11 things to see and do in Slovenia

Bordered by Austria, Italy, Croatia and Hungary – and itself a member of the EU (with the Euro as its currency) – Slovenia considers itself European, while maintaining its Slavic identity.

Historically, early Celtic and Roman settlement gave way to more Slavic influences before the Habsburg Empire took control in the mid-1300s.

Occupied by Germany and Italy during World War II, Slovenia then fell under Communist Yugoslavia in 1945 as part of the Soviet Union.

Since independence in 1991, the country has distanced itself from that Soviet era but a certain reserve perhaps remains as a legacy of those hard times.

However, you only have to scratch the surface to find a warmth and humour more associated with the Venetian neighbours they share much history with.

Family life is important and hospitality is freely given to visitors. Women enjoy a great deal of equality in government and the workplace, although home life tends to be more traditional.

Ljubljana’s Old Town sits on the bank of the river, adding cobbled streets and the backdrop of Ljubljana Castle to its charms.

Its layout is based on three squares – Mestni trg, Stari trg and Gornji trg – that are surrounded by medieval houses and grand buildings. You'll need a guide book, or a guide, to make the most of its many historic attractions, from the Schweiger House to the Cobbler Bridge.

Ljubljana Castle dates mostly to the 16th century, when it was rebuilt after an earthquake, and holds a Slovenian History Exhibition. A funicular spares you the walks up but the views on the walk down make it well worth the effort.

Ljubljana

City Museum of Ljubljana is pretty much what it says on the tin, but it’s a lot more interesting than you might expect. It’s a modern, lively museum with a lot going on, including ever-surprising special exhibitions.

Central Market, Ljubljana, is one of the masterpieces of 1930s Modernist architect Jože Plečnik, whose work can be found throughout Ljubljana. A tour to see his buildings such as the National and University Library or the Triple Bridge is essential for anyone with an interest in the subject.

The market is a photographer and food-lover’s paradise, filled with farmers selling fresh produce.

Lake Bled, with its picturesque medieval island church, is a popular photo stop for visitors. At just 55km from the capital Lake Bled is easily accessible, and people have flocked to its shores for centuries. In 1004 Emperor Henry II enjoyed it so much he built Bled Castle, which overlooks the lake. It's now the oldest castle in Slovenia and a popular tourist spot. The castle museum is well worth a look.

Stay longer to enjoy climbs, hikes or bikes around the lake or its Blue Flag beaches, with warm, crystal clear water and warm springs.

Lake Bled

Towering above Lake Bled is Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak at almost 10,000 feet. The mountain is iconic and appears on the coat of arms and flag of Slovenia. Mount Triglav forms a stunning backdrop behind Lake Bled when seen from the Ojstrica viewpoint.

If you want to get closer to the mountain it's best climbed in two days, with a stay in a mountain hut. It stands in Triglav National Park, one of the largest in Europe, offering spectacular peaks, green valleys, waterfalls and rivers of the Julian Alps.

Postojna Cave is on every itinerary for good reason, with graffiti showing its first visitors were in 1213.

Carved out by the Pivka River some two million years earlier, the cave has impressive stalactites and stalagmites that can be seen via an electric underground train. It's the second largest cave system in Sloevnia and one of the country's most popular tourist attractions, a trend started by Archduke Ferdinand in 1819.

It was such a popular tourist destination that it even had electric lighting installed in 1884, long before the capital city Ljubljana, and the world's first underground post office was opened in the caves in 1899.

Postojna Cave

The very humid underground passages (bring a raincoat) are home to a unique pink blind cave salamander or olm, Proteus anguinus. The species in endangered as it can only live in areas with very clean water. It's endemic to the underground waters that flow through the limestone bedrock in central and southeastern Europe. The amphibian is completely blind but has highly developed sense of smell and hearing.

Prejama Castle, about five miles from Postojna, is built into a cave but still offers all the sights you might expect from a castle, from an ambush-ready drawbridge and hidden passageways to dark dungeons and murky tales of betrayal.

Its history goes back to at least 1200 but the present structure dates to 1570 when it was rebuilt after a 1511 earthquake.

Prejama Castle

Škocjan Caves are another UNESCO World Heritage site and hold the largest underground canyon in Europe as well as 15 species of bat.

It’s less visited than Postojna, perhaps because the lack of a train makes access more difficult for those with children or walking difficulty. Nevertheless, this cave system is an incredible sight and a significant geographical phenomenon. Tourists can explore areas of the underground canyon, including Big Collapase Doline, a sinkhole where the Reka River disappears underground, as well as thesuitably named Murmuring Cave and Silent Cave.

Skocjan Caves

Lipica Stud Farm shows off the fact that the original Lipizzaner horse comes from Slovenia.

The Hapsburgs first established a stud here in 1580 and you can see the magnificent royal stables and equally magnificent animals on a guided tour that ends with an arena display.

Lipizzaner horses are a riding breed that's closely associated with the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, where the horses demonstrate classical dressage. All modern Lipizzans can trace their bloodlines back to eight stallions from the late eighteenth century. The Lipica Stud Farm also includes a museum to learn all about the history of Lipizzan horses.

Lipizzaner horses

The Slovenia Riviera along the Adriatic Sea suffers from pebble beaches (a notable exception is Portorož) but does have lovely resorts with histories dating back to the Romans.

Sailing is a popular activity on this coast, with charter boats available. A visit to the Saltmaking Museum in Salina Landscape Park reveals a tradition of saltpans that is still preserved here.

Piran

Rogaška Slatina is the country’s largest spa town, with dozens of treatments on offer. If you have never 'taken the waters' in an historic spa, this might well be the place to try it.

For more, try Dolenjske Toplice, the oldest spa in Slovenia but brought firmly up to date with its modern Balnea Wellness Centre.

With their passion for the open air, it’s no surprise that Slovenian cooking relies on wholesome local ingredients such as fresh vegetables and homemade sausage.

Pasta and gnocchi are freely borrowed from neighbouring Italy, goulash and beef from Austria, and nut-flavoured apple pie from the Balkans.

A typical meal might start with chicken noodle soup, followed by a plate of pork dumplings or a pilaf of rice and seafood. Potatoes make a common appearance, as do sauerkraut and pickled vegetables.

After dinner, those with a sweet tooth will enjoy chestnut-heavy dishes such as a strudel or nutty ice cream. Strong, black Turkish-style coffee and a board of local cheeses might tempt those with more savoury tastes.

The most common drink is beer, with many domestic and foreign brands available.

Craft beers have made an appearance in recent years, so don’t be surprised to see some unusually named beers for sale in Ljubljana.

Local wines are variable in quality, ranging from Italian-style reds to German-style Rieslings.

Wine bars in Ljubljana are a good place to sample some uniquely Slovene wines, such as the red Teran from the Karst Region.

Regional fruit-based brandy (such as 'Slivovka' made from plums) and honey brandy ('medica' – mead) make for good digestifs.

Discover the incredible lakes, caves and culture for yourself on a guided tour of Slovenia