Where to find summer refreshment in historical towns?
Who says that it’s not possible to find a refreshingly cool haven in towns on hot summer days? Slovenian historical towns boast pleasant green oases where you can enjoy the shade and splash around in the water.
Our mission is to inspire your visit to Slovenia by sharing the excellent and unique experiences Slovenian tourism has to offer at www.slovenia.info.
Discover inspiring stories and plan for a time when we are able to travel safely again.
Let’s be responsible today for a better tomorrow.
Summer freshness in ancient towns
Slovenian historical towns are particularly charming in the summer months. Numerous visitors, eager to socialise and explore the cultural and historical heritage, are attracted by the lively atmosphere of old town centres, especially in the evening. During the day when the heat forces you to seek shade and refreshments, you can take refuge in the green oases and the waters where you can cool off nicely. Check out where to find the coolest locations to defy the summer heat in towns.
Freshness by the sea
Although the Slovenian coast is rather short, it nevertheless provides some interesting beaches and bays where everyone can find a spot for themselves. See where you can go when visiting the historical coastal towns of Piran and Koper.
Spectacular Piran beaches
Various beaches can be found in the area close to Piran: for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere on the beach and a diverse selection of water activities and also for those who seek peace and quiet and prefer to get closer to nature on secluded beaches.
It’s easy to find somewhere to jump in the sea in the largest coastal town, as it boasts well-maintained beaches where it’s possible to lounge or enjoy a vast array of water activities.
Invigorating thermal springs only a step away from town centres
It’s been known for centuries that thermal water has healing effects on the body (and mind), and swimming in spas is a popular means of relaxation and light recreation throughout the year.
From Kamnik to Terme Snovik
Did you know that Terme Snovik is the highest-lying spa in Slovenia? Its thermal water is enriched with magnesium and calcium, thereby having a beneficial effect, particularly on the bones, skin and digestion. If you visit this region, you have to go to the medieval town of Kamnik, which will enchant you with its crafts tradition and Plečnik’s heritage.
Ptuj is not only the oldest town in Slovenia on the impressive Drava River, boasting remnants of the Roman period, the majestic castle and the oldest wine cellar in the country, there is also Terme Ptuj, where visitors can relax and get pampered. The ancient Romans left their mark on the town and the influence of old Rome can also be noticed in the spa. This features an attractive water park that provides fun for all ages.
In the surrounding area of Brežice, a town with a rich history and a signature castle that houses the Posavje Museum and serves as the venue for the renowned Seviqc Brežice Festival of Medieval Music, you can find many opportunities for thermal relaxation.
In historical towns, nature conjures up many places for romantic gatherings and family picnics. It’s also possible to freshen up in a river or a lake in the summer.
Lake Šmartin – the green Celje oasis
Where do the people of Celje venture when they want to seek refuge in the embrace of nature? To Lake Šmartin, which is only a stone’s throw away from Celje, the town of princes. Everyone can find something refreshing for themselves here, either on the lake or next to it. In addition to activities, the trees provide shade where it’s a pleasure to unwind and enjoy the freshness.
Water refreshment in historical towns on the Krka River
Attractive tree houses are a quirky addition to the natural bathing site at Loka near Žužemberk. In the Krka River, it’s also possible to cool off at the bridge in Kostanjevica na Krki, at Loka and Otočec near Novo Mesto and in Mačkovec.
Na največjem umetnem jezeru v Sloveniji in ob njem gnezdijo mnoge ptice, zaradi edinstvenega okolja pa je del Nature 2000. Poleg kolesarjenja, zanimivih pešpoti, veslanja, surfanja, jadranja, supanja in mnogih drugih rekreativnih dejavnosti Ptujsko jezero omogoča tudi osvežitev.
The Kolpa River is known as the warmest and cleanest Slovenian river, which makes it very popular among the visitors, especially families. The Podzemelj Camp and the Lovšin Estate are maintained camps near Metlika and the Katra Camp and Krone Kolpa Heaven can be found in the vicinity of Črnomelj. Pobrežje in Črnomelj, a nicely maintained embankment on the Kolpa River, is also a pleasant place for cooling off. It’s a spot where you can sit on a bank of the Lahinja River as it snakes its way through the old town centre of Črnomelj.
Kokra River Canyon: a site of refreshment just below the town centre of Kranj
The Kokra River Canyon is a true green oasis in the middle of a town, as the river meanders right below Kranj. Did you know that public town baths opened on its embankment as early as 1900? Today, nature and clean green water in the second deepest urban gorge in Europe still invite you to cool off in its beautiful environment.
The Zgornja Idrijca Landscape Park is a paradise for explorers of isolated paths, wild ravines and the rich technical heritage of Idrija, picturesque gorges and murmuring pools created by the rivers Idrijca and Belca with their tributaries. The rivers have also generated a popular natural bathing site, Lajšt, where you can swim in clean water surrounded by wonderful pristine nature.
Lake Slivnica, also known by the locals as the Kozjansko Sea, enables many activities, including water sports, fishing and picnics, as well as swimming in the summer months. A true green oasis for visitors who want to take a rest after visiting Šentjur.
Find refreshment at the bathing sites on the Sora River outside Škofja Loka
If you crave some cooling off in the summer after seeing the sights of Škofja Loka, the town of the passion play, you can jump into the Sora River at several bathing sites. A nicely restored wooden pier can be found at Puštal bathing site. The Pustotnik natural bathing area is in the vicinity of the spring of the Poljanska Sora River. In addition to the ones mentioned above, other natural bathing sites can be found in the area of Škofja Loka.
From the town streets of Radovljica to the green embrace of Šobec Pond
It’s possible to camp in the idyllic Šobec Camp near Radovljica, soak up the sun on the embankment of the Sava River and enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear water. You’ll enjoy the water activities provided at the 1,600-square metre aquatorium of Šobec Pond, especially if you have children with you.
Once the temperatures reach the red zone, cool off at Lake Ivarčko in the vicinity of Kotlje in the municipality of Ravne na Koroškem. Did you know that this is the lowest lying Alpine lake in Slovenia? In addition to swimming, it’s also possible to paddleboard on the lake, play ball games and enjoy a picnic in the shade. If you have time left after your pleasant break, visit the museum dedicated to the renowned Koroška author Lovro Kuhar –Prežihov Voranc in Kotlje.
Perhaps you’d rather opt for city swimming pools instead of natural bathing sites. These are also plentiful in historical towns. In addition to swimming, the well-maintained infrastructure and excellent catering services will add to your perfect day of chilling in the city.
The complex of three pools in Kranj provides pleasant refreshment and water fun on summer days. This is a great spot for swimmers and children to enjoy carefree splashing.
Slovenske Konjice Swimming Pool
In the hot summer days, cool off in the swimming pool complex in Slovenske Konjice.
Aqualatio swimming pool complex
Where to find refreshing water fun in Slovenj Gradec? Aqualatio swimming pool complex has pools for adults and children and offers a wealth of entertaining adventures.
Feel the freshness on your skin
Slovenia is a land of clean and healthy waters which are a great luxury on summer days. Check out where you can swim and indulge in water experiences.
Where can you swim in Slovenia?
When the air warms up and it is time to freshen up, stop by Slovenian lakes, rivers and the sea. Everywhere you go you will find natural bathing sights and other places where you can dive into the water. In the cities, visit well-equipped bathing areas where you won't get bored. Whenever you want to go for a swim, you can always visit a spa.
When the air warms up and it is time to freshen up, stop by Slovenian lakes, rivers and the sea. Everywhere you go you will find natural bathing sights and other places where you can dive into the water. In the cities, visit well-equipped bathing areas where you won't get bored. Whenever you want to go for a swim, you can always visit a spa.
City bathing sites – refreshing dips within easy reach
City bathing sites – refreshing dips within easy reach
When you visit Slovenian cities, don't forget to take your swimsuit with you, so you can take the plunge at city bathing sites. Some bathing sites boast an additional offering and entertainment programme in the summer that will add some refreshing, watery fun to your unforgettable holidays in Slovenia.
Slovenian waters are amazing and perfect for active experiences. The crystal clear waters will make you want to enjoy all kinds of experiences. Rivers, lakes and the sea are perfect for rowing, swimming, fishing and other adventures that will thrill and refresh you.
Exciting water slides, amazing water effects and, topping it all off, a pirate ship or a jungle attraction – when you visit an attractive water park at a Slovenian spa, a fun-packed day awaits you. Thermal water parks offer endless fun and countless exciting experiences, which will have you falling asleep quickly in the evening and looking forward to new adventures the next day.
The sea provides countless opportunities for water activities. Catch the wind in your sails, ride the surf between the waves, dive into the depths and discover their mysterious world, paddle on the sea surface or simply swim in the blue of the Adriatic Sea.
If you think that summers can’t be enjoyed in towns due to the heat, then come to Slovenia. In the charming towns, you’ll find a multitude of green and refreshing spots where you can seek refuge from the heat of the day. You can also enjoy the lively town atmosphere in the evening and visit a summer festival.
Popular summer meeting spots in Slovenian cities
Tips about where the most action can be found in cities.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive a green piece of Slovenia in your inbox, and learn about holidays, seasonal offers, upcoming events and travel options.
The form contains errors
Please verify the marked fields and try again.
Share with friends
Scroll down until you see the heart icon on the left.
Click on the icon and the content will be added to favourites.
When you revisit the page (in the same browser), the content will still be saved in your favourites.
The General Terms and Conditions determine the conditions and manner of using the Slovenian Tourist Board’s Media Library services. In the Media Library, users have at their disposal high-resolution photos and audio-visual recordings of the products and services offered by Slovenian tourism, which are to be used solely for non-commercial purposes as defined below.
General rules of application
Registration is required to use the Media Library’s services. Registration is available to any legal entity in the Republic of Slovenia and abroad, regardless of their legal form, whose activities involve marketing, promoting and presenting Slovenia as a tourist destination.
Photos and audio-visual recordings (hereafter: materials) may be used free of charge for all non-commercial publications that constitute promotion of Slovenia as a tourist destination, abroad or in the Republic of Slovenia, in accordance with these General Terms and Conditions.
The right to use the materials is not limited in terms of time or place (the use is permitted in Slovenia and other countries) unless a restriction relating to location and duration of use is specifically provided for an individual item of material.
The Slovenian Tourist Board reserves the right to revoke a user’s right to use certain materials at any time.
The rights acquired based on these General Terms and Conditions may not be transferred to third parties.
Citing the source and authorship
Photos and audio-visual recordings may only be used with consistent citation of author/co-authors and source: www.slovenia.info.
Rights of use
A registered user of the Media Library shall obtain the following non-exclusive economic rights to use the downloaded photos and audio-visual recordings:
the right of reproduction and distribution,
the right of making available to the public,
the right of public presentation,
the right of including photos in other copyright work.
The above rights refer to all forms of non-commercial and free-of-charge online posts, print media, audio-visual media services and other communication channels, regardless of the type of media (print, digital), which includes:
Digital catalogues, e-magazines, newsletters (solely for the purposes of free distribution);
Publication in print and other media that report on the Slovenian tourism products and services or promote Slovenia as a tourist destination;
Use on social media as part of organic posts (reporting on an event, press releases (solely unpaid posts);
Printed promotional materials, prospectuses, leaflets, brochures (solely for the purposes of free distribution);
Promotional events in the Republic of Slovenia and abroad (e.g., tourism fairs, exchanges, workshops, presentations, etc.) that are exclusively or predominantly intended to promote Slovenia as a tourist destination.
The above forms of use include solely a free-of-charge form of using materials for the purposes of promoting tourism activities and services in the Republic of Slovenia or presenting Slovenia as a tourist destination.
Prohibited forms of using materials/commercial use of materials
Using materials for commercial purposes, such as reproduction on postcards, T-shirts, books, magnets, embedding audio-visual inserts in one’s own promotional materials, all forms of external advertising (stationary billboards, digital advertising, etc.), use in advertisements unrelated to the promotion of Slovenia as a tourist destination, use on websites that are not intended to present Slovenian tourism products and services and similar activities, is not included in these General Terms and Conditions and is prohibited.
It is strictly prohibited to use materials on media and distribution channels that are marketed or sold to users (books, school textbooks, other commercial publishing, calendars, postcards, fast-moving consumer goods (clothes and other products), advertising of non-tourism products and services, reproduction of materials on vehicles, etc.).
Using audio-visual materials is allowed only in the unchanged form available in the Media Library. Transformations, adaptations, clips, embeddings, and instances of using individual shots in one’s own audio-visual works, even if intended for promotional purposes, is prohibited.
Breaches of General Terms and Conditions
Any breach of economic and/or moral rights of the authors of photographs or audio-visual recordings may constitute a criminal offence and may result in substantive and damage liability of the user.
The entity breaching copyright pertaining to the material shall reimburse the Slovenian Tourist Board for all the damage incurred to it due to the breach of rights.
The Slovenian Tourist Board shall not be liable for any use of photos and video recordings that is contrary to these rules. The user of the material shall be entirely responsible for the content and manner of use.
General provisions
These Media Library General Terms and Conditions shall apply for all instances of using the material unless the Slovenian Tourist Board and user agree on special terms of using the material in advance and in writing for a specific instance of using the material.
These General Terms and Conditions shall be subject to occasional amendments. Upon the user’s publication of the material, the version of the General Terms and Conditions that is current at that particular time shall apply for the use of materials. If the user disagrees with the amendments made to these General Terms and Conditions, they shall immediately cease using the material and remove it from all media and other communication channels.
Alma is a ChatGPT-based virtual travel guide designed to help you find information and inspiration for your next visit to Slovenia. She is full of ideas for great experiences, knows Slovenian destinations and the variety of activities you are particularly interested in, so she can offer you personalised content and inspiring stories available on the official slovenia.info tourism portal.
Our virtual advisor was inspired by the intrepid world traveller Alma M. Karlin; therefore, we named her ALMA.
For an optimal experience, we suggest talking to Alma as a real interlocutor, mentioning the destination you are interested in, the activities you want to experience and when you want to visit Slovenia.
All information provided by Alma is for information purposes only and may contain limitations and errors.
Have you met Alma?
Alma is a ChatGPT-based virtual travel guide to help you find information and inspiration for your next visit to Slovenia.
You may ask her anything you want to know about destinations in Slovenia.
I give my consent to the Slovenian Tourist Board to use cookies that enable the display of content (e.g.: audio clips, video clips, images) from other online sources (YouTube, Spotify, etc.) and remember my language selection on the www.slovenia.info website. I also confirm that I have been acquainted with my rights related to the provided personal data.
Personal data controller:
Slovenian Tourist Board, Dimičeva ulica 13, Ljubljana
Phone: +386 1 5898 550
Email: info@slovenia.info
I give permission for the Slovenian Tourist Board to record and store anonymised data about my activity on the website, which will be used to provide a better user experience for visitors to the portal in the future. I also confirm that I have been acquainted with my rights related to the provided personal data.
Personal data controller:
Slovenian Tourist Board, Dimičeva ulica 13, Ljubljana,
Phone: +386 1 5898 550
E-mail: info@slovenia.info
I give permission for the Slovenian Tourist Board to record my activities on the website regarding my visits to individual types of content in order to produce and display better quality content that is of interest to me.
As the Slovenian Tourist Board strives to display high-quality and interesting content on the website, it wishes to measure responses to the displayed notifications and content, track user activity on the website, and create user profiles for targeted advertising, and therefore automatically processes and analyses personal data and assesses user interest in displaying and receiving notifications. I also confirm that I have been acquainted with my rights related to the provided personal data.
Personal data controller:
Slovenian Tourist Board, Dimičeva ulica 13, Ljubljana
Phone: +386 1 5898 550
Email: info@slovenia.info
I give permission for the Slovenian Tourist Board to record and store information about my interests, displays, and clicks on advertising content for the purpose of providing specific, topical, high-quality, and targeted advertising content, as well as for the purpose of measuring the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and limiting the repetition of advertisements. These settings apply to advertisements displayed by the Slovenian Tourist Board via advertising on social media platforms (e.g.: Meta, LinkedIn, etc.), international search engines (e.g.: Google), as well as through online applications and activities that directly address the user. Such cookies allow us to track our campaigns online. I also confirm that I have been acquainted with myrights related to the provided personal data.
Personal data controller:
Slovenian Tourist Board, Dimičeva ulica 13, Ljubljana
Phone: +386 1 5898 550
Email: info@slovenia.info