23 Beautiful places you NEED to visit in Slovenia
Slovenia is a country known for its natural views, so it was really hard for me to pick the most beautiful places to see in Slovenia.
As someone who was born and raised here, I am always excited when people come from abroad to explore Slovenia. So, putting together this list was a lot of fun.
You will notice that I have included places that are not featured in many other travel guides. I hope you enjoy having a local point of view of the most beautiful places in Slovenia.
23 Most beautiful places in Slovenia
1. Ljubljana Old Town
Let me start with the most obvious place so we can get it out of the way.
I may be biased because I have lived in Ljubljana for a few years now, but I have yet to find another capital with such a beautiful and clean Old Town.
The city center of Ljubljana is incredibly well-preserved and it is a pedestrian-only zone, which means you can walk everywhere.
Some of the main attractions you can find in the Ljubljana Old Town are:
- Ljubljana Castle
- PreΕ‘eren Square with its iconic pink church
- The Ljubljanica River, with a lot of bars and restaurants along the way
- Tivoli Park
2. Lake Bled
Even if you will be coming to Slovenia for the first time, I bet you have already seen pictures of the iconic Lake Bled online.
Bled is the postcard of tourism in Slovenia, and once you get here, you will quickly understand why. Lake Bled is simply stunning!
The lake features a small island in the middle and is overlooked by Bled Castle, nestled on top of a cliff.
I honestly think Lake Bled is not only one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia but also in Europe.
The downside of having such a photogenic spot is that it does get quite busy and the town of Bled is actually quite small to handle the massive number of tourists. So, if you will be coming during the summer, especially between July and August, please bear in mind that it will be crowded.
Pro tip: Hike the Ojstrica Viewpoint for the absolute best views over Lake Bled for free!
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3. Vintgar Gorge – the most famous gorge in Slovenia
Located very close to Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge is another spot that definitely deserves a spot on this list of the most beautiful spots in Slovenia.
The visit to the gorge is payable because it is part of a natural protected area. The ticket will give you access to a 1.6 km boardwalk trail that follows the Radovna River.
You will see small waterfalls, water pools, and stunning views along the way.
The path finishes at Ε um Waterfall, a beautiful sight to close up the tour.
4. Lake Bohinj
This is the second most famous lake in Slovenia.
Lake Bohinj is located only 30 min by car from Bled. It is larger and much more raw in nature, which is why we love it so much!
Another great thing about Lake Bohinj is that it is usually emptier than Bled. Most people coming to Bohinj are looking for outdoor activities such as swimming, paddling, hiking, etc.
The entire area around Lake Bohinj is really beautiful and there are a lot of trails in the mountains nearby.
Pro tip: Make sure you visit Savica Waterfall at the end of Lake Bohinj as well!
5. VrΕ‘iΔ Pass – the highest mountain pass in Slovenia
VrΕ‘iΔ is my favorite road to drive here in Slovenia. It goes up to 1,611 meters, providing some of the most incredible views of the Julian Alps, in the Triglav National Park.
Along the road, there are a lot of places you can stop for a visit.
Lake Jasna is an artificial mountain lake that has some stunning views during the summer and winter!
The viewpoint at the top of VrΕ‘iΔ Pass is another spot that we highly recommend stopping! VrΕ‘iΔ is also the starting point of many hikes in the Julian Alps.
Pro tip: If you want to try some traditional Slovenian food, stop at the mountain hut on the top of VrΕ‘iΔ.
6. PeriΔnik Waterfall
In my opinion, PeriΔnik is the most unique waterfall in Slovenia.
The main waterfall is 52 meters high, forming an impressive sight that can be seen all the way from the road.
But what makes PeriΔnik truly unique is that there is a small path where you can walk behind the waterfall!
The view of the Vrata Valley from behind the waterfall is one of the most beautiful things you can see in Slovenia.
7. SoΔa Valley
I cannot talk about the most beautiful places in Slovenia without mentioning the SoΔa Valley.
Located in the western part of the country, the SoΔa Valley is a beautiful mountain region crossed by the SoΔa River.
What makes this region so special is the very unique landscape. The SoΔa River has this peculiar turquoise color that almost looks fake (but I swear, it isnβt!).
Around this area, you have a lot of things to do and see. One of the most popular activities is rafting in the SoΔa River, which we highly recommend!
PS: It is allowed to swim in the river, but be prepared because the water is freezing!
8. Kozjak Waterfall – the most beautiful waterfall in the SoΔa Valley
Speaking of places worth visiting in the SoΔa Valley, I have to mention one of my favorites: Kozjak Waterfall.
This is a very unique waterfall because it is formed inside a cave, creating a very unique view!
Another great thing about Kozjak is that it is very easy to reach it. It is located next to Kobarid and you can get to the waterfall with only a short walk from the closest parking.
Read also: The best waterfalls in Slovenia
9. Krn Lake
This is a place that I can guarantee you will not see listed on most travel guides, and thatβs because it is not so easily accessible.
Krn Lake is the largest alpine lake in Slovenia, located at 1,391m of altitude.
The only way to reach the lake is by hiking there. You can do a one-day hike from the SoΔa Valley or you can do a multi-day hike starting in Lake Bohinj and finishing in the SoΔa Valley.
Whichever option you choose, I can guarantee you will have some of the most incredible views along the way!
Hiking Gear recommendation
Check out our favorite hiking gear and essentials which we always bring with us.
10. Tolmin Gorge
Another special place in the SoΔa Valley is the Tolmin Gorge.
Most people who come to Slovenia for the first time only visit Vintgar because it is more popular and more accessible.
Personally, I find that to be a pity, because Tolmin Gorge can be just as stunning and way less crowded!
This gorge is located just outside Tolmin and you can easily reach it by car or on foot. The walk along the gorge is an easy 2 km loop trail.
Read also: Comparing Vintgar and Tolmin Gorges
11. Logar Valley
The Logar Valley is one of the most underrated places in Slovenia, in my opinion.
Most people coming to Slovenia for the first time wonβt make their way to the valley, and they will be missing out on one of the most beautiful places in the country.
The Logar Valley is located right in the heart of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, very close to the border between Slovenia and Austria.
The valley is surrounded by mountains and lush green landscape. One of our favorite things to do is drive the SolΔava Panoramic Road for the best views.
Pro tip: Make sure you check out Rinka Waterfall in the heart of the Logar Valley.
12. Maribor Old Town
Located in the Eastern part of the country, Maribor is Sloveniaβs second-largest city.
The Old Town of Maribor is considerably smaller than Ljubljanaβs, but it also has a lot of things to see. I love how well-preserved the buildings are, so you can really see the different architectural influences we had here.
Another great thing about visiting Maribor is that there are a lot of cool events happening in the city. Two of the largest ones are the Lent Festival in June and the Martinovanje Celebrations in November.
Read also: Best time of the year to visit Slovenia
13. Heart-shaped Road
This is another very beautiful place in Slovenia that you will not find in most travel guides.
This picturesque road is located a few minutes outside of Maribor, within a region with a lot of wineries. In fact, the whole Styria region has a strong winemaking tradition, especially white wines.
This road is well-known here in Slovenia because it has a perfect heart shape in the middle of the vineyards. It is a beautiful and iconic spot to drive through!
You can see the roadβs exact location here.
14. Seven Lakes Valley
The Seven Lakes Valley is one of the most beautiful views you will see here in Slovenia.
To get there, you have to do a hike. The Seven Lakes Hike can be done as a (very long) one-day trail, a 2-day hike, or a loop where you also go to Mt Triglav on the following days.
We have done the Seven Lakes Hike as a 2-day hike sleeping at the mountain hut called KoΔa pri Triglavskih jezerih, which is right next to the Double Lakes. To this day, this remains one of our favorite hikes!
The valley has this name because you will pass by seven different lakes on this trail. They are each unique in their own way.
Read also: Best hikes in Slovenia
Hiking Gear recommendation
Check out our favorite hiking gear and essentials which we always bring with us.
15. View from the top of Mt Triglav
Triglav is the highest mountain in Slovenia, with 2,864 meters. It is one of the most iconic places in the country, its peak is even featured in the Slovenian flag!
Hiking to Mt Triglav is one of the most challenging but also cool things you can do here in Slovenia.
Since the peak is located in the heart of the Julian Alps, you will have some incredible views not only from the peak but during the hike itself.
There are a few different routes you can take to get to Triglav. Read our guide below to learn more about this hike.
Book the trip to Triglav with Altitude Activities!
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16. Vipava Valley
Slovenia has a strong wine culture and the Vipava Valley is one of the most famous winemaking regions of the country.
Iβll admit that there is a lot of disagreement between Slovenians of different regions as to which is the best wine region here. Of course, it all comes down to personal taste (and probably a little bit of pride if you come from one of those regions).
I personally really like Vipava and recommend it to most people. I think it perfectly combines good quality wine, beautiful landscapes, and an amazing experience.
The Vipava Valley is a beautiful region, located almost on the border with Italy. There is a lot of Italian influence here, you will notice that most locals even speak both languages fluently.
Some of our favorite wine brands are from Vipava, for example, Guerila and FerjanΔiΔ.
17. Brda
Brda is another famous wine region here in Slovenia, located almost on the border between Slovenia and Italy.
What I like the most about Brda – besides the wine, of course – is that it is super scenic.
If you want to go for a bike ride or have a picnic along the vineyards, Brda is the place for you.
18. Kolpa River
Kolpa is the river that marks the border between Slovenia and Croatia.
If you follow us on Instagram, you have probably heard us saying that Kolpa is our favorite area to go camping.
Along the river, you can find a lot of different campsites and accommodations. It is a very beautiful place in Slovenia if you like to just enjoy nature in its rawest form.
The Kolpa River is a place where Slovenian families go for vacation. Of course, you can find foreigners as well, but it is not even remotely as busy as other tourist places around the country.
19. Piran
Piran is the most beautiful city in the Slovenian seaside.
It is located at the very end of the peninsula, which makes it the best spot to watch the sunset. For the best views, we recommend going up to St Giorgioβs church or walking all the way to the very end of the beach walk.
Piran is a very charming Old Town centered around Tartini Square. The narrow streets and colorful houses really make you feel like you are somewhere in Italy
Read more: Best places to see in the Slovenian seaside
20. Moon Bay, the most beautiful beach in Slovenia
Moon Bay is, without a question, the most beautiful beach you can find in Slovenia.
Located just outside of Strunjan, Moon Bay is nestled along massive cliffs creating a circled half-moon shape. This is how it got its name.
Moon Bay can only be accessed by foot or through the water. If you are coming on foot, park the car in Strunjan and follow the signs to Moon Bay.
You will pass a beautiful viewpoint along the way where you can really see the half-moon shape.
21. Postojna Cave
Postojna is the largest cave in Slovenia and also one of the largest ones in Europe. For this reason, it is also one of the most famous attractions in Slovenia.
If I am being honest, it took me many years to visit Postojna because I always thought it was something made for tourists, but I was SO wrong.
When we finally visited the caves a few years ago, I was blown away! It is so impressive to walk through the rock formations and learn about the cave system.
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Pro tip: To make this a perfect day trip, combine it with a visit to Predjama Castle which is located nearby!
22. Ε kocjan Cave
If Postojna holds the #1 spot when it comes to caves in Slovenia, Ε kocjan is the #2.
Ε kocjan Cave is another place really worth visiting in Slovenia. It is super unique and provides a very different experience than Postojna.
The cave is massive, with beautiful walkways that allow you to really take in the views inside the cave.
Unfortunately, taking pictures is not allowed inside Ε kocjan.
Read also: Comparison between Postojna Cave vs Ε kocjan Cave
23. Zelenci Nature Reserve
Last but not least, I couldnβt finish this list of the most beautiful places in Slovenia without mentioning Zelenci.
Zelenci Nature Reserve is a natural water spring that is the source of the river Sava Dolinka.
This water spring is located in the Triglav National Park, just outside of Kranjska Gora.
What makes Zelenci so special is that it is a thermal spring, so it does not freeze even during the winter. This is so rare!
Zelenci has this crystal blue water, which creates the most perfect landscape with the Julian Alps in the background.
Map of the most beautiful places in Slovenia
I know I shared a lot of places, but I can promise you they are worth a visit.
But donβt worry, we have a special offer that will help you plan your trip.
We have put together the ultimate Slovenia Map, with all our favorite places! We have lived and traveled through Slovenia for more than 4 years now, so this map really reflects everything we have seen and found around the country.
Need help organizing your trip to Slovenia?
I know that planning a trip can seem overwhelming. If you need help, we offer pre-made and personalized itineraries!
Whatβs better than having a local help you plan your perfect trip?
Organizing your trip
To help you plan your trip to Slovenia, we have put together our favorite planning resources:
- Check out our page with curated Slovenia experiences
- Travel insurance: Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use SafetyWing whenever we are traveling abroad.
- Renting a car: We always use Discover Cars to get the best car deals.
- Accommodation: Find the best hotels and apartments on Booking.com.
- Activities: Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with Get Your Guide.
- SIM Card: Stay connected during your trip with Airalo.
- Slovenia Map: Check out our custom-made Map with 290+ must-see spots!
- Slovenia itineraries: Check out our pre-made Slovenian itineraries!
- Recommended hiking gear: Check our recommendations on Amazon if you will be hiking in Slovenia!
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