Here are the 8 experiences my friends enjoy most when they visit me in Slovenia. You should love them too.
I’ve been living in Slovenia for more than 10 years and I’ve got lots of great experiences to remember. I’ve put together a selection of 8 experiences that won’t leave you indifferent.
It’s hard to find similar experiences anywhere else in the world.
Here you’ll find spectacular caves, memorable swims, brilliant open-air museums, an exceptional cycle path… In short, everything you need for a successful Slovenian holiday.
The fabulous Pericnik double waterfall
An incredible waterfall, the most beautiful in Slovenia and the most astonishing.
I have devoted an entire article to it. There are in fact two waterfalls and you can walk behind both of them. It makes for a memorable wet experience. You can also hike right next to the waterfall along a beautiful stream.
The spectacular Skocjan caves
There are two huge tourist caves in Slovenia, including the Postojna caves. Gigantic! The Postojna caves are the largest in Europe, but even better, in my opinion, are the Skocjan caves with their monumental underwater canyon. You’ve never seen anything quite like the second section of the Skocjan caves tour.
One word: astonishing !
If you want to take in the sights for a couple of hours and cool off in the middle of summer with an original visit, make the Skocjan caves part of your Slovenian holiday programme. These caves are very close to the motorway linking Ljubljana to the Adriatic (like the Postojna caves).
Another fabulous underground experience, but with very limited space: only 4 people can visit these caves each day – Krizna Jama.
The incredible Idrija mines
Two Slovenian attractions are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Skocjan caves and the Idrija mines, the second largest mercury mines in the world.
These mines were an immense source of wealth when they were first exploited. Today, you can visit them in miner’s clothing, joining a small group for a unique immersive and silent experience worthy of a video game. You’ll really be transported back several centuries.
During the visit, you’ll learn about the back-breaking work of the miners and the very hard life they led.
Rainy day: The Idrija mines are an ideal family activity for a rainy day. And if the rain persists, head off to the second museum, which explains the various uses of mercury and how it was mined. It is located right next to the mine.
A summer evening along the riverin Ljubljana
Every summer, Ljubljana amazes me with its lively evenings.
The capital is both calm and lively. The town hall organises hundreds of free concerts and shows, including several operas, thanks in particular to a large stage set up almost permanently in summer on the Kongresni square. In the narrow streets of Ljubljana, you can listen to small concerts and enjoy the terraces in the warmth of the summer nights.
An unforgettable night-time experience!
And if ever, in the middle of summer, you find it a little too crowded for your taste, just go a little further, to the end of the streets Trubarjeva or Gornij trg, for example, and you’ll find some lovely quiet terraces and a romantic atmosphere with those lovely subdued lights.
Finally, around midnight or one o’clock in the morning, when the terraces close, if you want to extend your night in Ljubljana, walk to Metelkova, a squat with numerous alternative clubs and a cutting-edge programme.
Take a rafting or hydrospeed trip down the Soca.
Kayakers from all over Europe are familiar with this splendid emerald river that flows at the bottom of a valley surrounded by high peaks. When the weather is fine, many come by car for some legendary descents.
Navigating the Soca’s rapids in a kayak is an exercise reserved for experts , but anyone can raft down this river by knocking on the door of one of Bovec’s whitewater sports agencies.
Hydrospeeding down the Soca is also great fun!
When planning your holiday, it’s worth noting that the Soca is not as easy to get to as the rest of Slovenia, which is very easy to get around. Although the Soca valley is close to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj as the crow flies, it is actually a long way by road. The Soca is reached by car via Slovenia’s highest pass (Vrsic). However, it is this difficulty of access that allows it to retain all its authenticity.
To visit the Soca valley, plan at least two days (avoid going for the day, as a hurried visit will mean missing out on many of the beautiful spots in this unspoilt valley).
The First World War trenches at Sabotin
Once you’ve visited the ” Slovenian Tuscany “, tasted Slovenian wines and admired the pretty little villages, climb to the heights of this little corner of paradise to lose yourself in a maze of very well-maintained trenches from the First World War.
At Sabotin, a breathtaking view awaits you.
The Soca valley (the Insonzo front) was the scene of a long and terrible battle of positions during the First World War, with both sides hiding high up on the peaks and bringing in heavy artillery – a real feat that can be appreciated today thanks to several open-air museums, including the one at Sabotin.
Canoeing through the old town
At the end of the day or early evening, when the sun is not so strong, follow the banks of the river to a canoe hire company.
Once aboard, paddle towards the centre to rediscover its architecture at river level. You’ll get a whole new perspective on the charming buildings lining the Ljubljanica.
A highly original way to discover Slovenia’s capital
By canoe, once you’ve passed the three bridges and architect Plecnik’ s market, turn around and head back to your boarding pontoon. The party’s over! You’re now up against the current. You’re going to sweat a bit to get back to your starting point.
You can also take a pleasant stroll by stand-up paddle.
Pedal through the vineyards along the Slovenian coast
I know of very few cycle paths as entertaining and varied as the one that follows the Parenzana in Slovenia, a former railway line along the sea that has recently been transformed into a magical cycle path.
You’ll cycle along the Adriatic, through vineyards and fig trees, through two interminable railway tunnels, past the salt marshes that once fed Venice and finish at the Croatian border.
Tip: You can also cycle it on an electric bike.
Taste the sweetness of Slovenian thermal baths!
Before setting foot in Slovenia, I’d never set foot in a thermal spa, but as everyone goes here and the prices are affordable, I was quickly whisked away by my Slovenian friends for an afternoon at the spa. Hammams and saunas of all kinds, Jacuzzis, Japanese baths..
The Slovenian thermal baths are a must on any winter holiday in Slovenia or on a rainy summer’s day. On a fine summer’s day, I don’t think you’ll find much point in going to a sauna to warm up, as it’s less pleasant under the scorching sun.