Slovenia is a small country with just over two million inhabitants. However, the small area holds a lot of great nature: Slovenia’s nature offer ranges from snow-capped mountains to fine sandy beaches and idyllic lake areas bordered by mountains and forests.
On holiday in Slovenia, it is worth going at least for a day trip outside the cities, as Slovenia’s finest offerings are various Nature Destinations and active holidays. In addition, short distances make it easy and quick to reach destinations.
The most famous destinations in the country are the capital Ljubljana and Bled, known for its magnificent lake scenery, but there is much more interesting in Slovenia which is located in southern Europe according to countryaah. Remember at least Maribor in the northeast of the country and the coastal town of Koper on the completely opposite side of the country.
The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is an atmospheric destination that is easy to travel to from Finland.
Year-round active target
Especially for those looking for an active holiday, Slovenia offers plenty of options.
There are more than 7,000 kilometers of mountain trails in the country, ensuring that hikers are at home, regardless of condition and timetables. Slovenia is also a favorite destination for cyclists, as maps are easily accessible and routes follow both off-road trails and roads.
Slovenia’s highest mountain and the country’s national symbol, Triglav, rises to an altitude of 2,864 meters, and traditionally the president of the state begins his term by climbing to the top of the mountain. The mountain is located in the national park of the same name, where you can also find routes for every fitness class.
If you want to experience the scenery of the Narnia movie and go rafting, you can fly down the turquoise Soča River on a rubber raft or kayak. The Soča River is best explored from Bovec or Kobarid, and there are several water sports companies in the area.
Friends of beach holidays will be delighted by Slovenia’s 46-kilometer coastline on the Adriatic Sea. The medieval villages and clean beaches that line the coast provide a pleasant setting for sunbathing.
Skiing holiday for the whole family in Slovenia
Slovenia’s best features include the country’s endless potential. Numerous ski resorts offer momentum and excitement to the winter destination all year round.
Compared to many Alpine centers of power, a ski holiday in Slovenia will be quite affordable.
The Slovenian Ski Resorts are smaller and, due to their size and tranquility, are particularly well suited for families with children. The most well-known ski resorts in the country are Kranjska Gora and Kanin, located next to Bovec and spreading to the Italian side.
Maribor Ski Resort is one of the largest and most modern in all of Slovenia, and more than half of the centre’s wooded ski slopes are well suited for families with children and beginners.
There are also countless trail options for cross-country skiers: you can go on a ski holiday, for example, to the scenery of Planica’s international ski jumping tower.
From towns to idyllic Slovenian villages
There are only a few cities in small Slovenia, the largest of which is the country’s tourist center, the capital Ljubljana. Another major city is Maribor.
In Ljubljana, travelers can enjoy the city’s historical attractions, the most famous of which is the Royal Palace. In addition, you can focus on the city’s diverse cultural offerings and relax in the numerous cafés that line the Ljubljanica River flowing through the city.
Ljubljana is not a long way to the numerous villages in the countryside, where people and animals live in melt harmony and barns are often imperceptibly connected to residential houses in the middle of the village.
If the first rays of the sun do not provide a morning awakening, it may be done by cows living next door or church bells in the village.
There are more than three thousand religious monuments in Slovenia, and traditionally the bells of rural churches announce the time every fifteen minutes until the sun has set.
The wonders of the Slovenian countryside
In the Slovenian countryside, there is plenty of interesting things to offer for both those looking for natural wonders and those interested in wines.
Wine is widely cultivated in Slovenia, and the roads that cross the wine regions invite you to admire the beautiful scenery and stop in the wine cellars along the roadsides.
Natural wonders are offered by numerous caves, the most famous of which are Postojna Jama and the Škocja Caves, which can also be found on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The latter in particular attracts thousands of tourists to the site every year.
Slovenia’s numerous spas built around hot springs offer a good alternative for true relaxation.
The price level in Slovenia is affordable in Finnish, so you can make wild dreams come true on holiday and invest in experiences at a much lower price than in Finland.
The dining table is influenced by neighbors
Although Slovenia is not a melting pot of peoples, the country has adopted a lot of influences from the cultures of the surrounding areas, which is especially evident in the country’s food culture.
The Slovenian dining table is a combination of neighboring delicacies and local specialties. The influence of neighboring Italy is particularly strong, but the influences of Austria and Hungary are also very noticeable.
In Slovenia, when ordering food, it is worth thinking about the nearest neighbor. Pizzas and pasta are worth ordering at destinations near the Italian border, while the Viennese slice near the Austrian border is one of the standard menu items.
The local culture is easy for Finns
In general, Slovenian culture is not much different from Finnish, which is why tourists can easily get by in the country. However, a few details are worth paying attention to.
Tourists should take into account the high unemployment rates in the country. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Slovenes lost a lot of jobs due to the closure of factories, and high unemployment rates have continued across the country ever since. This is reflected in the frustration of the locals, and requires empathy from the traveler. Indeed, local entrepreneurs should be supported instead of international chains.
Short for SI by abbreviationfinder, Slovenia survived the Yugoslav war in the early 1990s with a ten-day war, so the traumas left by the war are not as deep in the country as their neighbors. However, the war is a reason to speak with caution and respect for the other party experience.
Slovenian is spoken in Slovenia, but many locals speak many languages in the former Yugoslavia. German, Italian and English are also well known, especially in tourist destinations. English is also well spoken in rural tourist destinations.
The country is ideal as a travel destination for tourists who require accessibility. There are travel agencies specializing in accessible tourism in the country, which can be used to organize, for example, intercity trips and airport transfers. The most popular destinations such as Ljubljana and Lake Bled can also be easily seen from a wheelchair.
For sexual minorities, Slovenia is an easy travel destination, and especially in Ljubljana you can see rainbow tickets in several places. In 2015, Slovenia allowed same-sex marriages. The Pride procession has been held in Ljubljana since 2001.
