Slovenia’s landscape blew my mind away, filling my eyes with wonder as I stood before the breathtaking beauty of Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and the majestic Julian Alps. In those serene moments, my heart swelled with emotion, as nature whispered the profound need to slow down, unwind and relax. Each hike through this enchanting land reaffirmed my desire to immerse myself in nature, reminding me of its rejuvenating power. Slovenia feels like poetry in motion, a cinematic dream where the air is alive with music, inspiring a sense of joy that makes you want to sing and dance. In this magical place, I experienced a deep connection to my soul, a silence enveloping me, filled with limitless joy and tranquility.
Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation
After arriving, settle into your accommodation.We used Zagreb as our base. Ljubljana also could be used as a base.
Stay: Zagreb or Ljubljana. ( In Zagreb we stayed at Hotel Dubrovnik just off town square).
Travel Tips ahead of the trip:
- Sort out car rental. We rented from Nova Rent a Car. Car also be rented from any other popular global vendor like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Avis, Sixt etc. as they all have presence and offer good service in Slovenia. It is possible to pick up car from Airport or also from city center
- We went with international roaming option vs local SIM. But local SIM is available easily at Arrivals on any Kiosk in city center. T Mobile(T-Hrvatski Telekom) or A1 Croatia are good options.
- Please ensure to check on car parking charges in hotels you book. Many hotels especially in cities charge and its as high as 25 to 42 Euros(price in 2024).
- Vegetarian, Vegan options are available and we had no issues in finding good food. Also at places the lifestyle and choice was appreciated.
- For hiking, proper gear /clothing/shoes is highly encouraged to avoid injuries(even minor).
- We did Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina as one trip and I will add a link to full itinerary here soon. This blog outlines a DIY trip if you plan to visit only Slovenia.
Day 2: Lake Bled – Scenic Views and Iconic Sites
Wake up early and drive to Lake bled(2.5 hours).
- Late Morning: head straight for the hike to Mala Osojnica, a vantage point offering the most breathtaking views of Lake Bled and its island. The hike is about 1 hr return.
- Midday: Visit Bled Castle perched above the lake, where you can explore the museum and learn about Slovenia’s history. Don’t miss the castle’s terrace for some incredible photo opportunities!
- Afternoon: Row a boat or take a traditional pletna boat to the small island in the middle of Lake Bled. On the island, ring the wishing bell at the church and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading back.
Stay: Lake Bled. We stayed at Vila Bled.
Day 3: Lake Bohinj & Mostnica Gorge – Nature’s Paradise
Today, immerse yourself in Slovenia’s pristine natural beauty at Lake Bohinj.
- Morning: Drive to Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest glacial lake. Enjoy a scenic drive around the lake’s shores, stopping for photos and soaking in the alpine views.
- Midday: Take a cable car up to Vogel, a popular mountain point that provides stunning views of the Julian Alps and Lake Bohinj. From here, hike to Orlove Glave to take in the mountain vistas. The hike is about 1Hr return.
- Afternoon: Drive to Stara Fužina and park, then hike up to Mostnica Gorge for a scenic walk. Follow the river through the gorge, where you’ll encounter waterfalls, deep pools, and striking rock formations. The hike is about 1hr return.
Stay: Lake Bled or Lake Bohinj. We drove back to Ljubljana and stayed at Intercontinental Ljubljana.
Day 4: Exploring Ljubljana – Slovenia’s Charming Capital
Conclude your trip with a day in Ljubljana, where history and culture meet in a vibrant city setting.
- Head to Ljubljana’s Old Town, strolling through its colorful streets and admiring landmarks like the St. Nicholas Cathedral, Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge.
- Wander along the riverside lined with charming cafes, visit the Central Market, and soak up Ljubljana’s welcoming atmosphere,
- Tip: Take a ride on electric train that takes you around 20 attractions in Ljubljana. Fastest way to cover the city and get a good glimpse. The ride can be booked just off Triple bridge(Tromostovje).
Stay: Ljubljana ( we drove back to Zagreb late evening and stayed at Airport hotel)
Day 5: Departure
Depending on your travel arrangements, depart from Ljubljana or head to Zagreb for your return flight.
This itinerary blends relaxation with adventure, allowing you to experience Slovenia’s enchanting lakes, iconic mountains, and cultural charm in Ljubljana. Enjoy every moment of this unforgettable journey!
Here are some sights around Slovenia.
