 m in height and 20 m in width.  Below, there is a beautiful pool in shades of green.  We walked across the rocks to take picture under the waterfall. The water was freezing but in summer its a great spot to take a dip.

The water level in the Gljun creek varies tremendously through the year. In autumns rainy days and when the snow from Kanin mountain range melts the power of water is quite intimidating. In summer the water level is much lower, unveiling the photogenic rocks and the green pool of Virje waterfall. A nice hike, suitable for everyone!

How to get there.

To reach the Virje waterfall you drive to the little town Pluzna ,only as short 5minuted rave from Bovec.  From there you can walk to Slap Virje waterfall or you can drive. In the city there is a sign pointins Slap Virje, follow it down the windy road until you get to the car park. Follow the signs and path straight down to the water fall.

 

 

SLAP KOZJAK

Kozjak waterfall is also a part of ‘Kobarid historic trail’ that visits all major sights around Kobarid.

25 kilometres South of Bevec just a short half hour walk from Kobraid is one of the nicest waterfalls in Slovenia – Slap Kozjak.  The hike leads you through lush  scenery of turquoise rivers, vast green nature and a hanging bridge

 

How to get there.

There is a big parking lot on your right just in front of Camp Koren where you can park your car. At the parking lot you will spot a signpost for Kozjak waterfall which directs you to the left.  A dirt road (closed for traffic) will take you across the meadow and bring you to the turquoise Soča river.  Follow a nice marked trail and you can also make a short detour to the right and visit remains of the bunkers from the 1st world war.  A neat and popular trail will bring you to the spectacular Great Kozjak waterfall!

As you approach the waterfall and cross the small wooden bridges you notice the walls narrow, walk up the wooden boardwalk around the rock.  It feels like you have entered a cave. Then you see the rocky amphitheater and a cute A 15 meter high waterfall, its bottom covered by a vast blue and green pool and its walls reminiscent of those in caves.  What an incredible sight.

 

Kozjak waterfall

 

 

NAPOLEON BRIDGE

On the way back to Bovec we stopped at the Napoleon bridge.  The bridge was built in 1750 and it got this name because Napoleon and his troops marched across it on their way to Predel Pass.  During World War I it was blown up, but later rebuilt.  Sometimes you will see locals jumping off the bridge when the water level is high.

 

 

DRIVE BACK TO LIBJUANA

Now, it’s time to drive back to Ljubljana.  Sleep over in Ljubljana or head to your next destination.  We would have loved to stay longer and visited more places in Slovenia but we are off to Prague this afternoon.   There are numerous castles that would be incredible to visit, as well as the world famous Postonja Cave.  Needless to say from sea to mountains to national parks, there is enough in this beautiful country to keep you busy for at least a few weeks.

We hope you have enjoyed reading our blog and we hope this information helps you plan your next trip to Slovenia. 

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If you love camping, snow capped mountains, lush footrests and turquoise blue streams you might want to check out our “Guide to traveling in a camper van in South Island, New Zealand”