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Slovenia is a beautiful country in central Europe, bordering Italy to the west, the Adriatic Sea to the southwest, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast and Austria to the north. The official language in Slovenia is Slovenian language.The highest mountain in Slovenia is Mount Triglav (2864m). The capital city is Ljubljana (300.000 citizens). Slovenia is a member of European Union, the Eurozone (?), the Schengen area, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe, NATO, UNESCO, WTO and UN. According to Global Peace index ranking, Slovenia is 9th safest country in the world.

Slovenia is an attractive tourist country, because it offers a wide variety of landscapes in a tiny place ? Mediterranean in the southwest, Dinaric in the southeast, Pannonian in the northeast and Alpine in the northwest. The greatest thing is that you can enjoy all this at practically the same time ? distance between mountains and sea is only about 100 km (62 miles).

On the website Slovenia holidays I would like to present several aspects of tourism in Slovenia. Because of variety of landscapes Slovenia is appropriate for different people. For those of you who are planning to visit Slovenia in summer, there are many options. You can enjoy at the seaside, swim, take a walk on the beach, hire a boat or maybe just enjoy on the beach doing nothing. But there are many more options. Slovenia also has many rivers, advantageous for swimming and canoeing. Besides, summer is the best time to take a trip to Slovenian mountains and visit the main attraction of Slovenia ? Lake Bled with an island on it. There are also adrenalin facilities around Bled. If you don?t like walking upwards, you can take a walk in Prekmurje, the landscape in the northeast part of Slovenia.

Slovenia is also famous for the special landscape called Kras, with many caves. The most famous is Postojna cave (more than 28 million visitors so far).

But I?m sure there are many of you who want to visit Slovenia in winter. Slovenia offers many skiing facilities (ski trails, apartments). For those who want to swim in winter, there are also many thermal springs.

Some other facts about Slovenia (Slovenia facts):

Slovenia postal code: The postal code in Slovenia (or with other words Slovenia zip code) depends on the post office your place belongs. Click here to see the list of all postal codes in Slovenia by alphabetical order.

Slovenia money: From 1.1.2007, Slovenian national currency (Slovenian money) is Euro (?). Slovenia, like every other member of Eurozone, has its own coins with some national symbols.

Click on the picture to see larger image

Slovenia flag: Slovenian flag is one of our national symbols. It is combined with three equal horizontal bands of white, blue and red (white is on top, blue in the middle and red at the bottom). In the upper half on the left side is Slovenian coat-of-arms. White part of the coat-of-arms stands for mount Triglav, the highest Slovenian mountain. Two wavy blue lines are a symbol of Adriatic Sea and Slovenian rivers. Three six pointed golden stars were a symbol of Counts of Celje, Dynasty from Celje (Štajerska region). Counts of Celje were most powerful in 14th and 15th century.

Slovenia flag – click on the picture to see larger image

Slovenia map: Slovenian territory, if you take a good look, has a shape of a chicken. Here is the basic map of Slovenia:

Slovenia map – click on the picture to see larger image

GDP Slovenia: Slovenian GDP per capita in 2008 was 18.367?.

This was a very brief description about some aspects of tourism in Slovenia (slovenia holidays). More information is available in other articles.

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Also Spodnja Štajerska is divided into several parts. At the upper part of the Savinja River, there is Zgornja Savinjska dolina valley with Logarska dolina, one of the most beautiful Alpine valleys, where the river Sava springs in the waterfall Rinka. Zadrečka dolina by the river Dreta is also considered a part of Zgornja Savinjska dolina. The highest mountains in this area are part of Kamnik-Savinja Alps (Planjava, Ojstrica), but also Oljševa with Potočka zijalka and Velika Raduha (2062 m) with Snežna jama are very famous. Two of the biggest settlements there are Solčava with gothic parish church of Saint Mary of the Snow and Gornji Grad by the Dreta River. This place was owned by patriarchs of Aquileia, which have also built Benedictine monastery in Gornji Grad in 12th century (in year 1140). It was later taken over by the Habsburgs and given to the newly founded archdiocese of Ljubljana in year 1461. Wide valleys by the rivers Savinja and Dreta are on the south side closed by plateaus Menina and Dobrovlje.

Farms, scattered upon the slopes, and dispersed settlements in the valleys make the area looks agrarian, but in fact, it is not agrarian any more. People earn more with wood, agro tourism and timber industry in the biggest settlements Mozirje, Ljubno, Gornji Grad and Nazarje. This industry has developed from centuries of the sawing, lumbering and wood crafting tradition. Recently, some other forms of industry have developed in the area, for example in Nazarje.

The basin Velenjska kotlina is not particularly big, but it is very important for the whole country. It is separated form Savinjska dolina with the hills Ložniško gričevje. Geologically, the basin is a tectonic sink, which occurred at the end of the Tertiary period (the only younger basin in Slovenia is Ljubljansko barje). Between the layers of sand, there are also layers of a coal ? lignite, which is 165 meters thick in the central area. The first mining of coal occurred in the second half of the 19th century, and the miners there are still active today ? they acquire around 4 million tons of coal per year, mostly for the thermal power plant in Šoštanj. More important in economy today is a factory of household appliances Gorenje, which has become one of the biggest producers of household appliances in the Europe and in the world. These were also the foundations for the development of the city Velenje, the fastest growing city in Slovenia (around 30000 inhabitants) and the fifth largest city in Slovenia. The second largest city in the basin, Šoštanj, remained in its shadow.

Velenjska kotlina (called Šaleška dolina by the locals) ascends toward Vitanjsko-Konjiške Karavanke with the highest peaks Konjiška gora, Paški Kozjak, Boč and Donačka gora in the east. Somewhere under the tow towered church of the Holy Cross on the Oljka Mountain, Zgornja Savinjska dolina ends, and Spodnja Savinjska dolina starts. Transitions of the Slovenian area are the best shown in the area of Celjska kotlina basin. Due to its climate characteristics, it is considered to be a part of the Pannonia region, but geographically, it is a part of the highlands and the Alpine hills. Like the Basin of Ljubljana, Celjska kotlina is a big tectonic sink, which is very dynamic in the north, but in the south and west, it is a flat land, called Savinjska ravan. Majority of this flat land is covered with gravel, which has been transported by the river Savinja, and with clay from the tributaries. Since the climate and ground in the area are favorable, the locals turned a great part of Spodnja Savinjska dolina to extensive fields of hops. Hop was produced only for trade, but as it is not as valuable as it used to be, also the hop industry is dying out. But it has contributed a great deal to a development of the basin, especially the countryside, which makes an impression, that the area?s economy is well developed.

The third largest city in Slovenia, Celje (Celeia), was founded at the confluence of the rivers Savinja, Hudinja and Voglajna already in antiquity. In Šempeter, by the former Roman road, leading past Trojane (Atrans) and Vransko to Celje, Romans built a necropolis for important families from Celje. Near the city, the river Voglajna, which comes from the area of Šmarsko Šentjursko podolje and past Štore, outfalls into Savinja. Soon after that, Savinja turns between the hills and outfalls to Sava at Zidani Most. Two known health resorts emerged by the Savinja?s path through Posavsko hribovje hills ? Laško and Rimske Toplice. Besides the health resort, Laško is also famous for its brewery from the year 1821, nicely renovated castle and an event Pivo in cvetje.
Celje
When we talk about Celje, probably every Slovenian thinks about the Counts of Celje, who were the most powerful feudal family in Slovenia at the end of the middle ages. In the time of Sigismund of Luxemburg, they even achieved honor of dukes (1436) and had equal authority as the Habsburgs. It is very likely, that Celje would become the capital of Slovenia, if the events in the past would occur in some different way. The Counts of Celje left only a few trails: Carthusian monastery Pleterje, the relief in Minorite monastery, some coats of arms and other things. But despite that, Celje has some magnificent buildings: a museum, the renaissance building from the 16th century with illusionistic ceiling paintings, lower castle (Knežji dvorec) of the Counts of Celje, abbey church of St. Daniel with Romanic core from 12th century and so on. In the beginning of the 20th century, Celje got two national homes, Slovenian and German.

Celje is also a city with developed chemical, metal and agricultural industry. Recently, Celje with its international craft fair made itself valued as a center of craft and business, not only in Slovenia, but also outside the country?s borders. Celje is also becoming a powerful sports center. There is also a known hill Aljažev hrib, with a mighty church of St. Joseph and an institution of Lazarists nearby. Not far away from Celje, there is Teharje, an unfortunate place, so instead, we should mention thermal spa resort Dobrna, Sladka Gora pri Lembergu (the pearl of the baroque of Styria), Šentjur (the birthplace of the family of doctors and musicians Ipavec) and Šmarje pri Jelšah with Kalvarija and known church of St. Rok.

Spodnja Štajerska extends to the southeast of Celje. Extensive and hilly land is named Kozjansko, after the largest place here, Kozje. The area was considered to be the least developed part of Slovenia for a long time. Transitional area between the rivers Savinja, Sava and Sotla is historically part of Štajerska, but it is often considered an independent (statistical) region. Posavje. Among the places in the area, we should mention Brežice, an old town with a castle (first a property of the bishops of Salzburg and later the Habsburgs) at the confluence of the rivers Sava and Krka. The castle in Brežice is today known for the festival of old music, which is today also held in different places across Slovenia. The castle Mokrice between Brežice and the border with Croatia and the castle Pišece are also quite famous and not far away. More than the castles, people are attracted by spa resort Terme Čatež.

If we go upwards by the Sava River, we arrive past Videm ? Styria part of Krško, to Brestanica, where the oldest castle in Slovenia, Rajhenburg, greets us from the cliff above Sava. The first owners of the castle were the bishops of Salzburg. In 1941, Germans transformed it to a gathering camp for around 45000 Slovenians, who were then deported to Germany, Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia. There are many other places, if we continue our road by the river Sava: Sevnica, with nicely preserved castle from the middle ages, Boštanj with a castle and a hydroelectric power station, Loka pri Zidanem Mostu (Primož Trubar worked as a priest there for around 15 years), Radeče with an old paper factory, and then we arrive to Zidani Most.

Among the places further away from Sava, we should mention Jurklošter, one of four Slovenian Carthusian monasteries, which was closed the first. Castles are everywhere, even if we travel by the river Sotla upwards: Bizeljsko, Podsreda (a center of the memorial park Trebče), Podčetrtek (with renaissance castle), Olimje (the castle was transformed to a monastery with one of the oldest pharmacies in the Europe). There are thermal spa resorts in Olimske Toplice and Podčetrtek. We can also take a turn past Bistrica ob Sotli and go to Sveta gora, one of the oldest pilgrimage destinations in Slovenia. No less than 5 churches are located on the mountain ridge and the peak with the same name, Orlica.

On the north, we can see the mountains Boč (979 m) and Donačka gora. A town Rogatec with a museum in the nature, church of St. Jernej and the castle Strmol is located at the foothills of Donačka gora. Nearby Rogaška Slatina is the most cosmopolitan Slovenian natural health resort, and also known for its glass factory.

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Styria is the largest Slovenian region. It is probably going to be divided into three parts ? new administrative regions. In that area, Styria is going to be divided into two parts, one at the Drava River ? Podravje or Gornja Štajerska (Upper Styria), and the other at the Savinja River ? Savinjska or Spodnja Štajerska (Lower Styria). Let?s take a look at Spodnja Štajerska for the beginning, also because we can reach Savinjska and then Gornja Štajerska over already mentioned passes Črnivec, Motnik, Trojane and Kanderše.

Gornja Štajerska (Upper Styria)
The main artery of Gornja Štajerska is the Drava River, which cut its path between Kozjak in the north, and Pohorje in the south. From Maribor onwards it flows through flat land, it has flown that way since long time before the first settlements were founded there. On the east, there is another big river of Styria, Mura, and on the south, it flows much smaller (except when it?s flooded) river Dravinja. An extensive area around Pohorje hills is named Pohorsko Podravje. Geologically, Pohorje is a part of the Central Alps, as it is almost entirely built of metamorphic and igneous rocks. Pohorje has the widest and the most rounded ridges of all alpine hills, and they migrate into narrow ravines at the end. Large group of mountains, more than 50 kilometers long, 25 kilometers wide and 1500 meters high, contains Črni vrh (1534 m), Velika kopa (1542 m) and Rogla (1517 m). Read more…

Zasavje
Administrative region of Zasavje is not considered as Spodnja Štajerska anymore (even less than Posavska), but it would be the right thing to mention it here. Especially because geographic area from west of Ljubljana Basin to the hills around the Sotla River is called Posavsko hribovje, recently also Vzhodno Predalpsko hribovje. The area contains almost 10% of the area of Slovenia, it is more than 25 kilometers wide and 70 kilometers long. Read more…

Spodnja Štajerska (Lower Styria)
Also Spodnja Štajerska is divided into several parts. Zgornja Savinjska dolina with Logarska dolina valley is one of the most beautiful alpine valleys, and it starts in upper part of the Savinja River, at the source of the river, waterfall Rinka. Also Zadrečka dolina ob Dreti is a part of Zgornja Savinjska dolina. The highest mountains in this area are part of Kamnik-Savinja Alps (Planjava, Ojstrica), very famous are also Olševa mountain with Potočka zijalka and Velika Raduha (2062 m) with Snežna jama. Two of the biggest settlements there are Solčava with gothic parish church of Saint Mary of the Snow and Gornji Grad by the Dreta River. This place was owned by patriarchs of Aquileia, which have also built Benedictine monastery in Gornji Grad in 12th century (in year 1140). It was later taken over by the Habsburgs and given to the newly founded archdiocese of Ljubljana in year 1461. Wide valleys by the rivers Savinja and Dreta are on the south side closed by plateaus Menina and Dobrovlje. Read more…

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Under the authority of Austria, Notranjska was part of Carniola, which extended from Ljubljana Basin to Kras and Istria. Borders of Notranjska are not simple to define at all. The best way to do this is probably to follow the borders of former municipalities, today administrative units. Notranjska consisted of municipalities Vrhnika, Logatec, Postojna and Ilirska Bistrica, while Idrija has always been specialty in administrative and language respect. It has been considered as a part of Severna Primorska, Notranjska and even Ljubljana. Also the municipality Ilirska Bistrica wants to become a part of the new coastal province, instead of Notranjska. Those municipalities are connected with common landscape characteristics, karst phenomena and transient territory.

If we arrive from Ljubljana, Notranjska begins in the Ljubljana?s suburbs. Past Ljubljana swamp on left and the Polhograjski Dolomites on right, we soon arrive to the birthplace of Slovenian writer, Ivan Cankar. We can also turn to former monastery of Carthusian monks in Bistra, which is now a technical museum of Slovenia. In direction towards Polhov Gradec, we should stop at the village Dvor, with mighty church of St. Peter from year 1577. Quickly developing ?double? Logatec boasts with majestic manor and strong timber industry. Soon, we have to take another turn, right towards Godovič and Idrija, or forward, towards Planina and onward to Cerknica in the plateau Bloke, Menešija and Rakitna.

Idrija has developed in the middle of nowhere, thanks to mercury, which was found there in year 1490 by some farmer. It gained municipal rights already in the beginning of 18th century. Even before, in 1575, the mercury mine became the property of Austria. It made nice profit for Austria, as it was also the second biggest mercury mine in the world, just behind Spanish Almaden. Mine?s administration was staying in an eminent castle Gewerkenegg, while the miners worked in unhealthy conditions under the Earth?s surface. They have developed many technical devices, which are today proudly exhibited in a museum.

Idrija was also attractive for many scientists, like botanist Janez Anton Scopoli, geologist and mineralogist Baltazar Hacquet, natural scientist Henrik Feyer and botanist Franc Hladnik. Beside technical schools, Idrija also founded the first gymnasium in Slovenia in 1903. Moreover, Idrija has church of the Holy Trinity and a town hall, which is also the birthplace of painter Nikolaj Pirnat. One of the attractions in Idrija are also ?klavži?, blockages, which were used to transport wood logs on water, and a water pump ?kamšt?, which was used to lift water from the mine. We could also mention the famous laceworks of Idria and several other interesting attractions.

The surroundings of Idrija are hilly, but still quite interesting. Divje jezero lake, which is the deepest karstic spring in Slovenia, is located six kilometers above Idrija. The village of Zakojca is the birthplace of the writer France Bevk, and in the gorge under the Vojsko plateau, there is a partisan hospital Franja. Cerkno, with successful factory Eti is also not far away from there.

If we leave highway Ljubljana ? Postojna at the exit Unec, we are already in the land of unusual karst phenomena: Rakov Škocjan and Cerknica with a periodic lake Cerkniško jezero. From Cerknica, one road leads to a remarkable hilly Menešija nad healthy Rakitna, and another road through picturesque Iški Vintgar back towards Ljubljana swamp. Other road leads on the Bloke plateau, the most desolated and wooded part of Notranjska. Past Križna jama we arrive in Lož and Stari trg, and then to the castle Snežnik, which is not far away from 1796 meters high Snežnik, also called ?Triglav of Notranjska?. Clear waters from hills of Snežnik turn towards Ilirska Bistrica, where they become polluted and continue to flow as a river Reka past the castle Perm and through remarkable caves Škocjanske jame, which were proclaimed as natural heritage by Unesco.

Even more famous than Škocjanske jame is world-known cave Postojnska jama near the largest city of Notranjska, Postojna (more than 20000 inhabitants). The cave is known for its stalactites, stalagmites, baldachins, curtains and especially for the animal proteus. The most famous attraction in the surroundings of Postojnska jama is the castle Predjamski grad. Postojna also has an institution for the Karst researches of SAZU, founded in 1947, which is now becoming world famous Mecca of the Karst researches. Southern of Postojna, there is Pivka, which is an important railway crossing, with connections to Rijeka and Trieste. In the direction of Trieste, we meet a polluted Reka again in the valley Vremska dolina, and then we arrive to Divača, Sežana and Trieste.

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Eastern of the road Kranj ? Mengeš we pass the airport of Jože Pučnik, and if we turn towards Kamniške planine at Moste near Komenda, we soon arrive at Kamnik, which was already mentioned before. Famous intellectual Peter Pavel Glavar lived and worked in Komenda and Moste, and also Plečnik left his mark there. We should mention the church of St. Anne in Tunjice, with an energy center nearby. There is poorly maintained castle Stari grad, proudly strutting over Kamnik, and above it, under Velika planina, distinguished Sveti Primož with two chuches, worth visiting.

Mali grad castle in the center of the town, Zaprice castle, Sandikar?s collection and many churches are better maintained than Stari grad. Franciscan church also has a monastery with an extensive library. Also monastery Mekinje in direction of Kamniška Bistrica is well known. Kamnik is a starting point of roads through Tuhinjska dolina valley and Črna valley, across the pass Črnivec (902 m) to Styria. We can also access Styria by highway past Domžale through Črni graben to Trojane (Atrans), or through Moravška dolina valley across the pass Kandrše. This is near geometric center of Slovenia, near Vače (vaška situla), but this is not a part of Gorenjska anymore, but Zasavje.

Description of Gorenjska is not perfect without the description of its capital city, Kranj. Without it, Gorenjska is almost meaningless. Kranj is an old settlement, which is proven over and over again with archeological excavations. Roman Carnium was renamed to Chreina by the bishops of Brixen. The name comes from the times of Celts and Illyrians, who liked to name places with the word ?kar? (rock, stone). In the middle ages, Kranj was the center of the lower Karnija, headquarters of arch parish and border county. Urban and spiritual center of Kranj is Glavni trg square with town hall Mestna hiša, church of St. Cantianius from 15th century and other respectable civic buildings. Near is also the church of the Rosary, former center of the Protestants, with Plečnik?s arcades. The castle Khiselstein used to be headquarters of border count, but today there are various cultural institutions and one of the main stages of cultural events in Kranj. Another such center is the theater Prešernovo gledališče with a statue of the poet and professional group of actors. Kranj got a gymnasium already in the times of Napoleon (1810).

France Prešeren, the greatest Slovenian poet, finally decayed and eventually died in Kranj. That?s why sometimes Kranj is called the city of Prešeren. The hose, where he worked as a lawyer in the last years of his life, is nicely renovated and maintained.

Kranj is also an important industrial, commercial and banking center with strong rubber (Sava) and electronic industry (Iskratel), Merkur and Gorenjska banka. Today, it has more than 40000 inhabitants.

Gorenjska – Kranj, Kamnik, Gorenjska – Radovljica, Škofja Loka, Gorenjska – Triglav, Bled, Bohinj

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We will start our march across large and especially long Primorska at the seaside, as the name of the region requires. With a short, 46 kilometers long coast, Slovenian region Primorska indents between infinitely longer coasts of the neighboring countries, Italy and Croatia, which are, despite its length, both disturbed by the Slovenian coast. For us, it?s a precious window to the world, also because of the fact, that the Adriatic Sea reaches its maximum length into a continent in Slovenia, so we will have to fight here in order to defend our belongings.

Three towns, Koper, Izola and Piran were surely more Italian than Slovenian in the past, but a hinterland, also the hinterland of Trieste, has always been Slovenian. Since the emancipation of Slovenia, all three towns are experiencing unimagined development, especially Koper, which is becoming a noticeable European port, comparing to Trieste and Rijeka. Along with the Karst hinterland, they form the second most propulsive statistical region, only surpassed by the region Osrednjeslovenska. Also the population is increasing rapidly, as Koper already has more than 25000 inhabitants. Immigrants are constantly coming to this area, which causes some problems with the identity. But strong foundations, dating back to the renaissance, will play their role in this regard. We should also mention an ancient lodge, the praetorian palace and also a cathedral, which bears witness, that Koper has already been the center of the diocese in the past, as it is also today. Koper is also the center of the third Slovenian university (university of Primorska), not to mention Slovenian gymnasium and Italian schools.

Along the coast, we come to the town, which had been formed on an island, as its name shows. Izola is known for its (ruined) fishing industry, marine, and also has some nice cultural monuments. From here, we can reach touristic and health resort Portorož with many hotels, casinos, Avditorij (culture, congresses) and even an airport, by road past Strunjan and Fiesa. On the right of Portorož on a peninsula, there is an ancient town Piran, with a remarkable and from a distance visible cathedral of St. George. The town is protected as a monument, and it is the center of Slovenian merchant navy and maritime museum, with a Tartinijev trg square as a center.

Northern Primorska and Soča Valley, Vipavska valley and Karst, Primorska

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When you book you stay here you have to be able to maximize your stay for Ljubljana is a colorful and energetic place that could make anyone easily fall in love with it. You will discover a lot of great stuff here and tell you what?! Most of its people that are under the age of 35 speak fluent English! So there should not be a problem in connecting with other people, you will enjoy making new friends here. The Slovenians are also well known for their utmost hospitality so you would get a lot of assistance from them too. This city is also said to be the sixth safest city to be in out of the cities in the world.

You might also want to visit the famous river that flows through Ljubljana, it is famous for it can disappear and appear again and because of that it was named 7 times (The names are; Trbuhovica, Obrh, Stržen, Rak, Pivka, Unica and Ljubljanica.) and if you ride the boat you will be able to discover hidden parts of the river and parts where it leaves the surface and goes underground.

Ljubljana might be a princess when it comes to its size but her size is just concealing its treasure, great things do come in small packages. When you?re here the great places are just a stroll away?

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Bled …
It is called the paradise on Earth. It is also very well known because of its lake that goes after its name, Lake Bled. It is the main attraction. It?s possible to swim in it from summer time up until September. There is a beautiful and small island at the middle of the lake and that is why they call it heaven? Because when you are there you have this beautiful view of the clean and lake all around you. I should tell you about the price though, it is also similar to the heights of heaven and it is worth every penny of it.

Postojna cave …
This is the second greatest tourist attraction in Slovenia, it is said that the first one belongs to Bled. It lives through its name, the caves here are magnificent. It gives home to the endemic olm, or the largest troglodytic amphibian in the world? In Slovenian?s language its English translation is the human fish. Inside the cave you would be able to ride on a train and the train will take you for a ride inside the cave, so that you can just sit down and relax while you enjoy the cave?s amazing view and at the same time you can listen to the tour guide who would satisfy you with amazing information and stories about the cave.

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I started my ?trip? in the Čopova Street ? the main street in the center of Ljubljana. As you can see there are a lot of local people doing holiday errands, but I have also noticed quite many tourists taking pictures of Ljubljana (like me). Then I was walking along Čopova Street and came on the Prešeren square.

We could say Prešeren square is the main square in Ljubljana and is therefore the most decorated one. At weekend, different music groups have (free) concerts on Prešeren square. I continued my way across Tromostovje (Three bridges) ?

? and saw something new.

I can?t think of an appropriate translation, but I would say these are small wooden houses. In those houses merchants are selling everything you can imagine and even more. Then I went to see the city hall and I noticed a big Christmas tree in front of it.

I finished my walk at one of the promenades along Ljubljanica. I noticed that Ljubljana castle changes color from red to blue and green.

At many points on my way it was possible to buy hot tea, mulled wine (highly recommended), chestnut (be careful buying that because it might be old ? the main chestnut season is over), almonds, candies and many other things. If you don?t want to waste your money, I suggest buying only mulled wine ? Slovenia is wine-producing country and all wine offered in the streets is home made (and not some cheap Macedonian imported wine).

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Driving in Ljubljana by car

If you are type of person who likes to drive in cities (so you probably hate public transport), this is a good option for you.  It is also possible to use your car in Ljubljana. Because Ljubljana is not a big city, it isn?t very likely to fall into traffic jam (especially in summer time). Rush hour is usually from 7.30 to 8.30 AM and from 3.30 to 4.30 PM. But, even if you drive during rush hour it isn?t that horrible. It will take more time, but you will get everywhere (It?s not like in major cities, where traffic isn?t moving for an hour).

You can park in the city center ? there are two options. Cheaper one is to park on the streets in city center ? they cost 60 eurocents per hour, but parking time is limited for 2 hours (from 8.00AM to 6.00PM, before and after parking is free and time is not limited). If you park on the street don?t worry for your car ? Ljubljana isn?t like Rome – your car will probably be the same (without scratches, bumps etc.) when you come back. Second option is to park in park garages ? they are more expensive (up to 2.5?/h), but time isn?t limited.

Taxi transport in Ljubljana

Taxi services are well developed in Ljubljana. I only have one important suggestion for you ? do not stop taxi on the street, because they will most commonly charge you much more than if you call taxi service and then taxi picks you up. Look in tourist brochures or ask in hotels to get a specific phone number. Normal taxi prices are from 1?/km. It?s important to ask for the price before you start the ride.

Riding a bicycle or driving a scooter

It’s possible to rent a bike in Ljubljana for as little as 1?/day. Ljubljana has well organized bicycle trails network (in Ljubljana and also whole circle around Ljubljana). Attention: It’s not allowed to drive scooter on bicycle trails in Slovenia!

Walking in Ljubljana

If your hotel is located in the center of Ljubljana, the best way to enjoy the beauty of Ljubljana is by foot. City center isn’t big; you can walk from one part of the center to another in less than half an hour (easy walk). Even if you came in the center by car, bus, taxi or however, I suggest walk through the center  it’s the best and easiest way for sightseeing in Ljubljana. The best walk is from center of Ljubljana on Castle hill (also in center of Ljubljana), it takes around 20 minutes. But if you don’t want to walk, you can go on the Castle hill by funicular.

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