Excursions, sightseeing and vacations in Slovenia

Although Slovenia is small, it is geographically very divers. This is the characteristic I would choose as the most important to make the country interesting. In the following section I’ll mention 4 different regions:

For a couple of days you will probably have to choose one of them, although the combination (5 – 7 days) is in fact the most interesting.

The Alps

This region, closely related to mountaineering is my favorite. For those who do not share my opinion, short walks and short excursions around Bled (described in other sections) will do. For others, with an appropriate physical condition and some experience I would definitely recommend day-hiking in the Slovenian Julian Alps: - they are lower than western Alps (up to 2800 m) and as such more suitable for hiking in June and for day hikes without overnighting - paths and mountain huts (more guest houses) are perfectly maintained by volunteer organizations (having 100000 members). - you can walk alone since maps and marking of paths are excellent, opposed to some western countries.

Hiking in June is fine, in particular for the abundance of wild flowers (although May is better for that), if the following precaution are made: - not to hike much over 2000 m (at this altitude the remaining hard snow is very dangerous for sliding) and - take into consideration possible (mostly afternoon) showers. Therefore late June is not really the time to visit Mount Triglav, which is the national symbol (included into the coat of arms of Slovenia) and nearly a holy mountain for Slovenian people. The hard snow (nearly ice) in the shadow areas can be extremely dangerous. However, if you have complete equipment and experience you will certainly enjoy the trek. It typically takes 2 days. There are many others lower and first of all less visited areas. If interested, please discuss your plans and preferences with me. I can also consult Prof. Duhovnik at our institute who is one of the leading mountain guides in Slovenia. Depending on other commitments regarding the workshop, I would be glad to join you, if there is somebody or a group of people interested for a short trek into the Alps (my health is simply not good enough for more than that at the present).

It is also important and interesting to know that rescue operations in the Slovenian Alps are free of charge, done by volunteers regardless how dangerous the situation is. These people get absolutely no financial compensation for risking their lives to save others, but for day off at their jobs.

The Alps tour offered by several tour operators is a good simple alternative (I would personally prefer to rent a car and do the tour on my own). The tour offers the visit by bus with only short walks. Therefore it basic variation is suitable for all of us. Sport shoes are at least recommended of course and the weather in the Alps may change very rapidly. In the afternoons, summer thunderstorms are quite common and typically high temperature may drop considerably. The tour goes through Kranjska Gora (skiing resort hosting world cup racing) over Vrsic pass (scenic road built during WW1 by Russian prisoners) down into beautiful Trenta Valley (part of the Triglav national park). Special attraction in Trenta is the river Soca with beautiful green-blue color and attractive narrows. The river itself has sad history. As the border line between Austria and Italy during the WW1, Soca and the surrounding mountains were the place of terrible fights claiming 1 million lives; many of them were Slovenians on the Austrian side. Little is known about this abroad. Therefore, a visit to the interesting WW1 Museum in Kobarid, which received a couple of international rewards for outstanding presentation of the tragedy, is very interesting and recommended. Special feature of the museum is its neutrality to the sides taken part in the tragedy and very impressive presentations.

Some tour operators offer additional sport activities. Part of the tour along the river could be made on a raft by a professional guide. Those, with better physical condition might even try to make part of the route on mountain bikes. Equipment is provided by the tour organizer. The basic price would be about 50 EUR with additional supplement for optional sport activities.

The Adriatic coast and Karst (Kras in Slovenian)

In fact the term “Karst” has the origin in the name of the region Kras in Slovenia. No wonder, that there are some of the most beautiful caves in the world. Many of you have probably visited Postojna cave (for those, who have not, it is recommended to visit; it is an easy excursion, since part of the way is done by underground train and you walk only through the most beautiful part). However, this time I recommend two more caves. Cave of Skocjan (UNESCO world natural heritage site) will impress you by the largest underground canyon in Europe. You can paddle the boat over 12 underground lakes in Krizna jama. This visit is limited to 4 people. So, please contact me for the necessary reservation, if you are interested.

Other attractions in the area include Predjama castle (built high into the cliff and very picturesque) the vanishing lake of Cerknica (which is probably more interesting to scientists than tourists) and the famous stables at Lipica (white Viennese horses are originally from there; stop for a fine golf) and at the gothic church of Hrastovlje with some very interesting frescoes. You can also make a stop in Ljubljana driving there.

The 32km long Slovenian coast is pretty, but nothing special and cannot be compared by the Croatian coast further south. The medieval town of Piran on the picturesque peninsula, however, is more than worth visiting. You will certainly like its stone buildings, narrow streets and fine restaurants. If you stay one more day (in the neighboring Portoroz for example) you can visit Venice with fast catamaran (it takes a couple of hours to Venice).

All these places can be also visited by an organized tour from Bled.

Health Resorts and spas on the North-East

This area is probably the least known to you. In fact, health resorts there are the most developed part of the Slovenian tourism and usually fully occupied, first of all by the guests from Austria (therefore plan in advance).

Some of them are known from Roman times. They were popular in Habsburg monarchy and today they are famous for complete medical examinations and stress relaxation (“wellness”). This high level service for much lower prices than in the west is probably the best buy you can get in Slovenia.

Rolling hills of the SE (Dolenjska)

Kind people, wine region, castles, monasteries, open air sculptural exhibitions, rivers and fishing. Nice place for perfect relaxation, but you need time to enjoy.