8 Day Trips from Ljubljana to Experience Slovenia
Chloe O'Brien | Live the World
December 16, 2022
Slovenia is one of the lesser explored countries in Europe, but it is one you should not miss.
From captivating historical cities to gorgeous nature scenes, there’s an endless amount of intriguing attractions to visit in this small country. Ljubljana, the country’s capital, is in the heart of Slovenia. With a beautiful historical centre, captivating architecture, and a bustling, overlooked gastronomic scene, Ljubljana is a must when visiting Slovenia.
Ljubljana being centrally located also makes it a perfect place to spend some extra days to take some day trips so that you can truly experience the rest of Slovenia. Between hiking, nature, gastronomy, and medieval towns, there’s a day trip for everyone from Ljubljana. Here are our 8 picks we think you should explore!
Getting There
Slovenia is a small country, and Ljubljana is the best place to start. Most of these places are accessible by public transportation, usually buses. A few are accessible by train. However, we recommend renting a car for your day trips, as the drives tend to be much quicker, and certain locations aren’t accessible easily by bus or train. Renting a car is faster and more efficient for the majority of these locations. If you do opt to take public transportation, the bus and train stations are right across from each other in the historical centre of Ljubljana.
1. Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge
Bled is probably the most visited place in Slovenia outside of Ljubljana, and rightfully so. With a picturesque castle, beautiful hikes, and fun water activities, what's not to love? Since it is situated near Vintgar Gorge, another incredible natural wonder of Slovenia, it’s perfect to try to visit both in one day if you have the time. There are plenty of tour groups that will take you from Ljubljana to Lake Bled with set itineraries, but for a more unrestricted visit, you can take a bus from Ljubljana and back that leaves every hour, or you can rent a car. The drive to Lake Bled is around 1 hour and 20 minutes, around the same time that it will take you to get there by bus. Once you’re there, there are parking lots with hourly rates. Expect to pay around €2 per hour on average.
We recommend taking a boat to Bled island, the lake’s most photographed spot. To get to Bled island, you can rent a row boat. It’s a sure way to get some exercise! For a more relaxed visit, hop on one of the pletna boats that hold up to 20 people. This is more expensive than renting a rowboat, and price varies depending on the season. However, if you’re not feeling up to the challenge, this is a perfect way to reach Bled Island worry-free.
Lake Bled is filled with excursions you’ll be reliving over and over after your trip. Cool options include renting a paddle board to get the best views of the lake or taking a hike on one of Lake Bled’s trails that lead you to scenic views of the Lake. One of the most unique, adventurous ways to get the best panoramic views of the Lake is to take a hot air balloon!
One of the most beautiful hikes in Slovenia is the hike to the Vintgar Gorge. From the Lake Bled railway station, you can take a 15-minute train to Podhom station. From there, signs will lead you to the hike to the famous Gorge, which is absolutely breathtaking and definitely worth the hike if you have the time. You can drive as well to the beginning of the Vintgar Gorge hike if you’ve rented a car. We highly recommend you make time in your visit to Lake Bled to do this hike since it’s been called one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
Where to stay
This cosy hostel is housed in an old monastery building, offering free shuttle service to and from Lake Bled.
Mid-Range - Hotel Starkl - Heritage & Unique
This family-run hotel has close proximity to the Lake, as well as modern rooms offering lake views.
Conveniently situated right on the lakefront with its own private swimming deck for hotel guests.
2. Lake Bohinj
If you’re interested in the scenic beauty Lake Bled has to offer, but you prefer a more off-the-beaten-path destination, then Lake Bohinj is for you. It’s just as visually impressive as Lake Bled, bigger, and less crowded. We recommend renting a car as the fastest, most efficient way to get there in just over an hour. If renting a car isn’t possible, don’t worry! You can still spend a day here by taking a bus from Ljubljana, that’ll get you there in around two hours.
Something unique to Lake Bohinj is the opportunity to take the cable cars that take you up to Vogel. There is a beautiful viewpoint over the lake from the mountaintops, but it is not for the faint-hearted. If you’re afraid of heights, you might want to skip this one! There are still breathtaking scenes while taking the cable car, and around the area of the viewpoint.
Slovenia’s most visited waterfall is about an hour hike from Lake Bohinj. 553 steps down you’ll find Savica waterfall. To see the strongest flow, head to the waterfall in Spring or Autumn, although it's gorgeous to visit no matter the time of year. This is definitely a highlight of the Lake Bohinj area!
Because of their proximity, some people may recommend hitting both Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj in one day, and a lot of tour groups leaving Ljubljana will offer this as an option. If you’re short on days, this is feasible. That being said, we think that both lakes have so much to explore individually, that fitting them both in one day is a bit of an overload!
Where to Stay
Popular among hikers and skiers, this hostel is the perfect place for your nature retreat.
Mid Range - Apartmanji Triglav
These apartments are located in the heart of the stunning alpine village, Stara Fužina, with easy access to Lake Bohinj and
Triglav National Park.
Beautiful lodge in a quiet area set apart, yet not far from the tourist attractions.
3. Vipava Valley
Vipava Valley is a hidden gem in Slovenia that is a gastronomy lover's dream! Just an hour by car from Slovenia’s capital is a valley that has its own Mediterranean microclimate, making it one of the best locations for wine to be produced on the continent! You might be wondering how it is one of the best locations for wine production if you’ve never tried it, or maybe even heard of it. This is because most of the wine produced in Vipava Valley is consumed within Slovenia, rather than exported, so it’s pretty hard to find Slovenian wines abroad. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t just as delicious as the big producers of wine.
In Vipava Valley, there are countless gorgeous vineyards to choose from. Of course, when visiting vineyards the most popular thing to do is wine tasting. A must-try when visiting the vineyards in Vipava Valley is Slovenia’s iconic orange wine! Don’t be fooled - it isn’t made out of oranges, but rather is a variant of white wine that is made from a special process that leaves the grape seeds and skins in contact longer with the liquid, turning it into an orange colour.
If you don’t drink or aren’t a fan of wine, don’t skip out on it! The Vipava Valley is stunning and lush, and its beauty is what makes it such an amazing day trip. With picturesque, medieval villages, and different tastings such as olive oil, or the Slovenian delicacy pumpkin seed oil, there is enough to do here for a day that isn’t about wine. Kmetija Kante is one of the many vineyards that also doubles as an olive grove, and a wine-free tour can be booked to learn about and taste their product!
Vipava Valley is known for its gastronomy. Make sure to try local products such as their own prosciutto, pumpkin seeds, goat cheeses, and honey. The region is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant called Gostilna Pri Lojzetu, which is a great way to end your day in Vipava Valley. If you’re looking for a less fancy meal to finish off your time in Vipava Valley, the region is known for its farm-to-table restaurants, which are sure to impress.
Where to Stay
A quaint, locally owned bed and breakfast situated in the gorgeous village of Manče.
Mid-Range - Boutique Rooms & Winery Žorž
For an experience, you’ll never forget, this farm stay in a local vineyard is unique and immersive.
Luxury - Boutique rooms by Petrič winery
This beautiful winery offers rooms with private saunas and jacuzzis in the remote village of Dobravlje.
4. Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka is a charming town situated on a river, just 30 minutes away from Ljubljana. There are frequent buses and trains that make this an affordable and convenient day trip. With only 12,000 inhabitants, the town is perfect for a day trip, as you will have enough time to explore the quaint medieval streets.
Take some time to take a leisurely walk around the old town. With speciality gift shops and quaint cafes, you can definitely have a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of Ljubljana. Stroll along the river, lined with cute bridges. These bridges are one of the most beautiful spots in the town, and perfect for your Instagram pics! Check out our favourite of the bridges, the Capuchin Bridge (also called the stone bridge).
For a more historical day, the medieval village has quite a lot to offer. Visit the Škofja Loka castle and museum to learn about the history of this fortress. One of the most intriguing things that you can visit is, on the castle path, the remains of the old castle that was destroyed tragically in an earthquake in the 14th century.
Where to Stay
Budget - Na Vasi restravracija in prenočišča
A tranquil hotel surrounded by gardens just outside of Škofja Loka’s city centre.
Named after a thousand-year-old Slovenian myth, Hotel Zamorc has a historical appeal.
Just 4 kilometres from Škofja Loka is this extraordinary hotel with an exquisite restaurant.
5. Soča Valley
This Slovenian river is known for its emerald-coloured waters surrounded by a stunning mountain range. It’s best to rent a car for this day trip, as the river itself is quite big, so you may want to stop at a few different spots, which is presumably a lot more difficult, and in some cases impossible, when using public transportation. There is a bus that will take you to Soča from Ljubljana in about 2 and a half hours, compared to just 1 hour and 20 minutes by car. To get the most out of this trip, renting a car is essential.
Revered as one of the most impressive places in the Soča Valley is The Great Soča Gorge. With bright blue waters, beautiful limestones, and mountains on the horizon, it is an incredible spot to check out. You can even swim in the mountain waters, but if you’re planning on swimming, pick a hot summer day, as the waters are known to be ice cold!
Another spectacular stop is Boka Waterfall, which stands at around 144 meters, and can be heard all the way from the parking lot! Head to the viewpoint, or complete the waterfall hike to make the most of your visit. Near Boka Waterfall is Bovec. Bovec is a dream for adventure lovers! Including ziplining, paragliding, rafting, and canyon rappelling, there are a number of activities for anyone seeking that adrenaline rush!
Make sure before you head to Soča Valley you have mapped out where you want to visit. The region is quite big, and some destinations may be 2 and a half hours away, compared to 1 and a half. Keep this in mind when planning your day trip so that you don’t lose time driving back and forth, and maximize your time spent exploring rather than in the car!
Where to Stay
Perfect for the adventurous, this hostel organizes and offers discounts on adrenaline-inducing outdoor activities!
Mid-Range - Boutique Hotel Dobra Vila Bovec
This hotel is filled with Slovenian charm. Its home is a historical building, with traditionally decorated rooms.
This hotel and its pool are surrounded by incredible mountain views, the perfect place to take in the beauty of the Soča Valley.
6. Piran
Located on the Adriatic sea, this medieval village is a perfect getaway for the day. Just an hour and a half away from Ljubljana by car, and 2 hours by bus, Piran is a great day trip for anyone visiting the capital. This scenic coastal town is heavily influenced by Venetian architecture, and gives you a little taste of Italy while in Slovenia! One of our favourite things about Piran is just how colourful the streets are. Seriously, you can find a building in every colour here.
You can’t miss the city walls when visiting Piran. The walk around has panoramic views of the town, along with the ocean. These city walls have been compared to a smaller version of Dubrovnik, and are a wonderful starting point to get to know Piran.
As well as being known for its intriguing history, it is also a culinary hotspot! Given its coastal location, it is known for its fresh seafood. There are a bunch of restaurants throughout the city that are serving up the catch of the day! Piran is also known for harvesting amazing salt. Head to a chocolatier in the city to taste a chocolate bar with salt flakes on top!
If you were hoping for a beach day, there are a few beaches along the city. Don’t forget, the Slovenian Adriatic coast has been nicknamed the Slovenian Riviera, and while Piran is more known for the city rather than beaches, there are a few options if you’re trying to catch some sun. The beaches here are very rocky, so if you’re looking to sit and relax, most beaches in Piran have green areas up to the water, to make seating more comfortable.
Where to Stay
Budget - Hostel Adriatic Piran
In Piran’s historic centre, this charming hostel offers both private and shared rooms.
Mid-Range - Old Town Rooms Piran
These spacious modern rooms are located right conveniently between both the beach and Piran’s historical centre.
Beachfront, in a stunning Venetian-style building, with lavish rooms overlooking the sea or the old town.
7. Predjama Castle and Postojna Caves
Predjama castle was built in the mouth of a cave, and while its origins are unknown, the earliest record of it was in the 11th century! Nearby, the Predjama Castle is an interesting historical excursion nearby Ljubljana. When visiting the castle, right nearby less than a 20-minute drive away is Postojna Caves, which are spectacular caves that you should stop by if you’re on your way to Predjama Castle. To reach Predjama Castle, you can rent a car from Ljubljana and it is about a 1-hour drive. You can also take a bus that takes you to Postojona! From the bus stop, it’ll be a short walk to the caves, or you may opt to take a taxi or another bus to the castle.
The castle is perfect for history buffs, as there is a very informative museum inside. Right down the street from the castle as well, you can check out Hotel Jama, which also has its own museum. Hotel Jama used to be a hotel used for the Yugoslavian Secret Service! With audio recordings of old phone conversations, it's quite a unique museum. Both the castle museum and Hotel Jama are a must-see if you’re hoping to dive deeper into both Slovenia’s medieval and modern history.
Postojna Cave is the second biggest cave in Slovenia and it is the most biologically diverse cave in the world! Tours through the cave will teach you about the different animal species, and there's even a vivarium so that you can take a look for yourself. Don’t miss the olm, also known as the human fish! If you opt to take one of their guided tours, you’ll also learn about the intriguing Slovenian myths regarding the cave. Postojna Cave also has a railway inside! So you can hop on an adorable little train to see the caves in a special way.
When visiting both Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave, you will need to buy tickets. We recommend buying tickets in advance, especially if you want to take any guided tours. If you plan on visiting both Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave in one trip, since they’re so close, make sure to get a combo ticket to save money!
Where to Stay
Budget - Youth Hostel Proteus Postojna
This vibrant, friendly hostel is a favourite among travelers.
Decorated traditionally, this centrally-located hotel is filled with Slovenian charm.
Luxury - Postojna Cave Hotel Jama
This stunning hotel has an eerie historical background as it was a frequent meeting point for the Yugoslavian Secret Service.
8. Kamnik
This is one of the most beautiful towns in Slovenia, and that can be accredited to its medieval architecture and the fact that it is surrounded by the Kamnik Alps. Just a 33-minute drive from Ljubljana and 44 minutes by train, its proximity to the capital and small size makes it a fantastic place to visit for the day!
Kamnik is known to be one of the oldest towns in Slovenia, as the first written stories about the town and the two castles date back to before the 11th century. Speaking of, the two castles, Mali Grad and Stari Grad are worth a visit when checking out the town! Mali Grad hill is the best preserved in the area, situated on a hill overlooking Kamnik. Come here for the perfect photo opportunities of the town!
Calling all shopaholics! The town has some boutique shops selling both fashion items and souvenirs. Spend some time wandering around the old streets and stopping into these artisan shops. There’s no doubt you’ll find something to remember Kamnik by!
The Kamnik Alps create a microclimate that allows the production of food that is different from other parts of Slovenia! Find a shop selling Trnič, a traditional Slovenian cows-milk cheese made in Kamnik, or maybe have a slice of the region's Kamnik Sausage. Another must-try in Kamnik is their speciality pine cone liquor. Made with the tips of pine cones that can be found in the area, this is a distinctive liquor that is special to the region. For beer lovers, Kamnik also has some speciality breweries that you can check out on your visit!
Kamnik is conveniently located near an abundance of hiking trails, so it is a great place to start if you’re looking to do some hiking through the Kamnik Alps, or alongside the alpine river of Kamnik Bistrica.
Where to Stay
Here you’ll find the perfect combination of city and nature, sandwiched right between Kamnik’s best hiking trails and the city centre.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money for amazing views! These apartments have stunning views of the Kamnik Alps.
Luxury - Glamping Ob Robu Gozda
Glamping is luxury camping, and there’s nowhere better to do it than a campsite surrounded by the Kamnik Alps.
Have more time to explore the mountains of Slovenia?
Check out our handpicked hidden gems for the stunning mountains and alps of Slovenia here. You’ll be in for an adventure into an unspoiled side of the alps!
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