Ljubljana & Central Slovenia

The city with a green soul and an easy-going beat

Visit one of Europe’s greenest and most liveable cities boasting a vibrant atmosphere both during the day and after the sun sets. The city that inspires globetrotters to write rave reviews and where many come back for more. Wallet-friendly prices and friendly locals make for yet another reason to visit.

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Ljubljana – Europe’s hidden gem

Slovenia’s capital is by all accounts a special discovery. Its pleasant atmosphere, friendly locals, wide variety of events and a host of cultural and historical curiosities will make you want to come back for more. Boasting architect Jože Plečnik’s indelible mark, Ljubljana reveals a bounty of fascinating Renaissance, Baroque and Secession style buildings in its historic core. It could be right here where you meet your new friends in some of the many bars, inns and restaurants.

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Kamnik

Walk through the old city core and discover the traces left by Kamnik’s vibrant history. Treat yourself to some time off on the green pastures of Velika Planina and take some refreshment at the source of the Kamniška Bistrica. Visit Budnar’s Museum House and knead your own bread. Take a walk through the Arboretum Volčji Potok, take time to recuperate and boost your energy in the Natural Healing Grove in Tunjice, or test yourself at a game of golf just a stone’s throw away, at Golf Arboretum.  

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Celje and vicinity

Celje, the city of princes, with its prominent castle is a regional, economic, commercial, cultural, educational and major fair centre. In its vicinity lies Lake Šmartno (Šmartinsko jezero), the largest reservoir in Slovenia. Not far from Celje you will find invigorating health resorts – Dobrna, Terme Zreče and Rogla, Topolšica, Laško, Rimske Toplice, Rogaška Slatina and Podčetrtek.

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Novo mesto – Dolenjska

Take the Rudolf’s raft down the Krka River and see the capital of Dolenjska – Novo Mesto, the city that impresses with its main square in the old city core, the cathedral and the Franciscan Church, the fascinating Dolenjska Museum and Jakac House (Jakčev dom). The island of the Krka River is the site of the splendid Otočec Castle, and the Struga Castle is just a stone’s throw away. Treat yourself to some ‘me’ time in Dolenjske or Šmarješke Toplice health resorts for a good dose of healing and pampering.

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Savinja Valley

The Savinja Valley is known as the valley of hops. The centre of the green-gold valley is Žalec with the hop growing museum and the first beer fountain in Europe. Šempeter, in the Savinja Valley, boasts the Roman Necropolis Archaeological Park, and the vibrant city of Velenje attracts visitors with the remarkable underground Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia, an excellent tourist and recreation centre next to Lake Velenje and its Velenje Museum.

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Zasavje

There are three unique towns along the Sava River: Zagorje, Trbovlje and Hrastnik with their long and fascinating mining tradition. The Trbovlje power plant boasts the tallest chimney in Europe, and the bravest of visitors will soon be able to climb it. The landscape with its rolling hills calls for hiking excursions into the nature, where fishermen like to meet up and the countryside abounds in homemade treats. Winter is the time to don your skis and hit some of the ski slopes.

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Kozjansko

In addition to the health spas the town of Šentjur, known for the largest late-antiquity archaeological site in Europe, the composer family Ipavec and the beatified bishop Slomšek, attracts visitors with its venerable tradition. Other towns worth visiting are Šmarje pri Jelšah with its notable Calvary under the Church of St. Rok, Olimje with its monastery and the oldest Slovenian pharmacy at the picturesque castle, Kozje with the nearby Park of Kozjansko and the magical Podsreda castle, Rogatec with the renovated Strmol Castle and open-air ethnological museum.

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Kočevje-Ribnica region

The Kočevje region boasts pristine nature and six virgin forests, where brown bears made their home alongside the lynx, wild cat, white-tailed eagle and grey wolf. The nearby town of Ribnica is the handicraft centre, world-famous for its “suha roba” woodenware showcased every September at the Ribnica Fair and Craft Festival. The birthplace of the notable Slovenian linguist Stanislav Škrabec, the Škrabec Homestead, can be visited in the village of Hrovača.

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Ljubljana Marshes

On the capital’s outskirts rests a remarkable natural and archaeological treasure trove. The swampy area was once home to pile dwellers who built their homes on piles, and it was here archaeologists found the remains of the oldest wooden wheel in the world – 5,200 years old. Today it is home to a plethora of plant and animal species. Plečnik’s church in Črna Vas is the most beautiful cultural monument on the Marshes.

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A day trip to central Slovenia

Ljubljana makes a perfect base for day trips across Slovenia. If it is the Alpine world you fancy, head for Kamnik or Velika planina. Cycling enthusiasts will love the unspoilt nature around Ljubljana, and foodies will appreciate an encounter with an authentic culinary experience of the local organic food. There’s a host of opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and admiring the natural and cultural landmarks.

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At the heart of Slovenia

There are many small towns in central Slovenia where you can see various craftspeople, attend interesting events and spend the night on a tourist farm. Discover the natural and cultural attractions of the region extending from the Alps across the Sava to the hills of the Dolenjska region. Enjoy a variety of activities in nature: hiking, cycling and horseback riding; and in recreation centres and adventure parks. Visit thermal spas and discover the joys of winter fun!

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To lunch or dinner

In the vicinity of Ljubljana and in central Slovenia you will find a traditional Slovenian inn almost everywhere you go (the Slovenian term ‘gostilna’ itself derives from the word hospitality), offering traditional Slovenian fare, and the tourist farms in the countryside will serve home-grown and made food. The countryside of Central Slovenia offers a rich culinary experience in an authentic setting.

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Going fishing

Central Slovenia offers myriad opportunities for freshwater fishing in a beautiful environment and pleasant atmosphere. Ljubljana itself has some ponds and rivers popular with fishermen, but the vicinity offers even more stunning peaceful spots. Different locations will accommodate fishermen with different experience and skills – and make sure you have a permit before you go out fishing.

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