With the quaint capital of Slovenia surrounded by snow-capped Alps, the Pannonian & Danubian lowlands and hills, the Mediterranean coast, it is a feast for the eyes.
I have forgotten how I came across the thought of travelling to Slovenia. Perhaps it was a friend’s recommendation or a country that happens to be on the way to the other cities I wanted to traveled to. Yet this unassuming country happens to be one of my favourite European country to date. It is simply gorgeous with breath-taking views and towns reminiscent of a fairy tale setting. Definitely a place for those who enjoy a slower pace of life and especially for those who love a good touch of serenity and nature.
Day One
After reaching Ljubljana, start with a walking tour to venture through the iconic points of the city and learn key highlights of 2016 Green Capital of Europe. Unfortunately, I only reached the city in the mid-afternoon, I would have loved to know more about the fascinating sculptures scattered around and the history behind the Dragon Bridge. Thankfully, I had an amazing Airbnb host who gave me a quick crash course of the gem of a city and provided recommendations as to where to visit and what to eat!
Check out Ljubljana Castle after walking past the main points of interest; Dragon Bridge, Central market, Robba fountain, Ljubljana Cathedral and the squares. The city centre is really compact and would not take more than 30 minutes to an hour to admire all the main city sights. If you still have a student pass, take the funicular up to the castle (Student Price: €7 for two-way funicular ride, admission and two exhibitions) to enjoy the panoramic view of copper roofs and pastel buildings. I decided on visiting the interactive Puppet Exhibit, set up by Ljubljana Puppet Theatre which showcased peculiar puppets next to fairy tale inspired ones.
Colourful candy and novelty stores are aplenty with alfresco cafes alternately between them. Cool off with the city’s top destination for ice cream at Cacao Café or have traditional Slovenian food at the affordable Druga Violina with set meals below 5 euros. For sweet tooths, the modern looking Lolita Café offers a plethora of confectionery.
There are a couple of museums if you have more time; National Gallery, Museum of Modern Art, National Museum and Museum of Illusions. My host recommended heading to Metelkova Art Center which is known to be a hipster spot for underground music, arts events and bars. Unfortunately, when I was reading up GMaps, seems like the cool alternative place have turned into yet another tourist ridden IG-worthy place. Pity.
Ended my day strolling around Park Spica and people-watched at the renewed waterfront.
Tip: Have a nice picnic along Ljubljanica and dog watch in the green area! It's really quiet and charming. I should have done it when I was there, what a wasted opportunity.
Day Two
Take a day trip out of the City of Dragons and visit the emerald-sapphire lakes of Lake Bled and Lake Bonhinj. I took a day trip from Roundabout Tours as I wanted to cram as much as possible. Started my day at Vintgar Gorge, before driving to Lake Bled. However, I would recommend hiking through Vintgar Gorge to read Lake Bled and/or to Ojstrica, the most beautiful viewpoint of the lake. Tonnes of vantage points of the little island in the middle of the lake and burning calories to eat more gelato. OH, or the famous Bled cream cake (kremna rezina). The sweet treat has been dated back to the 18th and 19th centuries and is characterised by the light vanilla cream custard on top of layered puff pastry. Yum.
Visit the Bled Castle which is perched on top a steep cliff, about 130 metres above the lake. Again you can hike up from the base, it would take about 20 minutes which is worth it for the dramatic view of the island, Dezela area and the mountain range of Karavanke and the Julian Alps. I gave the castle visit a miss because personally, I always enjoy the exterior more than the interior of a castle.
Paddle boarding is a thing around the island. Rent a paddle board from Grand Hotel Toplice for about €10/hour would be an interesting and fun activity to do while you are there. Alternatively, take one of the flat-based Pletna boats to the island. These traditional boats date back to 1590 and can only be navigated by a pletnar, an esteemed vocation that is past down by generations of a family. Climb up the steps upon reaching the island and don’t be surprised if you see grooms attempting to carry their wives up all 99 steps, it’s all part of their wedding tradition. There is a church and small museum on the tiny island for you to check out.
Next, head to Lake Bohinj, an immense natural beauty and the largest lake in Slovenia. I preferred Bohinj, Bled’s cousin, which was more secluded and quieter. The lake is huge – travelling around the lake would give you so many photo opportunities, from gorges to waterfall. I just sat down on the bank and stared at the blue-green water but you could engage in cycling, kayaking, hiking or even horse riding when visiting the crystal clear waters. West of Lake Bonhinj is the lower station of Vogel Cable Car which provides a fuss free and quick way to get to viewing platform of the lake (€24 for a round trip ticket). A chairlift ticket is included in the cable car ticket which will take you to a higher viewpoint. From there, you can hike down or to the next viewpoint 15 minutes away. I did not know of such services then and disappointed that I did not spend a good day here to get to the viewpoints. (inserts sad face)
Before ending the day, swing by the petite town of Skofja Loka for a short stroll or a photo stop. It is considered to be one of the best-preserved medieval centres in Slovenia. It is pretty accessible from Ljubljana should you consider this town for a day trip, you can take a 40minutes, €3.10 bus ride from the main bus station in Ljubljana to the main bus station of Skofja Loka.
Day Three
Time to visit of the caves of Slovenia. I selected the Karst and Coastal tour for my third day in Slovenia. Visit the Skocjan caves that is an impressive and grand cave system that contains your typical rock formations AND the underground Reka river ON TOP of the largest discovered underground cavern in Europe. The chamber was simply amazing and I was so sad to know that no photography was allowed as it is a UNESCO site. 10/10 a must see! The caves are believed to be of millions of years old which makes it even more majestic.
Continue to the coast and drive past tows of Koper, Izola and Portoroz to reach Piran and it’s picturesque narrow streets that you can lose yourself in. I mean, look at all the blue! The town is similar of that in Croatia and Montenegro, with old city walls and orange-roofs next to the sea. Another city that doesn’t allow vehicles within the city area, it makes a perfect place to just relax with a cone of gelato as you watch the waves lapped at your feet. Explore the many quirks of Piran as you attempt to navigate through the winding, colourful alleys of the coastal town. Rest your feet at the Tartini Square as you watch kids running around without a care for the world. Grab some seafood grub at the many restaurants dotted along the coast line – what’s better than eating succulent shellfish and/or traditional Istrian food with the view of the Istrian coastline?
Again would have given the picturesque town a full day but it was time to head back to Ljubljana. Along the way back, we tried get close with the unicorn-looking white Lipizzaners but failed.
Solo Scorecard - 1 (1 - Perfect for Solo Travelling, 5 - Would not recommend for solo travellers)
Slovenia is slow-paced and just wonderful for those who don't enjoy cities too much. I highly recommend basing yourself in Ljubljana. The charming tiny town is easy to get around and most locals speak English. The country does have frequent wet weather - so bring the umbrella, ponchos and raincoats!
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