Introducing Slovenia Don’t let its diminutive size fool you. Slovenia’s location at one of the Europe’s true geographical, cultural and historical crossroads has blessed the country with a wealth of sights and attractions - all of which are easily accessible from the vibrant capital Ljubljana. Summer sees tourism reach its height on the continent and our adorable country is no different in this regard. You’ve made a wise decision picking up this map, as we’ve got the entire country covered, from fairytale Bled in the north to second city Maribor in the east to picturesque Piran and the rest of country’s Mediterranean coast in the west, not to forget everything from the Soča Valley to Prekmurje. Slovenia might be one of the prettiest countries we’ve come across, but that isn’t to say it’s just for looking at. Summer is festival season and Slovenia certainly adheres to this, with a wide range of events and celebrations taking part through the warmer months in the middle of the year. Music festivals, traditional events, sporting events, even beer festivals, if it’s worth celebrating you can find it within our borders. We’ve delved beyond the obvious for this map as well, as we bring you five of our favourite hidden gems throughout the country. These places might not get the same mass of visitors as the major sights, but we defy you not to fall in love with each and every one of them, as the reasons pile up to fall in love with our dear Slovenia. There you have it. Slovenia is an all-too-ideal summer tourist destination. You’d be a fool to pass it up.
Top 10 Attractions Top 10 Events
Language BASICS Do you speak English? - Govorite angleško (Goh-voh- REE-teh Ahn-GLESHko)? I don’t understand - Ne razumem (Nuh ra-ZOO-mehm) Where is the toilet? WC? - Kje je stranišče (Key- yay strahn-EESH-chay)? WC (Vay-tsay)? Good Morning - Dobro Jutro (DOH-broh YOO- troh) Good Day - Dober Dan (DOH-behr dahn) Good Night - Lahko noč (Lah-koh noh-ch) Yes - Ja (Yah) No - Ne (Nay) Hello - Živjo (Jeeve-yoh) Thank you - Hvala (HVAL-a) Please - Prosim (PRO-seem) Excuse me/Sorry – Oprostite (Oh-PROS-tee-tay) Pardon me (asking for help) – Prosim (pro-SEEM) My name is....- Jaz sem (Yahz sem) … I am from... - Jaz sem iz (Yahz sem iz)... QUESTIONS Who? - Kdo?(K-doh) What? - Kaj?(Kai) Where? - Kje ? (Key-yay) When? - Kdaj (K-dai) How much does it cost? - Koliko stane (KOH-lee-koh STAH-neh)? SIGNS Open - odprto (Ohd-PURT-oh) Closed - zaprto (Zah-PURT-oh) Entrance - vhod (oo-hod) Exit - izhod (eez-hod) Push – rini (ree-nee) Pull – vleci (oo-LETS-ee)
Getting Around Slovenia Even the most cursory glance at a European map can tell you that Slovenia is as central as nations in this great continent come. Bordering Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, it is surrounded by four different historical cultures that it has taken within itself to create something special. As such it is immensely accessible through a number of means, just a few hours drive from Venice or Vienna, from Budapest or Belgrade. Whether it is by car, train, bus, plane or boat (although not so easy in winter via the sea), it has never been easier to get to Slovenia. For those arriving with their own vehicle, it is vital to know that in order to drive on the motorways of Slovenia one must have a vinjeta (veen-yeh-tah) sticker. This system exists in lieu of tolls, and the vinjeta is easily obtained at nearly all gas stations and kiosks. Yearly/monthly/weekly stickers cost €110/30/15 for cars, and for more information head to www.dars.si. Ljubljana, the nation’s capital, has a vast range of train and bus links to other countries, and from the main city it is possible to head out to other parts of the country by the same means. Head to www.ap-ljubljana.si (bus) or www.slo-zeleznice.si (train) for more details). Slovenia also has three international airports (Ljubljana, Portorož and Maribor), with the vast majority of flights heading into Ljubljana. Adria Airways is the national carrier, but a number of budget airlines such as EasyJet and WizzAir also fly here. Slovenia By The Numbers Population 2,048,951 (2011 estimate) Area 20,273 square kilometres Ethnic composition Slovenian 83%, Former Yugoslav Minorities 5.3%, Hungarian, Albanian, Roma, Italian and others 11.7% Official Languages Slovenian, Italian, Hungarian Local Time Central European (GMT +1hr) Longest River Sava (221km in Slovenia) Highest Mountain Triglav 2,864m Borders Austria 318km, Italy 280km, Hungary 102km, Croatia 670km Exchange rates 1 EUR € = 0.72 UK£ = 1.10 US$ = 1.03 CHF = 120.60 дин = 7.56 HRK = 57.53 руб = 6.82 CNY = 136.48 YEN (31.5.2015)
Ljubljana Castle
Postojna Cave
Photo by Iztok Medja, Postojnska jama d.d.
Savica Waterfall
Lipica Stud Farm
Heart of Slovenia
Photo by Mitja Sodja
Perched on top of Castle Hill (Grajska planota) and dominating the city skyline to the south, Ljubljana’s magnificent castle stands on the site of several former defensive buildings in a hilly area of land stretching away to the south of the old town. The current main points of interest for the visitor are the Outlook Tower (Razgledni Stolp), built in the 19th century and raised a further 1.2m by the government in 1982. On the same floor find a small door that takes you to the top of the tower up some 100 red cast-iron steps, each individually decorated with an image of the tower and the city’s dragon. A door at the top leads to a small viewing platform (not for the faint hearted) with wonderful views of the city.The castle also runs a fascinating Time Machine tour, where you can explore six different generations of Ljubljana life.To reach it, several small paths lead up from the old town, or take the funicular next to the Puppet Theatre and open market. www.visitljubljana.com
The largest and most famous show cave in all of Europe, words on a page can hardly do justice to the majesty of Postojna. So far, more than 24 kilometres of galleries have been found, of which 5km are open to the public. All the same, a visit here still takes up much of a morning or an afternoon, as you make your way through the most spectacular parts of the cave, at first by a dinky little narrow-gauge train, and then on foot. There are no stairs or difficult climbs along the path to or inside the cave, so visitors with limited mobility should not have any difficulties. Highlights of the cave include the enormous stalactites and stalagmites, and the quite sensational Concert Hall, which can (and does) hold 10,000 people. The caves are also home to olms (or white salamanders), a blind amphibian endemic to the subterranean waters of caves of this part of Europe. www.postojnska-jama.eu
Your time spent in Bohinj would not be complete without a day trip to one of Slovenia’s greatest waterfalls. Arguably the most famous spot of cascading water in the country, Savica is the third most visited attraction in the entire country and it is easy to understand why. Fed by the slopes of the Komarča, the waterfall is located within Triglav National Park. To reach the waterfall it’s a roughly one hour walk up a thickly forested slope. The waterfall itself drops a towering 78m into a large water sink, which is located at an altitude of 500m. An inspirational sight, it has often been written about by well-known Slovenian poets and writers, most famously by Slovenia’s greatest lyricist France Prešeren in his work entitled ‘Krst pri Savici’. If Prešeren deemed it worthy of tribute then take it from us, it is rather special indeed. A small entrance fee is required at the entrance to the site. www.bohinj-info.com
Founded in 1580, it is one of Slovenia’s most proud cultural and historical monuments: the cradle of the Lipizzaner horse. The breeding and selection of thoroughbred horses has traditionally been practiced here for more than 400 years. The 20th century saw the establishment of a classical riding school at Lipica, resulting in successful performances at international equestrian events, with the horses of course.Today, Lipica is something of a paradox; surrounded by unspoilt countryside yet boasting excellent facilities for guests: a hotel, golf course, tennis courts, mini golf, gym and even a casino. Lets hope the latter is a safe distance from the white beauties in their historic stables. Inevitably, riding lessons on Lipizzaners and horse-drawn carriage rides around Lipica park are immensely popular, as are the classical riding performances (complete with dancing horses), great! Really, a must see in Slovenia. www.lipica.org
In the Heart of Slovenia, the life of the past and life in the present sidle up next to each other in complete comfort. The land east of Ljubljana has been a regional crossroads for centuries, and the rivers that cross this territory pay testament to a long and storied history. The towns of Ivančna Gorica, Litija, Lukovica, Kamnik, Mengeš, Šentrupert and Šmartno pri Litiji are full of of roman ruins, baroque churches, adorable villages and 21st century health centres are surrounded by views of the mountains, luscious greenery and river walks in a compact kaleidoscope of everything that Slovenia has to offer. It is here that we find the geometric centre of the entire country, along with our favourite church, the highest alpine pastures and much more. Compact is the right word, meaning exploring this stunning region couldn’t be easier. www.heartofslovenia.com
Tartini Square
Olimje
Soča Valley
Lake Bled
Škocjan Caves
Piran was already home to arguably the most impressive square in Slovenia, all debate was put to rest when it was transformed into a pedestrian only zone with outdoor cafés taking the place of parked cars - a fact that has yet to be reflected on most internet sites, including Google Maps. Fronted by two large neo-Renaissance buildings on one side and a mélange of smaller buildings of varying architectural styles on the other, the square itself is younger than almost all of them, having been part of Piran’s harbour until it was filled in in 1884. The square’s inner oval was given its distinctive shape when it served as the terminus for an electric railway that connected Piran to Portorož and Lucija until 1953, while its white marble surface was something of a posthumous gift to the late Tartini in 1992 on what would have been his 300th birthday. www.portoroz.si
Not necessarily an attraction in itself, Olimje nonetheless has been officially recognised as the most beautiful village in all of Europe winning the gold medal in the 2009 Entente Florale Europe Competition. You don’t win such awards without being thoroughly deserving of course, and the village itself has a number of other things to do outside of pure aesthetic wonder. The real gems are found in the surroundings however. Olimje Monastery sits on a slope at the end of a valley, and is as visually striking as it gets, all grey paint with architectural details highlighted in white. Originally a fort, it would be remodelled as a country mansion and then a castle, before being donated to Pauline monks in 1657. Emperor Joseph II abolished the monastery in 1782, but in 1999 it was reverted to its former glory. Nearby we also find a delightful chocolate factory, where every chocolate creation you can imagine is for sale. www.olimje.net
As one transcends the winding road up from Tolmin, or descends the southside of Vršič mountain pass, they become mesmerised by flashes of turquoise appearing at their side. Steal a glance or two more and you realise it is an enchanting river, none other than the Soča. Along its banks, in its catchment area, several towns and numerous villages have lain since the Slavic tribes settled here in the 6th century, the ancestors of modern day Slovenes, their luck untold. It is a beautiful valley, in the true sense of the word. Towering rocky mountains of Triglav National Park, lush green forest and that crystalline water on pure white stones. Breathtaking. For those who can appreciate natural beauty, or enjoy it through outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting or paragliding, it’s perfection. Its significance in modern history undoubtedly draws visitors too, the world wars having seen key front lines on this territory. www. dolina-soce.com
If there was a tick sheet of things a tourist or traveller would want from a place based purely on aesthetics, it would probably run something as such; big blue lake, idyllic island, iconic church, domineering castle atop a hill. Lake Bled has all of this, with the added bonus of the church sitting proudly in the middle of the island. It is one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia, and for good reason. As picturesque as a destination can be, Bled is one of the most striking Alpine resorts going and offers something for all manner of visitors, be they old, young, those in search of activity or in search of relaxation. Learn about the history of time telling in the separate Bell Tower before tasting some traditional Potica, a pastry nut roll with no end of fillings. Some 600m above the lake we find Bled Castle, the oldest in the country keeping an ever-present protective watch over the lake. www.bled.si
Quite simply put, Slovenia’s Škocjan Caves are one of the most astounding natural attractions on the planet. You don’t have to take our word for it, as there is a significant amount of official documentation to support this assertion. One of only three locations in Slovenia to be recognised as a world heritage site by UNESCO, Škocjan is the only one to be on the natural monument list, with this distinction also notably given to only three other caves in the entire world. Created by the Reka River, one of the two possible tours of the cave follows the natural entrance near the village of Škocjan. The more popular tour begins at the other end however, through a man-made entrance, and passes by the main sights such as the so-called Silent Cave and exits by way of the underground Reka River canyon, traversing the dizzying 50m-high Cerkvenik Bridge. Škocjan is easily reached by car and train from Ljubljana. www.park-skocjanske-jame.si
Hidden Gems
Top 5 Activities
BOŽIDAR JAKAC GALLERY Housed in what was formerly the Kostanjevica monastery, Božidar Jakac is not only the largest gallery in Slovenia, it is also one of the most impressive exhibition spaces we have ever seen - in Slovenia or elsewhere. The former monastery is divided into many separate galleries, many of which exhibit works of a single Slovene artist.
Stand Up Paddling in Ljubljana For a unique view of Ljubljana, whilst trying a fun new sport and getting fit all at the same time, book into Bananaway’s stand-up paddle or SUP guided tour of Ljubljana.
SEVICQ BREŽICE FESTIVAL (22.06 - 28.08) The Seviqc Brežice Festival is synonymous with early music in Slovenia and one of its most important cultural events which shows the colourfulness of musical styles from different European countries, from the middle ages right up to the beginning of the 20th century. This diverse programme is the very aim of the Seviqc Brežice Festival, whose name comes from the abbreviation of the Latin expression Semper Viva Quam Creata, which means ‘Always live as created’. LJUBLJANA FESTIVAL (28.06 - 28.09) The summer Ljubljana Festival is easily the country’s premier cultural event each year, with nearly three months of classical music concerts, opera and ballet events, theatrical performances and much more. The invited artists are both international and Slovene, and frequently include some of the most prestigious names in the world of music and performing arts. LAŠKO BEER AND FLOWERS FESTIVAL (16.07 - 19.07) Not only do people like beer, but they’ll use any excuse to get together and drink it - for instance, a flower exhibition (or more specifically, a flower festival held in the same town as the Slovenia’s largest brewery). Some 150,000 visitors flock here to drink beer, listen to live concerts, drink beer, watch parades, drink beer, look at flower exhibitions, drink beer, enjoy the general atmosphere of unbridled revelry and of course drink some beer. BLED DAYS & BLED NIGHT (17.07 - 19.07) Held on a late July weekend each year, this festival is one of the summer’s
main festivals in Bled, and consists of a diverse schedule of events ranging from a daily arts and crafts fair and children’s puppet shows to street theatre performances and concerts. One event not to be missed is the traditional lighting of candles on the lake followed by a fireworks display from the castle METAL DAYS (19.07 - 25.07) The metal music genre is still one of music’s most understood, with most assuming it is a world where only the grim faced and dark can reside. Tolmin’s annual Metal Days festival goes a long way to changing this, taking place in the gorgeous Soča Valley over a few days every July. The sun shines, the beer flows and the good times roll. Let go of your preconceptions and have as much fun as everyone else. SCHENGENFEST (29.07 - 01.08) How can you not like a festival whose motto is to be “bigger and sexier each year” - especially when this goal has actually been accomplished in full for over half a decade? When Schengenfest first began in 2008, it was little more than a one-day concert with only half a dozen performers taking to the stage. The festival is held around the first week of August each summer near the village of Vinica. OKARINA ETHNO MUSIC FESTIVAL (30.07 - 02.08) First held in 1991, the original line up for the then one-day Okarina Etno Festival contained just two artists, a group made up of Slovenes and Croats and another from Czech Republic. By 1998 this had exploded into a festi-
val featuring 26 artists from 14 different countries spanning 10 days. Back down to a more streamlined line up this year, the Okarina Etno Festival is celebrating its 25th year of work. PIPPI LONGSTOCKING FESTIVAL (20.09 - 26.09) The largest children’s event in Slovenia, Velenje’s annual Pikin Festival involves that famous nine-year old girl (Pika Nogavička in Slovene) and her little freckly nose, distinct ginger hair and pig tails - but this time she has been cloned many times over, and runs around inviting kids to have fun and get involved in creative and educational activities, workshops, performances and movies. KRAVJI BAL (19.09) The summer season in Slovenia’s alpine region officially ends in mid-September with one of the country’s most unique, if lesser known, festivals: the annual Kravji Bal, or traditional Cow Ball. Held in Bohinj since 1954, the event celebrates the return of local shepherds and their cattle to the valley after a summer of grazing high up in the pastures of the Julian Alps. LIVING HISTORY AT THE OLD CELJE CASTLE Knights, archers, princesses, fortune tellers and more take over Celje castle over the weekends in Summer, culminating in August when crowds pack the castle grounds to see full on battles, royal ceremonies and tons of hands-on activities for children (and parents). It’s easily one of the best medieval events in Slovenia and not to missed if you’re in Slovenia this summer.
NADIŽA RIVER In the gorgeous Soča Valley, the Nadiža River and its turquoise waters are thought to contain healing powers. We aren’t sure about that, but the beauty of the waters can’t be denied. PREM The culturally protected village of Prem is dominated by its eponymous castle, which has gone through a number of changes in its 800 years. A fascinating space, the castle’s decadent ballroom is of particular interest.
A Round of Golf at Bled Bled is the oldest Slovenian golf course and is said to be one of the most beautiful golf courses in central Europe. The green fees are not the cheapest in the country, but one look at the stunning vistas and the impressive course itself, and most players will consider it well worth it. Hiking Triglav The first recorded ascent of Triglav was made on 26 August 1778, and the climb to the summit is not all that hard, but it is long. It’s a two-day ascent to the top, and requires an overnight stay in a mountain cabin.
TRŽIČ Situated near the ancient route that connected Carinthia with the plains of Gorenjska, the town centre of Tržič is a protected cultural and historical monument full of canals. The Venice of the Alps indeed!
Watersports in Soča Rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed, what better ways to experience the grandeur of the river Soča? On the waters themselves you can enjoy (and endure) a great little adventure, with a team of friends in a raft, a group of them in kayaks or gliding through the tourquoise liquid crystal with little more than a wetsuit.
ŽIČE MONASTERY The 12th century monastery at Žiče was the first Carthusian monastery in the Germany-influenced world, and also housed one of the first pharmacies on Slovenian soil. The oldest gostilna in Slovenia is also nearby.
Adventure in Goričko Goričko castle happens to sit on a particularly fascinating spot, the site of last volcanic eruption in Slovenia no less. This momentous occasion some three million years ago is now home to an adventure and educational park.
Summer 2015
The Slovenia Map
1 VENIA
Park tojnska Pos ama j
In the restaurant we offer you:
# SLO
• domestic light and dark beer Haler, • homemade radler flavored with lime, • pizzas, various house specialties such as roast pork knuckle, beer sausage ..., • lunches and offers for groups.
in
We also have rooms and apartments at affordable prices.
nture e v d a t n e Magnific
POSTOJNA ADVENTURE PARK
Homestead Haler Olimje Olimje 6, 3254 Podčetrtek
Middle Eastern cuisine Trubarjeva 40, Ljubljana Monday - Saturday: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm, Sunday, Holiday: 01.00 pm - 10.00 pm
web page: www.haler-sp.si , e-mail: info@haler-sp.si
Falafel sandwich
Sihsh kebab
Skalop salad
STOJA TRADE d.o.o.
FOR RENT I FOR SALE I WE RENT I WE BUY
The Heart of Slovenia is an area in the centre of Slovenia, in the outskirts of Ljubljana – the capital of Slovenia. It stretches from the hilly landscape of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in the north, through valleys and hills along the Sava River, the biggest Slovenian river, and to the wine-producing hills of Dolenjsko in the southern part of the Heart of Slovenia. The area geographically connects several municipalities and has the shape of a heart, stretching from the Geometric Centre of Slovenia GEOSS, which is also one of the unique features of the Heart of Slovenia. The Heart of Slovenia is an excellent starting point for exploring all Slovenian landscapes: from the Alps to the Mediterranean, from the Karst to the Pannonian Plain. Everything is close in Slovenia!
Dolenjska cesta 242C, SI-1000 Ljubljana T: +386 1 2800 860, F: +386 1 2800 861 E: info@stoja-trade.si
APARTMENTS I HOUSES I BUSINESS PREMISES I LAND
FOLLOW YOUR HEART: VISIT THE HEART OF SLOVENIA
Arabic rolls Baklava Fatayer ... and many more delicacies that will make you come for more
www.union-experience.si
Minister of Health warns: Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful for your health!
www.heartofslovenia.com
julY, august and september
every day 11.00, 13.00, 15.00, 17.00 maY, june
every day 11.00, 15.00 januarY, februarY, marCH, april, oCtober, november and deCember
GraZ
a
H
Saturday and Sunday 11.00, 15.00
marIBor
I UDInE
LjUBLjana
PaLmanoVa VEnEZIa
ZaGrEB
trIEstE rIjEka
G LLIN
TSE
BES
LoŠInj
uid
lg sica clas st a astle! u j c an jana e th l Mor of Ljub r tou
Hr PULa
To attend events we recommend that visitors use the funicular railway.
Postojnska jama Jamska c. 30, Postojna www.postojnska-jama.eu
014. IN 2 ed
Info center T +386 1 306 42 93 M +386 51 381 690 E info-center@ljubljanskigrad.si www.ljubljanskigrad.si @Ljubljanskigrad
Ljubljana Castle
Oglas Casovni stroj 83x100.indd 1
Publisher IQBATOR Ltd. Director Niko Slavnic M.Sc Editor John Bills Writer Yuri Barron, John Bills, James Cosier, Will Dunn Design Mateja Štruc Sales & Operations Irena Jamnikar, Stanka Parkelj Rozina, Karmen Hribar Map Monolit
1989
7/8/15 2:19 PM
Publisher IQbator, Drenikova 33, 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia, www.heartofslovenia.com +386 30 316 602 ISSN 1855-3486 Printed Evografis d.o.o Editor John Bills Writer John Bills, Yuri Barron Design Mateja Štruc Photography Local tourist boards, Shutterstock, Flickr Sales & Circulation Irena Jamnikar, Stanka Parkelj Rozina, Karmen Hribar, Štefan Kodila
Koroška 14, 4280 Kranjska Gora, Slovenija T: +386 (0)4 582 00 00 M:+386 41 355 925
www.penzion-lipa.si
info@penzion-lipa.si
The Slovenia Map
Copyright notice Text and photos copyright IQBATOR d.o.o. Maps copyright cartographer. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, except brief extracts for the purpose of review, without written permission from the publisher and copyright owner. Maps Monolit d.o.o