A whirlwind trip through Slovenia
Slovenia touches the Alps in Central and Southeastern Europe, borders the Mediterranean Sea and is rich in open spaces and authentic gastronomy.
Its green capital, Ljubljana, was awarded the European Commission’s European Green Capital title in 2016, and cars are restricted in its centre, leaving the city and its emerald green river to cyclists and tourists to enjoy on foot. Skipping a two-hour flight from London seems like a no-brainer for a cheeky weekend away.
Arrival in the center of Ljubljana
Easy to navigate, walking is the best way to get around the capital. The Ljubljanica river flows around the old castle, and local bars and restaurants wind between the endless historical architecture.
Must-see activities include Tivoli Park, the Opera House, an open-air theater and a botanical garden, not to mention the delicious Slovenian treats in the Old Town.
Relax by Lake Bled
Just over an hour’s bus ride from the city, the breathtaking Lake Bled is a crystal blue glacier-formed lake famous for its castle and panoramic views. Travelers can choose to go kayaking in calm waters or experience solitude by swimming in calm waters at 22 degrees. Earlier this year, Booking.com declared Lake Bled one of the most hospitable destinations in the world.
Go take a look
Full day Lake Bled and Ljubljana. Feel the atmosphere of modern and historical Ljubljana with a guide. Find out why Ljubljana is called the city of dragons. Take a walk around the lake and enjoy the scenery. Hike to the Bled viewpoint. See the city and nature of Slovenia in the same day. Price: From £127.24.
Where to stay
The Golden Ship – Rooms start from £184 per night.
It is located in one of the oldest hotels in Ljubljana. The Golden Ship is a boutique hotel with luxurious equipment. Each of the 15 rooms is designed to maximize space and light, while the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant offers a superb menu with Slovenian dishes prepared from local ingredients. There is also a spa with a sauna and zero-gravity floating bed where guests can really relax.
Sun Rose 7 –Rooms start from £169.
An iconic heritage hotel and digital detox hideaway, a stone’s throw from Triglav National Park, Sun rose 7 has been welcoming guests since 1890. With 18 elegant rooms and suites, the hotel is equipped with traditional Slovenian architecture and modern, minimalist Alpine design. Wellness Zlata vila Sunrose 7 focuses on the ‘seven elements’ of relaxation and offers treatments such as Bohinj rain with hot-cold therapy and relaxing sound therapy with the sounds of Bohinj forests.
Where to eat: Open Kuhna & Atelje with a Michelin star
Open Kuhn
Take advantage of the sun and eat in the city’s famous open kitchen, which only operates in summer. Pogačarjev trg in Ljubljana’s central market is transformed into Odprta kuhna, an open kitchen full of stalls with food from Slovenia and the surrounding area.
Excellent dinner at Atelje with a Michelin star
One of the most famous restaurants in town.Studio it is easy to find in the city center. Head chef Jorg Zupan prides himself on his cooking, which uses local ingredients, follows the season and creates 90% of the products in-house.
Only the serving of the tasting menu at Atelje is sometimes inspired by old traditional Slovenian recipes, while at other times it takes a different approach.
Discover Jože Plečnik
This year marks 150 years since the birth of Jože Plečnik, one of the most important Slovenian architects.
He was responsible for the transformation of Ljubljana. His work is peppered all over the city with beautiful bridges and designer urban decorations such as pillars, pyramids and even lamps meant to attract the eye. Look for his famous projects such as Tromostovje, the Central Market and even the Plečnik Žale cemetery.
Take a boat ride on the turquoise waters of the river and see the Cobblers Bridge, another of his famous works. Explore the city’s cultural attractions with ‘Mustache Tour,” travelers can meet mustachioed giants of Slovenian culture, including Jože Plečnik, Ivan Cankar and Rihard Jakopič – all great artists.
Head to the Museum of Illusions
In the town hall on Kongres trg, Museum of Illusions offers a new way of looking at the world. It draws guests into a world of illusions, no two rooms are the same. Among the 40 exhibits, the highlights are the Anti-Gravity Room and the Vortex Tunnel, which spins visitors around, making it a challenge to keep your balance.
Visit the Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle, which was first built 900 years ago, stands on a hill 375 meters high and boasts a mix of architecture.
The castle may seem audaciously tall; however, the views overlooking the beautiful city are worth it. This is a great place to watch the sunset over the iconic baroque architecture. The central courtyard is free to enter and is home to a café, nightclub, galleries and restaurant. The 19th century watchtower is relatively new and worth the climb to get to the top. There are 95 steps and then a walk along the walls
You can get there by a 70 m long funicular from the old town. A tourist train also runs every hour from the south side of the Ljubljana TLC.
Or go on foot. There are three main walking routes: Študentovska ulica, which runs south of Ciril Metodov trg; steep street Reber from Stari trg; and Ulica na Grad from Gornji trg.
Head to Triglav National Park
The nearby Triglav National Park is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful parks in Europe. With its picturesque views and outdoor activities, Triglav stretches across the northeastern part of Slovenia and encompasses a large part of the Eastern Julian Alps. You can explore Triglav, its pristine beaches and the tranquil valley of the Triglav Lakes on foot or on two bikes.
Take part in water sports on Lake Bohinj
For lovers of water sports or a new experience, the blue Bohinj lakes in the Triglav National Park are the perfect outdoor playground. From rafting and kayaking to canyoning and hiking, there’s something for everyone. Swimming in crystal clear mountain lakes is an option for those looking for something more relaxing.
FACT FILE
Go there: Direct flights from London with British Airways, easyjet and Wizz Air in just over 2 hours
More information: A visit www.slovenia.info