Places to visit in Slovenia

The capital city of Ljubljana is the political and cultural heart of Slovenia. You’ll find unmistakable evidence of its rich history. It’s also a vibrant, modern city that’s home to theaters, museums, galleries (such as the National Art Gallery) and one of the oldest philharmonic orchestras in the world. A remarkable 10,000 cultural events take place here every year, including nearly a dozen international festivals. When you visit, don’t miss the 15th century Ljubljana castle. View more things to do in Ljubljana.

In the chilly corridors of the Postojna Caves (Postojnska Jama), you’ll discover over 12 miles of passages, nearly 80 different species of cave animals and galleries bursting with stalagmites and stalactites. Hop on a cave train and uncover a dazzling natural world, and learn centuries of history, too. Check out graffiti from the 13th century and the soot-covered stalactites that show where the Germans hid their fuel supplies during the war.

A few miles from Postojna, you can visit the centuries-old Predjama Castle (Predjamski grad), perched high atop a 400 foot cliff. Nestled deep into the limestone, the castle seems to emerge directly from the caves underneath. See the living quarters and dungeon. Then take in the views from the observation post on the rocky cliff and legendary Erazem’s Tunnel. Some believe the castle is haunted. You be the judge.

Take a pletna (a special boat only known in this region) to the only real island in Slovenia. In this picturesque little town, you’ll see Bled Castle emerging from the rocks overlooking quaint and charming Bled Island and the sparkling Lake Bled. Next, take a guided trail tour on the narrow bridges above Vintgar Gorge, which ends in a stunning waterfall. The trail also leads to breathtaking views of the area.

Located on the main karst plateau in the southwest of Slovenia, these vast caves with their underground halls and gorges boast unique natural beauty and cultural heritage, they’re also the world’s largest underground wetlands. In fact, most visitors to Škocjan rarely see the village itself, as they’re immediately drawn to the treasures and discoveries of the caves. Try to do both when you visit.

Outdoor enthusiasts won’t know where to begin in this natural wonderland and heavenly playground. Hiking, climbing and white-water rafting in the summer, gives way to unbelievable skiing in the winter, as the lake is surrounded by imposing slopes. Most visitors come for the spectacular Savica Waterfall, a 250-foot (75 m) drop for the river Sava. If weather allows, swimming and boating are also encouraged.