With only 20,273 square kilometers of land area, Slovenia offers many diverse experiences at the meeting place of the Alpine, Pannonian, Karst and Mediterranean worlds.
Visitors to Slovenia can experience the refreshing mountain air, picturesque sea coast, magical woods, numerous spas, natural and cultural sights, and the urban pulse in cities where medieval and modern architecture interlace.
The friendly attitude of the local population is an additional favorable element adding to the ambience of homeliness and hospitality. In addition to the beautiful natural environment, tourists also appreciate Slovenian cuisine and adrenaline junkies can find a whole load of thrills.
A major advantage of the country is that Slovenia can offer visitors vast possibilities in a relatively small area and in a short space of time. It’s possible to cross the country within a few hours. This means you can be drinking coffee in the mountains in the morning and take a swim in the warm Adriatic Sea in the afternoon.
Postojna Cave has attracted 37 million visitors
The greatest tourist attraction in Slovenia, visited by 37 million people over the past 200 years, is located below the ground. This is Postojna Cave, with its abundance of stalactites and stalagmites, pillars, drapes and other interesting forms created by water as it slowly deposits limestone over millennia.
Postojna cave has been formed by the Pivka River for two million years and is the only cave in Europe which tourists can visit by train.
This year Postojna Cave is at the center of world public attention because of another phenomenon - the hatching of 64 proteus (or human fish) eggs in the cave aquarium. Some 22 of the young survived.
“Dragons” live in the rich subterranean world of Slovenia
The news about “dragons” in Slovenia spread around the world with the speed of light and the international media visited Postojna Cave to report on the rare event. A particular source of pride at Postojna Cave was that the New York Times was one of the first news organizations to arrive on the scene.
At the end of May, exactly four months after the human fish (a type of rare, cave-dwelling salamander) hatched its first egg, the first “dragon” emerged before the infra-red cameras that biologists and other scientists used to constantly monitor events in the cave aquarium. Statistical information that only two animals successfully develop from 500 hatched eggs confirms that this really is an extraordinary event. The infra-red recordings also present a priceless heritage for biologists and the public as a proteus hatching has never before been recorded.
From Bled to the Soča River in the Slovenian Alps
One of the most recognizable symbols of Slovenia is the glacial Lake Bled at the edge of the Slovenian Alps. With its legendary island in the middle of the lake, hotels and bathing locations and numerous natural and cultural sights, Bled has been attracting visitors from all over the world for a long time. Lake Bohinj is not far from Bled and is a synonym for tranquility and untouched nature. This remarkably beautiful location, with its crystal clear water under Alpine mountains, provides a peaceful haven for visitors.
Kranjska Gora is another pleasant place to be during winter and summer. It’s a great spot to enjoy sports in nature, from hiking, cycling and paragliding to sledding and skiing.
The emerald Soča is Slovenia’s most beautiful river, and from here you can see all the way to Mt. Triglav. This tallest of Slovenian mountains is particularly mysterious and magical. Such is its national significance that it is featured on the Slovenian coat of arms and flag.
Indulgence on the Slovenian coast
The Slovenian coast provides a counterpoint to the country’s mountainous regions. Within a coastline of only 46.6 kilometers there is a surprising number of places well worth a visit. The towns of Piran, Izola and Koper stir the imagination with their medieval appearance.
Koper will thrill you with its picturesque city center; Izola is a lovely seaside town with a long fishing tradition; while Piran, with its narrow streets and closely-packed houses, is a protected cultural-historic monument considered to be the most romantic destination on the Slovenian coast.
Portorož is the most vibrant city on the Slovenian coast, with its many modern hotels with pools and restaurants offering excellent sea food. Numerous events are organized, and there is a wealth of bars and casinos for the entertainment of guests.
The Slovenian coast also has a special connection between nature and man - the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, which was first mentioned in the 13th century. It combines salt production, history and abundant treasures of flora and fauna along with opportunities for unique indulgence in the exquisite thalasso spa set amidst the idyllic environment of fabulous Salina.
Indulgence in relaxation oases
The opportunities offered by Slovenian natural spas are particularly abundant and diverse. These qualities, combined with the technical expertise on hand make the spas extremely appealing to foreign guests.
Spas are located in every corner of Slovenia, and each has a different but high-quality program. Terme Radenci is noted for its Radenska mineral water and Terme 3000 for its unique black thermal water. Donat Mg mineral water, with its high magnesium content, is a trade mark of the famous Rogaška Slatina spa, and Terme Čatež offers relaxation and entertainment for all ages. Without a doubt, Slovenian healing water spas have something for everyone.
Wandering the city streets
City life lovers will enjoy Ljubljana, a dynamic capital with a rich history, charming architecture and over ten thousand cultural events per year. It has a distinctly central-European character in the winter and a Mediterranean serenity in the summer. Ljubljana is proud to have been awarded the title the Green Capital of Europe this year.
Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia, which boasts the oldest grapevine in the world, and Maribor-Pohorje, the largest ski resort in Slovenia, are also lovely cities, offering many opportunities for relaxation, fun and wellness.