SLOVENIA

 Ljubljana (Capital)

The seemingly modest capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is one of the lesser-known, magnificent European cities with around 277,000 inhabitants. In the old town, the visitor will find several designer shops, cafés and restaurants. Local attractions include Ljubljana Castle, Dragon Bridge and the Museum of Architecture.

Ljubljana Castle

Address: Grajska planota 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Present castle complex in this site was built between the 15th and 17th centuries, but the hill under it has been settled since 1200 BC. A funicular railway to the top of Castle Hill has been serving visitors since 2006.  It is the biggest castle of Ljubljana and its main attractions include the Museum of Slovene History and the Virtual Castle documentary in the chapel. Castle’s viewing tower offers an idyllic vantage over the Ljubljana and mountain range nearby. There is a café in the courtyard and a restaurant serving traditional Slovenian food in the chapel. Classic guided tours and a tour named Time Machine are available.

Ljubljana Old Town

Ljubljana is awash with charm and a rich history that extends back to a time around 2000 BC when the Ljubljana Marshes were inhabited by people who lived in pile dwellings. The oldest preserved architecture is from the Roman period, although the old town center got its outline in the middle ages. It’s hard not to feel the charm that the old town has to offer. In the winter months, the smell of hot wine and roasted chestnuts carries with it the sounds of good cheer. Year-round the old town center bustles with activity and provides a lively meeting place in the squares, bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Lake Bled

With its bluish-green lake, picture-postcard church on an islet, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke as backdrops, Bled is Slovenia’s most popular resort, drawing everyone from honeymooners lured by the over-the-top romantic setting to backpackers, who come for the hiking, biking, water-sports and canyoning possibilities.

Skocjan Caves (UNESCO 1986)

Address: Matavun 12, 6215 Divača, Slovenia

This appr. 6 kilometres long cave system reaches a depth of 223 metres at its lowest point. This enormous underground complex is a rare and delightful experience, including Martelovi Hall, reaching 146 m height and a width of 120 m, ending in a 2,6 kilometres long underground river canyon. Colorful mix of collapse dolines, river canyons and sink are breathtaking views with the large stalactites in the Great Hall. Guided tours take place every day throughout the year. Tour takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Postojna Cave

Address: Jamska cesta 30, 6230 Postojna, Slovenia

This 24 kilometers long karst cave complex is the second-longest in the country and a very popular nature sight. Cave consists of an astonishing web of tunnels, passages, galleries and stalactite halls, as well as an aquarium showing life of an endemic olm fish, and a double-track railway.

Dragon Bridge

Address: Resljeva cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

This triple-hinged road bridge crossing the Ljubljanica River was opened in 1901 and is a fine example of Vienna Secession architecture and remains of Slovenia as a part of the mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire. Notable details are four dragon statues of the bridge, hence a dragon as the symbol of the city of Ljubljana. The local legend claims that when a virgin crosses the bridge, the dragons will wag their tail.