This text was initially printed in September 2018.
Wedged between the Alps and the Adriatic, Slovenia is a compact nation that’s large on journey.
Discover among the longest karst caves, trip glacial rapids or wander the multicultural capital of Ljubljana. And once you’re able to refuel? Tuck into one of many world’s tastiest cream muffins.
Listed below are eight stuff you may not learn about Slovenia.
1. It’s good for an journey vacation
Mountains, rivers, forests, gorges – Slovenia has loads of al fresco adventures. Hike to Mt Vogel within the southern Julian Alps, raft the glacial waters of the Soca River or bike by means of the vine-dotted hills of Brda. And one of the best half? It’s sufficiently small to do all of the above in a single journey.
2. It has a mixture of cultural influences
Slovenia provides a style of Jap Europe with out straying removed from the Mediterranean coast. It was a part of Yugoslavia till gaining independence in 1991, and have become the primary former communist nation to undertake the Euro in 2007. In Ljubljana, you’ll be able to nonetheless see remnants of its communist previous within the concrete house blocks and public squares, however on the entire, the vibe is extra sipping-espresso-in-the-sunshine.
3. The foodie scene is robust
Slovenia is perhaps small, however its meals scene isn’t – with 24 gastronomic areas and many distinct dishes.
Feeling peckish within the afternoon? Go for a basic plate of Slovenian chilly cuts and cheese – ideally with a frothy beer. For one thing heartier, attempt struklji (rolled dumplings crammed with potato and herbs) or Carniolan sausage with bitter cabbage and crusty bread.
However no matter you do, depart room for a slice of kremsnita, particularly in Lake Bled the place this scrumptious custard and vanilla cream cake was born.
4. Slovenian wine is an enormous deal
There’s a winery for roughly each 70 folks in Slovenia. That’s rather a lot of wine – and most of it stays within the nation.
There are three most important wine areas. Podravska, close to the Hungarian and Croatian borders, is thought for its glowing whites and dessert wines. Posavska, within the southeast, produces mild pink varieties, whereas Primorska, essentially the most well-known, is all about daring reds and fruity whites influenced by Italy simply subsequent door.
Oh, and one of many world’s oldest vines – over 400 years previous – grows in Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest metropolis.
5. Road artwork is loud and proud
Slovenia’s cities, particularly Ljubljana, have an extended popularity of inventive resistance on points starting from LGBTQIA+ rights to anti-war activism. As you stroll round, you’ll detect brightly patterned umbrellas hanging over streetlights, 1000’s of pairs of footwear draped over powerlines and neon pink park benches.
Ljubljana’s Metelkova district – a former military barracks turned inventive hub – is especially vibrant, with a big artist inhabitants, installations, sculptures and a famend nightlife.
6. Lake Bled will be the prettiest lake, like, ever
Lake Bled is the postcard picture of Slovenia. And rightly so – with blue-green water, a forested mountain backdrop, and a naturally shaped island within the center with a Seventeenth-century church on high.
Lease a rowboat and glide out to the island to go to the church, then seize a espresso and a slab of the well-known kremsnita by the water.
7. You possibly can have a less-crowded seashore vacation
Slovenia’s 46 km shoreline shares similarities with the Italian Riviera (suppose yachts, gelato, cobblestone lanes and beautiful Adriatic waters), however with out the lots. It nonetheless will get busy in the summertime, nevertheless it’s usually extra laidback than its Mediterranean neighbours.
The coastal city of Piran is a good spot. As soon as a part of the Venetian empire, the Outdated City has stored a lot of its historic allure, with a full of life sq. and slim lanes you might spend hours exploring.
8. It has 1000’s of caves
Like caves? Slovenia has over 14,000 of them. Essentially the most well-known is the UNESCO-listed Postojna, a 20 km karst cavern crammed with eerie rock formations, stalactite-filled tunnels and distinctive wildlife. Look out for the elusive olm, or blind cave salamander, which has tailored to whole darkness with enhanced senses of odor, listening to and vibration.
Just like the sound of Slovenia? Try our small group adventures.
