Slovenia: Alps, Sea, Vineyards, And Caves With ‘Baby Dragons'
I first visited Slovenia 20 years ago, and felt like I had discovered the perfect destination to drive around for a week; a compact destination, worthy of a detour from nearby Italy and Austria. It was Europe the way it used to be, or at least the way I wanted it to still seem —unspoiled, uncrowded, an amalgam of land and water scapes, where the Alps, Mediterranean, Pannonian Plain and Karst meet in natural harmony.
The country has kept its historic charms while moving gently into the new millennium. Slovenia has been settled since prehistoric times and was part of Yugoslavia until its independence in 1991, and what remains is a plethora of charming towns, outdoor adventures, and getaways filled with culture, art and tradition.
Wines are good, and farm-to-table local gastronomy is crafted from local, fresh ingredients. (I particularly liked Sausage Kranj-style, dating from the early 19th century during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.) And there are now an impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants.
And with a concern for the future, the country remains deeply committed to sustainability, which pleases me immensely.
The pretty capital city, Ljubljana, is known for its university population and green spaces, including expansive Tivoli Park. The curving Ljubljanica River, lined in outdoor cafes, divides the city's old town from its commercial hub. Ljubljana is home to numerous theaters and galleries, and boasts one of the oldest philharmonic orchestras in the world. The National Museum of Slovenia displays historic exhibitions, and the Museum of Modern Art is home to 20th-century Slovene paintings and sculptures.
Ljubljana. capital of Slovenia
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But there is much more to experience in Slovenia. Here, a few of my favorite suggestions of what not to miss in this lovely little country.
Piran: The Most Beautiful Sea Town
Just a short distance from Ljubljana, Piran is a coastal town situated on a narrow peninsula on the Adriatic Sea, offering stunning views from the city walls and the bell tower of St. George's Church.
Piran on the Slovenian Adriatic coast.
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Tartini Square, in the heart of the city, is an ideal starting point, from which you can stroll narrow cobblestone streets, enjoy al fresco dining, and explore its picturesque squares, and colorful houses and well-preserved medieval architecture with strong Venetian influences,
Piran's proximity to attractions like Portorož, Izola, and the Škocjanske Caves National Park makes it an excellent base for exploring nature. Nearby, you can bird watch along the salt flats and ride a traditional Pletna boat to the island of Otak, to visit the tenth-century church of St. Catherine.
Ojstrica: Spectacular Viewpoint Capturing Lake Bled's Beauty
At Bled, in the foothills of the Alps, you can pedal a boat on a glacial lake and admire the much photographed church on the little island in the lake's center.
Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria on the island in Lake Bled.
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Ojstrica, on the southern side of the lake, has a trail winding through a forest. At the summit is a panoramic view of Lake Bled, its iconic island, Bled Castle, and the Karavanke mountains beyond.
Jamnik: Stunning Views, Tranquil Countryside
Perched on a hill, Jamnik offers spectacular views of the Julian Alps, and surrounding green valleys — particularly mesmerizing at sunrise or sunset. The village, surrounded by forests and meadows, provides a serene setting perfect for hiking, cycling, and nature observation, and offers a glimpse into authentic rural Slovenian life.
A church in Jamnik Slovenia.
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The elegant 13th-century Church of St. Primoz and St. Felician has an elevated position offering panoramic views. Its proximity to attractions like Lake Bled and Triglav National Park makes Jamnik a fine spot for combined visits.
Slovenia's Caves and a Nearby Castle
The Postojna Cave system in southwestern Slovenia is one of the most visited tourist caves in the world, with stunning stalactite and stalagmites, vast tunnels and underground multicolored chambers. An underground train takes you three miles into into the heart of the prehistoric cave, and you can walk a mile along a trail among towering formations.
Postojna Cave is a network of passages, galleries and chambers. The cave has a wealth of speleothems: calcite formations, stalactites and stalagmites abounding in a variety of shapes, colours and age.
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Look out for the olm, known as the 'Dragon of the Alps,' a blind, albino salamander found no where else. These translucent creatures engage in mock battles, and although they are blind, move around the dark caves by reading electrical fields. They can survive up to 10 years without eating, and live up to a hundred years. (Maybe they are baby dragons.)
Vector olm or proteus - cave quatic salamander
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Just nine kilometers away, Predjama Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff, is a medieval fortress built into the mountainside. There you can sip hot tea on the terrace and reflect on the pleasures of the caves and the wonders of the olm.
Predjama Castle built in the cave, Slovenia
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Inspiring Movie Scenes at the Soča River Valley
Clear, turquoise waters make the Soča River renowned as one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. The Soča served as a backdrop for several scenes in "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian."
Soca valley
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The Soča River Valley's scenic hiking trails, offer panoramic views and unique natural landscapes, along with kayaking and other water activities.
For Wine Lovers: Špičnik and Jerezalem
Slovenia's vineyards grow high-quality wines, and you can sip them and savor regional delicacies in cozy, family-run restaurants. Špičnik, with its iconic heart-shaped road winding through the vineyards of Svečinske Gorice, is popular spot with cyclists, and is perfect for a leisurely walk through the heart of wine country.
Rows of vineyards near Maribor, on Slovenia's northern border, close to Austria.
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Jeruzalem, a picturesque village in the eastern part of the country, is set within rolling green hills and terraced vineyards. The Jeruzalem Wine Trail provides a scenic walk, among vines and wine cellars.
Follow my award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane here – or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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