Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
Video Introduction to Slovenia
Check out this short video introduction to the wonders of Slovenia
Slovenia is a Small Country Full Of Beauty and Wonders
Slovenia, with a population of just two million people, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in recent years. With scenic mountainous terrain with picturesque rivers, lakes, and forest, the tiny country has so much to offer visitors looking for unspoiled outdoor experiences.
This tiny country nestled in the Balkans between northern Italy and Croatia it a little known jewel becoming more and more popular as word gets out to its fabulous attractions. Top draws include the capital city of Ljubljana, iconic Lake Bled, magical Postojna Caves, Predjama Castle, and the fabulous Soca Valley area.
Location
History
Once part of the Roman Empire, Slovenia in its present form is very new. The state of Slovenia was created within the country of Yugoslavia in 1945, and in 1991 Slovenia gained its independence. Today, Slovenia, with a population of about two million people, is a member of the European Union and NATO.
Slovenia features majestic mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, forested landscapes, and a small coastal area on the Adriatic Sea to the west. Ljubljana is the capital, and popular sites include Lake Bled, Postojna Caves, Predjama Castle, the high peak of Triglav, and the beautiful Soca River Valley.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana Castle stands majestically overlooking the city below. Take the cable car up or the short walk to the top for the best view of the city and surrounding area for miles. Inside the castle, you will find a museum, a wine bar, and two wonderful restaurants, Gostilna na Gradu and the Strelec Restaurant.
Down below, the city of bridges features the Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, the Butcher’s Bridge, and the Cobbler’s Bridge. In the downtown area, visitors can marvel at the architectural genius of Jose Plecnik, who helped redesign much of the downtown. Enjoy a stroll along the River with loads of charming shops, restaurants, and buildings.
Lake Bled
Take a clear blue lake surrounded by scenic mountains, put an island with a church in the middle of the lake, and plop a medieval castle on the rocky outcrop overlooking the town. The result is Lake Bled, a magical fairytale village. Traditional pletnas take visitors from the village to the island, where passengers can disembark and explore the church, buildings, and, of course, enjoy the incredible views of Castle Bled and the village.
Soca River Valley
The beautiful turquoise waters of the Soca River in northwest Slovenia flow through one of the most scenic areas of Europe. The Soca River Valley is an ideal location for hiking, rafting, zip lining, parasailing, and other outdoor activities.
One part of the Soca River Valley, known as the Isonzo Front, was the sit of some of the bloodiest battles of WWI, where about 1.7 million soldiers died in fierce fighting. The area around Kobarid and the Soca River Valley is said to be the locale of many of the scenes in Ernest Hemingway’s Farewell to Arms. It is also home to the fabulous Hisa Franko, often on the short list of best restaurants in the world.
Postojna Caves
One of the most visited caves in the history of the world, the fabulous Postojna Caves have attracted wide-eyed visitors since being re-discovered back in the 17th century. Top features of this 25 mile long cave system carved by the Pivka River include the largest show room in Europe and the fantastic underground electric train that carries happy tourist through the caves. And don’t forget to check out the “baby dragons” who have made Postojna Caves their home.
Predjama Castle
What could be cooler than a medieval castle built into the side of a rocky cliff? Predjama Castle, just a 20 minute drive from Postojna Caves, is another very popular tourist attraction in Slovenia. The current standing castle was built in 1570, after several others in the same location were destroyed by war and earthquakes. Visitors can tour the castle museum and enjoy the views through windows overlooking the valley below.
