Surrounded by thick forest and ringed by snowcapped mountains, beautiful Lake Bled is like something straight out of a fairytale. Take a leisurely cruise on its sparkling emerald waters, visit picturesque Bled Island and take a hike to Bled Castle, an ancient fortification whose precipitous cliffside location offers stunning views over the lake and the surrounding countryside.
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SLOVENIA
TRAVEL IN SLOVENIA
From picture postcard cities to the mountain wilderness of the Julian Alps, Slovenia's enchanting blend of culture and natural beauty is sure to capture the imagination of even the most jaded travellers. Here you can explore fascinating natural wonders like the Postojna Caves, hike amidst the rugged mountain beauty of Triglav National Park or simply stroll the scenic streets of Ljubljana, Slovenia's breathtakingly beautiful capital.
Fast Facts
Language: Slovene, Italian, Hungarian
Currency: Euro
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Slovenia.
Dialing Code: +386
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)
Currency: Euro
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Slovenia.
Dialing Code: +386
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about Contiki
See more about Contiki
THINGS TO DO IN SLOVENIA
From knockout architecture to adrenalin-fuelled adventures, Slovenia has a lot going on. We've whittled its many attractions down to a top 5, so read on for our pick of the best.
VISIT LAKE BLED
EXPLORE TRIGLAV NATIONAL PARK
Ok, so Slovenia may have only one national park, but when you set eyes on Triglav we think you'll agree it delivers the goods. Located in the Julian Alps in northwest of the country, it's an unspoiled mountain paradise offering some of Europe's best hiking and some of its most unforgettable scenery. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for a Slovenia travel 2015 essential!
EXPLORE THE ŠKOCJAN CAVES
Located in the Karst region in southwest Slovenia, this incredible system of caves and caverns is easily the country's most famous natural landmark, and is among the most significant of its kind in the world. Carved from the surrounding limestone over millennia by the River Reka, its magical interior is like something straight from a Tolkien novel – the place even has its own unique ecosystem. Inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list was a foregone conclusion.
EMBRACE YOUR WILD SIDE IN THE SOČA VALLEY
The Soča Valley is Slovenia's Mecca for adventure sports enthusiasts, and offers a suitably hair-raising plethora of activities. Try mountain biking, climbing, bungee jumping and canyoning, although for our money whitewater rafting on the thundering Soča River (known as 'The Emerald Beauty' on account of its strikingly green waters) is the pick of the bunch.
HIT THE SLOPES AT VOGEL SKI CENTER
Located on the edge of the Triglav National Park, Vogel is one of the most popular Slovenian winter sports destinations. Though its highest lifted point is a mere 1800m, what it lacks in altitude it makes up for in snowfall, and there are 22km of varied runs to explore. It's also home to one of Slovenia's best snowparks, meaning you'll have ample opportunity to practice your moves.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN SLOVENIA
Whether you want to dance the night away to cutting edge electronic music, sample the finest of wines or get your theatrical fix, there's something on Slovenia's event calendar to fit the bill. Here's our pick of the top 5 Slovenian festivals.
FLOW FESTIVAL, LJUBLJANA
Though it originated in Finland, Flow Festival successfully expanded into Slovenia in 2015, with a similar winning blend of live music, DJs and art that made the Helsinki leg event such a success. It takes place annually in August.
For more information on Flow Festival, click here.
For more information on Flow Festival, click here.
SEVIQC BREŽICE FESTIVAL, LJUBLJANA
This festival of classical music takes place from June through November at a number of historically significant venues around the country. It focusses on music from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, and is best enjoyed with a thoughtful hand on chin.
For more information on the Seviqc Brežice Festival, click here.
For more information on the Seviqc Brežice Festival, click here.
MARIBOR THEATRE FESTIVAL
Established in 1966, this festival of theatre takes place each October at the Slovene National Theatre in Maribor, Slovenia's second city. It features performances from Slovenian and international ensembles.
For more information on the Maribor Theatre Festival, click here.
For more information on the Maribor Theatre Festival, click here.
BEER AND FLOWERS FESTIVAL, LAŠKO
Whether you come for the booze or the horticulture, this festival delivers. Known locally as 'Pivo In Cvetje', it's held in July in the small town of Laško, and features a lively program of musical entertainment to supplement the beers and the blooms.
For more information on the Beer and Flowers Festival, click here.
For more information on the Beer and Flowers Festival, click here.
OLD VINE FESTIVAL, MARIBOR
Home to the world's oldest surviving grape vine, Maribor is the wine capital of Slovenia. Taking place over from early October to early November, this festival of wine, food and culture features a comprehensive program of tastings, with local and international wines on the menu.
For more information on the Old Vine Festival, click here.
For more information on the Old Vine Festival, click here.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN SLOVENIA
It may be small, but Slovenia is surprisingly rich in culture, with an excellent spread of museums and galleries with which to scratch those cultural itches. Read on for our pick of the country's 5 best.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SLOVENIA, LJUBLJANA
Slovenia's National Museum is housed in an impressive building dating from 1885, with collection highlights including a 60,000-year-old Neanderthal flute.
For more information on the National Museum of Slovenia, click here.
For more information on the National Museum of Slovenia, click here.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF SLOVENIA, LJUBLJANA
Slovenia's main art gallery features a collection of Slovenian and European painting ranging from the Middle Ages up to the early 20th century, including many works by Slovenian impressionist Matej Sternen.
For more information on the National Gallery of Slovenia, click here.
For more information on the National Gallery of Slovenia, click here.
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, LJUBLJANA
Located on the edge of Tivoli Park, this popular gallery houses the country's largest collection of 20th & 21st century Slovenian art, with works by the likes of Tone Kralj, Štefan Planinc and France Mihelič.
For more information on the Museum of Modern Art, click here.
For more information on the Museum of Modern Art, click here.
SLOVENIAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, LJUBLJANA
Housed in the same building as the National Museum of Slovenia, the Slovenian Museum of Natural History features a fascinating collection of exhibits, including one of Europe's best-preserved wooly mammoth skeletons.
For more information on the Slovenian Museum of Natural History, click here.
For more information on the Slovenian Museum of Natural History, click here.
SLOVENE ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM, LJUBLJANA
Housed in a former barracks complex in Ljubljana, this museum of ethnography features a permanent collection and various changing exhibits, as well as an excellent onsite café.
For more information on the Slovene Ethnographic Museum, click here.
For more information on the Slovene Ethnographic Museum, click here.
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FOOD IN SLOVENIA
The highlight of any Slovenia travel experience, Slovenian cuisine is a blend of influences from neighbouring Austria, Croatia, Italy and Hungary, as well as more distant countries like Germany and France. From delicious cheeses like tolminc and nanos to tasty preserved meats like Karst prosciutto and Zgornjesavinjski želodec, there are regional delicacies enough to delight even the most demanding of gastronomes - book your Slovenia travel 2016 adventure now and get ready to loosen a few belt notches!
ŽGANCI
Žganci is amongst the best-loved traditional Slovenian dishes. Made from buckwheat and corn flour, it's a thick and hearty carb-fest similar to polenta, served with a variety of sides.
Best eaten at - Gostilna Ledinek, Šmartno 4, 1211 Ljubljana - Šmartno
PREKMURSKA GIBANICA
A Slovenian national specialty, this famous layered cake is packed with apples, walnuts, poppy seeds, raisins and cottage cheese. It's easily found in Ljubljana restaurants.
Best eaten at - Čajna Hiša, Stari Trg 3, Ljubljana
KRANJSKA KLOBASA
This smoked and cured sausage is the international flag-bearer for Slovenian cuisine. Also known as 'Carniolian sausage', it's a delicious blend of pork and bacon cooked inside a pig's intestine.
Best eaten at - Klobasarna, Ciril-Metodov trg 15, 1000 Ljubljana
GOVEJA JUHA
Simple and delicious, this Slovenian beef soup is a fixture of dining tables all over the country. It's made from vegetables and simmered beef bones, and often contains noodles.
Best eaten at - Most, Petkovskovo nabrezje 21, Ljubljana
IDRIJA ŽLIKROFI
These small, boiled dumplings originate from the town of Idrija. They're traditionally filled with potato and pork fat, and can be served either as an accompaniment or as a main dish unto themselves.
Best eaten at - Žlikrof Plac, Mestni Trg 4, Idrija
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WHAT TO PACK?
A camera - From the majesty of Ljubliana Cathedral to the splendour of the Pokljuka plateau, you'll find plenty of Instagram-worthy subject material here!
Sunglasses - Whether you're wandering around Ljubljana Old Town, hiking in the Julian Alps or hitting the slopes at Planica ski resort, a trusty pair of shades is a must.
An umbrella - Ljubliana is one of the rainiest capital cities in Europe, so be prepared for a shower or two!
An adapter plug and transformer - Power in Slovenia is 230V, with standard European 2-pin plug sockets. You'll need a step-down transformer to use appliances that run on 110V.
Hiking boots - Slovenia has some of Europe's most scenic hiking terrain, so a pair of comfy hiking boots is a must.
Sunglasses - Whether you're wandering around Ljubljana Old Town, hiking in the Julian Alps or hitting the slopes at Planica ski resort, a trusty pair of shades is a must.
An umbrella - Ljubliana is one of the rainiest capital cities in Europe, so be prepared for a shower or two!
An adapter plug and transformer - Power in Slovenia is 230V, with standard European 2-pin plug sockets. You'll need a step-down transformer to use appliances that run on 110V.
Hiking boots - Slovenia has some of Europe's most scenic hiking terrain, so a pair of comfy hiking boots is a must.
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