What are the best tourist attractions in Slovenia? Slovenia is a rather inconspicuous, but nevertheless spectacular country between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. But what are the best places to visit? Between small lakes, gorges and craggy rocks there is a lot to discover, where especially nature lovers get their money’s worth.
In our article we want to present you the best tourist attractions in Slovenia, so that you don’t miss any of these wonderful highlights and are perfectly prepared for your trip.
Tourist Attractions in Slovenia – Map
Here you can find a small overview of the most beautiful places in Slovenia on a Google Map for your further planning. In the very north of the country you will find most of the most beautiful sights of Slovenia. So if you have only little time, you can plan your vacation mainly in the north.
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#1 Lake Bled
Lake Bled is probably one of the best places to visit in Slovenia and should not be missed on any trip through the small country. With a size of 2 km x 1.4 km, Lake Bled is relatively manageable and you can easily go around it on foot or by bike, because the total distance is just under 6 km.
The lake offers a truly dreamlike fairy tale scenery like from a Sissi movie and no matter from which side you look at the glacier lake, the panorama is simply magnificent. There are really countless sights at Lake Bled, beautiful hikes and of course the famous (and very tasty) Bled Cream Cake.
However, the place is one of the Slovenia tourism regions. Therefore there are many restaurants, cafes and souvenir stores here. For us, the place was a bit too touristy, so we focused more on the lake, the surrounding hikes and viewpoints.
You can also book a tour to the most beautiful sights at Lake Bled* directly, if you want to go on a voyage of discovery with a guide. Here you can discover the most beautiful highlights and get a lot of information.
Tour to the Best Places Lake Bled | Check Prices*
What is so special about Lake Bled are Bled Island (the only island in Slovenia, by the way) and Bled Castle, perched high on a rock above the lake. Truly one of the most beautiful lakes we have experienced on our travels so far.
Read more: Lake Bled I All You Need To Know
Hotel Recommendation at Lake Bled
Penzion Pibernik in Bled
Penzion Pibernik is a family-run bed & breakfast in a quiet location.
The hotel is located on a large meadow surrounded by a forest above the Sava River, only 300 m from the main road to Lake Bled.
You can reach the lake very quickly on foot. Nevertheless, you are in a quiet environment in the middle of the forest.
Penzion Pibernik | Check Prices*#2 Piran
Piran is in our opinion one of the most beautiful cities in Slovenia and thus definitely belongs on our list of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Slovenia. The small town on the Adriatic Sea convinces with its medieval old town, great location by the sea, wonderful sunsets and of course by the Venetian architecture. We found Piran beautiful and strolled for hours through the romantic coastal town on the Adriatic Sea. For us, it is the most beautiful city in Slovenia and definitely one of the most beautiful places on the Adriatic.
In our opinion, Piran is definitely worth a visit and the small town should be part of every Slovenia itinerary. The most beautiful part of Piran is (as so often) the old town, which is located at the westernmost tip of the city. The rest of the city, which you will pass through on your journey, can be left out in our opinion.
Read also: The Best Things To Do In Piran – Slovenia
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#3 Postojna Caves
Another natural highlight in Slovenia are the famous Postojna Caves, which belongs to the unique things to do in Slovenia. Unfortunately, we could not visit this cave complex because we were traveling with our dog Aaro and dogs are not allowed there, but you should definitely not miss this sight.
The Postojna Caves are the second largest stalactite caves in the world and have a total length of 24 km, of which you can explore 5 km. Over 3 km of it you will ride an underground train – yes, you heard right, there is a train in the stalactite cave that will take you through the cave. This is truly unique and a wonderful experience.
Admission to the cave costs 28 Euro per person and can be booked here on the official website of the operator.
Accommodation near the Caves
Postojna Cave Hotel Jama is brand new and really located right next to the caves. So you can walk to the caves after a day in one of the biggest
Cave systems in the world, you can walk to your accommodation.
- Each room has its own bathroom and free wifi
- Walking distance to the cave
- Free parking is also available
- super delicious breakfast
Postojna Cave Hotel Jama| I Check the Best Rates*
#4 Soča Valley
The Soca River is one of the most spectacular highlights in the Triglav National Park and therefore also one of the most famous tourist attractions in Slovenia. The 137 km long river accompanies you from the Vrsic Pass in the north to the Tolmin Gorge and beyond.
With its narrow gorges, turquoise water, rapids and suspension bridges, this river is truly the most beautiful natural highlight in Slovenia and should be part of every Slovenia itinerary.
In addition, outdoor sports are very important here. You can do a lot of fun and adventurous things in the Soca Valley, like white water rafting*or go on a kayak through the river*.
When crossing the Soca Valley, you drive almost all the time on the road 206 along the water and therefore almost always have a view of the wild and often raging river. We couldn’t get enough of the brightly shining color of the river and spent a few days in the Soca Valley.
Read more: Soča Valley I The 7 Best Things To Do
#5 Ljubljana
The small and charming capital of Slovenia is definitely worth a visit if you are traveling in the beautiful country. As it is often the case with cities, you’ll find Ljubljana’s most beautiful sights centrally located in the old town, which is crisscrossed by the Ljubljanica River. Situated between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, you can stroll through the alleys, discover the waterfront, look at historic buildings or visit the nightlife.
From Piran you can reach the capital of Slovenia in less than 2 hours and experience numerous sights. Ljubljana is almost car-free and is quite manageable in terms of area. This means that you can explore the city relatively well on foot.
The most beautiful sights of Ljubljana are easy to discover in one day and therefore the capital of Slovenia can be a good end to your Slovenia road trip.
Accommodation Tip in Ljubljana
The Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel has a perfect downtown location, putting it within walking distance of most of the capital's sights. The decor is also super modern and chic.
- super furnished, modern rooms
- View of the castle and the river
- in the middle of the old town
- very good organic breakfast
Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel | Check Rates*
#6 Lake Bohinj
Less than an hour away from Lake Bled is Lake Bohinj, yet it seems like another world. Here you meet few other tourists, there are hardly any restaurants and everything is much more natural and pristine.
You can enjoy the nature much more than on lake Bled. Lake Bohinj is beautiful and you can circumnavigate it once via a beautifully landscaped path in just under 2.5 hours.
We think that Lake Bohinj is not as spectacular as Lake Bled with its small island and Bled Castle. Nevertheless, you should pay a visit to Lake Bohinj, because the spectacular Mostnica Gorge is located nearby.
#7 Pericnik Waterfall
The hike to Pericnik Waterfall is definitely one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Slovenia for us. The path runs totally idyllic through the forest and allows again and again wonderful views of the river and the surrounding mountains until you reach the highlight, the waterfall itself.
If you follow the path further up you come to the foot of the waterfall and now really notice why this waterfall is so special. The path runs directly behind the waterfall.
Everywhere water drips from the rock walls and you walk here like under a huge shower. It is not possible to pass it dry. On the other side of the waterfall the wind blows the spray again really in the face, but that is part of the experience.
There is also a staircase here that will take you a little higher. You should definitely invest the extra 5 minutes for another spectacular view.
#8 Mostnica Gorge
Mostnica Gorge is located very close to the beautiful Bohinj Lake and is a spectacular hike along a special gorge. Even though Mostnica Gorge is not super long, it is extremely beautiful and can be admired very well from the hiking trail that runs parallel to it.
The river runs sometimes totally calm and then again totally wild, for example when it flows through the narrow gorge. At the narrowest point, the gorge is only a few meters wide and allows the water to flow through at very high speed and wildly.
The path through the forest is really extremely beautiful and not always easy to walk. You run over large roots, have to cross small streams and also the one or other moss-covered rocks is there. The forest smells deliciously of coniferous wood and looks super untouched and natural.
Read more: Mostnica Gorge I Hiking Highlight at Lake Bohinj
#9 Vintgar Gorge
For us, the Vintgar Gorge is clearly the most beautiful gorge at Lake Bled and thus cannot be missing from our list of the best tourist attractions in Slovenia. If you are in the area, then you simply have to stop by here. The hike along the narrow gorge is really spectacular.
If you are sporty, you can also book an e-bike tour from Bled to the Vintgar Gorge*.
E-Bike Tour to Vintgar Gorge | Check Prices*
Vintgar Gorge is a narrow 1.6 km long gorge washed out by the Radnova River between Hom and Boršt mountains. Here you can walk along the gorge on narrow boardwalks and have spectacular views of the river and the steep rock walls next to you.
The steep rocks are overgrown with greenish shimmering moss and grasses. The gorge is sometimes wider, sometimes narrower. You walk sometimes on the left side and sometimes on the right side of the roaring river. The water is beautifully turquoise, while it flows with a loud roar under you through the gorge.
The Vintgar Gorge is a great natural highlight and should be part of your visit.
Read more: Vintgar Gorge Hike I Tips, Parking & Highlights
#10 Vršič Pass
The Vršič Pass is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia, taking you up and down an incredible 50 hairpin bends to 1611 meters above sea level. A ride over this spectacular alpine pass is a must do on any Slovenia trip, whether you’re traveling by motorcycle, car or campervan.
Built over a hundred years ago, the Alpine pass still fascinates on any road trip through Slovenia. As a relic from the old days, the curves of the serpentines are still laid out with cobblestones. This is very rare in the Alps.
On top of the peak there is a brilliant hike that takes you to the viewpoint Slemenova Spica. The way there is really spectacular and for us the most beautiful hike in all of Slovenia. At the southern end of the mountain pass (actually at hairpin bend 49) you can also see the source of the Soča river.
Read more: Vršič Pass I What to expect at the highest pass in Slovenia
#11 Jasna Lake
Ranking #11 on our list of the best tourist attractions in Slovenia is Lake Jasna. Jasna Lake, at the foot of the Vrsic Pass, consists of two man-made lakes that blend beautifully into the surrounding natural scenery. The lake is very well developed for tourism, so there is a restaurant, a beach bar and even SUPs (Stand Up Paddle) that you can rent. You can take a nice walk around the two lakes, which takes just under 30 minutes.
#12 Sunik Water Grove
The Sunik water grove is a real insider tip among the tourist attractions in Slovenia. The water grove is located on the Soča River and can be reached on foot from the Great Soča Troughs. The hiking trail follows beautifully through the nature until you come to the first highlight. The first waterfall at Šunik water grove is quite impressive. It is shaped like a big cauldron (or a U) and so the water runs at almost 180 degrees several meters down the moss-covered rocks. It looks really wonderful!
The path then leads you further into the forest. The path alone looks like something out of a fairy tale. You walk over moss-covered rocks, everywhere you see water flowing. The water is really everywhere. It runs out of the rocks, comes out of the earth and forms everywhere small watercourses, waterfalls or ponds.
The landscape is totally mystical and beautiful. The path is well developed and leads you dry feet through the very humid forest. A really special hike in the Triglav National Park.
#13 Kozjak Waterfall
The Kozjac waterfall near the village of Kobarid is really a special tourist attraction in Slovenia. After a short hike you will pass a great viewpoint of the Soca river and after about 30 minutes you will reach this special waterfall.
On the last hundred meters there are several small bridges to cross the water. You can also simply walk through the ankle- to maximum knee-high water, if you wear sandals.
You will then discover the Kozjal waterfall behind a small corner and can marvel at how it runs down a rock wall from a height of about 10 m in a kind of small cave. This is actually the special thing about this waterfall, that you are enclosed almost all around by rocks and can still stand in the middle (almost dry feet) to admire the waterfall.
Read more: Soča Valley I 7 Spectacular Things To Do
#14 Tolmin Gorge
The Tolmin Gorge is the southernmost and deepest point of the Triglav National Park. In addition, the rivers Zadlaščica and Tolminka flow together at this point and form a beautiful gorge, which you can discover during a short hike.
The water here, as in the neighboring Soča, is wonderfully clear and extremely turquoise blue. It flows very wildly through a rocky gorge and has created a landscape that you simply have to experience.
The circular route takes you past a small sandy beach, the Bear’s Head and ends at the Devil’s Bridge. If this list is not enough to convince you to visit the Tolmin Gorge, here is some more information:
Tolmin Gorge I 5 Tips to the Gorge Highlight in Slovenia
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best tourist attractions in Slovenia. Feel free to leave us a comment telling us which place you liked the most in Slovenia.