Things to do in Slovenia (that aren’t Ljubljana and Bled)

For such a small country, there are plenty of things to do in Slovenia to keep you entertained for a week or more. Most people dash through the ever popular Lake Bled and Ljubljana when they visit Slovenia but I say check out the more unusual things to do in Slovenia; break the mould and stay a bit longer. If you’re wondering where to visit in Slovenia, here are 10 things to do in western Slovenia that are a bit different from the usual. You won’t find Lake Bled or Ljubljana (one of the super popular cities in Slovenia) in this list of the top things to do in Slovenia!

Want more things to do in Slovenia? Check out these posts from our trip:
– Exploring the Slovenian Lakes. Bohinj and Bled.
– A Slovenian homestay with Slocally

Prepare for your Slovenia trip with this guide book

Where is Slovenia?

While Slovenia has been gaining in popularity for a lot of adventurers in the past few years, there are many people who still aren’t sure where Slovenia is. Slovenia is in southern central Europe and it borders Croatia, Italy, Hungary and Austria as well as the Adriatic Sea. It used to be known as Yugoslavia.

Best time to visit Slovenia

There’s never a bad time to visit Slovenia. The country has something to offer in every season whether it’s hiking in summer or skiing in Slovenia in winter. Temperatures are fairly moderate all year round. In summer the average temperature is around the low to mid-20s, and in winter it may fall to just below zero.

Awesome Slovenia facts

• Slovenian’s love their bees and around 1 in 20 people are beekeepers!
• If you visit for Slovenia winter you should visit Europe’s cheapest ski resort – Slovenia is a great destination for a budget ski holiday!
• Slovenia is one of the world’s most environmentally friendly countries
• Slovenia = nature. Over half the country is designated protected land and it’s this that is one of the top Slovenia sights.
• Slovenia is one of the 10 tallest countries in the world
• There’s a vineyard for every 70 people, that’s a lot of wine!
• Wondering “what’s the capital of  Slovenia?”, that’s the pretty city of Ljubljana

The best things to do in Slovenia (that aren’t Ljubljana and Lake Bled!)

Visit Soca Valley

Just a few hours’ drive from Ljubljana is Soca Valley: an outstandingly beautiful area and a Slovenia must see. It’s one of many beautiful places in Slovenia thanks to the emerald green Soca River to the hills and forest.

There’s plenty of adventure to be found when exploring Slovenia’s Soca valley. You should absolutely check out the Soca Valley when looking at Slovenia places to visit.

Go hiking in Triglav National Park

If you’re looking for things to do in Julian Alps of Slovenia then look no further than Triglav National Park. This National Park of Slovenia is absolutely stunning and one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia as a whole.

Think turquoise waters, mountains and cute little lodges. You’ll love it here, make sure it’s on your list of what to do in Slovenia. If you’ve seen any Slovenia pictures then chances are you’ve seen one from this beautiful Slovenia National Park since it’s always going to feature in a Slovenia top 10 list.

Eat Soca trout

Head to the village of Plave in Soca Valley and eat at Gostilna Pri Mostu or Gostilna Dermota to try the freshest trout from the Soca river just outside both restaurants. There’s many different toppings to add to your trout including; bacon, parsley, cheese – go wild! If you want to try the best of Slovenia food then try this! 

Explore Maribor

Many people miss out on this when they’re deciding where to go in Slovenia. However, the town of Maribor is a true Slovenia gem and one of the best cities in Slovenia. There are so many things to do in Maribor. In the winter it’s home to a world class ski resort, spring is the season of the Kurent Carnival, in summer the streets are full of musicians and performers and in autumn you’ll get to celebrate the vineyard harvest! All of this makes Maribor one of the best places to visit in Slovenia.

Take the car train

We love this and would recommend it if you’re looking for Slovenia things to do. In fact, you should jump at the opportunity to try this unique form of transport from Most na Soci to Lake Bohinj.

Whether with car or on foot, you can board this train as it hurtles through the valley and tunnels and takes you to some great places to visit in Slovenia.

Take a guided tour with Vesna from Slocally

Vesna from Slocally runs private tours which she customises to your interests in and around Soca Valley. Try her brand new Slovenian food tour which is full of tasty treats, or learn how to make herbal teas with herbs you’ve foraged for yourselves in the meadows and woods. You’ll love these Slovenia activities.

Take a SUP trip

Want to do some Slovenia sightseeing with a difference? Bananaway run SUP (standup paddleboarding) trips that take you to some of the best places in Slovenia. They also have a great looking SUP and sail adventure in Croatia too! Opt for the SUP adventures in Most na Soci for a chance to glide over the emerald green waters and take in some of the Slovenia top attractions from the water.

Visit the wine region

Who knew Slovenia was such a big wine producer? If you’re looking for more unusual things for your list of what to see in Slovenia then check out the Slovenian vineyard region.  These vineyards have fast become one of the top Slovenia attractions.

Around 80 million litres of wine are made in Slovenia annually from about 22,300 hectares of vineyards. Stroll through some of the vineyards and drink the wines on a winery tour in Goriška Brda.

If you love wine then this will be at the top of your ‘Slovenia best places to visit’ list.

Visit Pečno park

This privately owned, magical park, is open to the public to explore but it’s a great addition if you’re wondering what to visit in Slovenia.

Pecno Park is full of tiny sculptures and art as well as a little hut in which you can pick up a new book to read during the afternoon. It might not be one of the particularly well known Slovenia tourist attractions but it’s a great one.

Stop and grab a handful of bird seeds for the bird houses further up into the park – they deserve a treat!

Visit Lake Bohinj

You can’t visit Slovenia without checking out a lake. The lakes are some of the best things to see in Slovenia and great Slovenia destinations for visitors.

While Lake Bled is overrun with people, Lake Bohinj remains a little quieter. It’s absolutely stunning (prettier than Bled!) and a must see!

Looking for Lake Bohinj things to do? The perimeter of the lake is about 8km long which makes it perfect for a walk. Or you can take a tourist boat out on to the lake. Arrive early to get the lake to yourself.

Stand on the Slovenian-Italian border

In Nova Goricia you can stand with one foot in Italy and one in Slovenia which makes it one of the coolest places to see in Slovenia. Previously, there was a fence between the two countries which wasn’t removed until 2004. Nowadays you an easily pass from one to the other. The history of this town makes it one of the most fascinating Slovenia points of interest and one of the most interesting Slovenia landmarks.

There is a memorial plaque just outside Nova Goricia’s train station. It marks the spot where the border was opened. There’s also an interesting museum where you can find out more about Yugoslavia’s history and how part of it became Slovenia.

Stay at The Herbal Rooms

A Slovenian homestay is the best way to find out more about the country’s complicated, but interesting history, it’s culture and cuisine. The Herbal Rooms in Plave (one of many super cute towns in Slovenia) run by Vesna and her parents. The rooms are scented with wild herbs throughout which makes for a very relaxing stay and a great night’s sleep! I’d highly recommend it as one of the best places to go in Slovenia.

Getting to and around Slovenia

Getting to Slovenia from the UK is super easy (and super cheap!) Flights start from £38! I always book my flights with Skyscanner since it’s super easy to find the cheapest deals (that’s how I found that price). You can take a look here: UK to Slovenia.

Getting around the beautiful sights of Slovenia is easiest if you rent a car. You can check car hire on Skyscanner to but I prefer RentalCars.com since it’s dedicated to car hire!

Where to stay in Slovenia

Besides the Herbal Rooms by Slocally, you could also take a look at these beautiful places to stay in Slovenia.

• Budget
• Mid-range
• Luxury