Slovenia travel guide
Slovenia Tourism | Slovenia Guide
You're Going to Love Slovenia
With beautiful architecture in its cities, contrasting natural scenery and a host of outdoor activities, Slovenia has something for all travelers.
What to do in Slovenia
1. Go for a Hike
Take it easy with a 3 mi hike on the Kobarid Historical Trail or challenge yourself to climb to the summit of Mount Triglav.
2. Skiing in Winter
Kranjska Gora in the Julian Alps is the most popular ski resort in Slovenia for beginners and intermediate skiers while Maribor Pohorje has skiing options for all skill levels.
3. Visit Lake Bled
Swim or rent a row boat – all of these options are available when visiting Lake Bled in Slovenia. Row out to the island to see the Church of Assumption.
4. Wander Through the Capital Ljubljana
Take in the architecture of Jože Plečnik in the bridges and buildings of Ljubljana or stroll along the Ljubljanica River. Be sure to visit the Ljubljana Castle.
5. Postojna Caves
Postojna Caves is a 2-million-year-old series of underground caves and passages that can be visited partly on a mini train and partly on foot.
When to visit Slovenia
Slovenia can be visited all year round. Skiing is good between December and March, while if you want to hike, April, May, September and October are good months. The high season from June to August is the warmest with temperatures ranging from 68-86°F.
How to Get to Slovenia
Entry Requirements
EU citizens don't need a visa as the country is part of the Schengen zone. US travelers with valid passports for the duration of their stay don't need a visa for visits up to 90 days.
Plane
Jože Pučnik Airport, around 17 mi north of the capital, is the only international airport in Slovenia. It receives flights from the national carrier, Adria Airways, as well as other European airlines, such as Turkish Airlines, Air France, and the budget carriers easyJet and Wizz Air.
Train
Slovenian Railways maintains good links with the rest of the European railway network. This is a popular way to travel to Slovenia via Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Croatia, among others.
Car
Slovenia has good highway connections with neighboring countries, so it is easy to drive into the country from Austria, Hungary and Italy. All cars must display a road-toll sticker, which can be purchased at gas stations near the border.
Bus
Slovenia is well-connected to neighboring countries by bus and there are several long-haul bus companies that operate these routes, such as Eurolines, Arriva and Flixbus. Most international services arrive at the Ljubljana Bus Station.
Boat
In the summer months, it is possible to travel by sea to Slovenia from Trieste and Venice in neighboring Italy. The ships dock at Piran and run from June through August (Trieste) and June through mid-September (Venice).
Popular airlines serving Slovenia
Where to stay in Slovenia
In the main towns, there is the option of staying in hotels, from budget to luxury (such as Intercontinental and Radisson), as well as guesthouses, pensions and hostels. In the smaller towns, pensions – often family owned and run, may be the only option. The Alpine Association of Slovenia provides mountain huts for hikers.
Where to stay in popular areas of Slovenia
Most booked hotels in Slovenia
How to Get Around Slovenia
Public Transportation
The main public transport in Slovenian cities is bus. In Ljubljana and Maribor, you will need to purchase an Urbana smart card that you can top up with money as no cash payments are taken on buses. It is also possible to rent bikes to travel around the cities.
Trains
The domestic rail network around Slovenia, operated by Slovenian Railways, is widespread and has good connections between towns and cities.
Bus
The Slovenian bus network is extensive and has good connections with all major towns and cities as well as some of the more out-of-the-way places. Tickets can be bought at the bus station before travel or on the bus.
Car
International car rental companies, such as Sixt and Budget, exist at the airport and in Ljubljana and driving is often a more flexible way to travel around Slovenia.
The Cost of Living in Slovenia
Mastercard, Visa and American Express credit cards are accepted throughout Slovenia. ATMs exist in main cities and towns of Slovenia and accept Visa and Mastercard. A 0.2 gallon of milk and a dozen eggs will cost approximately €3 ($3.35) and eating at a restaurant is also reasonably priced and will cost around €8 ($9) for a meal per person in a slightly cheaper restaurant.