Slovenia
Slovenia is the only country in Europe that combines the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst. The changing landscape is constantly surprising, time and again. You can have one eye on the sea, then look in the other direction and be surrounded by high mountains. Heading up into the forests, you can see the green plains below you. From upland meadows your view stretches into river gorges. This proximity of opposites and contrasts is a hallmark of the country.
In Slovenia you can still walk through virgin forest, or watch the grapes ripen on the oldest vine in the world. You can hear tales of bears, and eat forest fruits that you have foraged yourself on a brief walk out of town. Here you can uncover the secrets of the land, and what lies beneath it. Here you are part of nature.
Slovenia has numerous sites of special natural interest, with features of all four main areas: the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain. It also has a wealth of diverse architecture and urban design. You can truly feel at home in Slovenia’s towns.
Slovenia is a land of greenery, which offers great opportunities for activity holidays. Its high-quality accommodation guarantees a comfortable stay. It is perfect for a summer holiday, a winter break or a weekend away.
Slovenia is famed for its excellent food, accompanied by one of its fine wines. The friendly, hospitable and attentive locals will guarantee you a pleasant stay.
The weather in Slovenia varies from season to season. There are also three climatic influences that meet in the country. A harsh Alpine climate prevails in the mountains, the coast has a sub-Mediterranean climate, and the north-east lowlands have a continental climate. The average temperature is above 20°C in July, and around 0°C in January. It is worth checking the current weather, so that you can dress and equip yourself appropriately.
Slovenian landscapes
The Alpine world
The Julian Alps and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps are some of the most beautiful parts of Slovenia. Visitors love Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, and Blejski Vintgar, a gorge formed by the River Radovna. The Julian Alps are also home to the Soča Valley, which was the first destination in Slovenia to be awarded EDEN status. Another such destination is Solčavsko in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
Other favourite tourist destinations in this area include Kranjska Gora and Bovec, which offer numerous outdoor pursuits, and the towns of Kranj and Škofja Loka.
Uplands and lowlands
The green slopes of the Pohorje massif are home to Maribor, Slovenia’s second city, and also to three natural health resorts: Zreče, Dobrna and Topolšica. Eastern Slovenia has other natural health resorts that have grown up around thermal springs. Healing mineral waters are a feature of Radenci and Rogaška Slatina.
The major attraction of Slovenia’s third city, Celje, is its Old Castle, once home to the sole Slovenian noble family, the Counts of Celje. The Podravje wine region is packed with wineries and tourist farms, whose excellent food and wine are a welcome treat for hikers and bikers.
The coast
Slovenia’s coastline is short, but has a number of attractions. Next to Strunjan Cliff, the highest flysch wall on the Adriatic, lie the Sečovlje Salt Pans, a regional park and a bird sanctuary.
Several towns on the coast are worth a visit. In addition to Piran and Portorož, Koper and Izola are also attractive destinations. The coast is ideal for water sports, while the hills of the hinterland could have been designed for biking. There are also natural health resorts in Strunjan and Portorož.
The Karst
The world of the Karst encompasses most of the southern part of Slovenia. The south-west is home to the largest number of karstic caves, including Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves, which are well worth seeing. Another amazing attraction is Predjama Castle, built into a cliff concealing an intricate cave system.
The little town of Lipica is where breeding of the famous Lipizzaner horses began more than 400 years ago. The Lipica Stud Farm is a welcoming recreational centre and a riding school.
The heart of the country
Ljubljana, Slovenia’s picturesque capital city, is sure to enthuse you with its relaxed yet lively atmosphere. In the very heart of the country, it is an ideal base for getting to know the immediate surroundings, and also the other parts of Slovenia.