Travelling by train is one of the most sustainable ways to explore Slovenia. Check out some of the most beautiful train journeys and trips that are a must.
I’m taking the train!
Why travel by train? Because the journey is relaxed, comfortable and sustainable. Travelling by train can be quite an exhilarating experience. In Slovenia, you can find scenic railway routes along which you have the opportunity to admire exceptional nature, lovely villages and charming towns. It’s possible to travel to different parts of the country by train, among high Alpine peaks, to the coast or wine-producing hills. Slovenia has a total of some 1,200 kilometres of railway lines. Here are but a few options for travelling around Slovenia by train, all of which are fascinating and well worth exploring.
Along the Bohinj railway by motorail train
Venture on one of the most picturesque train journeys by travelling between two wonderful Alpine valleys, the Bohinj and the Soča River valleys. The Bohinj railway has been part of the Prague–Trieste rail connection for almost 120 years. Its special features include the 6,327-metre long Bohinj tunnel, considered to be the longest rail tunnel in Slovenia, and the Solkan Bridge, the world’s longest stone arch rail bridge.
It’s possible to travel on the railway in your car. Yes, you read that right. A special motorail train operates between Bohinjska Bistrica and Most na Soči onto which you drive your car, thereby enjoying the journey in your own "private railcar". You will travel through 28 tunnels, five galleries and over 65 bridges and admire the scenic hilly landscape of the Bača Gorge and the lower section of the Soča River Valley.
Hiking is a special experience of nature that can begin with your train journey to the starting point. Prepare your hiking equipment and relax on the train. Discover the Zasavje Hills, starting with its highest peak, Mt Kum. Take the train to Jesenice and climb nearby Mt Golica and the surrounding peaks of the Karavanke Alps. You may be tempted to discover the heritage of the Isonzo Front and the bounty of nature on Mt Sabotin, which you can ascend from Solkan. From the railway station in Bohinj, climb Mt Kobla and onwards to Mt Črna Prst or the Soriška Planina plateau. Or you can take the train to Maribor and enjoy the beauty of the green Pohorje Hills.
Spa train: travel in a sustainable way to enjoy relaxation
Treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable experience. Board the train in Ljubljana and travel among the rounded hills of Zasavje towards the Savinja Valley and onwards to the Obsotelje region. Stop in Laško for a dip under the glass dome of Thermana Laško. If you show your train ticket, you’ll be able to swim and indulge in some pampering at lower rates.
You can also take the train to Terme Olimia in Podčetrtek, which boasts one of the most modern wellness centres in the country. To enjoy fun family moments, visit the Aqualuna Water Park and its daring slides, water attractions and thematic experiences.
Wine train: an experience of the wine-producing Vipava Valley
Discover the wealth of the Vipava wines via a unique wine tasting on a train. The 5-hour journey along the Vipava Valley starts and ends at the railway station in Nova Gorica. You will be joined by a local winemaker who will introduce five supreme local wines. The train makes a brief stop in Ajdovščina, where you can go for a walk in the town, see its remnants of Roman times and experience its artistic spirit. The next stop is in the village of Dornberk, where you’ll taste a few more wines and local dishes.
The Drava Cycling Route is a popular long-distance cycling route in Slovenia. It leads across the Koroška region to Maribor and onwards to Ptuj and Ormož. This is one of the most sustainable ways of discovering Slovenia along the Drava River while also admiring the scenic landscape that transforms from green forests into wine-producing hills. If cycling becomes too difficult, it’s always possible to load the bike onto a train and travel a section of the route by rail. Hop on the bike train, which operates between Pliberk/Bleiburg and Maribor, on Saturdays in the summer.
A train journey through the beautiful landscapes of Slovenia can be further upgraded with a visit to cultural institutions and by attending events that can be found not far away from railway stations. Often, you can find interesting museums and exhibitions to complement your train journey at the railway station.
Visit the Park of Military History
Are you interested in flying a war plane flight simulator? Or see what a submarine looks like from inside? Would you like to see how military technology has developed over time? You can experience and learn all of the above and more at the Park of Military History in Pivka, to which you can travel by train. The railway station in Pivka is only a short walk away from the largest museum complex in Slovenia.
Take the train to Šentjur and travel back in time after arriving at the station. A former stationmaster will take you around the Southern Railway Museum and share with you interesting stories and anecdotes linked to the railway. The museum showcases fascinating exhibits and photographs that testify to the great history of the Southern Railway. Taste the wines of local producers in the museum cellar.
A visit to the Tehnopark in Celje is a special experience for the entire family. A short walk from the railway station brings you to a science and entertainment park where you’ll get answers to questions relating to how our bodies and other things work, what causes certain phenomena, etc., all in a fun and interactive way. With the help of virtual reality, you can also fly like a bird.
Travel to the Posavje region by train and stop in Sevnica, where you can see a model railway at the train station. Experience railway transport in miniature and learn about the various engines and railcars that travel along railway tracks measuring 50 metres in total. The model also features four stations and includes railway signalling devices, various buildings, cars, trees and lights, giving it a real-life character.
Irrespective of which part of Slovenia you’re coming from by train to reach the capital, Ljubljana, you should certainly stop off at the Railway Museum and take a journey through the history of Slovenian railways. You’ll feel the spirit of railways and railway stations when walking among steam engines and other impressive railway exhibits. A visit to the Railway Museum can be a great way to add extra fun to your family trip.
Travel by train to the Karst to discover its mysterious underground world. Enter the Postojna Notranjska Museum, which you’ll find in the vicinity of the railway station. Learn about the karst phenomena in the museum and then see them in real life in the renowned Postojna Cave.
Slovenia was the first country in the world to be declared a green destination and sustainability is important to us. When it comes to travelling, accommodation or eating, we always look for the best ways to behave sustainably and responsibly, keeping future generations in mind.
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