Travel to Slovenia — everything you need to know
When to go to Slovenia?
- June – September — Alpine summer : Lake Bled at its best (water at 22°C), Triglav accessible, lively Ljubljana, sunny Piran coast. Temperatures 22–28°C in the lowlands, 15–20°C in the mountains.
- December – March — Alpine skiing : Skiing at Kranjska Gora and Krvavec. Lake Bled under snow — one of the most beautiful winter views in Europe. Temperatures -5 to -15°C at altitude.
Weather in Slovenia
Check the weather city by city, starting with Ljubljana.
- Ljubljana: daytime highs from 6 to 28 °C depending on the season, 114 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 6 to 26 °C depending on the season, 104 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Slovenia?
Slovenia is Europe's greenest country: 60% of its territory covered by forest, Lake Bled (a medieval castle on an island in the middle of an emerald-green lake in the Julian Alps), the Postojna Caves (the most visited in Europe), Triglav National Park with its 2,864m peak, the Adriatic coastline of Piran, and Ljubljana — a cycling capital on the banks of the Ljubljanica.
Lake Bled — The Alps' postcard view
Lake Bled is one of the most photographed views in Europe: a baroque church on a small island in the middle of an emerald-green lake ringed by the Alps, with a medieval castle perched on a cliff. The pletna (traditional boat) carries visitors to the island. The vanilla cream cake (kremšnita) invented here is a must.
Highlights : Bled Island by pletna — 17th-century baroque church, Bled Castle (11th century) — sweeping view over the lake, Vintgar Gorge — a 1.6km canyon 4km from Bled.
Postojna and Predjama Caves
The Postojna Caves are the most visited in Europe (24 million visitors since their discovery): 24km of galleries with giant stalactites, the olm (the 'human fish' — a blind salamander endemic to Balkan caves), and an underground train that runs 5km into the depths. 10km away: Predjama Castle, built into a cliff above a cave.
Highlights : Underground train through the Postojna Caves (5km), Olm — blind salamander endemic to Balkan caves, Christmas concert in the caves (unique acoustics), Predjama Castle — fortress in a cliff above a cave.
Triglav National Park
Triglav (2,864m) is the Slovenian national symbol — climbing it is a rite of passage for every Slovenian. Triglav National Park (838 km²) is the country's only national park: opal-coloured mountain lakes (the Seven Lakes Valley), the Soča gorge (dazzling turquoise water, a kayaking paradise), and blooming alpine meadows.
Highlights : Soča River — intense turquoise, kayaking and rafting, Triglav's Seven Lakes — a 2-day hike, Vintgar Gorge from Bled (1h30 walk), Climbing Triglav (2,864m) — 2 days with a guide.
Ljubljana — The green cycling capital
Ljubljana was European Green Capital in 2016: fully pedestrianised city centre since 2007, 30km of cycle paths, the Ljubljanica river running through the centre with lively terraces, a medieval castle on the hill, and organic markets on Fridays. A human-scale city, dynamic and bilingual (excellent English).
Highlights : Plečnik's Triple Bridge — monumental entrance to the old town, Ljubljana Castle — panoramic view of the Alps, Pogačar Market (Friday) — organic Slovenian produce, Ljubljanica river promenade — terraces and boats in the evening.
Travel budget for Slovenia
Slovenia is slightly cheaper than Western Europe but pricier than neighbouring Croatia or Hungary. Lake Bled is very touristy and therefore expensive in summer. Ljubljana remains very affordable for an EU capital.
- Backpacker : 60–95 €/j — Hostel + local food + bus + basic activities
- Comfort : 110–200 €/j — 3★ hotel + restaurants + guided activities
Practical tips for travelling to Slovenia
- Flight from Paris : ~2h (Ryanair direct Beauvais–Ljubljana, Air France CDG–Ljubljana). Also via Vienna or Zagreb.
- Visa : No visa required — Schengen area. A French ID card is sufficient.
- Currency : Euro (€). Bank cards accepted everywhere. Cash useful at mountain refuges.
- Language : Slovenian. English spoken almost universally, even in rural areas. An excellent destination for non-polyglots.
- Electricity : Type C/F (European) — 230V. No adapter needed.
- Health : EHIC valid. Ticks in the forests — vaccination recommended for keen hikers (tick-borne encephalitis).
- Sustainability : Slovenia is Europe's champion of sustainable tourism — Ljubljana was named European Green Capital in 2016. Favour public transport and 'Slovenia Green' certified accommodation.
- Triglav : Climbing Triglav is a national rite of passage. The climb takes 2 days with an overnight stay at a mountain hut (half-board mandatory). Slovenians say: 'Whoever hasn't climbed Triglav isn't truly Slovenian'.
Compare Slovenia with other destinations