Slovenia between the Alps, lakes and karst

Slovenia between the Alps, lakes and karst

Slovenia’s green, diverse landscape is largely forested, crossed by water sources and ranges from 0 to 2,864 metres above sea level. Triglav National Park is Slovenia’s only national park and covers a large part of the Julian Alps. Lake Bohinj is Slovenia’s largest natural lake, while Bled Island is considered the country’s only natural island. Lake Cerknica is one of Europe’s largest periodically drying lakes. The Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve is a 122-hectare Mediterranean wetland and Slovenia’s largest brackish marsh. Kozjak Waterfall is 15 metres high and lies in a natural rock amphitheatre.

In the Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve, a two-kilometre circular trail with educational stations leads through the area; visitors can learn about the flora and fauna there. In the areas of the Škocjan Caves developed for public visits, there are walkways, bridges and electric lighting. Postojna Cave offers a tour lasting approximately one and a half hours covering karst phenomena, cave formations, an underground post office and the olm. The cave also has a tourist cave railway and a five-kilometre underground visitor route. The railway has been adapted for use by people with disabilities.

More than 150 animal species live in Slovenia’s karst caves, including the olm, the largest species. Postojna Cave is considered the biologically most diverse cave in the world and has a vivarium for cave animals. For longer tours, there is the 187-kilometre Pohorje-Kozjak Trail with 20 stages; the circular hiking route connects natural and cultural attractions in Pohorje and Kozjak. Hiking, cycling, horse riding and nature photography are possible in Logarska Valley Landscape Park. Bohinj has more than 400 kilometres of well-maintained hiking and mountain trails. Activities at Slovenian lakes include rowing, fishing, cycling, hiking and observing more than 270 bird species.

Culture, history and horses

The history of the Lipica Stud Farm can be traced back to 1580. More than 300 white Lipizzan horses live on the grounds, which cover more than 300 hectares of green space. The “Spoznaj lipicanca” programme provides knowledge about Lipizzan horses and allows visitors to stroke a horse at the end. The UNESCO World Heritage Site “Plečnik’s Ljubljana” comprises public spaces and public facilities integrated into the existing urban, natural and cultural context. Idrija is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is associated with the world’s second-largest mercury mine and an independent bobbin-lace-making tradition.

The Kurent, also known as the Korant, is a traditional carnival figure from Ptuj, Dravsko Polje and the surrounding region. In Ptuj, this custom is celebrated through the traditional Kurentovanje festivities. Predjama Castle is the world’s largest cave castle and is connected by underground tunnels to the cave directly beneath it. Bled Castle has a forge, a printing press, a knights’ hall and a castle chapel; Bled Castle is mentioned in written sources dating from 1011. In the Soča Valley, the Walk of Peace and the Kobarid Museum commemorate the battles of the First World War and the history of the Isonzo Front.

Regional cuisine and spas

Bled cream cake is a Bled speciality made from puff pastry, egg cream and whipped cream. Slovenia has 24 gastronomic regions and 3 wine-growing regions with up to 400 typical local and regional foods and drinks. Slovenian wines can be tasted at renowned winemakers, tourist farms, fine-dining restaurants and other wine providers. In the Piran area, salt is still harvested by hand using a 700-year-old method and traditional tools. In the karst region, winemakers open osmice at various times of the year—temporary wine taverns with a tradition spanning more than 200 years—where wine, homemade pršut and other meat products are sold.

Slovenian spas offer indoor and outdoor swimming pools all year round, massage and therapy pools, as well as water parks with slides. Velika Planina can be reached from Kamniška Bistrica by cable car and then by chairlift to the summit.

Regional orientation

For regional orientation in Slovenia: Municipality of Tržič, Municipality of Kamnik, Municipality of Mozirje, Municipality of Dravograd, Municipality of Ribnica, Municipality of Cerknica, Municipality of Radovljica, City Municipality of Maribor, Municipality of Laško, City Municipality of Kranj, City Municipality of Celje, Municipality of Logatec, Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica, Municipality of Vrhnika, Russe, Municipality of Škofja Loka, Municipality of Hrastnik, Municipality of Litija, Šentjur Pri Celju, Municipality of Zagorje ob Savi, Municipality of Idrija, Velenje, Slovenske Konjice, Tolmin, Trebnje, Municipality of Jesenice, Municipality of Postojna, Radlje Ob Dravi, Municipality of Šmarje pri Jelšah, City Municipality of Slovenj Gradec