Slovenia

Located at the crossroads of the Alps and the Balkans, Slovenia is becoming an increasingly popular destination amongst Interraillers. It is famed for Lake Bled, its capital city Ljubljana and its Adriatic coast at Piran, but there is much more beauty to be seen! Below, our community share their secret spots just beyond Bled, and our two Slovenian ambassadors show what you can find if you stay longer and look deeper in their home country.

Beyond Lake Bled

By Arma

Lake Bohinj

My secret spot is Lake Bohinj in Slovenia. It's very close to the equally beautiful Lake Bled, but much more peaceful and surrounded by nature. Take a hike around the lake and you will reach a cluster of houses surrounded in green... those colours in autumn. 😍

Getting there from Bled: Take a 19 minute direct train from Bled Jezero to Bohinjska Bistrica (the nearest station), then an 11 minute bus to the lake.

By Sarah

Soteska Vintgar Gorge

Without a doubt, Soteska Vintgar Gorge in Slovenia is a secret spot I will never forget. The 1.6km walk through the beautiful landscape took my breath away. The scenery is like those from movies. I could spend all day here and, when possible, I will return

Getting there from Bled: The gorge can be reached in 10 minutes by bus, or 1 hour of walking if you feel fit.

Svetlana Shantalova's Top 5 Slovenian places ⭐

Črni Kal

On the edge of the Slovenian karst in the south-west, this village overlooking the sea has a natural stone wall for climbing, and an ancient castle ruin.

Krčnik

A tiny canyon with a natural stone bridge in the heart of Gorska Brda wine region, west Slovenia. An excellent place to hide from the summer heat.

Maribor

Slovenia's second-largest city is a university town with a vibrant underground culture, and is also the home of the world's oldest grape vine.

Robidisce

My absolute favourite place, a village above the beautiful Nadiža valley, north-west Slovenia, overlooking another tiny village on the next hill... in Italy. The village has heritage-protected architecture, home-made sheep and goat cheese, bike trails, and the lovely Nadiža river.

Žana Žalar's North-eastern Favourites ⭐

These are a few of my recommendations for secret spots in Slovenia. There are many, but since I come from the north-eastern part of the country, I have chosen a few of the best ones (in my opinion) from this region.

Maribor (and its surroundings)

The city is located by the Drava river and surrounded by the Pohorje Hills. It's great just to stroll around the city, the city park and along the river, or to enjoy a cup of coffee in one of many cute cafes around town. Nearby, there's a heart-shaped road in the vineyards of Špičnik.

Ptuj

This is the oldest town in Slovenia, nestled between gentle wine-growing hills and the Drava river. The castle dominates over the streets below, where one of the most colourful carnivals in the world take place! The festivities include the wearing of Kurenti masks, the exceptional character of which has also been recognised by UNESCO. The Spa Terme Ptuj is also nearby.

Jeruzalem

A wine-growing region with vineyards all over its terraced hills. A great place to enjoy beautiful views, excellent wines, authentic cuisine and chat with hospitable locals.

The Savinja River valley

Celje, Laško and Žalec are three towns that lie in central Slovenia, in the valley of the Savinja River.

Laško is a town of healthy waters, wellbeing, herbalism and brewing, known for the Thermana Laško Spa located by the river, and the Rimske terme Spa that is not far away. Besides the spa tradition, the town of Laško prides itself on another one – the brewing tradition. Since 1825, this has been a home to the excellent Laško beer, which is interwoven in the unique wellness and culinary stories.

In Žalec, you can pour yourself a mug of beer made by Slovenia's micro-brewers from the first beer fountain in the world.

Celje is a charming town full of history, with rich archaeological treasures, a modern urban vibe, and a green soul.