Technorati Tags: Slovenia holidays

As most of you probably already know, late holidays are a good option if you want to save some money and avoid the crowds on tourist spots, roads, etc. Although Slovenia isn’t very expensive country (if you are used to prices in Western Europe or USA), it is always good to save an Euro or two, because you can then spend it in restaurants, clothing shops, buying souvenirs or save it for your next trip. 

Where can you save the most?

You can save the most money in accommodation. Main summer season in Slovenia (and also in Croatia) is from 1st July to 15th August and the main winter season is from the end of December (Christmas and New Year) until the end of February. Before and after you can expect a bit (in some cases up to 40%, but usually around 10% – 20%)) lower prices for holiday packages.

The process of discovering good deals

The easiest way to book your late holidays in Slovenia is to go to the nearest travel agency, ask for late holidays in Slovenia, do some bargaining and then book your trip. Other, Do-it-yourself option is to organize your late holidays by yourself, which means surfing on the internet looking for good late holidays deals on some major booking websites. When you find an offer (for example a great hotel room for reasonable price), I suggest you don’t book it right away. Send them an email or call them by the telephone and ask for the price (do not mention that you have already seen the prices on the internet). The price can be lower – in this case make a reservation by the telephone or email. If the price is higher, tell them you can get a lower price by booking on-line. If they then offer you a better price, make a reservation by telephone/email. If they insist with higher price, make a reservation on the internet. The reason for doing this is that hotels, wanting to attract clients, can offer you a better price than a big booking websites. And, booking websites charge fee for making a reservation. Therefore, if you book directly, you may be able to save that fee or at least a part of it.

How about more luxury resorts?

You can get some great late holidays deals even in more fancy summer resorts, for example in Portorož or Bled, so don’t forget to check their prices as well. Usually pre-season prices are lower than after-season prices.

It’s possible to dive in all Slovenian rivers and lakes with an exception of Lake Bohinj. Diving is popular in Lake Bled, Ankaran, Portorož and many other tourist spots in Slovenia. But this time we aren’t talking about normal diving – we are going to talk about special type of diving – cave dive.

Cave dive is a special type of technical diving, where scuba equipment is used to enable the exploration of the caves, filled with water.

Unfortunately, according to professionals, cave diving isn’t for everyone. To be more exact, experts estimate that less than one percent of the recreational divers possess the knowledge, skills, attitude and judgment needed to cave dive safely. But, if you have knowledge, skills, attitude and right judgment, then cave diving can be a great experience.

Since this is a blog about Slovenia, I have to tell you something about cave diving in Slovenia. Cave dive is possible in Postojna cave, Škocjan caves and in a tunnel in Wild Lake (Divje jezero) near Idrija. There are very little information about cave dive in Slovenia on the internet, because there are only few people interested in that (well, many people are interested in that, but most of them give up when they find out what they need for cave diving). If you would like to cave dive in Slovenia, then you can contact Slovenian diving federation (Slovenska potapljaška zveza; Celovška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana; spz@spz.si; telephone number: +386 (0)1 433 93 08) or visit Noriksub’s webpage for cave dive courses (or contact them: telephone number: +386 (0)1 434 07 53; info@skupinanoriksub.si) and ask for details about cave diving in Slovenia.

If diving is yours and your partner’s passion, you can organize an underwater wedding (ask at Noriksub group). You can contact Slovenian diving federation and Noriksub group for diving in Slovenian rivers, lakes and in the sea as well.

Bogojina – one of Slovenian secret corners

Bogojina is a village 12km eastern from Murska Sobota and 5km away from Moravske Toplice (Terme 3000) in Prekmurje, region in northeastern Slovenia. Bogojina population is about 600.

Bogojina is the most famous for Parish church of the Ascension. It is located on a small hill in the northern part of the village. The new church was built between 1924 and 1927 besides an older and smaller church. Jože Plečnik, famous Slovenian architect, added two asymmetrical aisles and a round tower of a ships‘s crow’s nest to the original Romanesque and baroque structure. The interesting thing here is that Plečnik didn’t pull down an old church, but included it in the new structure, which, together with the tower, makes this church unique and popular among tourists.

Famous Church in Bogojina

The church is opened all time and can be visited for free. You can get more information on the telephone number +386 (0)2 547 92 50 (Bogojina Parish Office).

Interesting tourist spots and activities around Bogojina

1.) About 5km away (towards Murska Sobota) are Moravske toplice (Terme 3000), popular thermal spa resort (more information in article about Slovenia Terme).

2.) Flat Prekmurje is interesting for cyclist as well, especially for the ones who don’t like hills. Doesn’t matter whether you want to cycle all day or just for an hour, there are routes for every taste.

3.) Another interesting sight in Prekmurje is a Floating Mill on the river Mura, located in Veržej. There were 90 mills on Mura, but this one is the only floating one that has left.

Babic Mill on river Mura

4.) You can also visit wine routes and wine cellars, stay in tourist farms and enjoy Slovenian national desert – Prekurska gibanica (in direct translation “Over Mura moving cake”).

Premurska gibanica

One of the most important questions about holidays is “How much is it going to cost?” If money is not a problem, you can just pack the bags and go on the road. However, most of us have to save money for travel and have to calculate the trip costs in order to know how much money we need for our holidays.  I’m writing this article to inform you about costs of some typical necessaries (Slovenia prices) in order to help you calculate costs of your Slovenia holidays.

Accommodation

When you arrive in Slovenia, your main concern will probably be to find a place to stay (if you haven’t reserve it in advance, which I recommend to do). The most expensive type of accommodation are hotels. Prices in more popular tourist resorts (Ljubljana, Bled, Postojna) start at 40€/night for single room (if you get a room at this price in high season you can be very happy) and can go very high in some fancy hotels. The average is about 60-80€/night for single room.

Another type of accommodation, especially in winter resorts, are apartments, which are usually 10 – 20 % cheaper than hotels. Some of them are run by local families, which are very friendly and you may also be able to negotiate the price (when you make reservations).

Hostels are more and more popular among travelers, not just the young ones. Prices of hostels are much lower than hotel prices. You can get a great price if you are willing to share room with other people. Prices for one night in shared rooms start at 8€.

Camps are another option. In main season (summer) camps charge around 12€/night for one person, children pay half of the price (price is for camps at seaside), which means that an average family (parents with two children) will pay around 40€/night.

One of the best types of accommodation in Slovenia are tourist farms. It is hard to compare prices of tourist farms with other types of accommodation, because tourist farms usually aren’t located near “hot spots”. The ones that are have higher prices, but an average price for staying at tourist farms is about 25€/night for one person, which includes breakfast. If you travel in a group (family, friends) and stay for more than two days, you can get really great prices (for example 35€/night for 4-bed room).

Driving

Rent a car prices in Slovenia start at 30€/day for smaller cars (such as Opel Corsa). Bigger cars are more expensive.

Public transport prices are a mystery for me too, because I never know how much am I going to pay:) For train prices in Slovenia look here.

Buses are faster, but more expensive than trains. Bus price also depends on the number of bus stops, which means that if bus stops 5 times on the way from Ljubljana to Maribor it will be more expensive than bus that stops 10 times. Usually buses with less stops drive on highway.

Prices of daily necessities

These are average prices. They can be higher in some tourist resorts or lower in some remote villages.

1 kilo of bread: from 1€ – 3€ (usually around 1.8€)
1 liter of petrol: 1.15€ (the same price on all filling stations)
Cup of coffe: 1.20€
Daily paper: 1€
½ liter of beer in a bar: 2.50€ (1€ in a supermarket)
2 dcl of cola in restaurant: 1.70€ (0.80€ in a supermarket)
Street snack: 2.50€ (hot dog), 2€ (pizza slice), 1.5€ (burek)
Large classic pizza in a restaurant: 5.50€
½ liter of water: 1€ (restaurant), 0.50€ (supermarket)
Souvenir T-shirt: 15€

Slovenian mountain passes are getting more and more popular among tourists because of beautiful views and intact nature at their fingertips. They are easy accessible and the roads are well maintained. Slovenian mountain passes are interesting for bikers, motorcyclists, car drivers and even for many campervan travelers searching for some thrilling drive. So I decided to present some of the most famous Slovenian mountain passes to my readers (you) to help you decide which one is the most suitable for you. 

 1.) Vršič

Vršič pass (“Prelaz Vršič” – 1611m) is a mountain pass in the Julian Alps in the northwest of Slovenia. It is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia and also the highest mountain pass in eastern Julian Alps. Vršič pass is important because it connects Kranjska Gora (Slovenian ski resort) with Trenta Valley. The road was built during the First World War for military purposes and was opened in 1915. It was built by Russian prisoners (Russian Orthodox Chapel can still be found there). The pass is opened in spring, summer and autumn. It is usually closed in winter time because of bad road conditions and the danger of snow slide.

Vršič, as a part of Triglav national park (Triglavski narodni park), is also a great starting point for the visit of surrounding peaks, such as Mala and Velika Mojstrovka, Prisojnik, Šitna glava, Planja, Sovna gora …

Take a look at panorama of Vršič (Text is in Slovenian language, but pictures are more important).

Vršič pass on road map 

2.) Ljubelj

Ljubelj pass (“Loiblpass” in German) is my favorite Slovenian mountain pass. It is situated in the Karawanken (Karavanke) part of Alps, connecting Austria and Slovenia. It is 1369m high and was the steepest mountain pass in Alps (up to 28% incline) before 1945, when the tunnel was built. The tunnel was built by war prisoners during Second World War.

Ljubelj had an important role before 1991, when the Karawankentunnel was built, as it was the best connection between Yugoslavia and Austria in the northwestern part. It is still a great alternative to Karawankentunnel in spring, summer and autumn as a route with great view (you save €6.5 because you don’t have to pay Karawankentunnel ). It is my favorite pass because it possible to sledge there in winter on a settled route.  

Ljubelj pass on road map

3.) Predel

Predil pass (“Predel” in Slovene, “Passo di Predil” in Italian) is interesting due to its rich history. It is 1156 m high mountain pass, connecting Slovenia and Italy. The mountain pass was used in Roman times and in Middle Ages by merchants as an important trade route. One kilometer before summit stands a Fortress Predel, which had an important role in the defense against Napoleon.

Predil pass on road map

4.) Jezersko

Jezersko pass (1218 m) is very popular among motorcyclist because of the road with a lot of thrilling curves. It links Slovenia and Austria and is rarely closed in the winter. It’s gently sloping on the Slovenian side, but is very sleep on the Austrian side.

Jezersko, a village 7km from the Slovenia-Austria border, is a great starting point for the mountains in the surroundings. A trip to Planšarsko jezero (Planšar Lake) is also recommended.

Jezersko pass on road map

As you may already know, Slovenia has more than 85.000 caves and many more are discovered every year. The possibility of discovering stalactites, stalagmites, flow stones, halls, natural windows and many more absorbing underground sights are the reason for Slovenia caves being more and more popular among tourists.

Two most known Slovenian cave systems are described in the articles about Postojna cave and Škocjan caves. In this article I will concentrate on three other, “hidden” caves in Slovenia that are interesting from different perspectives.

Županova jama is located near beautiful foot paths.

Županova jama (in English The mayor’s cave) was discovered in 1926 by the mayor of nearby village. It’s only about 20km away from Ljubljana, near Grosuplje (Dolenjska region) and is interesting because of seven halls with mighty stalactites, connected together in the system of tunnels.

Županova jama is interesting for people who want to see Slovenia countryside besides Slovenia caves as well, owing to walking paths nearby which are part of European foot path E6.  

Županova jama

The cave is opened from May to the end of September at Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The tour starts at 3.00 P.M. (15.00). In March, April, October and November, ca

ve is opened only on Sundays and holidays, at 3.00 P.M. More information is available on zupanovajama.si (unfortunately only in Slovenian language, but you can see some beautiful pictures of the cave) and on the telephone number +386 41 407 705.

Rotovnikova jama has an entrance through cafe

Rotovnikova jama (Rotovnik cave) was discovered by accident in 1978 by Jurij Rotovnik, a local man in a village Skorno near Šoštanj in Štajerska region. Rotovnik, with a plan for new house, started digging on his yard and discovered a cave. He arranged the cave for tourist visits, but he didn’t want to stop building his house. He built a house right at the cave entrance. So, the entrance in the cave is only possible from the cafe in Rotovnik’s house. This facts makes Rotovniko cave one of more intresting Slovenia caves.

Despite the fact that Rotovnikova jama is a smaller cave, it has beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The specialty of Rotovnikova jama are “aragonite formations” or “aragonite urchins”, formations from mineral aragonite (CaCO3), which is present only in two other caves in Slovenia.

Aragonite urchins in Rotovnikova jama

Skorno pri Šoštanju (Skorno near Šoštanj) is easily accessible from highway Ljubljana – Maribor (Via Michelin recommended route). When you arrive at Skorno, the cave can be found with the help of the signs on the road (Skorno isn’t a big village so I think finding the cave will be an easy job).

Kostanjeviška jama near the most beautiful old town in Slovenia

Kostanjeviška jama (Kostanjevica cave) is located in Dolenjska region near the old town Kostanjevica na Krki. The cave is about 2 km long, about 300 m of the cave is opened for tourists. Paths in the cave are appropriate for children and seniors. The cave is interesting because we can see different images in the walls with a little imagination (saber, bear, …). Guided tour lasts approximately 40 minutes.

Kostanjeviška jama is opened for tourist from 15th April to 31st October on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at 10.00 AM (10.00), 12.00, 2.00 AM (14.00), 4.00 PM (16.00) and 6.00 PM (18.00). In July and August cave is opened every day. Phone number of the contact person is +386 (0)41 297 001.

The cave isn’t the only interesting sight in Kostanjevica na Krki. The town Kostanjevica is in my opinion one of the most beautiful old towns in Slovenia. With an old town center on the artificial island on the river Krka, Kostanjevica offers their visitors a relaxed and peaceful environment with unspoilt nature.

Škocjan caves are under UNESCO protection

Škocjan caves (“Škocjanske jame”), the series of limestone caves are the second most known cave system among Slovenia caves (the first one is Postojna cave) and are located in southwestern Slovenia. Škocjan caves and surrounding Regional Park are under UNESCO protection since 1986.

Škocjan caves are located 1.5km from highway Ljubljana-Koper. Nearest town is Divača, which is about 5km away. Divača has train and bus station as well. 

Škocjan caves have been popular among tourist since 18th century and are getting more and more visitors every year. Tourists can enjoy on 3000m of tourist trails and around 500 stair steps. Elevator to Velika dolina is available since 1986. 

Several million years of nature hard work

The cave system was created by the river Reka (by the way “reka” means “river” in Slovene language) which springs below the plateau of Snežnik. When Reka reaches Karst (limestone surface) it still flows on the surface for few kilometers. When the river disappears underground, its journey on the surface ends with a beautiful waterfall. The river comes back on the surface more than thirty kilometers away near Adriatic coast.

The Škocjan caves system is 6.2 km long. Depth from surface to the lowest point is 223 m; average temperature in the caves is 12°C. There are 26 waterfalls in the cave system. One of the Škocjan caves specialties is an underground canyon of the Reka River (2600m long, 10m-60m wide and up to 146 high). Another interesting sight in the caves is one of the largest underground chambers in Europe, called Martel Chamber (2.2 million m3) two natural bridges, one between Velika and Mala dolina and another in Mala dolina. A natural window in the Mohorčič cave is an attraction as well.

Tourist guides 365 days a year

Škocjan caves, as second most popular Slovenia caves system) are opened for visitors every day in the year. All visits are guided and lasts about and hour and a half. Owing to lower temperatures in the caves and slippery trails warm sweater and sports footwear are recommendable.

Škocjan caves

At the start of the guide, guides will separate you in five groups, according to your language.
The tour starts at Globočak valley and leads through artificially built tunnel into natural cave, called Silent cave (Tiha jama). The passage at the entrance is interesting because of beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and flow stones. Tour proceeds through Labyrinth into the Great Hall (Velika dvorana). Then you see Müller Hall, cross Cerkevnik Bridge and enter Svetina Hall. You will reach the lowest point of the tour (144m below surface) and move away from the river and climb up to the Rimstone Polls’ Hall (Dvorana ponvic). Dayligh is seen again in the Schmidl Hall with beautiful view on up to 165m high walls of Great valley (Velika dolina). At the bottom of Great valley you will see river Reka for the last time and 10m high waterfall. Then you go up to the lift that takes you back on the surface. 

Postojna cave vs. Škocjan caves?

Well, I can’t say which one is better, because that depends on your expectations and many other subjective circumstances. But, Škocjan caves are much cheaper than Postojna cave and are offering everything that Postojna cave does (or even more with natural bridges, windows …), except train ride in the caves. So, my opinion and opinion of many others is that among Slovenia caves Škocjan caves are offering the most for the price paid. But, the decision is up to you. Definitely, both cave systems will impress you; the big difference is only in the price.

For more information about Škocjan caves (prices, guided tours timetable), visit their official website.

In this article I would like to inform you about some important facts you must know if you are planning your holidays to Slovenia by car.

1.) Vignette

In 2008 Slovenia has changed its toll system. From 1.7.2008 vignettes must be placed on all vehicles driving on all highways in Slovenia and some other mayor roads (all tolled roads are recognizable by the warning with the picture of vignette).

Vignette warning

Vignettes are obligatory for vehicles up to 3,5t (maximum mass). Heavier vehicles are tolled normally at the toll stations and don’t need a vignette. When you see the toll station and you are in the vehicle with maximum mass under 3,5t and you have vignette placed on your windscreen, don’t panic. Go on the left lane, slow down (speed limit 40 km/h, I suggest you respect it because speed controls are common on toll stations) and drive through without stopping.

You can buy 1-year vignette (95€), 1-month vignette (30€) and 1-week (7 days) vignette (15€) for cars and vans or 1-year vignette (47.50€), 6-months vignette (25€) or 1-week vignette (7.5€) for motorcycles.

I know, it’s not cheap, but if you don’t want to buy it, I suggest staying away from the highways, because vignette controls are very often, especially on the toll stations and rest stations at the highways. Fines are from 300€ to 800€ if you get caught.

The only road you have to pay extra for (6.5€) is Tunel Karavanke (Karawanken tunnel). Tunel Karavanke links Slovenia and Austria and is about 7.8 km long. 

2.) Speed

Speed limits in Slovenia are comparable with other countries nearby. If the signs don’t say otherwise, speed limit on highway is 130 km/h, 90 km/h on open roads and 50 km/h in cities and villages.

Speeding in cities and villages can be expensive if you get caught (1 – 10 km/h more means 80€ fine, 11 -20 km/h too fast costs 250€, 21 – 30 km/h faster than speed limit means 500€ less on your vacations and so on …). Of course on open roads and highways fines are lower, but still high enough to cut your travel budget.

3.) Gas prices

In Slovenia gas price is defined by the government and is the same on all filling stations (except on automated stations, where gas is one or two eurocents cheaper per liter). So, if your main concern is the price it doesn’t matter where you fill your tank. Considering quality of gas, all gas providers must sell gas which meets European standards. Until this day, I haven’t noticed any difference between our major gas providers (Petrol, OMV, Agip, MOL), so I fill my tank in the nearest filling station after I see the warning light.  

Petrol, the biggest gas provider in Slovenia

4.) Parking

There aren’t many places in Slovenia that we could call unsafe so you don’t have to worry too much where you park your car. But, if your car isn’t parked like it should be (for example parking on sidewalks, too close to junction, …), you are bound to get a ticket or even worse your car can get towed away, which can cost quite some money. But, except in Ljubljana or at seaside, parking isn’t a problem in Slovenia (for example Bled and Postojna have quite many parking spaces available) and parking fees aren’t that expensive.

5.) Traffic jams

Slovenia, like other European countries, maintains its roads in summer because it is impossible to do that in winter. This can cause some problems on highways, especially on Saturdays (mostly because of tourist exchanges in Croatia). To avoid traffic jams in summer, travel at night and avoid weekends.

Because of many tourist driving to Croatia (they don’t know what they are missing in Slovenia:)), you can expect some waiting time on Slovenian-Croatian border (especially on Saturdays and on Sundays).

6.) Roads in winter

Roads in winter are usually cleaned quite fast and salted in order to avoid the risk of ice on the roads. Roads to ski centers are cleaned well, but tyre chains can save some troubles in case of heavier snow. Mountain passes are cleaned as well, but owing to unexpected snow tyre chains in your car equipment are obligatory. In the case of too much snow, mountain passes can be closed in the winter.

Mountain pass Vršič in winter

7.) Alcohol

Unprofessional drivers are allowed to have 0.24 mg of alcohol in one liter of exhaled air which is similar to 0.5g of alcohol in one liter of blood. Fines start at 450€.