About this Slovenia Itinerary
In 2024, my husband and I spent a week exploring Slovenia during a 3-month backpacking trip across Europe. We explored some of Slovenia’s highlights: touring the capital city, trekking around Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, visiting unique cave systems, and canyoning in the Julian Alps. We had an amazing time!
I compiled this 5-day itinerary for first-time visitors seeking memorable outdoor experiences with a touch of historic urban exploration. It’s perfect for people of all ages including couples, families, and solo travelers alike. It showcases some of the country’s finest, and I hope you find it useful for your future planning!
5-Day Itinerary At a Glance
Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana
Day 2: Skocjan Caves and Predjama Castle
Day 3: Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj
Day 4: Canyoning at Sušec Canyon
Day 5: Vintgar Gorge, Fly Home
Click on the links to jump to the section
Map of Itinerary
Why You’ll Love Slovenia
Of all the countries we visited, my husband and I both agree that Slovenia is the most underrated for the following reasons:
- Impressive Landscapes: Not only is Slovenia a remarkable country with friendly people and marvelous culture, it hosts some of the most impressive landscapes rivaling that of the more-popular neighboring countries: Italy, Austria, and Croatia.
- Reduced Crowds: Slovenia is not as heavily crowded as other popular European destinations. Even during peak season, it’s very possible to find quiet spots amongst the popular attractions.
- Affordable: If that doesn’t convince you… Slovenia is generally much cheaper than many European countries. Keep scrolling down to see how much we spent!
Getting Around During Your 5 Days in Slovenia
Rent a Vehicle
To get the most out of the 5 days, I highly recommend renting a car to explore Slovenia. Exploring by car is the most popular mode of transportation. Although you can get around by bus or public transportation, renting a car allows you to be flexible with your itinerary and explore areas that may not be easily accessible by public transportation. It also minimizes waiting time, and you don’t have to rely on someone else’s time table.
Other Transportation Methods
For train tickets, I recommend buying at the train station ticket office or checking the Slovenian railways website.
For buses, I recommend buying the ticket at the bus station or checking Omio.
To learn more about driving in Slovenia, including costs, check out: 15 Key Tips to Definitely Know Before Driving in Slovenia
The Perfect 5 Days in Slovenia Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana
Explore the Town Center
If you are traveling to Slovenia from North America, chances are you’ll arrive jet-lagged but also excited to explore the city center.
Provided you still have some energy or extra time, park your car at Tivoli parking lot or a nearby parking structure, and explore the historic town center on foot. Traveling on foot is the best way to explore the city, as Old Town is fully pedestrianized and the city center is mostly car-free. Walk around the charming Town Square, stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica river, and visit the Dragon Bridge (dragons are the symbol of Ljubljana).
Visit a Grocery Store
One of the best things to do in a new country is to immerse yourself into the local culture, and our personal favorite way to do so is to visit a grocery store! Grab new snacks and discover new flavors at the local grocery store (Note: if you don’t have time, don’t fret, you can easily insert this into the itinerary of a different day!).
Visiting a grocery store is an interesting way to get a peek into another country’s local cuisine and find something unique to try. Not only is it fun, it’s also a place to get affordable food options.
Some of the largest retail supermarkets are Interspar/Spar and Mercator. We visited Interspar numerous times to stock up on groceries. It’s a huge supermarket with a great selection!
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, will be the homebase for the first couple of nights.
Day 2: Caves and Castles
Škocjan Caves
After breakfast, spend the morning visiting Škocjan Caves. Škocjan Caves is a unique cave system containing one of the world’s largest known underground river canyons. It is approximately a one hour drive from Ljubljana.
I’ve visited plenty of caves in the past, including in the United States, South Korea, and Vietnam, but this cave was the most unique of them all. There is a built-in walking path erected along the side of the chamber which suspends you over the river and allows you to look down to the flowing waters far below and into the canyon.
The primary caves can only be visited on a tour. The main tour is a 3 km walk and takes about 2 hours. I recommend arriving at the visitor center early to secure a spot. Lines can be especially long in the summer months. When we visited in July, the next three time slots were fully booked, and we had to wait 3 hours for the next tour.
To avoid this from happening to you, purchase your tickets early online! Cost of our ticket in July 2024 was 24 euro; however, the rate ranges between 16 euro – 24 euro depending on the month you visit.
Note: Photos of any kind are not allowed inside the caves. As a photographer, it is quite a bummer, but I promise you it’s worth it!
Predjama Castle
After the tour, it is a 30 minute drive to Predjama Castle, a medieval castle built into the middle of a cliff.
Our visit here was quite fast and we stayed no longer than 30 minutes. After we parked at the car park (3 EUR per hour), we took a very short walk to the castle. Along the pathway, there are a couple observation decks to gaze at the castle and snap some photos.
Additionally, you can take an audio tour and get a peek inside the castle. We were on a budget and we opted out to save money; but, if you are more flexible, it is a great way to learn interesting facts about the castle while exploring the castle rooms.
Optional Visit: Postojna Cave
Just 10 km from Predjama Castle, is another cave system called Postojna Cave. If you’re interested in visiting more caves, pop on over to explore the only karst cave with a unique tourist train. Postojna Cave is generally more popular and touristy than Škocjan Caves. We did not visit this cave because we only had time to visit one cave for the day.
Optional Visit: Underground Lake Boat Tour at Krizna Cave
Yes, another cave. Krizna Cave contains many underground lakes and you can take a boat tour right on them. A boat tour sounds expensive, but it’s actually quite affordable! As of 2024, the main boat tour is 12 euro in the low season and 14 euro in the high season.
This was one of the activities high on my to-do list, but unfortunately we ran out of time. If you’re thinking of including this to your itinerary, make sure to visit before the last tour slot at 5 PM.
Day 3: Lake Bled Hike and Lake Bohinj
Lake Bled is about a 45 minute drive from Ljubljana. Leave early in the morning to avoid traffic jams getting into Bled. It’s a popular destination and traffic is fairly common during the busiest parts of the day, especially during the summer months.
Lake Bled is a picturesque lake in northwestern Slovenia. Its unique charm lies in its aquamarine waters, medieval castle perched on a cliff above, and a quaint little island with a church in the middle of the lake. It truly looks like something out of a fairytale.
Mala Osojnica and Osojnica Hike
For arguably the best view of Lake Bled, spend your morning hiking to Mala Osojnica and Osojnica Viewpoints. It’s a short 3.7 km (2.3 mile) loop hike, but don’t be fooled, the path is moderately strenuous due to its steep grade and rocky terrain.
The trail takes you up several switchbacks under the shade of tree canopies. Eventually, you will come across two smaller viewpoints before the main viewpoint, Mala Osojnica. Mala Osojnica viewpoint is distinguished by three benches and is protected by a metal fence (for safety reasons).
As you continue the loop, you’ll reach Osojnica viewpoint. Osojnica is similar to Mala Osojnica, but it is at a hilltop with a more expansive view of the surrounding landscape.
For a full guide, including where to park and how to get there, check out: Best View of Lake Bled: Mala Osojnica and Osojnica Viewpoints
Explore Lake Bled
The hike exits across from the Lake Bled shoreline and a swimming area called Velika Zaka. It’s located in a quiet area next to a campground called Camping Bled.
Velika Zaka is a perfect area to dip your feet or go swimming. The water is refreshing, tranquil, and so crystal clear that you’ll see fish swimming around (we saw many schools of fish!). There is a small dock where we watched both adults and kids jump into the water for a swim and sunbathe in the large grass lawn next to it. The view of the lake is phenomenal, and the atmosphere is very relaxing.
It was personally my favorite area of Lake Bled.
From here, walk towards Panoramic Viewpoint (Razgledna točka) along the shoreline and connect to the wooden boardwalk towards the direction of your car. This wooden boardwalk trails over the water and offers beautiful views of the island.
If you have more time, here are a few other ways to spend at Lake Bled:
- Rent a rowboat: Rent a rowboat and paddle out to Church island, the centerpiece of Lake Bled
- Take a pletna boat ride: If you don’t feel like paddling yourself but still want to visit the island, consider hiring a pletna boat, a larger wooden traditional boat.
- Visit Bled Castle: Drive up to Bled Castle (Blejski Grad) and take a tour of the castle grounds
- Stroll around the lake: There is a 6 km walking route which will take you around the lake.
Bled will be the home base for the remaining nights in Slovenia.
Relax at Lake Bohinj
For the rest of the afternoon, relax at Lake Bohinj. Lake Bohinj is about a 30 minute drive from Lake Bled. Lake Bohinj is a scenic lake located within Triglav National Park in Bohinj Valley.
I know what you’re thinking. Another lake? Yes. According to our AirBnB host who lives in the Lake Bled area, locals are partial to Lake Bohinj over Lake Bled. For this reason, we had to make a visit.
In contrast to Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj is less commercialized and less touristy, which means it’s much more quiet and offers a very different atmosphere. Personally, I enjoyed the mellow atmosphere here more than Lake Bled; however, as a tourist and first time visitor, I preferred the ‘wow’ factor that Lake Bled provided. Either way, both lakes were very enjoyable.
Make sure to visit the iconic view of St John the Baptist Church. The view of the stone bridge with St. John the Baptist church in the background is a picture perfect postcard and a popular photography spot.
Although we couldn’t stay very long due to an incoming storm, we enjoyed our time getting a small bite and a beer at the snack bar, Pod Brezo, located across from the stone bridge. We also walked along a small portion of the shoreline where we watched a handful of swimmers, paddleboarders, and kayakers.
If you have more time, here are a few other ways to spend at Lake Bohinj:
- Hike to a waterfall: Savica waterfall is Slovenia’s most popular waterfall. It is Lake Bohinj’s source of water.
- Go paddleboarding or kayaking: If you are into watersports, enjoy some time paddle boarding or kayaking on this vast lake
- Visit the Vogel Viewpoint: Take the Vogel cable car to Vogel viewpoint and enjoy a panorama view of Lake Bohinj and the surrounding Julian Alps. Additionally, you can start a multitude of hikes here.
- Stroll around the lake: There is a 12 km (7.5 mile) flat walking trail around the lake.
Day 4: Canyoning in Sušec Canyon
Canyoning with Sport MIX at Sušec Canyon
Canyoning at Sušec Canyon was one of our favorite things to do in Slovenia. This day will be the longest driving day, but the most adventurous day of the trip. It is worth it, I promise!
Lake Bled is about a 1.5-2 hour drive to Bovec, the location of the tour for canyoning in Sušec Canyon. Like most mountainous drives, the drive to Bovec consists of a lot of hairpin turns, so if you get motion sickness easily, make sure to be prepared.
For this adventure, we booked a canyoning tour with Sport MIX prior to arriving. This activity was recommended to me by an Internet Travel friend (thanks @TheDorcys!). Sport MIX has steller reviews online and it very much lives up to its hype! Along with canyoning, they offer other activities such as white water rafting and river kayaking.
If you’re like me and you’re new to canyoning, don’t be hesitant to try out the tour. I was initially skeptical because I had zero experience, but they offer a wide range of difficulty levels, including beginner. Sušec Canyon is the option for beginners and adventure seekers.
Sport MIX provided a wetsuit, wet socks, canyoning shoes, helmet, and photos. The tour included jumping off cliffs, rappelling down waterfalls, sliding down natural water slides, swimming through pools, and via ferrata’ing. The tour cost 62 euro per person, and took about 3 hours. It was worth every penny and we had an absolutely fantastic time.
Great Soča Gorge
On the drive back to Lake Bled, stop by Great Soča Gorge. Great Soča Gorge is one of the most beautiful attractions featuring the famous Soča River. Crystal clear turquoise water flows through a deep narrow gorge.
Optional: Peričnik Waterfall
If you have additional time, check out Peričnik Waterfall. It is a short 1.1 km to a trail that allows you to walk behind a waterfall. We hoped to make it to this hike, but an intense thunderstorm came around and had to scratch our plans.
Day 5: Vintgar Gorge and Head Home
Vintgar Gorge (Triglav National Park)
First thing in the morning, head to Vintgar Gorge. Vintgar Gorge is about a 5 minute drive from the town of Bled.
Vintgar Gorge is a beautiful gorge nestled in Triglav National Park of the Julian Alps. For 1.6 km, a wooden boardwalk traverses along the emerald waters of the Radovna River, creating incredible views and lovely photo opportunities. As it is a very popular spot, the trail is one-way only in order to reduce congestion. It takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
Since the peak visiting times range between 10 AM until about 2 PM, plan to visit very early or late afternoon to avoid traffic jams. The parking lot fills up fast and you may struggle to find an open spot.
We did not explore Vintgar Gorge ourselves; however, I am including this in the itinerary because it was highly recommended and one of the top things we wish we had done.
From Vintgar Gorge, return your rental car and fly home!
How Much We Spent
We spent an average of $1,400 for two people for 7 days. This calculates to about $700 per person for one week.
Our costs included a car rental for 7 days, getting to Slovenia from Italy, entire AirBnB apartment rentals, groceries, gas, activities, and parking fees.
If you’re on a strict budget, you can do it for far less than we have. We could have easily reduced the cost by getting private room AirBnB’s or hostel rooms, but there were none available at the time because we booked our accommodation too late during peak season.
Be Flexible With Your Plans
The weather in Slovenia can be unpredictable at times. During our summer visit, we had a ‘severe heatwave’ which limited our time outside.
Similarly, the weather in the mountains of Slovenia can change drastically fast. On our canyoning day, we went from clear skies in the early afternoon to an intense thunderstorm in the late afternoon. We had to cancel our plans for the remainder of the day. It is best to be flexible in your plans for a more enjoyable travel experience.
Have More Time?
Within 5 Days, you’ll be able to see the highlights of Slovenia.
With 7 Days, add a trip to the picturesque coastal town, Piran.
With 10 Days, add a trip to Piran, and spend more time in the Soca Valley. Perhaps go white water rafting and hiking in the Julian Alps.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to visit Slovenia?
The best time to visit depends on your preferences, but the weather is generally good from May – October.
Summer is a great time to visit because temperatures are warmer which is ideal for outdoor sports like hiking and rafting. However, it is also peak tourist season and the most crowded.
Like many other destinations, Spring and Fall are pleasant because temperatures are moderate and there are less crowds. You’ll also be able to see fall colors!
How do you get to Slovenia?
Ljubljana Airport is the largest international airport in Slovenia. It’s located about 15 miles away from the center of the main city Ljublajana (as most airports are). Although it’s the largest airport in Slovenia, it’s relatively small compared to many other international airports and not very busy. For us, it was very empty which made it easy and quick to navigate.
If you’re traveling from within Europe like we had, taking the bus or train is another option to get to Slovenia. We took the cheapest option and traveled in on a bus from Italy.
Is Slovenia Safe?
Slovenia is generally a safe country to visit. During my time there, I never felt uncomfortable or worried. People are nice and welcoming. However, it’s always a good idea to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Unfortunately, crime occurs in all parts of the world, no matter where you’re at!
Is Slovenia expensive to visit?
Slovenia is generally cheaper than most Western European countries. While prices can vary depending on your accommodation and activities, it’s generally more affordable. Considering all the great things Slovenia has to offer, $700 per person for an entire week to us was a bargain!
Safe Travels!
