Located between Austria, Italy, Croatia, and Hungary, Slovenia might be small in size but it offers a great variety, and I think the country’s size is actually its superpower. Within a few hours’ drive you can travel from sunny coastlines to majestic mountains and from lush vineyards to serene thermal spas. I visited Slovenia in May, a favourite month among locals thanks to the vibrant greenery, pleasant weather, and the calm before the busy summer season.
My journey began in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s picture-perfect capital. Its name is thought to come from the word “ljubljena”, meaning “beloved”, which fits perfectly! With its green riverside, beautiful architecture, and a lively but laid-back atmosphere, Ljubljana has quickly become the most visited place within Slovenia. We joined a river cruise on Ljubljanica River, heard stories of the city’s history, and even met the dragon that watches over the town, a symbol that pops up everywhere!
Next, we travelled to Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most iconic spot without a doubt. With its alpine lake, island church, and cliff-top castle, it’s the kind of place that looks to be straight out of a fairy tale. At Bled Castle, we were greeted with a proper medieval welcome with sword fights, flag ceremonies, and fire acrobats that truly brought history to life. The views from the top were breathtaking, but many also choose to explore the lake on the 6-kilometere circle walk which takes just an hour. And of course, no visit to Bled is complete without trying the famous cream cake!
From Bled, we continued deeper into Triglav National Park and reached Lake Bohinj. Lake Bohinj is often described as a quieter, more untouched cousin of Bled. A peaceful boat ride across the lake followed by a cable car ride up to Vogel offered incredible panoramic views of the Julian Alps – or so we hoped! The mountain was in a cloud, but I thought that was an experience in itself. Lake Bohinj is the perfect place for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking and cycling. But it’s also just as lovely to take in the peacefulness and relax in the beautiful surroundings.
The following morning we travelled to the coast to explore Piran. It’s a little gem with Venetian charm, narrow alleys and lively squares. Wandering the old town gave us beautiful views to Croatia and Italy. After a stroll through the town, it was time to visit Postojna Cave.
This underground world is one of Slovenia’s most famous attractions, and for a good reason. We took a short ride with a little train deep into the cave, surrounded by towering stalagmites and shimmering formations. It’s wild to think that the cave was found by accident and has virtually looked the same for thousands of years. We also caught a glimpse of the mysterious olm, Slovenia’s “baby dragon”! After walking around the cave for a kilometre, we made our way to Rogaška Slatina which is known for its healing waters and long wellness tradition.
Our morning in Rogaška Slatina began with a visit to Hotel Aleksander, a five-star boutique hotel that combines classic charm with modern wellness. From there, we headed to Terme Olimia, where modern design and lush nature create a peaceful retreat. We then continued to the Pomurje region, where we visited the Kocbek Oil Mill. It was a lovely to learn more about Slovenia’s culinary heritage, and how pumpkin seed oil is traditionally made (still using methods passed down through generations). We finished the visit with a tasting of different pumpkin oils, drinks and purees. In the evening, we checked in at Terme Vivat know for its healing waters which also include the black thermal water.
Our final day took us to the wine region of Jeruzalem. Rolling hills, neatly arranged vineyards, and sunshine as far as the eye can see. We visited Malek, a beautifully restored vineyard cottage where we learned about local wine traditions and joined a tasting.
My adventure to Slovenia was packed with adventure and new experiences, but somehow it felt relaxed and exciting. Every place flowed into the next, offering something unique and fun. From dragons and fairy tales to vineyards and wellness, Slovenia really did become a story to tell and deserves a top spot on anyone’s travel list!