Slovenia is a beautiful country, and one of Europe’s hidden gems. We recently returned from an incredible 2 week Slovenia road trip. We highly recommend spending two weeks in this stunning country, but one week will allow you to see many of the highlights. If you only have one week, keep reading for the complete guide to traveling to Slovenia for one week.
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Day 1- Arrival Day- Ljubljana
Arrive in Ljubljana. If you are flying from North America, you will probably fly into Venice and pick up your rental car there- it is an easy drive from Venice to Ljubljana. If you are arriving from within Europe, you may be arriving at Ljubljana’s train station or airport. Check into your hotel or apartment and spend the evening exploring Ljubljana. Stop at one of the excellent restaurants along the river for dinner, and stroll the pedestrian zone to check out the artisan shops.
Spend the night in Ljubljana. Note– this link will take you to our favorite part of Ljubljana to stay. This historical walking district is lively, full of great restaurants, and a great location to see all of Ljubljana’s sites.
Important Tip– If you are driving from outside of Slovenia, be sure to purchase a vignette for your car before arriving in Slovenia. This sticker allows you to use the roads in Slovenia and can be purchased at gas stations before entering the country. Without it, you will receive a hefty fine. If you rent a car from within Slovenia, it will already be equipped with the vignette.
Day 2- Daytrip to Skocjan Caves and Predjama Castle
The UNESCO listed Skocjan Caves are absolutely breathtaking. After a short walk to the cave entrance, you explore the Silent Cave, or the dry part of the cave. Although beautiful, this section was similar to other caves we have explored. Then, you begin to hear a river as you enter the Murmuring Cave. A wooden drawbridge crosses 150 feet above the river.
Overall, the cave is beautifully lit and truly an incredible site. At the end, you have an option to hike out of the cave’s crater or take an elevator. While this cave does involve a bit of walking, it is manageable for most people with good mobility, including children.
After your visit to Skocjan Caves, be sure to stop by Predjama Castle- a castle built into a cave. This unique site is a great stop for lunch or a snack. We chose not to visit the inside of the castle, but there are incredible views from the cafes in the area. Expect to walk about 10 minutes from the parking lot.
Spend the night in Ljubljana.
Day 3- Explore Ljubljana
Hopefully, today is a Friday. If not, we recommend moving your days around so you can spend a Friday in Ljubljana and experience Open Kitchen. The main market square becomes a food fair with restaurants across the country showcasing their best dishes. Pick up a glass of wine and stroll the booths, where you can find classic Slovenian dishes, and well as international fares. Each serving costs only a few euros.
After stuffing yourself full, take the funicular to the castle perched above the city. You will be delighted by the beautiful views of the city. Walk down the hill, back into Ljubljana to continue exploring.
To see even more of the city, rent bikes and head over to Tivoli Park to enjoy the art exhibits. Or perhaps join a food tour to experience more local cuisine. Stroll along the Ljubljana River and pop into the many great shops in the pedestrian zone. Our favorite souvenirs were all purchased in Ljubljana- delicious hot sauce, truffle olive oil, and sea salt from Piran.
Spend the night in Ljubljana
Day 4 – Daytrip to Velika Planina
Take an adventure to a herders’ settlement high above the tree line in the Alps, only 45 minutes outside of Ljubljana. First, ride a cable car to a chair lift, and then take a short (30 minute) hike to the herders’ settlement. Hike down into the settlement and among the homes before looping back to the chairlift to head home. Grab a beer and lunch at the top of the chair lift- the struklji is delicious.
If you are driving, be sure to navigate to the Velika Planina Cable Car Station. Bring a jacket and sunscreen- the mountain is cold and exposed.
Spend the night in Lake Bled.
Day 5- Explore Lake Bled
It’s another big day of adventure, so be ready to wake up early. Today, you will visit Vintgar Gorge. For the best experience, plan to arrive about 15 minutes before they open. Walk through a gorge and enjoy blue water and beautiful limestone cliffs. This is an out and back trail, with some of the most beautiful sites at the beginning. If your little ones have less stamina, it’s still worth a visit- just turn around when your family is ready. Strollers are not advised.
After exploring the gorge, head to Lake Bled for lunch. We recommend eating at one of the scenic restaurants along the walking path. You certainly won’t find any life changing meals, and your lunch will be overpriced, but enjoying a nice afternoon with views of this picturesque lake make it all worthwhile.
After lunch, continue your walk around the lake. About halfway around the lake, you reach the camping beach. On Just past the camping beach on the right is the trailhead for Ojstrica viewpoint, offering the best views of Lake Bled. This is a steep hike and can be slippery- it is not recommended for small children.
After your hike, grab some gelato from the award winning gelato stand at the camping beach. This was our favorite gelato stop in Slovenia. Continue your walk around the lake, stopping to enjoy the viewpoints and beaches as you go.
Spend the night in Lake Bled.
Day 6- Explore Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is the quieter, and much larger, sister like to Lake Bled. A short 30 minute drive will bring you to this enormous lake.
Head to the campsite near Ukanc for one of the most beautiful views of Lake Bohinj. This loose gravel beach offers stunning views of the lake, as well as the mountains. You may even spot some trout swimming in the lake.
Other great viewpoints include:
- The pier in the middle of the south bank near Voglom
- The grassy patch near Ribcez Laz
- Strandcafe Kramer- a restaurant situated right on the lake
If the weather is nice, take the cable car to Mount Vogel for incredible views and scenic hikes. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a jacket.
Spend the night in Lake Bled
Day 7- Return home
Return to Ljubljana or Venice to return your rental car and head home.
This itinerary only scratches the surface of all the things that Slovenia has to offer. To see even more, check out our 2 week itinerary, and our favorite sites in Slovenia. The 2 week itinerary includes a visit to Logar Valley, a true hidden gem, as well as an adventure to the Soca River Valley.
Protect Your Trip
If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that insurance is necessary to protect our travel investments and keep our family safe on the road. Depending on the policy that you choose, travel insurance can protect your family in the event of medical emergencies and canceled trips. It also takes the sting out of minor trip mishaps, such as lost baggage and delayed flights. Check out Squaremouth to compare plans and choose one that fits your family.
Planning a Trip to Slovenia?
- Slovenia’s Most Beautiful Destinations and Must Visit Sites
- Complete Guide to the Stunning Logar Valley
