Slovenia Travel Guide

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Top Things to See

Ljubljana
Take your time wandering the streets of the country's capital. The Ljubljana River runs through the city with al fresco cafés on the bank promenades, great for people watching and refueling. Structures and buildings you shouldn't miss are the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers, the Town Hall and the Skyscraper.

Metelkova
For those interested in cutting edge art visit Metelkova Mesto, an old military barracks taken over by artists in 1994 and transformed into an autonomous cultural center. It is made up of seven buildings and includes space for musicians and performers, art installations, studios, even several night clubs.

Ljubljana's Dragon
The city's symbol, the mighty dragon, is depicted throughout the city on buildings, bridges, iron and woodwork. Visit Dragon Bridge for an up-close encounter with the brave beast or go on a dragon hunt and see how many you can find.

Ljubljana Cathedral
Head for the twin towers of Ljubljana Cathedral (1708), which house some impressive frescoes in what is widely regarded as the finest ecclesiastical building in the country.

Museums and galleries
Take your pick from Ljubljana's fine choice of museums and galleries which include the City Museum, National Museum, the National Gallery, Plecnik's House and the Modern Art Gallery.

Postojna Cave
Take a train into the spectacular 20km (12-mile) cave of Postojna (www.postojnska-jama.si), only one hour's drive from the coast, which has been deemed one of the greatest sights of natural beauty, and features gigantic stalagmites and a cavernous hall which can hold over 10,000 people.

Koper Port
In the coastal town of Koper, explore the old town and see the Town Tower (1480), the 15th-century Cathedral, the loggia and the Praetor's Palace; also of interest is the Romanesque Carmin Rotunda (1317). The excellent Provincial Museum houses old maps of the area.

Piran
Southeast of Koper is the picturesque town of Piran. Enjoy the flurry of Venetian architecture and the waterfront seafood restaurants or just enjoy a swim in the Adriatic shadowed by the town's voluminous hilltop church.

Ptuj
To the south of Maribor, see the Roman remains and medieval center of Ptuj (www.ptuj-tourism.si), which is also the scene of traditional carnivals. Ptuj's old town overflows with cobbles, churches and impressive baroque buildings.

Bled
In the mountain resort of Bled (www.bled.si), see the neo-gothic Parish Church (1904) with its interesting frescoes and Bled Castle, the former seat of the bishops of Brixen. Perching above a 100m (328ft) drop, the castle offers magnificent views over the city and lake.

Top Things to Do

Visit Lake Bled
The year-round mountain resort of Bled, near the Austrian and Italian borders is a truly beautiful sight with mountains and trees surrounding glacial waters. You can skate on Lake Bled in the winter, swim, row and fish in the summer and there are miles of pristine hiking paths to explore throughout the area.

Pick up a paddle
You will see plenty of cars with kayaks on their roofs as kayaking, canoeing and rafting are ideal sports to do on the Idrijca, Kolpa, Sava, Savinja and Soca rivers.

Hit the slopes
Good skiing is not hard to come by in Slovenia. Resorts include those in Bohinj, Bovec Pohorje (which hosts international competitions), Cerkno, Kranjska Gora, Krvavec, Zgornjesavska valley, the Rogla and Vogel.

Follow a wine trail
Slovenian wine is a quality product and a thoroughly enjoyable day out is a trip to the wine-growing hills of Goriska Brda or the nearby Vipava Valley, where a number of Slovenia's excellent wines are produced.

Slow down your pace in Portoroz
‘Port of Roses' is a relaxing seaside getaway. There are numerous hotels, restaurants and cafés. Every year the town holds a contemporary art symposium with creations on display in the sculpture park, Forma Viva.

Hike
The natural scenery of the Julian Alps is picture perfect. Of particular note is the Triglav National Park, a favorite for trekkers and climbers, with mighty Mount Triglav the highlight.

Scale a peak
Mountaineering is a traditional Slovene sport - the Julian and Kamnik Alps are particularly popular. The Alpine Association of Slovenia organizes adventure holidays (www.pzs.si).

Catch a bird's-eye view of Slovenia
The country's location south of the Alps means that parachuting, paragliding and ballooning are popular.

Book a spa
With natural thermal and mineral springs, Slovenes aren't afraid of a little pampering. There are many well presented spas, in particular, the Radenci Health Resort is renowned for its ‘three hearts' mineral water, said to have been served at the imperial court in Vienna and the papal court in the Vatican.

Horse around
Lipica in the west of Slovenia is home to the lippizaner horse, bred by the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy of the 18th century. There are currently only 3,000 of these horses left in the world. Tour the stud farm, watch performances of classical riding or even ride the horses themselves.