Explore the different regions to visit in Slovenia

ALpine Slovenia

Alpine Slovenia is a world of friendly and accessible mountains and hills. Hiking and biking trails take you across the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Pohorje Hills to the highest peaks, rivers, lakes and waterfalls.

You can feel the beauty of green Slovenia as you enjoy a view of the famous Lake Bled and the beloved Lake Bohinj. There are countless opportunities for outdoor activities amidst the picturesque Alpine peaks and valleys embraced by the Julian Alps, Triglav National Park, the mighty Kamnik and Savinja Alps, and the green Pohorje Mountains. Either head to Maribor, the city with the oldest grapevine in the world, the renowned holiday destination of Kranjska Gora, the stunning region of Koroška, or visit the Soča River Valley – no matter where you go, an incredible experience awaits you.

When to visit

The winter season in Alpine Slovenia runs from December to April and turns alpine villages like Kranjska Gora into ski resorts. As the snow melts in May, you can expect to find the Soca River flowing with more force, whilst high above the wild meadows of the Pokljuka Plateau become blanketed in spring daffodils, dandelions, and purple flowering crocuses. June to September is the best time to go hiking or cycling in warmer temperatures, although Lake Bled, especially, can get busy in the summer vacations.

Health

Medical care is very well spread across Slovenia. All Slovenian cities have health centres, while there are individual clinics in small towns. All Slovenian settlements are served by emergency medical assistance, even by helicopter if necessary.

Medications and Vaccination

In Slovenia, there is no risk of contracting any dangerous disease, which is why there are no special vaccinations for entry into the country. When travelling to Slovenia, the vaccination against tetanus is recommended, but not necessary.

For minor problems, such as colds, headaches, fever or insect bites, it is possible to obtain medications in pharmacies without prescription. The majority of Slovenian towns have pharmacies, while there are also 24 hour pharmacies in the cities.

Emergencies

Remember the phone number 112. This is the number of the Emergency Call Centre that can provide you with an ambulance and emergency medical assistance in case of emergency.

Take Care in Nature

When you are in the forest or by the water, you should watch out for ticks. We recommend that you provide yourself with appropriate repellents and, when you get back from the forest, check yourself thoroughly and remove any possible ticks early enough. In the summer, mosquitoes can also be a great nuisance near water surfaces.

Smoking Ban

In Slovenia, smoking is banned in all closed public and work premises, i.e. also in the catering and accommodation establishments. You must be at least 18 years old to buy tobacco products. This makes Slovenia one of the European countries with the most stringent restrictions on smoking.

Travel Information

Visas

Slovenia is in the Schengen Area. All Schengen Area countries issue Schengen visas under the same conditions, taking into account the interests of the other Member States as well. A visa issued by one Schengen Member State is also valid for the other Member States.  In other words, this means that you can visit several countries which are in the Schengen Area.

Safely around the Country

Wherever you are, even late at night in major cities, you have no cause for concern. Although it is very unlikely for you to become a victim of a crime, such things can never be completely prevented. Thefts are the most common crimes, which can be often prevented by acting properly. The Global Peace Report 2016 has ranked Slovenia as the 10th safest country in the world, moving it up five spots since 2015.

2021 Public Holidays

• 1 & 2 Jan - New Year’s Day
• 8 Feb - Prešeren Day, the Slovenian Cultural Holiday
• 4 Apr – Easter
• 5 Apr – Easter Monday
• 27 Apr - Day of Uprising against Occupation
• 1 & 2 May - May Day Holiday
• 25 Jun - Statehood Day
• 15 Aug - Assumption Day
• 17 Aug* - Day of Slovenes in Prekmurje Incorporated into the Mother Nation
• 15 Sep* - Day of Restoration of the Primorska Region to the Motherland
• 31 Oct - Reformation Day
• 1 Nov - All Saints Day
• 23 Nov* - Rudolf Maister Day
• 25 Dec – Christmas
• 26 Dec - Independence and Unity Day

National holidays in the Republic of Slovenia are work-free days except the holidays indicated by *.

All content was correct at time of publication.

LJUBLJANA AND CENTRAL SLOVENIA

Ljubljana and its surroundings offer their visitors countless opportunities to spend their holidays. The green capital is known for various original ideas created by young entrepreneurs, researchers, artists, students, and the lovers of all things beautiful. For a brief break from the city, go on one of the many daytrips, as Ljubljana offers quick access to several nearby attractions. You can either enter the kingdom of the brown bear in the forests of the Kočevsko region, learn about the tradition of herdsmen or visit charming historical towns inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

When to visit

The best time to visit Ljubljana is from April to May or from September to October. These spring and autumn months offer comfortable (albeit occasionally cool) weather for sightseeing, plus lower hotel prices than the peak summer season and the busy winter holidays.

Fun fact: With over 542 m² of public green areas per capita, Ljubljana is one of the greenest cities of Europe. Almost half of the green areas are covered with forests.

MEDITERRANEAN AND KARST SLOVENIA

While the Mediterranean towns of Piran, Izola and Koper entice visitors with their medieval town centres, Portorož invites them with its holiday attractions. Salt harvesters can be seen hard at work on the Sečovlje Salt Pans, and the Karst with Postojna Cave, Škocjan Caves and Vilenica cave boasts the most stunning underground worlds on the planet.

This region is also home to the noble Lipizzaner horse. The land of vine-rich hills of Goriška Brda is famous for its enticing high-quality aromatic wine, and you can taste it at tourist farms and in wineries. With its myriad of exciting tastes and adventures, the Vipava Valley has also been recommended by the prestigious Lonely Planet, the travel guidebook giant.

When to visit

The climate in Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia is mild, as the influence of the Mediterranean Sea tempers the winter cold and the summer heat. The region is known for mild winters without snow and the sunniest days in Slovenia.