Slovenia and Croatia in Summer
From picturesque lakes to green cities, and deep caves to Adriatic coastline - Slovenia and Croatia have everything you need for a refreshing summer Eurail trip! Follow our itinerary to discover these 2 countries by rail, and get acquainted with Europe's Balkan region!
Destinations
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Most Slovenian trains start and end in the capital, Ljubljana. A beautiful pedestrianised city center, the quirky autonomous social center, Metelkova City, and easy access to the rest of the country by rail make this a great starting point.
How to get there
Ljubljana is Slovenia’s main rail hub. There are regional and high-speed trains from Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia.
2. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is a fairytale destination that gets endless attention on social media, and rightfully so. The church on the pristine island lake is well worth a visit, and there's lots of outdoor activities in summer.
How to get there
There are regular trains between Ljubljana and Lake Bled. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
3. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Less visited but no less beautiful, Lake Bohinj offers stunning lakeside and mountain walks in the middle of the Julian Alps. Bohinj is gorgeous in summer, with opportunities to kayak, sail, swim and paraglide.
How to get there
There are regular trains from Lake Bled to Bohinjska Bistrica that connect in Jesenice - the journey takes about 1 hour. Lake Bohinj is a short bus ride away from the train station.
4. Postojna, Slovenia
Slovenia's 24,000-metre long Postojna Caves are easy to reach by rail from Ljubljana. The limestone caves are the second longest in the country. You can explore them on a day trip or overnight stop.
How to get there
Retrace your steps to Ljubljana. From Ljubljana, there are regular trains to Postojna that take 1 hour.
5. Piran, Slovenia
No summer visit to Slovenia is complete without a visit to their short, scenic coastline. The quaint town of Piran is easy to reach and offers remarkable sunsets, panoramic views, an interesting mix of Italian and Slovenian history, crystal clear waters, and endless fresh seafood.
How to get there
Take the train from Postojna to Koper. There are three daily trains that take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From there, a short bus ride will connect you to Piran.
6. Zagreb, Croatia
The Croatian capital is built across hilly terrain. It has intriguing architecture, famous churches, several interesting museums, open-air markets, and a creative scene that continues to attract younger residents and visitors.
How to get there
Retrace your steps to Ljubljana. Once there, take the direct train to Zagreb that runs at least three times per day. The entire journey from the coast, including transfer time, should take 5.5 hours.
7. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
There are few better summery Croatian destinations than Plitvice Lakes. These beautiful lakes attract thousands of visitors each year. The stunning walkways and forests make it one of the country’s most impressive sites.
How to get there
There are several bus connections and tour companies who will transport you from Zagreb to the lakes in less than 2.5 hours.
8. Split, Croatia
Split is the easiest destination to reach by rail from Zagreb. Its beautiful beaches and the fortress-like Diocletian's Palace make it an enthralling place to visit. It also offers easy ferry access to several of the Dalmatian Coast islands.
How to get there
There are both day and night trains between Zagreb and Split, the longest of which takes just over 7.5 hours.
9. Hvar Island, Croatia
Dozens of islands are worth visiting along the Dalmatian Coast, and one of the easiest and most fun to visit is Hvar Island. In the peak summer season it's packed full of hedonistic tourists. You'll also find lots of beaches and resorts.
How to get there
There are regular ferries from Split to Hvar and other Dalmatian Islands. The journey typically takes 1 hour.
10. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik might be famous as a Game of Thrones filming location, but this walled town has a lot more to offer all visitors. It’s a beautiful ancient city that oozes history and life. There are also several beaches and water excursions that help summer visitors escape the heat and crowds of the old town.
How to get there
There’s no train station at Dubrovnik, but you can easily reach the old town by bus or ferry from Split, or by ferry from a nearby island.
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