About Slovenia

WHY VISIT?

For adventure travelers that also love history and culture, there are few better countries to visit than Slovenia. Between its snowy Julian Alps, dotted with gem-like mountain lakes, and its endless opportunities for hiking and climbing, you won’t be disappointed with what Slovenia has to offer outdoors. With an abundance of charming mountain towns, like Bled and Bovec, you’re likely to find trailheads within a stone’s throw of medieval churches and monasteries. You can learn about Slovenia’s rich history in fascinating museums sprinkled throughout the country, though the best are located in its capital, Ljubljana.

BUCKET LIST ADVENTURES

In Slovenia

Vogel Ski Resort can only be described as majestic, between its snow-covered spruce forests and views of Lake Bohinj. Located inside Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps, Vogel is known for being Slovenia’s most scenic ski resort. But you can judge for yourself with the Julian Alps Ski Pass, which gives you 2- to 7-day access to 5 Slovenian resorts, including Vogel, plus 6 resorts in Italy and 3 in Austria. The great thing about skiing in Slovenia is how easy it is to access, with most being an hour or two away from Ljubljana on well-maintained roads. The prime ski region is also conveniently located to Lake Bled, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Famous for the steepled church rising from an island in the lake’s center, Bled is also home to excellent ice climbing when it gets cold enough.

The Slovenian Mountain Trail (‘SMT’) is a popular hiking trail from the alpine village of Maribor to the coastal town of Ankaran. It crosses Slovenia’s most impressive mountain ranges, including the Julian Alps, Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Pohorje Massif, and the Karawanks. It also includes hiking the highest mountain in Slovenia, Mount Triglav (9,400 ft). The full SMT takes around 30 days of hiking to complete, but you can also split it into chunks since there are various easy access points. The scenery along the route ranges from green and forested to grey and snowy, depending on where you are relative to the treeline. No matter where you are along the route, however, there’s likely to be a rustic mountain hut nearby where you can take shelter. So there’s no need to haul a tent along with you. You can even get steep discounts on the hut rates by joining the Alpine Association of Slovenia.

3. Test your fear of heights at Skydive Soča

Skydive Bovec is a dropzone located in Soča Valley, where you can get your adrenaline pumping while freefalling over one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Offering both tandems and fun jumps, Skydive Soča is best known for its annual boogies, which are like weeklong skydive parties.

4. Whitewater raft on the River Soča

The crystal clear, emerald green waters of the River Soča may seem tranquil in places, but its rapids pack a big punch. Rafting trips will typically take you through Class III to IV rapids, more than enough to get your adrenaline levels up. Along the way, you’ll enjoy Soča Valley’s insanely beautiful scenery, making for an unforgettable adventure.

5. Rock climb in Osp

The village of Osp is considered the best climbing destination in Slovenia, even one of the best in the world. Those who visit will find hundreds of routes to choose from, catering to all levels, including single- and multi-pitch. It’s also conveniently located near Trieste, a world-class climbing destination in Italy, where you can see how climbing culture differs across the border.

UNIQUE EVENTS

You Won't Want to Miss

Punk Rock Holiday

Punk Rock Holiday is an open-air music festival held on the shores of the River Soča. In addition to a packed punk line-up, it features opportunities to skateboard, ride BMX, kayak, and river tube. Pair this with cozy campsites, vegan food, and craft beer and you have one of the greatest, most unique festivals in Eastern Europe.

Bohinj Hiking Festival

The Bohinj Hiking Festival is a month-long celebration of Slovenia’s world-class hiking trails and other outdoor offerings. During the event, you can enjoy guided hikes, night hikes, canyoning, sporting competitions, and hiking-related lectures and workshops. It’s a great way to connect with other nature lovers in one of the world’s most beautiful hiking regions.

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