Slovenia is one of the most picturesque countries to visit in Europe, where you will find all kinds of amazing places in a relatively small area. Charming cities and towns, stunning landscapes, or breathtaking wonders of nature – Slovenia has it all.

The fact that most tourist attractions in Slovenia are located not far from each other is a bonus. During your trip, even if it’s a short one, you can visit some of the most beautiful places in Slovenia!

I can’t count how many times I’ve been to Slovenia by now, but during each visit, I fall for this charming country more and more, and I’m sure I will be back there again soon.

To share my affection for the country, I put together this comprehensive list of the best places to visit in Slovenia. I hope this will inspire you to visit Slovenia, too—I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

Most beautiful places in Slovenia

I could go on and on about Slovenia and what a fantastic country this is, but instead, here is an overview of the most beautiful places to visit in Slovenia. Each of them is unique in a way, and each deserves your attention, so no matter where you decide to go, you are in for a treat.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana, the capital and the largest city in Slovenia, is like Central Europe in a nutshell. It’s rather compact and very charming, with plenty of attractions to keep you busy for at least one day. You will find beautiful architecture of different styles and numerous historical landmarks there, as well as a vibrant atmosphere and amazing cafe and restaurant scene.

If you are looking for more alternative spots, Ljubljana has them, too, such as the iconic Metelkova – an independent social center located in the former military barracks. But the best thing to do in Ljubljana is to just wander around the Old Town or sit down in one of the many cafes or restaurants along the leafy bank of the Ljubljanica River and enjoy the quaint atmosphere of the place.

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Read more about Ljubljana in my articles:

• 21 Amazing Things to Do in Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Alternative Ljubljana guide
• Ljubljana pictures that will inspire you to visit the lovely capital of Slovenia
• 17 Perfect Day Trips from Ljubljana, Slovenia

Lake Bled

Lake Bled is probably the most popular place to visit in Slovenia. The iconic photo of the picturesque lake with the island in the middle, surrounded by magnificent mountains, is the most beautiful view of the country that inspires many to plan a trip to Slovenia.

In reality, Lake Bled is just as gorgeous as the picture shows. And while the main reason to visit Bled is to see the place and take a boat to the island with the church, the place offers more attractions. You can walk around the picturesque lake and admire it from each perspective (the whole circuit is around 5 km, and it’s such a pleasant walk), hike to some incredible viewpoints in the surrounding hills, or visit the oldest castle in Slovenia, standing proudly on the rock above the lake.

Once you are done sightseeing, you must try a local traditional cream cake originating in 1953. The best place to do it is in Cafe Belvedere, hidden in the forest near the lake, with spectacular views of the surroundings.

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

Vintgar Gorge

Located only some 5 km from Bled, Vintgar Gorge is among the most spectacular natural attractions in Slovenia. The trail through the narrow gorge along the crystal-clear Radovna River goes for some 1,5 km, offering mind-blowing scenery like from a fairy tale.

Along the way, you need to cross a few bridges above the rapidly flowing river. In some places, the path is rather narrow and glued to the rocks, so hiking along is not for those faint of heart, but this makes visiting Vintgar Gorge much more thrilling and exciting.

Since it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Slovenia, it’s better to visit Vintgar Gorge either early in the morning or in the afternoon to avoid crowds and to fully enjoy the place.

Kranjska Gora

A small picturesque town located right at the borders with Austria and Italy, it is known mainly as the winter destination and probably the most popular spot for skiing in Slovenia. Still, it’s worth coming here all year long.

Surrounded by the Julian Alps, you can admire breathtaking views of the mountains from all over the place, but the most picturesque spot is Lake Jasna, which is at the edge of Kranjska Gora. This is a much less popular version of Bled, and in my opinion, the views are much better here.

When visiting Kranjska Gora don’t focus on the town only as not far you will find even more of the most beautiful places in Slovenia: Zelenci Nature Reserve with spectacular views of the emerald green water and the majestic Alps in the background, Pericnik and Martuljek waterfalls (they among the highest waterfalls in Slovenia), or the highest mountain pass in Slovenia that you can reach by car – Vrsic – located at an elevation of 1,611 meters.

Near Kranjska Gora, you will also find Planica ski center, which has the largest ski flying hill in the world and is the place where world records in ski jumping are scored.

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

Lake Bohinj

My personal favorite and one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj, is simply breathtaking. This is where crystal clear waters meet magnificent Alp mountains, creating the most stunning landscape you will find in Slovenia.

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. But don’t limit yourself to this village only; take the boat across the lake to Ukanc to see it from another vantage point, too, so you can fully appreciate the beauty of the place.

While there, take the cable car to Vogel Mountain. Once on top, you can go hiking in the area or simply admire a breathtaking panorama of the Julian Alps, with Triglav (the highest peak in Slovenia) right in front of you.

Another beautiful spot not to be missed is the Savica waterfall, which is only about 3 km away from Lake Bohinj. To reach the waterfall, you need to walk up over 500 stairs, but this wonder of nature is definitely worth the effort.

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

Soca Valley

Of all the rivers in Slovenia, Soca is probably the most stunning one with its crystal clear water and unreal emerald green color. It is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, and when you see it, you will likely quickly agree with this statement.

The rapid waters of the Soca River are perfect for adventure activities, such as rafting, canyoning, or wildwater kayaking. The center of Soca Valley is Bovec, a small town also known as the Slovenian capital of adventure. Besides various water activities, you can also try other adrenaline-based things, like zip line, paragliding, or rock climbing.

Skofja Loka

Skofja Loka is one of the most charming and beautiful towns in Slovenia. It’s very easy to visit as a day trip from Ljubljana, but still, not many tourists decide to stop in this lovely place.

The town, first mentioned in 973, is packed with history and attractions. This is one of the best preserved medieval towns in the region, which really flourished, especially in the 13th century when it got the city rights.

When wandering around the Old Town, you might feel like time has stopped in Skofja Loka. The town is 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 which you can admire lovely views of the area.

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Read more about Skofja Loka in my article: Skofja Loka, Slovenia – a Perfect Day Trip from Ljubljana

Kranj

Even if Kranj is perfectly located on the way from Ljubljana to Lake Bled and the Julian Alps, it is not visited by many tourists. But this is yet another charming town that is well worth exploring.

Kranj was first mentioned in 1256, and over centuries, it played an important role in the region. You can see the remnants of greatness when wandering around the charming old town and visiting some of its attractions, such as the 14th-century St. Cantianus and Companions Parish Church (from the bell tower, you can admire some of the best views of the city and its surroundings) or the Kieselstein Castle. You can even go underground and explore the tunnels below the Old Town.

Radovljica

The small town of Radovljica is one of the best-hidden gems of Slovenia, located only 6 km away from the famous Lake Bled. The place dates back to medieval times, and you can still see well-preserved architecture from that period when wandering around the Old Town.

Radovljica is home to two great museums that you shouldn’t miss: gingerbread and beekeeping, both equally interesting and among the best museums of these kinds in Europe.

Even if Radovljica is rather small and you need only a few hours to see all it has to offer, it can be such a nice addition to your Slovenia itinerary and a place to slow down and relax after visiting the busy Lake Bled.

Velika Planina

Velika Planina is one of the most underrated and most beautiful places in Slovenia, which doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. The plateau settlement in Kamnik Alps is located some 35 km from Ljubljana. You can reach it by cable car and then by chair lift – both are a bit of a thrilling experience.

The main reason to visit Velika Planina is to see 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.

If you visit Velika Planina between June and September, 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 mind-blowing and offers some spectacular views.

Velika Planina is one of my favorite places to visit in Slovenia, and it exceeded all my expectations.

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

Vipava Valley

If you are a wine connoisseur, you might be surprised to find some really good wines produced in Slovenia. One of the best regions for wine production is Vipava Valley, a picturesque area located only around 1 hour away from Ljubljana.

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

But even if wine is not your thing, it’s still worth visiting Vipava Valley for idyllic views and beautiful surroundings, getting away from the crowds, and enjoying the slow life.

Postojna Cave

Slovenia is home to over eleven thousand caves, but the most popular and frequently visited is Postojna Cave. 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.

During your visit, the electric train will take you some 4 km inside the cave to start the sightseeing. The tour lasts around an hour and a half, during which you will walk around 2 km in breathtaking underground surroundings.

Keep in mind that the temperature inside Postojna Cave is around 10C, so take some warm clothes with you.

Predjama Castle

Only 10 km from Postojna Cave, you can visit another one of the major attractions in Slovenia – Predjama Castle. What makes it special is the unique structure since the castle is partially built into the cave and partially attached to the 123-meter cliff.

The castle dates back to the 13th century and still impresses today, especially looking at it from the outside. It’s worth visiting the castle inside, too, to learn more about its history and the legend of Erazem, the owner, and to see the construction mixing with nature from the inside.

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Read more about visiting Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle in my article: Postojna Cave and Predjama castle – highlights of Slovenia

Skocjan Caves

While Postojna Cave is the most famous cave in Slovenia, there is another spectacular one that is less visited but still can take the breath away. Skocjan Caves, the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, is mindblowing with its grandness; it’s hard to wrap your mind around all the magnificent natural scenery around you.

Visiting the place is possible with a guide only; the tour takes around 1,5 hours, and you cover 2,5 km (including 400 stairs). The highlight is crossing the underground bridge hung some 50 meters above the Reka river.

Once you finish the underground part of the tour, you can explore the area on your own. There are a few designated routes to choose from, but different levels of difficulty and time are needed.

If you can, visit both Postojna Cave and Skocjan Caves but if you must choose only one, my vote goes to Skocjan. It’s been a while since a place has impressed me as much as this one!

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

Slovenian coast

The Adriatic coast of Slovenia is rather short, stretching for only 47 km between borders with Italy and Croatia and always in the shadow of more popular neighbors. But this part of Slovenia is very scenic too and definitely worth seeing.

The most popular towns to visit along the Slovenian coast are Piran, Koper, Izola, and Portoroz, the first one being among the most beautiful places to visit in Slovenia. Piran was under Venetian rule between the 13th and 18th centuries; hence, you can feel the distinctive Italian vibe there. The town offers plenty of attractions, mainly around the picturesque Old Town and City Walls.

On a pleasant walk from Piran, you can see local salt pans and, a bit further towards Izola, 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.

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Read more about the Slovenian seaside in my articles:

• What to See on the Beautiful Slovenian Coast
• 11 Fantastic Things to Do in Piran, Slovenia

Hrastovlje

A short drive away from the seaside, you can visit a truly hidden gem in Slovenia – the walled church in Hrastovlje. It was built in the 16th century to protect the locals from Turkish attacks.

The church doesn’t look that impressive from the outside, but inside, you will find spectacular Gothic frescoes from the end of the 15th century, with the most famous being the “Danse Macabre” (Dance of Death).

The place has a vast cultural and historical value, so if you are in the area, it’s worth making a little detour to see it.

Maribor

The second-largest city in Slovenia, Maribor, is located in the eastern part of the country and doesn’t attract as many visitors as more popular destinations in Slovenia. But the city, with its long history dating back to the 12th century, offers plenty of attractions that will keep you occupied for a few solid hours.

The center of Maribor is relatively compact, built near the Drava river that crosses the city. It’s a perfect mix of 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.

Maribor and its surroundings are a popular wine region; from the center, you can see the vineyards occupying surrounding hills. If you like wine, this is another place in Slovenia where you can try locally-produced drinks.

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

Heart-shaped road

This is one of the most picturesque and frequently photographed places in Slovenia. The heart-shaped road winds down the hill through the vineyards, creating the perfect landscape appreciated by many.

You can find the spot in the Kungota region north of Maribor, near the border with Austria. It is especially alluring in autumn when leaves change colors, and the whole vista is even more breathtaking.

Ptuj

The oldest town in Slovenia, Ptuj, is located in the eastern part of the country near the border with Croatia. The town is like Central Europe in a nutshell, with beautiful architecture, mostly built in the refined style from the time of the Habsburg Empire, winding lanes and backyards hiding street art, small cafes, and other gems.

The castle dominating over Ptuj and surrounding area has played an important role in the region due to its strategic location at the bank of the Drava River. Today, it is home to the museum where you can see the largest collection of musical instruments in Slovenia, among other artifacts. You can also admire a beautiful panorama of Ptuj from the castle hill with its red rooftops and beyond.

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Read more about Ptuj in my article: Ptuj, Slovenia – a charming little gem

Celje

Located halfway between Ljubljana and Maribor, Celje is the fourth largest city in Slovenia and home to some interesting attractions that make the place worth visiting.

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 place not only for its interesting history but also for the fantastic views over the area that you can admire from Celje castle.

The Old Town of Celje, located across the train station, is small but very pleasant, with the typical Central European architecture and vibe. The local museum, which focuses on the recent history of Celje and its surroundings, is very interesting and one of the best museums I’ve visited in Slovenia.

Jamnik church

Another iconic photo location in Slovenia, Jamnik village, is known for its little church dedicated to St. Primus and Felician. It is built on top of the hill, with dramatic mountains behind, and the combination of both makes a perfect vista, a favorite place for photographers visiting Slovenia.

Once you are here, you can also hike in the area, which offers some amazing views of the surrounding mountains.

Further reading

I hope this list of the most beautiful places in Slovenia gave you a good overview of what the country has to offer. If you would like to read more about Slovenia and plan your trip there, here are some more articles I wrote that you might find helpful or interesting:

• Slovenia Travel Guide – All About Visiting Slovenia
• Slovenia itinerary – places to visit in Slovenia in 3 – 10 days
• 30 Best things to do in Slovenia, according to travel bloggers

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Balkans and ask your questions there.

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