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€. 

Ljubljana, as Slovenian capital city, has quite many taxi services, but unfortunately not all of them are worth your money. In this article I will describe some tips how to choose your taxi service in Ljubljana in order to save money and avoid difficulties.

1.)    It’s better to call taxi than to stop it on the street

You might think that this is strange, but it is cheaper in many cases to call a taxi and wait for it (I admit, it’s strange, because taxi has fewer expenses if it is already where you are). But, in Ljubljana, many taxi services have two rates (tariffs) and if you stop a taxi on the street they usually charge the higher one. So, if you have time, I suggest you call a taxi rather than stop one on the street. If you are in a hurry, take into the consideration my next piece of advice.

2.)    Always ask for the price

When you sit in the cab (if you stop a taxi on the street or if you choose one parked along the road) or when you are talking on the phone with dispatcher (if you are ordering taxi), always tell where you are and where you are going and then ask how much will that cost you. If the price seems too high, leave the cab or say goodbye to dispatcher and find another taxi. The reason for doing this is that many drivers might think you are naïve (because you are tourist) and might charge you more than they should. In order to avoid that it is necessary to determine the price in advance.

Normal price for a taxi in Ljubljana is around 1€ for the start (the static price regardless of mileage) + from 0.6€ – 1€ for every kilometer of the way. The normal price for waiting hour is about 13€. 

3.)    Require a bill  

The best and the easiest way to avoid illegal taxis is to inform the driver that you want a bill before the drive starts. There aren’t many illegal taxis in Ljubljana, but you never know (especially if you stop a taxi on the street – if you call one the chances of getting illegal one are close to zero).

4.)    Ask for the driver that knows English

That pretty much says it all. When you call to order a taxi, ask for the driver that knows English in order to avoid problem with communications. Almost every driver knows English basics, so you probably won’t have problems with that.

5.)    Tip only if you are content with the drive

Taxi drivers like tips, but they aren’t offended if you don’t give it. So, if you want to tell your taxi driver that you liked the drive, tell him that you were pleased with the service and give some tip if you want. Don’t give tips just because you think it’s polite.

The list of major taxi services in Ljubljana with phone numbers:

Taxi Metro: +386 (0)80 11 90
Taxi Zvezda: +386 (0)51 809 908
Taxi Laguna: +386 (0)80 11 17
Taxi Intertours: +386 (0)80 311 311
Taxi Društvo Ljubljana: +386 (0)1 234 9000

My previous article was about family friendly thermal spas. But, not all of you are planning to visit Slovenia Terme with your family. Maybe you are traveling by your self or with partner, friend, brother, sister or someone else and your main reason for visiting thermal spas isn’t fun, but just relaxation. I will describe some major thermal spas in Slovenia that will be appropriate for you.

Dolenjske toplice – one of the oldest thermal spas in Europe

Dolenjske toplice are situated in the pleasant environment of vineyard overgrown valley of the river Krka. Thermal water is slightly mineralized with temperature similar to the temperature of human body and appropriate for rheumatic illnesses of the locomotive system treatment, gynecological illnesses treatment, conditions after surgeries on the locomotive system with functional disorder treatment and osteoporosis treatment.

But that isn’t all. Owing to the location, Dolenjske toplice are appropriate for hiking, walking and excursions, combined with swimming in the pools. Animation programs are available every day.
Nearby spots worth seeing: Kostanjevica na Krki (beautiful town), Krka river valley, Novo mesto (the biggest city in Dolenjska region), Kočevski Rog (hunting area), Pleterje (with Carthusian monastery, famous for their unique home made products – wine, honey, …) and Otočec Castle (only castle on an island in Slovenia).
For more information about Dolenjske toplice, visit their website.

Terme Radenci – Refreshment in a relaxed environment

Terme Radenci (we could say Radenci Health Center as well), beautiful Slovenia terme in northeastern part of Slovenia (region Prekmurje), surrounded by vineyards, fields and enriched with the river Mura, is famous for wide variety of therapies such as cure of kidney disfunction and metabolic disorder, postoperative heart and vascular illnesses and many more.

Terme Radenci also offers great accommodation in one of hotels, magnificent wellness and many sport facilities.

Village Radenci is also famous for Radenska, which is Slovenian mineral water with Three Hearts symbol. It has healing effect and is a very good drink (if you like mineral waters, you should try Radenska on your Slovenia holidays).

Terme Radenci

More information about Terme Radenci is available here.

Terme Banovci – the only thermal water camp for nudists in Europe

Thermal water in Banovci is an acknowledged natural healing substance. With its 60 °C – 68 °C it’s most appropriate for injuries, illnesses and post-operative signs related to bone, joint and muscle problems.
2000 m2 of water surface is available to their guests.

The most important thing here is many possibilities for recreation. Besides swimming, you can enjoy on your bicycle discovering hidden parts of Prekmurje. If you don’t like cycling (cycling is Prekmurje is easy, because Prekmurje is a lowland region), you can take a walk on one of many beautiful hills Prekmurje offers. Terme Banovci is famous for their sauna, a perfect way for body and mind relaxation.

Terme Banovci are also appropriate for nudists who want to visit Slovenia Terme. They are famous for their naturist campsite called “Sončni gaj” (“Sunny Grove”). The naturist part of the camp was renewed recently and has new wellness with whirlpool and underwater massages.

Click here to get more information about Terme Banovci.

Terme Laško – Brewery only an arm length away

Laško thermal spa is situated near the confluence of rivers Savinja and Rečica in eastern Slovenia (Štajerska region). 2200 m2 of water surfaces is available to their guests with indoor and outdoor pools. The magnificent glass dome includes the pool with waves, three whirpool baths, Kneipp area (with river gravel bottom), children’s water entertainment park, recreation massage pool, fast river, and water slide complex.

Sauna center and wellness spa center are also the reason why so many guests visiting Slovenia terme decide to visit Laško every year (for example they are masters of some unique techniques of performing stone therapy, clinical aromatherapy, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi massage and Shiatsu).

Terme Laško

But, when you are in Laško, you must not miss one thing – Laško brewery, the oldest Slovenian brewery. Laško brewery is one of two leading beer producer in Slovenia and is present in foreign markets as well. It is my favorite Slovenian beer, I suggest you try it.

Visit Terme Laško website for more information.

Enjoying the water is one of many relaxation and adventure possibilities in Slovenia. Slovenia terme are perfect for those of you who don’t like crowded coast or want something more than just water (sauna, toboggans, wellness, …). Slovenia has 16 thermal spas, but they aren’t all the same. Some of them are more appropriate for people who want peace and relaxation, other ones are more family friendly, owing to facilities, more interesting for kids and teenagers, combined with relaxation facilities for their parents. In this article I will concentrate on three of them, in my opinion the most family friendly ones.

Terme Čatež

Čatež thermal spa can be found in eastern Slovenia in the town “Čatež ob Savi” near Brežice, only few kilometers from highway Ljubljana-Zagreb and also very close to Croatian border and Croatian capital city Zagreb.

The name Čatež derives from a legend about half human half billy-goat. Good springs were always found at places he was seen. His name was Čatež and he was also seen at the place where we can find Čatež thermal spa. In winter season Čatež can be seen in thermal spa, where he entertains children.  
Čatež thermal spa (Terme Čatež) is the most popular thermal spa in Slovenia and, in my opinion, also the best choice for families. It is also the largest health resort in Slovenia. They offer everything you can imagine. There is a camp nearby for those who don’t like staying in apartments, children can play in special pools with low water and smaller toboggans, teenagers can enjoy many different toboggans – some of them can be quite adrenaline, especially the new one (built in 2008).

New toboggans in Čatež

Čatež thermal spa has summer and winter pools, which means you can enjoy outside in summertime. For information about working hours and prices look here.

Terme Olimia

Olima thermal spa (Terme Olimia) is located in Podčetrtek, little town in eastern Slovenia (above Brežice), accessible from the motorway Ljubljana-Maribor (exit Dramlje and then about 30km drive to Podčetrtek). Olimia thermal spa is situated in the middle of beautiful nature, offering many possibilities for hiking and outdoor activities which is great for tourists visiting Slovenia terme with intention to exercise.

They are especially famous for their wellness and a wide range of therapies, such as curing skin diseases, inflammatory and degenerative rheumatism and many other modern health problems. Your kids won’t be disappointed either – summer pools are offering interesting toboggans.

Interesting toboggans in Olimia thermal spa

Another interesting thing in Podčetrtek is chocolate factory with a tourist store and Podčetrtek castle. Podčetrtek is famous for apothecary and monastery as well. St. Mary church (baroque style) is an attraction for pilgrims on and around 15th of August.

Prices and more information available here.

Terme 3000

Terme 3000 or Moravske toplice are located in Prekmurje, northeastern part of Slovenia near Murska Sobota (the biggest city in Prekmurje) and are easily accessible from motorway Maribor – Murska Sobota. They are known for having the hottest water at source among Slovenia terme (72 degrees Celsius). The spring was discovered in 1960 as a consequence of an oil search. Terme 3000 are also famous for the golf course (Prekmurje is the only flat part of Slovenia and therefore more appropriate for golf courses).

Unique black water spring is another specialty in Terme 3000, known for its rheumatic and skin diseases, blood circulation and lung ailment. You will be able to bath in black water in special pool with this kind of water. Be careful and don’t stay in there too long (water is very hot and completely natural and therefore isn’t filtered, which may cause problems if you are more sensitive type).

Toboggans in Terme 3000

For kids and teenagers it’s taken care with toboggans, offering great fun (before Čatež was renewed, they were my favorite ones). 

Click here for prices, opening and other information.

The first record of viticulture in Slovenia is from 5th century BC. The viticulture has been present through the Middle Age, Austro-Hungarian Empire and also through Yugoslavia (despite the fact that Slovenia had a strong competition in the low cost wines from southern countries of Yugoslavia, especially Macedonia). The viticulture is still present in Slovenia and is getting more and more important for Slovenian economy and interesting for tourists as well.

Wine regions in Slovenia

Slovenia has three smaller wine regions and not one big region because of the landscape variety and consequently because of the variety of microclimates (more information about climate available in the article Weather in Slovenia). Those regions are: Podravje, Posavje and Primorska.

Wine regions in Slovenia

Podravje is the largest wine region in Slovenia. The name for this wine region comes from river Drava, which flows through this area. It is divided into seven districts (Radgona-Kapela, Ljutomer-Ormož, Maribor, Haloze, Prekmurje, Srednje Slovenske Gorice and Šmarje-Virštanj). Almost all wine produced in Podravje region is white wine. Maribor is famous for the oldest vine, which is still producing grapes and wine, in the world. The vine was planted four centuries ago.

Posavje was named after the river Sava, flowing through the area. It is subdivided into three districts (Bela Krajina, Dolenjska, Bizeljsko-Brežice), the most famous one is Dolenjska, Slovenian symbol of wine production and viticulture. Dolenjska is famous for production of Cviček, Slovenian national red wine, made from mixture of white and red wine grape. Cviček contains less alcohol than other wines and is a little bit sourer.

Primorska is the most famous Slovenian wine producing region. It has four districts (Goriška Brda, Koper, Kras, Vipava). Primorska region produces many famous wine varieties of Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Pinot Gris, Pinot noir, Rebula, Refosco, Laški rizling, Rumeni muškat and many other ones.

Because Slovenia is a country with many hills (with an exception of Prekmurje), almost all wine yards are situated along slopes or hillsides in terraced rows. Access for machines is very limited and Slovenian wine yards are therefore processed manually in many cases.

From tourist perspective Wine routes can be an interesting experience. There are twenty wine routes in Slovenia and all have Wine cellars on the way, where you can stop and taste wine. You can try some Slovenian national food as well. 

If you aren’t interested in wine and you don’t want to visit Wine routes and Wine cellars you may want to order Slovenian wine when eating in restaurants on Slovenia holidays.