Discover Slovenia: Nature Highlights Between the Alps and the Adriatic
Nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia is a hidden gem for travelers seeking nature, outdoor adventures, and authentic experiences. With over 13% of its land under environmental protection, Slovenia offers countless opportunities for hiking, exploring, and enjoying the outdoors.
In the north, the Julian Alps, Karawanks, and Kamnik–Savinja Alps attract nature lovers, especially to top destinations like Triglav National Park and the turquoise Soča Valley. But the south also has its charms: vast forests, dramatic cave systems, rolling hills, wild bears, and quaint Slovenian villages. You can relax on the Adriatic coast in the southwest or enjoy wine tasting in the picturesque vineyards of eastern Slovenia. The country’s historic towns round out the experience with rich culture and charm.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through the most beautiful natural highlights of Slovenia – just as I experienced them myself. Enjoy reading and get inspired for your own Slovenian adventure!
The highlights of Slovenia
On my road trip through Slovenia, I got to know many wonderful places, incredible landscapes and lovely people. During my 10-day round trip, I saw great sights and attractions and collected the most impressive natural spectacles.
My journey through Slovenia starts in the Triglav National Park in the northwest of the country. There I visited the largest lake in Slovenia, which is located near the famous Lake Bled, and also completed a spectacular hike in the Valley of the Seven Lakes.
Continue along the Soča valley, whose turquoise waters meander picturesquely through the Slovenian Alps. Idyllic villages such as Kanal, Most, Bovec, Soča, Kobarid and Tolmin, water sports and hikes await you here. You can also explore raging waterfalls and a magnificent gorge.
Numerous hiking options await you in the Julian Alps. An exciting hike leads to the summit of the Krn and the glacial lakes of the same name. There are also numerous hiking tours in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Particularly popular is a visit to the Velika Planina plateau, where a historic alpine pasture is located, or the Orglice waterfall nearby.
In the southwest is the huge Skocjan cave system, which will leave you speechless. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is therefore a popular tourist attraction. Nearby is a beautiful castle built into a rock.
1. Bohinjsko Jezero – the largest lake in Slovenia
Bohinjsko Jezero, or Lake Bohinj, is an enchanting natural lake in Slovenia, surrounded by the majestic Julian Alps. The lake and its surroundings offer a wealth of natural attractions, including the Triglav National Park with its rich wildlife, the impressive Savica waterfall and numerous hiking and outdoor opportunities. Lake Bohinj itself is ideal for swimming, fishing and boating and is a paradise for nature lovers and active vacationers.
How to get to Bohinj
From Ljubljana, follow the A2 highway in the direction of the Karawanken tunnel and take the Jesenice exit. From there, continue on the E61 road to Bled and follow the signs to Lake Bohinj. You can also take a train to Bohinjska Bistrica, from where buses run to Lake Bohinj.
Tips for your visit to Lake Bohinj
I recommend the 12-kilometre circular trail around Bohinjsko Jezero. For the ultimate nature experience, book an overnight stay at Camp Bohinj, which is located right on the shore.
2. The Valley of the Seven Lakes – Hike in the Triglav National Park
The Valley of the Seven Lakes in the Triglav National Park in Slovenia is a hiker’s paradise. The region offers hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty and impressive mountain landscapes. You can explore the seven crystal-clear mountain lakes, from easy walks to more challenging mountain tours. Lake Bohinj is a popular starting point. An adventure in the Valley of the Seven Lakes promises unforgettable nature experiences in the Julian Alps.
Getting to the seven lakes
Access to the seven lakes is from Lake Bohinj. Parking is available at the Koča pri Savici hut, for example. The Slap Savica bus stop is also located there.
Tips for your visit to the Valley of the Seven Lakes
You are in the high mountains. The hiking trails are challenging and you should be experienced. There are several mountain huts, such as Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih, where you can spend the night on your hikes.
If you are looking for more hikes in Slovenia, check out these books. The books are small and handy, offer useful information about hiking and detailed descriptions of the hikes. I am sure that you will discover hiking routes that you would not find without these book.
3. Soča Valley – the most beautiful river in Slovenia
The Soča Valley is a true natural paradise in Slovenia. This breathtaking valley is often referred to as the “Emerald River” due to the incredibly clear and emerald green color of the Soča River that meanders through the region. Surrounded by the picturesque Julian Alps and unspoiled nature, the Soča Valley offers a wealth of outdoor activities such as rafting, hiking and kayaking. Starting points are the towns of Tolmin, Kanal, Kobarid, Bovec and Trenta, all of which are worth seeing and offer a wealth of activities.
Getting to the Soča Valley
The journey from Austria is via Kranjska Gora. From there, road 206 always leads along the Soča. From Ljubljana, you can also take a train to Most na Soči and then continue by bus.
4. Tolmin Gorge – spectacular gorge in the Julian Alps
The Tolmin Gorge, also known as Tolminska Korita, is an impressive natural wonder in the Triglav National Park, Slovenia. This 1.2 km long gorge was formed by the millennia-long impact of the Tolminka River on the limestone. The high rock walls frame turquoise-blue waterfalls and pools. The gorge offers hiking trails where you can enjoy the beauty of the Soca Valley.
Getting to the Tolmin Gorge
The gorge is located north of the village of Tolmin. There is a paid parking lot directly at the gorge (P1). It is also possible to park in the free parking lot 15 minutes’ walk away (P2). There is also a shuttle bus between the parking lots.
Tips for your visit to the Tolminska Korita
Prices and opening times vary depending on the time of year (adults €6-10). I recommend arriving early, as the gorge is a very popular tourist destination in Slovenia. You can take a look into the gorge from the freely accessible Devil’s Bridge without having to pay an entrance fee.
5. Waterfalls in the Soča Valley
The Soča Valley in Slovenia is known for its breathtaking waterfalls, which further emphasize the majestic beauty of this region. The Kozjak waterfall is undoubtedly one of the most famous waterfalls in the Soča Valley. Located near the village of Kobarid, it plunges some 15 meters into an emerald green pool, creating a picturesque backdrop (5€ entrance fee). The Boka Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Slovenia and falls in a spectacular cascade of more than 140 meters. Other lesser-known waterfalls include the Virje waterfall near Bovec, Slap Krampez, Slap Javorca and the Čiginj waterfall.
Getting to the Soča Valley
The journey from Austria is via Kranjska Gora. From there, road 206 always leads along the Soča. From Ljubljana, you can also take a train to Most na Soči and then continue by bus.
6. Krn – A historic summit in Slovenia
The Krn is an impressive mountain in Slovenia’s Julian Alps. At 2,244 meters high, it offers hikers breathtaking views of the Soča Valley and the Triglav National Park. During the First World War, Krn was a battleground and there are still historical remains near the summit. The mountain is a nature reserve and a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers who want to experience the beauty of the region.
Getting to Krn
There are several starting points for a hike on the Krn. You can climb from Tolmin, Kobarid or Lepena. You can find a beautiful hiking route in my blog post.
Tips for your visit to the Krn
You are in the high mountains. The hiking trails are challenging and you should be experienced. There are several mountain huts, such as the Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih, where you can spend the night on your hikes.
7. Lake Krn – the largest high mountain lake in Slovenia
Lake Krn (Krnsko jezero) is a picturesque mountain lake near Kobarid in the Soča Valley and the largest high mountain lake in Slovenia. Surrounded by impressive mountains and forests, the lake is characterized by its emerald green color. Hiking trails lead to this idyllic spot, which is perfect for picnics and relaxation. Lake Krn is a popular destination for nature lovers and a wonderful addition to a hike to the nearby Krn summit. The hike to the lake takes around 2.5 hours and there are 900 meters of altitude to climb.
How to get to krnsko jezero
Road no. 206 runs along the Soča between Bovec and the village of Soča. There is a bridge over the river at Podklanec. If you follow this road for 6 kilometers through the Lepena valley, you will reach Dom Dr. Klementa Juga at the end of the road. The hike to the mountain lake starts there.
The nearest bus stop from the starting point of the hike is unfortunately 6 kilometers away at the bridge that crosses the Soča in Podklanec. This bus stop is called “Lepena K” and is served by buses that commute between Bovec and Kranjska Gora.
Tips for your visit to Lake Krn
Look out for the signs to the Dupeljsko Jezero mountain lake as you ascend. The detour to the picturesque lake is worthwhile, as a magnificent landscape scene full of peace and serenity awaits us here in the middle of Slovenia’s Julian Alps.
8. The picturesque Velika Planina plateau
Velika Planina is a picturesque plateau in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in Slovenia, known for its characteristic shepherd’s huts and rich sheep farming tradition. Visitors can explore the traditional huts, enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery on hiking trails and sample the regional cuisine in the surrounding villages. The plateau offers a unique experience in every season, from blooming alpine meadows in summer to cross-country skiing in winter. Velika Planina is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those interested in culture.
Getting to Velika Planina
The most convenient way to reach the mountain pasture is by cable car. From the town of Kamnik, take road 225 towards Kamniška Bistrica. In Stahovica, turn left onto road 923 and you will reach the parking lot after 5 kilometers. There is also a bus stop Žičnica V.planina, which is served by buses from Kamnik.
There are also several parking spaces further up the valley, from where you can start a short hike to the Alm.
Tips for your visit to Velika Planina
Several hiking trails lead up to the plateau. I have described a beautiful hiking route in this blog article.
9. Slap Orličje – the most beautiful waterfall in the Kamniška Bistrica valley
The Kamniška Bistrica Valley is located in the south of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, where you can explore wonderful sights. The Orglice waterfall carries water from the Kamniška Bela river. It is considered the most beautiful waterfall in the valley and is very popular with tourists and locals. In winter, the water freezes in the shape of a harmonica, which gives the waterfall its name. In summer, it is named after the eagles of the Kamniška Bistrica Valley and is called Orličje Waterfall.
Getting to the Orglice waterfall
From the town of Kamnik, take road 225 towards Kamniška Bistrica. In Stahovica, turn left onto road 923 and after 7 kilometers you will reach the parking lot on the right-hand side. A small sign with “Slap Orglice” points the way. There are two bus stops about one kilometer from the start of the hike. These are served by buses from Kamnik. The journey from Kamnik to Kopišča takes 17 minutes and to Kamniška Bistrica 20 minutes.
Tips for your visit to the Orglice waterfall
You can spend the night in Kamnik* There is the Stari Grad, an old castle from which you have a fantastic view of Kamnik and the Kamnik Alps.
10. Škocjan – the most impressive caves in Europe
The Škocjan Caves in Slovenia are a World Heritage Site and a geological masterpiece. Their centerpiece is a spectacular underground gorge formed by a raging river. The caves are home to impressive stalactite formations, enormous halls and bizarre cave structures. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the amazing beauty and geology of the caves. The ecosystem within the caves is home to rare animal and plant species, making the Škocjan Caves an important natural paradise. A visit promises an unforgettable adventure in the fascinating underworld of Slovenia.
Getting to the Škocjan Caves
The caves are located near the town of Divača, about an hour’s drive from the capital Ljubljana. You can reach the caves via the A1 at the Divača exit.
Divača train station is the nearest station, and from there there is a 3 km long path to the cave, the description of which is displayed on a map there.
Tips for your visit to the Škocjan Caves
It is chilly in the caves, so bring warm clothing, preferably waterproof. It’s best to book your ticket in advance, otherwise you may have to wait a long time or not be able to get in.
11. Predjama Castle – the castle in the cave portal
The Predjama Cave Castle is a spectacular medieval castle nestled in a rocky cave near Predjama. It offers fascinating insights into Slovenian history and architecture. The castle is closely linked to the legend of Erazem of Predjama and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the well-preserved rooms and the impressive views. An annual knights’ festival enlivens the medieval atmosphere.
Getting to Predjama Castle
If you are traveling from the capital Ljubljana, take the A1 freeway towards Koper and take the Postojna exit. You can park at the castle for a fee.
The nearest train station is in Postojna, from where there is a bus to Predjama.
If you are looking for a travel guide to Slovenia, check out this book. I personally like this travel guide series very much. The authors give travel tips especially for individual and low budget travelers. Moreover, not only the well-known sights are described, but also more unknown places are mentioned.
Public transportation in Slovenia
The country has a very good rail network, so you can reach all regions by train. However, the trains are in a rather dilapidated condition and run very slowly. Train tickets in Slovenia are very cheap. A journey from Ljubljana to Bled, for example, costs €6. At weekends, ticket prices are also significantly reduced and people under the age of 26 also receive a discount. You can buy train tickets online, at the station or directly on the train. You can find more information and timetables on the railroad company’s website.
Bus tickets are also cheap in Slovenia. You can find more information and timetables on the website of the Slovenian bus company. There are also several domestic routes that connect the larger cities such as Bled, Koper, Piran or Maribor. You can find all bus connections from Ljubljana on the following website.
Driving in Slovenia
You are most flexible with your own car. The road conditions in Slovenia are very good. Entry from Germany is possible without any problems via Austria. But the borders from Italy, Hungary and Croatia to Slovenia are also open. Please note that you need a vignette for Slovenia, which costs 15 euros for a normal car for 7 days and 30 euros for 30 days. You also need a vignette for Austria!
Hotels in Slovenia
Tourism has long since arrived in Slovenia, so you will find many hotels, especially in the popular vacation regions. If you prefer authentic and simpler accommodation, I recommend one of the many Slovenian private accommodations. You can find these mostly family-run guesthouses all over the country. Many of them stay away from the well-known online portals, so you will have to call in advance. In the vacation regions, every larger village has its own tourist information office, which can also look for available accommodation for you on site. This meant that we were always able to find accommodation, even in the high season. We only had problems finding accommodation on one day, so we even had to change regions. It is therefore advisable to book in advance in the high season. The easiest way, however, is to book via Booking.com* Due to the variety of hotels, you are sure to find accommodation in Slovenia that meets your needs.
If you would like to spend the night in a mountain hu0t in the Julian Alps, I recommend the homepage of the Slovenian Alpine Community. There you will find the names and telephone numbers of all the mountain huts.
The Best Destinations in Slovenia: A Paradise for Nature Lovers and Culture Enthusiasts
Slovenia offers something for everyone – from world-renowned landmarks to hidden gems. In addition to the well-known tourist attractions, you’ll also find a range of breathtaking natural spectacles that perfectly reflect the beauty of this small country. In this article, I’ll take you on my personal 10-day journey through Slovenia, visiting the most fascinating spots in the country.
Explore Slovenia on Your Own Road Trip
I personally visited all the landmarks mentioned in this blog post and was amazed by each and every one. Each attraction had its own unique charm, and none of them would I want to miss. My road trip through Slovenia was relaxing and stress-free, as I took my time to thoroughly enjoy every destination.
Important: A road trip like this is only feasible with a rental car. Public transport would not have allowed me to visit as many stunning places within the same timeframe.
Slovenia offers a wide range of attractions, and I’m sure you’ll have unforgettable experiences here too!
I hope you enjoyed my travelogue about the nature sights in Slovenia. On my Slovenia Blog I show you other beautiful travel destinations in Slovenia and share valuable tips and experiences for your trip to Slovenia. Did you like my blog post? Was I able to help you? Then I would be happy if you recommend my travel blog, leave a comment, or follow me on Instagram. Thanks for reading and have fun on your vacation in Slovenia.
The references marked with an asterisk (*) are so-called commission links. If you click on such a referral link and buy something, I get a small commission from the provider. For you, the price does not change! I see it as a small thank you for my work and look forward to any support.
