Slovenia

17 Perfect Day Trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia

Last Updated on 31/12/2024 by kami

Slovenia is one of these unique countries that offer diverse attractions for each taste yet are compact enough that you can see most of the best places even in a short time. In fact, you can visit some of the best attractions in Slovenia on day trips from Ljubljana. The capital city of Slovenia is centrally located and in many cases, you don’t need more than just one hour to reach destinations of the best Ljubljana day trips.

When planning your Slovenia itinerary you can base yourself in the capital and venture to the country for one-day excursions (and in the meantime enjoy all the best things to do in Ljubljana). There are so many diverse options for day trips from Ljubljana: nature getaways, active things to do, historical towns and more so everyone should find something to fulfill their interests.

Starting in 2002 I visited Slovenia so many times I can’t count anymore. During most of my visits, I stayed in the capital and traveled around the country on day trips from Ljubljana. It was super easy and doable and I didn’t need to worry about carrying all my belongings with me.

The good thing about traveling in Slovenia is that the public transport is pretty decent there and you can get to the majority of places by bus or train (that’s how I travel too). If you are short on time and would like to see more attractions in a day then tours are your best options – there are plenty of them to choose from and they are a good value for money. You can also rent a car – click here for the best offers.

If you decide to use public transport you can check bus connections here and trains here. If you travel over weekends or public holidays you are lucky as tickets are crazy cheap then (like 2,50€ from Ljubljana to Bled). In this case, it’s better to buy the tickets on the bus/train station or from the bus driver as online you will get a regular, not a discounted price.

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Best day trips from Ljubljana

And now, without any further ado, here are the best Ljubljana day trips, with info on how to get there and the best tour options.

Lake Bled

Lake Bled is probably the most popular day trip from Ljubljana and one of the best places to visit in Slovenia. It is very popular among tourists and it gets the hype for a reason. The picturesquely located lake, with the small island in the middle (where you can find the characteristic church), is one of the most known views in Slovenia but Lake Bled actually has more to offer (although taking the boat the island is one of the best things to do in Bled).

You can walk around the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery (the whole circuit is around 5 km) or hike to the viewpoint above the lake to see the most beautiful panorama of Lake Bled and surrounding mountains. Bled Castle, the oldest one in Slovenia (dating back to the early 11th century) is another must-visit place in Bled.

Don’t leave Bled without trying the traditional cream cake, invented in 1953 by a local confectioner. While you can get it in many cafes and restaurants around the lake, the best place to have it is in Cafe Belvedere which offers a spectacular view of Lake Bled and especially the island. The cafe, designed by the most famous Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik, is located near Vila Bled, one of the former holiday houses of the leader of Yugoslavia – Tito.

Distance from Ljubljana: 55km
How to get there: bus or tour
Recommended tours from Ljubljana

Read more about Lake Bled: 13 Best Things to Do in Lake Bled, Slovenia

Vintgar Gorge

Located only some 5 kms away from Bled, Vintgar Gorge is among the best natural attractions in Slovenia. The trail through the narrow gorge along the crystal-clear Radovna river goes for some 1,5 km offering beautiful scenery like from a fairy tale. It is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city as you are surrounded by nature only (and other visitors since it’s a rather popular place).

Along the way, you will cross a few bridges above the river, in some places the path is literally glued to the rocks which makes the whole experience kind of thrilling. At the end of the trail, you will find the old railway bridge (still in use) from 1906 and the Sum Waterfall.

Once you are done with the gorge, you need to get back to the starting point – there are different routes of varying length and difficulty to take you there. Exploring Vintgar Gorge should take you around 2 hours, you can combine visiting the place with Lake Bled.

Distance from Ljubljana: 65km
How to get there: tour
Recommended tours from Ljubljana: see in the section about Lake Bled

Lake Bohinj

While the majority of people who visit Slovenia go to Lake Bled, there is an even more spectacular place located not too much further away that you can also get directly by bus from Ljubljana. Lake Bohinj is one of the most stunning places to visit in Slovenia, with crystal clear water and magnificent mountains surrounding it (or going directly to the lake on one side).

The main settlement on the lake is Ribcev Laz where you will find a picturesque small church on the lake shore and one of the favorite photo spots in the area – the ibex statue.

To fully appreciate the beauty of Lake Bohinj you can take the boat that will take you all the way across the lake to Ukanc from where you can take the cable car to Vogel mountain. Once on top you can go hiking in the area a bit or simply admire a breathtaking panorama of the Julian Alps, with Triglav (the highest peak in Slovenia) right in front of you.

Another place worth visiting near Lake Bohinj is a beautiful Savica waterfall – you need to walk up over 500 stairs to get there but it’s definitely worth the effort.

While many people combine the visit to Lake Bohinj with Lake Bled, I think this place deserves its own day trip from Ljubljana as there is so much to see and do there plus once you are done with the sightseeing you can simply relax at the lake and swim in the turquoise waters.

Distance from Ljubljana: 85km
How to get there: bus or tour
Recommended tours from Ljubljana: see in the section about Lake Bled

Read more about Lake Bohinj: 7 Amazing Things to do in Bohinj, Slovenia

Kranjska Gora

Another place that is worth going for a day trip from Ljubljana is Kranjska Gora. Even if the town is known mostly as a winter destination and the most popular place for skiing in Slovenia, there is plenty to see and do all year long. Kranjska Gora is located on the other side of the Julian Alps from Lake Bled and the views you can admire there are, in my opinion, even better than in the most popular destination in Slovenia.

The most stunning place in Kranjska Gora is Lake Jasna which in fact are two artificial lakes, surrounded by mountains. You can wander around the lake or sit down in one of the bars or restaurants and enjoy the breathtaking views around. A few kilometers away from Kranjska Gora you will find Zelenci Nature Reserve, yet another stunning place offering spectacular views of the emerald green water and the majestic Alps in the background.

And a little bit further you can visit Planica ski center with the largest ski flying hill in the world, the place where world records in ski jumping are scored.

Distance from Ljubljana: 85km
How to get there: bus or tour
Recommended tours from Ljubljana:

Read more about Kranjska Gora: 9 Wonderful Things to Do in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

Radovljica

The small town of Radovljica is on the way from Ljubljana to the Alps yet not many tourists stop there. But the place is definitely worth a visit and you might even spend a few hours exploring all Radovljica has to offer.

The town dates back to medieval times and the architecture from that period is still well-preserved. Once you enter the Old Town you will feel like you traveled back in time.

The biggest attraction of Radovlijca is two great museums: of gingerbread and beekeeping. The second one is especially interesting since it’s among the best museums of that kind in Europe, showing the history and the whole process of honey production. Even if you think you are not interested in beekeeping you should still give this museum a chance, I bet you will be impressed (just like I was).

Distance from Ljubljana: 50km
How to get there: train, bus or tour
Recommended tour from Ljubljana: Lake Bled and medieval town of Radovljica with lunch

Kranj

Located less than 30 km away from the capital, Kranj is one of the easiest day trips from Ljubljana, with frequent trains and buses connecting the cities.

The city was first mentioned in 1256 and over centuries it played an important role in the region. Today you can wander around the charming old town, visit the 14th-century St. Cantianus and Companions Parish Church (and go to the bell tower for the best views of the city and surroundings), visit the Kieselstein Castle, or explore the tunnels under the old town.

You can combine a day trip to Kranj with visiting Radovljica or Skofja Loka.

Distance from Ljubljana: 30km
How to get there: train or bus

Skofja Loka

Skofja Loka is another picturesque town located not far from Ljubljana (25 km away) that is worth visiting. This is one of the oldest towns in Slovenia, first mentioned in 973, and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the region. Indeed, once you enter the Old Town it feels like time has stopped there.

Skofja Loka is really charming, with winding lanes and details that remind of the long history of the place. The castle towering above the town, originally from the 13th century, is home to the museum where you can learn more about Skofja Loka and the place from where you can admire nice views of the area.

Distance from Ljubljana: 25km
How to get there: bus

Velika Planina

Velika Planina, the plateau settlement in Kamnik Alps, is located some 35 km away from Ljubljana and I believe this is one of the most underrated places to visit in Slovenia.

Getting all the way to the plateau is a bit challenging but worth all the effort. From the parking lot in Kamniška Bistrica, you need to take the cable car and then switch to the chair lift. Once on top, you are free to explore the area and admire spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

The main attraction of Velika Planina is the picturesque herders’ dwellings settlement, one of the largest in Europe. There used to be 140 cottages on the plateau (now less), all of them built in a traditional way and a similar style. On top of one of the hills, there is a small Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, originally designed in 1939 by the famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik.

The cattle pasture season in Velika Planina takes place between June and September, that’s also when you can see shepherds at work, try traditional food (or see how it’s prepared), and visit the huts. But even if you are there outside of the season, you are still in for a treat as this place is simply mindblowing.

Distance from Ljubljana: 35km
How to get there: car

Read more about Velika Planina: Velika Planina – the Underrated Highlight of Slovenia

Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

Of over 11 thousand caves in Slovenia, Postojna is the most famous and most frequently visited one. It is the second biggest cave in the world, with over 25 km of underground passages (although you won’t see all of them during your visit), and a major tourist attraction since the 19th century.

The electric train will take you some 4 km inside of the cave where you will start the sightseeing. You will spend around 1,5 hours underground and the temperature there is around 10C so better take some warm clothes with you.

The walking path to explore Postojna Cave is almost 2 km long and you will be surrounded by the spectacular scenery around you, with each hall different than the others. This is a really jaw-dropping place and no words can describe the beauty of the cave.

Once you are done visiting Postojna Cave, go to the Predjama Castle, only 10 km away. What makes it special is the unique structure since the castle is partially built into the cave. It dates back to the 13th century and impresses still today.

Distance from Ljubljana: 55km
How to get there: tour
Recommended tour from Ljubljana:

Read more about Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle: Postojna Cave and Predjama castle – highlights of Slovenia

Celje

Celje, the fourth largest city in Slovenia, located halfway between Ljubljana and Maribor, is often overlooked by tourists even if it offers plenty of attractions.

The biggest one is definitely Celje castle, towering above the area. It dates back to the 14th century and in the past was the seat of the Counts of Celje. It’s worth visiting the castle, especially for the beautiful views of Celje and its surroundings and to learn more about interesting legends connected with the place.

The Old Town of Celje is small but really charming, with the architecture from Austria-Hungary times, typical for Central Europe. Don’t miss the local museum focusing on the recent history of the city with a very interesting exhibition.

Distance from Ljubljana: 80km
How to get there: train

Maribor

Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia, isn’t as popular among tourists as other destinations in the country but still offers numerous attractions that will keep you busy for a few solid hours. The city dates back to the 12th century and due to its location on the Drava river it’s always been an important trade center.

The center of Maribor is rather compact but really picturesque with winding lanes and beautiful Habsburg architecture. The riverside and its Lent district is the oldest part of Maribor where, among old remnants, you will also find numerous bars and restaurants and the oldest grapevine in the world that has been growing for over 400 years.

Since Maribor and the surrounding region are important wine areas you should try local wines or even visit one of the vineyards that are literally a walk away from the center. But the best thing about Maribor is its laid-back vibe of Central Europe at its finest.

Distance from Ljubljana: 130km
How to get there: train

Read more about Maribor: 15 Great Things to Do in Maribor, Slovenia

Skocjan Caves

Even if Postojna Cave is the most popular cave in Slovenia, Skocjan Caves located a bit further toward the Adriatic Sea are even more spectacular (at least in my opinion). The place is known especially for one of the largest underground river canyons in the world but the rest of Skocjan Caves offers even more attractions.

You can go for a tour into the caves but it is possible to do so only with a guide (and taking pictures inside is forbidden but it’s not so bad since you can solemnly focus on the place). The first part of the tour goes through the most spectacular part of the caves and you will be walking around with your jaw-dropped. This place is simply mind-blowing and the grandness of the place takes your breath away. The most exciting part of the tour was crossing the underground bridge hung some 50 meters above the Reka river.

This part of the tour takes around 1,5 hours and you will cover 2,5 km (including 400 stairs). Once you are done with the underground part of the tour you can explore the area on your own – there are a few designated routes to choose from, with different levels of difficulty and time needed.

Don’t also miss the viewpoint in the upper part, not far from the visitors’ center – it will give you a great overview of the area. Skocjan Caves were granted the title of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Distance from Ljubljana: 80km
How to get there: train or tour
Recommended tour from Ljubljana: Ljubljana: Karst & Coast Full-Day Trip

Read more about Skocjan Caves: A Complete Guide to Visiting Skocjan Caves, Slovenia

The seaside

The Slovenian coast is rather small, with only 47 km of coastline on the Adriatic Sea, but it’s definitely scenic and worth seeing.

The most beautiful town is Piran, nestled on the small peninsula. The place was under Venetian rule between the 13th and 18th centuries hence you can feel the distinctive Italian vibe there (and find numerous remnants from that time in the details around). Piran offers plenty of attractions, mostly around the picturesque Old Town and City Walls, and you will need a few hours to see them all.

Not far from Piran you can visit local salt pans and, a bit further towards Isola, impressive white cliffs. Koper, the main town of the seaside, is often overlooked by tourists for its industrial look but it also has a charming Old Town that hides numerous gems – a testimony to its long history of the place.

On the way to the seaside, shortly before Koper, you should visit the 16th-century walled church in Hrastovlje with the unique wall painting of “Danse Macabre” (Dance of Death).

Distance from Ljubljana: 120km
How to get there: train (to Koper), bus or tour
Recommended tour from Ljubljana: see the section about Skocjan Caves

Bovec

If you are looking for a more active day trip from Ljubljana, with a real adrenaline rush, head to Bovec. The town is located in the Julian Alps and is known as the Slovenian capital of adventure.

You can try all sorts of adrenaline-based activities here: rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, or zip line, just to name a few. Just like everywhere else in the Slovenian Alps, you can also go hiking and admire here some really spectacular views, including the crystal-clear waters of the Soca river (which is so emerald here it looks like it’s photoshopped).

Distance from Ljubljana: 130km
How to get there: bus

Vipava Valley

Vipava Valley is one of the most popular and best wine regions in Slovenia, located only around 1-hour drive from Ljubljana. If you are a wine connoisseur you should definitely include it in your Slovenia itinerary.

Due to the microclimate, the fruits grow here much better and as a result, you can enjoy amazing wines and preserves. There are numerous family-owned wineries in the region that you can visit and learn more about the local produce.

Vipava Valley is very scenic and kind of idyllic, making it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, to rest and enjoy the surrounding nature and views. One of the best ways to explore the area is by bike.

You can combine visiting Vipava Valley with another wine region in Slovenia, located a bit further away – the Brda region.

Distance from Ljubljana: 80km
How to get there: bus or tour
Recommended tour from Ljubljana: WINExPEDITION: Vipava Valley & Goriska Brda

Zagreb

Zagreb, the capital and the largest city in Croatia, is only 150 km away from Ljubljana, making it a perfect destination for a day trip. Even if the majority of tourists focus on more popular, seaside places to visit in Croatia, Zagreb is a wonderful city that shouldn’t be missed.

The capital of Croatia can be enchanting with beautiful and impressive architecture, great museums, a vibrant atmosphere, and some really cool alternative spots. Even if there are many amazing things to do in Zagreb, you can easily cover the basics in one day as the majority of attractions are centrally located, not too far from each other.

One of the must-visit places in Zagreb is the quirky and unique Museum of Broken Relationships, the only institution of that kind where regular people from all over the world donated random artifacts that tell the story of their broken relationships. You can get to the museum by the funicular, one of the shortest in the world where the ride takes exactly 64 seconds.

But the best thing to do in Zagreb is to just wander around and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the city.

Distance from Ljubljana: 150km
How to get there: bus or train

Read more about Zagreb: 25 Wonderful Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia

Trieste

Located literally right at the border with Slovenia, Trieste is one of the most important cities in northern Italy with a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. However, for centuries the city was under Austrian rule and this influence shaped Trieste which you can still see and feel today. The place became part of Italy only in the 20th century and the multicultural past is clearly visible in the architecture, vibe, and even the local dialect.

Trieste is also a really beautiful city with numerous attractions, such as Castello di San Giusto (the best place to admire the panorama of Trieste and beyond), stunning Piazza Unità d’Italia (the heart of the city) or the waterfront. The center of Trieste is really compact so you can easily see all the main sights.

After the sightseeing sit down in one of the many historical cafes that Trieste is known for.

When reaching or leaving Trieste, be sure to also stop at the beautiful 19th-century Miramare Castle or the impressive Grotta Gigante cave, both located just outside of the city.

Distance from Ljubljana: 100km
How to get there: bus or train

Read more about Trieste: 25 Wonderful Things to Do in Trieste, Italy

Map of the best day trips from Ljubljana

To give you an overview of all the best places you can visit as day trips from Ljubljana, here is a map with all the destinations mentioned above:

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking. They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Ljubljana

Never travel without travel insurance, you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Slovenia here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here.

Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me.

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

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Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Slovenia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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