Slovenia
Before we moved to Europe, I don’t think I would have even been able to tell you where Slovenia is on the map, much less anything about the Eastern European Country! But after at 3 trips to Slovenia, I feel confident saying it may be Europe’s best-kept secret! Slovenia has dramatic mountains, crystal clear rivers, very kind locals, and minimal crowds!
The biggest issue with Slovenia is actually just getting there from the US. Since it is a newish tourist destination and a bit removed from major European cities, it can take a while to get there. We have tried several different options, but I personally enjoyed flying into Venice, Italy, and then driving across the border. Plus, visiting Venice is never a bad idea! We have also tried flying into Ljubljana, but unfortunately, the most popular airline declared bankruptcy weeks before our last trip. We ended up taking a 10 hour, redeye bus ride instead! Just keeping it real, sometimes plans fall apart, and travel is difficult, but it is always worth it!
slovenia was the perfect place to travel with kids. Here we are with Jake and luke, our favorite twins! WE love traveling with our good friends the fernandez family!
Once you actually make it to Slovenia, what is there to do?? I recommend renting a car and exploring Ljubljana, Bled, and Triglav National Park!
Ljubljana:
Ljubljana is the capital and is such a clean, beautiful city! The architecture is lovely, and there are plenty of restaurants. I would definitely recommend checking out one of the many castles and walking along the river!
But we didn’t come to slovenia to stay in the city! WE really enjoy being outside, and slovenia is a nature lovers’ paradise. Thanks to our friend Ben’s drone, we got some awesome drone shots during our many hikes!
Bled:
If you have googled anything about Slovenia already, you have probably seen Lake Bled and the famous chapel on the island! It is seriously even prettier in person! I loved renting a rowboat, and having my husband row us across to the chapel!! I also made him carry me up the flight of stairs to the church to ensure good luck in our marriage! On one of our trips to Slovenia, we met up with our friends who have twin 3-year-olds, and they especially loved the boat ride!
We did a short but intense hike to Mala Osojnica, which has an insanely beautiful view of the lake! Highly recommend!
Triglav National Park:
My favorite area!!! Triglav is absolutely stunning! The Julian Alps, the Soča river, and quaint mountain villages make up this untouched park. Triglav reminds me of Switzerland, without the price tag! Every time we visit the park, we go on a rafting trip to really appreciate the turquoise water! Above is the before picture with my brother and good friend liz! obviously, after we didn’t look so great ha!
last time we added a canyoning excursion as well. It was so different than I was expecting! For anyone who has not been canyoning, you basically hike down a river, jump off massive rocks, and slide down waterfalls! the waterfall behind us in picture we actually jumped/fell down! Our friends PArker and Jeanna suggested we try it, and I am so glad we did! I will link the guide company we used, as they were terrific! Terrifying and a real adrenaline rush! The Soča river is a must-see due to the teal-colored water. The hikes in the area are also world-class! I will list our favorite below! Try to take some time to drive through the little alpine towns too! I begged Seth to pull over constantly and take pictures!
After three trips to Slovenia, it is one of our favorite countries to visit! I can’t wait to go back!
Hikes:
Tolmin gorge
Soča Trail
Towns:
Bovec
Mojstrana
Random places:
Predjama castle- kind out of the way, but very unique and gorgeous.
Where to eat in Bled:
Art cafe bar
Bovec:
Gostisce Sovdat- great charcuterie and burgers
What to do:
raft!
Where to stay:
We have stayed here twice and loved it! Andrej is such a kind host!
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1996704?source_impression_id=p3_1585077518_d0pAlM6q483obkSu -
Super remote, but sooo cute!
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1831207?source_impression_id=p3_1585078278_JnIoLCEWgzHQtgTK