A country in the heart of Europe, on the border with the Mediterranean in the southwest, the Alps in the north and the Pannonian plain in the east, offers many charms. If you haven’t visited this hidden gem in Central Europe yet, then you wonder “What is Slovenia known for”?
What is Slovenia known for when talking about beautiful cities?
LJUBLJANA
Ljubljana is a European green capital and the biggest city in the country. In the city center, there is a Prešeren Square and the famous Dragon Bridge, which is a symbol of Ljubljana. The Ljubljanica River runs through the city center. Ljubljana Castle is the biggest attraction, located on a small hill above the city, from where you have beautiful views of the entire city below.
MARIBOR
Maribor, as the second largest city, lies in the northwestern part of the country. Maribor is famous for Lent, an idyllic old town center, by the Drava River. Here you can visit the old vine house, in front of which grows the oldest noble vine in the world, which is still bearing grapes.
PIRAN
Piran is a beautiful medieval town on the Slovenian coast that kept the pulse of the old city port, with the central Tartini square. This seaside town boasts with medieval walls and romantic streets, tiled in stone. The cathedral stands above the town, from where the views extend all the way to Venice.
BLED
Bled is a true paradise under the Alps. An idyllic Bled island stands in the middle of Lake Bled. Bled island is famous for its romantic church and bell of desire. Mighty Bled Castle stands on a cliff, high above the city. From here, you will discover wonderful views of the Lake Bled. For truly unforgettable views high above Lake Bled, book your spot for tandem paragliding Bled adventure.
What is Slovenia known for when talking about top attractions?
POSTOJNA CAVE
The Postojna Cave is one of the most visited attractions in the country. So far around 40 million people have visited the Postojna Cave. The Postojna Cave is unique because you can take a ride with a miniature train that will take you into the mysterious karst underworld. Inside the cave, you can admire many cave formations, stalactites, stalagmites and cave halls. The Olm or the human fish is the most famous inhabitant in the Postojna Cave.
PREDJAMA CASTLE
Only a few kilometers from Postojna Cave, nestled in a 123-meter high rock cliff, sits mighty Predjama Castle, the largest cave castle in the world. In the Predjama Castle Museum, you will learn about the 700-year history of the cave castle. You will get to know the legend that speaks about the most famous knight, Erazem of Predjama. You can also visit the Cave under the Predjama Castle.
LIPICA STUD FARM
The Lipica Stud Farm is one of the most beautiful cultural and historical monuments in the county. The cradle of the famous white Lipizzaner horses has a tradition of over 400 years. You can visit the performance of the classical riding school or you can take a tour on the estate of the Lipica Stud Farm with a carriage.
What is Slovenia known for when talking about unspoilt nature?
VINTGAR GORGE
The Vintgar Gorge or Bled Gorge is a 1.6-kilometer long natural phenomenon, where bridges and galleries run through this wild scenery of pools, rapids and a 13-meter high waterfall. Join us on canyoning Bled adventure, where you will have the opportunity to experience a 10-meter jump above the clear green water pool.
MOUNT TRIGLAV
Mount Triglav, a Slovenian national symbol, is situated in the heart of the Triglav National Park. With its 2864 meters is the highest mountain in Slovenia. From the top of Mt. Triglav, a spectacular view opens all the way to the Adriatic Sea. If you would like to experience an unforgettable journey that will take you to the top of this mighty mountain, book your Triglav hiking tour here.
SOČA VALLEY
The emerald Soča River is the most beautiful river in this part of Europe. It has carved its way through the deep gorges and the valley settled among the Julian Alps. Due to its rich natural features, the Soča Valley remains the most attractive destination for water sports enthusiasts. The most popular water sports are kayaking, rafting and canyoning.
SEČOVLJE SALINA NATURE PARK
Sečovlje Salt Pans on the Slovenian coast are one of the last salt pans in the Mediterranean, where salt is still obtained manually. In the Salina nature park, you can visit the museum of salt panning in Fontanigge and the spa which in their treatments use the healing salt-pan mud fango. The nature reserve is home to many indigenous Slovenian birds and vegetation that grows only here.
What else is Slovenia known for?
Traditional food and traditional wines
- Idrijski žlikrofi (dough with a potato filling) represent a traditional local dish in Idrija, the oldest Slovenian mining town.
- Kremšnita is a famous cream cake with many layers of cream. You can try it in many cafes in Bled.
- Prekmurska gibanica or Prekmurje layer cake is the most widespread Slovenian dessert from Prekmurje. It has poppy seeds, curd cheese, walnuts, and apples.
- Carniolian sausage is the most famous food in Upper and Lower Carniola region. The first mention of the sausage was in 1896.
- Teran, the fiery red thick wine, is grown on the Karst plateau from the Refošk grapes.
National folk music
- Avsenik Brothers Ensemble were a Slovene Oberkrainer music band formed by two brothers. From the years 1953 to 1990 they sold over 32 million records, which makes them the best-selling Slovene music artists. Their biggest hit Na golici (Trompeten-Echo) is the most played instrumental tune in the twentieth century.
What is Slovenia known for when talking about sports?
SKIING
Slovenes are a nation of skiers. Residents of Bloke in the central part of the country invented their own model of skis, more than a hundred years ago. Slovenes have also demonstrated their skiing skills in modern skiing disciplines. Tina Maze is one of the best skiers of all time.
On such small territory, there are more than 20 ski resorts, scattered across the country. Among the largest ski resorts are:
- Krvavec
- Kanin
- Vogel
- Kranjska Gora
- Cerkno
- Rogla
SKI JUMPING
All the best Slovenian ski jumpers, including Peter Prevc and Primož Peterka, started their ski jumping career in Planica. Years ago, around 100,000 people from all over the world gathered here to see the ski jumping World Cup. Planica’s great specialty is also that it has the second largest ski-flying hill in the world.
Altitude Activities is a proud recipient of a TripAdvisor 2024 Certificate of Excellence. Thank you all for the great reviews!
The best thing ever. I took my old boss to experience Slovenia in one day. And boy I am happy I chose Altitude Activities to do so. Our tour guide Jerry was awesome, funny and you could just see he knows what he is doing. We went to the canyon of Jermanka and even though there is a drop almost 45m high we felt extremely safe. Overall highly suggest going canyoning with Altitude Activities
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