The 12 most incredible activities to enjoy in Slovenia

It's hard to find a country that offers so much to see and do within such a small area.

Slovenia is nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, shaped by the influences of Italy, Austria, and the Western Balkans. Thanks to its small size, you can explore all its diverse regions in one trip.

While you could easily immerse yourself in any single area, those seeking a comprehensive experience will find a delightful variety. You can blend world-class outdoor adventures with urban excitement, and wine tours with historical explorations. Here’s a selection of the top experiences to enjoy in Slovenia.

1. Hike the Juliana Trail in the Alps

Slovenians have a deep-rooted passion for mountaineering, and the Julian Alps in the northwest feature miles of stunning hiking and trekking paths. While a hike in the Alps may seem daunting for beginners, it doesn’t have to be. The Juliana Trail, a 270 km (168 miles) circular route that contours around Triglav National Park, offers a perfect introduction. Most of its 16 sections are relatively flat and classified as easy to moderate, with the highest points reaching around 1,325 meters (4,347 ft).

Detour: No visit to Triglav National Park is complete without a trip to (or an overnight stay at) two of Slovenia's must-see spots—the picturesque Alpine lakes of Bled and Bohinj.

2. Visit Ljubljana’s Central Market for gourmet picnic essentials

More than just a place to buy fresh produce, the outdoor and covered sections of the Central Market are vital to the culture of Ljubljana. Located just off the main square, beyond the iconic Triple Bridge and alongside the Ljubljanica River, vendors offer a wide array of fresh meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, nuts, honey, and liqueurs. Numerous tables are available for enjoying your purchases on-site, or even better, pack it all up for a spontaneous picnic by the river or in the expansive Tivoli Park.

Planning: Make sure to return to the market on Friday afternoons from March to November for Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna). During this weekly food festival, numerous restaurants from around Ljubljana set up stalls, offering specially prepared dishes to savor on the streets.

3. Appreciate the urban design of Jože Plečnik

Unbeknownst to many, one reason visitors fall for Ljubljana is the architectural brilliance of Jože Plečnik, a local who crafted numerous ornate buildings and structures during the early 20th century.

For instance, Plečnik transformed the city's Triple Bridge from a simple structure into a captivating maze of white ornaments and balustrades. He also adorned the Central Market with its iconic classical columns and arches. Starting at the Plečnik House, where he lived and worked for nearly 40 years, is a wonderful way to delve into his legacy. Many of his designs are now recognized as UNESCO cultural heritage sites.

Planning: Architecture enthusiasts should consider joining a guided cycling tour to explore Ljubljana through the eyes of its most celebrated architect.

4. Embrace the medieval charm in castle country

The area along the Sava and Krka Rivers in southeastern Slovenia is often missed due to the overwhelming number of attractions in the western part of the country. The Lower Sava Valley Region (Posavje in Slovenian) is known for its medieval castles, with numerous impressive structures perched atop forested hills.

Notably, the stretch along the Sava River connects historic sites from Sevnica to Mokrice Castle, close to the Croatian border. Pair a castle visit with a delightful chocolate tasting at the beautifully restored Rajhenburg Castle near Krško. At the well-preserved 13th-century Brežice Castle, you'll find the Posavje Museum, featuring exhibitions that detail the region's history from prehistoric times to the present.

Detour: Just north of Brežice, the picturesque Bizeljsko-Sremič Wine District is dotted with wineries, making it a perfect place to stop whenever you spot an inviting cellar.

5. Explore the wonders of the Karst Region

It might be surprising, but Slovenia's underground scenery is just as stunning as its landscapes above. The southwestern Karst Region is filled with remarkable limestone caves that require no special gear for exploration. Two must-visit caves are Postojna and Škocjan.

Experience a four-kilometer train ride through the Postojna Cave, which features nearly 24 kilometers of tunnels. Caving enthusiasts will be particularly fascinated by the translucent salamanders, known as olms, or colloquially as “human fish” or “baby dragons.”

The UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves stretch for 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) and offer guided tours through the enchanting “Silent Cave” before venturing into the “Murmuring Cave,” where a bridge carries explorers nearly 50 meters (164 feet) above the flowing Reka River below.

6. Taste the world’s oldest wine

There’s vintage wine, and then there’s historic vintage wine. To experience the latter, visit the Old Vine House in Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city in the northeast. The vine climbing the house’s exterior is over 400 years old and is recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest noble vine still producing fruit. Enjoy a tasting of this ancient red variety on the terrace, along with other selections available in the shop.

7. Travel on a picturesque railway through the Alps

The Bohinj Railway, located in the northwest, ranks among Europe’s most beautiful train routes and is a must-visit for train enthusiasts. Its history began in the early 20th century, aimed at connecting the northern parts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the Adriatic coast. Opened in 1906, the line passes through Slovenia and the stunning Alps.

For a blend of sightseeing, history, and sustainable travel, board the train in Bohinjska Bistrica and ride it to Nova Gorica near the Italian border. Along the way, you'll traverse the majestic mountains through the 6.3 km (3.9-mile) Bohinj Tunnel, glide alongside the stunning emerald Soča River, and cross the Solkan Bridge, renowned as the longest stone-arch railway bridge in the world at 85 meters (279 feet).

8. Experience history at Lipica

Each year, thousands flock to Vienna to catch a glimpse of the famed white Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School, yet far fewer know that these magnificent horses have been bred in Slovenia’s Karst Region for over 400 years. The Lipica Stud Farm is home to around 300 graceful, white Lipizzaners.

Wander the expansive grounds and capture photos of the gentle animals as they roam freely across 300 hectares (741 acres) of pasture. Join a guided tour of the farm to explore the museums and stables, and consider staying for a carriage ride, a nature outing, or a performance by the Lipica Riding School.

Planning: Select your preferred activities and reserve your tickets in advance on the Lipica website. It's best to avoid Mondays, as there are fewer shows and activities available.

9. Claim your Slovenian heritage by climbing Mt Triglav

Conquering Mt Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia at 2864 meters (9396 feet), is regarded as a rite of passage. According to local legend, to truly be considered Slovenian, one must summit this mountain at least once. The picturesque setting in the Julian Alps within Triglav National Park is breathtaking and inspiring.

While you don’t have to be an expert climber to reach the summit, it's essential to treat this mountain with respect and seek local guidance for the best trails and routes. Bring a helmet and harness if you plan to tackle one of the steep but secure via ferrata paths. Allocate two days for acclimatization at your starting point before embarking on the all-day climb.

10. Treat yourself to a dip in the Adriatic Sea

While some might overlook Slovenia’s coastline, stretching just under 50km (31 miles), it often serves as the perfect reward after exploring the mountains, rivers, vineyards, and caves. When it’s time to hit the coast, there’s a spot for everyone.

Koper, Slovenia’s largest coastal city, offers more than just a port; it's a fantastic place to enjoy both the sea and a rich history, highlighted by the 15th-century Praetorian Palace. Just southwest lies the quieter town of Izola, often overlooked yet ideal for seafood lovers. Gostilna Bujol serves delicious dishes like mussels and calamari, while Gostilna Sidro pairs great food with stunning views.

Heading further west, you’ll reach the charming town of Piran, famous for its Venetian-style architecture, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking sunsets.

Detour: Just 4km (2.5 miles) east of Piran, Strunjan Landscape Park is a protected natural reserve that features some of Slovenia’s most stunning and secluded beaches.

11. Experience wine tasting steeped in tradition in Goriška Brda

Though Slovenia may not be globally recognized for its wines, this is mainly because it keeps most of its delightful vintages for local enjoyment. Both red and white wines are exceptional, and while you can taste them throughout the country, Goriška Brda—nestled at the base of the Julian Alps—might just make you feel like you’ve found a slice of Tuscany, minus the crowds. Picture rolling hills adorned with grapevines and sunlit orchards, crowned by quaint settlements and churches.

Numerous splendid vineyards await your visit. In Ceglo, the Marjan Simčič and Movia vineyards have played significant roles in elevating Slovenia's wine reputation. Just north in Dobrovo, the Klet Brda Winery represents a cooperative of about 400 families—join a cellar tour and sample their wines. The Ščurek Vino cellar in Plešivo offers tastings and tours, and Edi Simčič, a family-run estate in Vipolže, is another excellent choice.

Planning: Most local wineries request that visitors call ahead to set up a tasting. While it might be tempting to drop by a vineyard while following the many vinska cesta (wine road) signs, impromptu visits are not the typical Slovenian practice.

12. Explore the numerous microbreweries in Kamnik

While other regions in Slovenia focus on wine production, the town of Kamnik in the Kamnik-Savinja area thrives on its local water, which is perfectly suited for brewing beer.

As a result, Kamnik boasts the highest number of microbreweries per capita anywhere in the world. The Beer Way to Freedom Tour offers a lively guided experience through some of the town’s finest microbrews, complete with friendly discussions to keep you informed about the local beer scene.

Detour: Enhance your trip to Kamnik with a visit to the nearby scenic Velika Planina, a vast plateau at 1600m and one of Europe’s largest herdsmen settlements. Don’t miss tasting trnič, a tangy cow's-milk cheese that pairs beautifully with žganci (buckwheat porridge).