Top 10 Attractions Top Top10 10Destinations Events Top 10 Events While summer is understandably peak tourist season in Slovenia, the winter is when the country truly comes alive for locals, making it perhaps the best time of the year for visitors to experience it in all its glory. From late November till the early days of January, Christmas markets pop up in seemingly every old town square in the country, with none larger or more festive than the celebrations in the capital Ljubljana. Of course for many people the winter is synonymous with hitting the slopes, and there are very few countries in the world (if any) where skiing is a more popular pastime than in Slovenia. It’s not unheard of for Slovenians to take their first skiing lessons not long after they take their first steps, and with so many ski resorts located within easy driving distance of the country’s major population centres, you’re quite literally never more than 30-minutes from fresh powder. This is why many of Slovenia’s major winter events are international ski competitions, with Zlata Lisica (the Golden Fox) in Maribor and the Planica FIS World Cup Ski Jumping Final the two most hotly anticipated and highly attended. For those who would rather spend their winter holidays relaxing, Slovenia is also home to over a dozen world class thermal spas and wellness resorts, which boast both modern facilities as well as traditions dating back hundreds of years, thanks to the abundant supply of natural thermal waters flowing beneath the country’s surface. While foremost among the non-ski related winter events are Slovenia’s two most famous carnival celebrations in Ptuj and Cerknica. This may seem like an overwhelming number of options for what to see and do during your winter holidays on the sunny side of the Alps, but don’t fret, as Slovenia’s prodigious number of tourist attractions and events are matched by its diminutive size, which means an incredible amount can be experienced during even shorter trips.
The tongue twisting capital of Slovenia is the figurative and (almost) literal centre of the country, with nearly three times more inhabitants than any other Slovene city and an even larger share of its commercial, administrative, cultural and educational activity. The city combines a quaint and well-kept medieval old town at its centre with more modern districts radiating out in all directions. Ljubljana has a vibrancy and youthful air that would be the envy of much larger cities, with countless cultural events taking place on a daily basis, as well as a spirited nightlife scene. And at the same time it manages to be one of the safest and cleanest cities of its size anywhere in Europe, even being named the European Green Capital for 2016. Add all this to the fact that the city is only a 20-minute drive from ski resorts in the Alps and 45 minutes from Mediterranean beaches, and it’s easy to see why Ljubljana has garnered such high praise in recent years.
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 not surprisingly one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia. In December and January there is even more reason to pay Bled a visit, as the annual Festive Winter Village guarantees a daily dose of fun for the whole family, with music, food, dancing, drinking and countless other performances taking place until 17 January. Highlights include the Legend of the Sunken Bell on Christmas day, the Olympic Circle of Friendship on 30 January and of course New Year’s Eve celebrations throughout the day on 31 January. Open Mon-Fri 14:00-20:00 and Sat, Sun and holidays 10:00-21:00. See www.bled.si for the full programme.
Sitting in the foothills of the Pohorje Mountains and straddling the banks of the Drava River, Maribor is Slovenia’s second largest city though it sometimes feels more like a country town. An industrial powerhouse in Yugoslav times, many of the state owned companies closed down leading to a tough transition period which the city is still dealing with today. And whilst the industrial zones aren’t much to see, there are plenty of excellent natural, cultural and historic sights worth checking out both in and around town. Despite its size, Maribor has a vibrant café culture, excellent bars and restaurants as well as happening nightlife, making it one of our favourite city getaway destinations. The city is also famed for its long wine traditions, officially being home to the oldest grapevine in the world, and the vineyards come almost to the edge of town. Also on the edge of town are the Pohorje mountains which offer plenty of (downhill and even more cross country) skiing opportunities, that is when they’re not hosting international ski competitions.
With only 47km of Adriatic coast Slovenes have to make the most of every centimetre. The result is a coastline dotted with half a dozen or so notable towns, each with its own unique character. The poetically named Portorož, or Port of Roses, is home to one of the largest modern marinas on the Adriatic and is the undisputed king of Slovenia’s coastal tourism trade. Although it lacks the Venetian old towns that can be found else where along the coast, its numerous hotels, restaurants, conference centres, spas and casinos make it a popular destination for both foreigners and Slovenes throughout the year, and an excellent base for day trips and excursions farther afield. Portorož has been a tourist destination as far back as the 13th century, when it developed a niche as a health resort. Towards the end of the 19th century it became widely known for the healing properties of its mud and salt water baths, and this reputation has persisted till today.
Kranjska Gora is, not surprisingly, famous for its skiing and other winter sports. People from the area are often excellent skiers, as parents have their kids racing down the toughest runs as soon as they learn how to walk. Slovenia’s professional skiers have enjoyed a significant amount of success in World Cup and Olympic competitions and most of them hail from Gorenjska. The Vitranc World Cup and the annual ski flying event in nearby Planica bring thousands of spectators to Kranjska Gora, turning it into the party capital of Slovenia, at least for a weekend or two. Traditional food in these parts is hearty, Austrian-style fare. Sausages and thick slabs of pork are usually served with sauerkraut and potatoes with pan- cakes or apple strudel for dessert. In order to brace yourself before heading out into the cold, it isn’t unusual to have a strong drink to finish off your meal. For the true Gorenjska experience, try the blueberry brandy locals call borovničevec.
The alpine valley of Bohinj is a truly idyllic landscape, steep mountains rise above quaint villages and lush pastures, and at the end of the valley, in the Triglav National Park, is the spectacular Lake Bohinj, the largest permanent lake in Slovenia. As well as the rich nature heritage, there are also plenty of opportunities to get in touch with local history and culture; perhaps drop by traditional cheesemaker, visit some of the museums and cute churches dotted throughout the valley and dine at a gostilna to try local specialties is a must. Despite being just 20km west of Bled, Bohinj feels more isolated and rural, delightfully less developed - it’s quiet, restaurants and accommodation tend to be more down to earth and people here are attentive and helpful. Bohinj is an excellent year-round destination in its own right, ski at one of several resorts in the vicinity, enjoy an active holiday with the family or have a romantic getaway in this beautiful setting.
Nestled in a bend of the Krka river, Novo Mesto is the cultural and economic capital of Slovenia’s south-eastern Dolenjska region. Its name may mean ‘new town’ but at roughly 700 years old the town isn’t exactly a recent development. Founded in 1365 by the Habsburg Arch- duke Rudolf IV the city was a prominent trading centre in the Middle Ages and later it became an industrial hub which continues today with some of the country’s largest companies based in the area. Located about 13km southwest of Novo Mesto on the edge of the expansive Kočevje forests, Dolenjske Toplice is a destination offering everything one needs to relax. Dolenjske Toplice’s warm, calcium-rich waters drawn from depths of 1000m are said to have healing properties and we can attest to always feeling better after a soak. Most visitors head to the ultra-modern Balnea Wellness Centre spa with indoor and outdoor thermal pools as well as a staggering array of baths and saunas.
Quite simply put, Slovenia’s Škocjan Caves are one of the most astounding natural attractions on the planet, but 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 (with the other two being the mercury mine of Idrija and the Prehistoric Pile-Dwellings of Ljubljansko Barje), 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. Located just outside the town of Divača in the southwest of Slovenia, Škocjan is easily reached by both car (via the A1 motorway) and train, with up to 16 of the latter travelling between Ljubljana and Divača each day, from where it’s a 3km hike along a well-marked path to the visitor information centre in Škocjan. Alternatively, several trains are met by free shuttle buses.
An idyllic landscape enclosed in by neighbouring parks in bordering countries, Goričko Nature Park has retained its unique appearance over the centuries in thanks to the truly unique people who make up the area. Goričko was the most isolated part of an already isolated Prekmurje, and the variety on offer here is a result of human necessity and creativity. The well-known town of Grad is home to Slovenia’s largest castle, while Goričko castle happens to sit on a particularly fascinating spot, the site of the last volcanic eruption in Slovenia. This momentous occasion occurred some three million years ago, and the the area is now home to an adventure and educational park, where Oli the Mole will help visitors unearth the ways of volcanoes, as well as taking a journey to its centre whilst searching for olivine crystals. Originally opened in 2013, the facilities have recently been renovated and expanded, with even more activities to participate in, such as volcanic games, 3D films with many special effects and a wonderful geological museum.
The easternmost town in Slovenia, Lendava is a vibrant melting point of cultures and ethnicities, being the centre of Slovenia’s Hungarian minority as well as the home of the only Roma museum in the country. With Lendava being so very close to the Hungarian border, Hungarian is one of the two official languages in use. First mentioned in 1192, there is evidence of a church being consecrated there as early as the middle of the 9th century. It gained market status in the 14th century and has blossomed ever since. Okay, not always blossomed, but the point stands. A large Jewish community used to live here, but World War Two saw them all but wiped out. Still, the synagogue that still stands is one of only two left standing in the entire country (the second is in Maribor). Survival is ingrained here. Maybe there is something in the food and drink, best shown at the end of summer with the annual Bogračfest (goulash festival) and the annual Grape Harvest.
Festive December in Ljubljana (27 Nov - 3 Jan) The festively decorated old town centre will see a range of different events intended for people of all ages. As in previous years, the festival officially begins with the turning on of the Christmas lights that more or less blanket the old town on 27 November, and culminates on 31 December, in the open-air New Year’s Eve celebrations taking place in Ljubljana’s central squares, with views towards the castle and a massive fireworks display.
legendary king who is sleeping with his soldiers under Peca Mountain. Locals know that he is still sleeping there, but they don’t wait for him anymore. On the contrary, to honour him, they return him to the people and organise a unique entertainment event that is only one of the forms of his awakening.
ca witches, by taking a blade to her. Then on Saturday a masked parade is held for children in the sports hall. Whilst the main event of the carnival kicks off on Sunday.
Kranjska Gora Considered the premier ski resort in Slovenia, Kranjska Gora (800-1210m) is a favourite haunt for rich Slovenes, Croatians and ‘western Europeans’ alike. You won’t find the most challenging runs here, but it is excellent for beginners and intermediate skiers. www.kranjska-gora.si
Terme Olimia Nestled along the meandering Sotla river that divides Slovenia from neighbouring Croatia in the far east of the country, Terme Olimia may not be the easiest spa to get to from Ljubljana, but it is undoubtedly one of Slovenia’s most popular.
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viSAS Many foreigners simply need a passport or ID card to enter Slovenia. Those requiring a visa will be able to travel freely between the Schengen-agreement countries for a limited amount of time, usually 90 days within any 180 day period. Always check these details with a Slovenian embassy or consulate first though. Further information can be found at www.mzz.gov.si. Alcohol By law alcohol is only sold to people over 18, although asking youthful looking imbibers for their ID is a rarely seen practice in our experience. One other peculiarity when it comes to alcohol in Slovenia is that despite the widespread consumption of the stuff (most commonly in the form of locally-produced beer, wine and brandies), it sadly cannot be purchased in any retail shops of any kind after 21:00. SMoking Cigarettes can’t be purchased by those under 18. Like most EU member states, Slovenia has banned smoking from public indoor spaces except in special glass-enclosed smoking areas in offices, hotels and bars. This combined with a regularly increasing cigarette tax has led to a marked decrease in the numbers of smokers, although 20.5% of adults in the country have yet to kick the habit. tipping In Slovenia tipping is the exception rather than the rule, although rounding up taxi fares and café bills is becoming more common, while leaving 10% or more in restaurants with good service always appreciated. diSAbled trAvellerS Slovenia is increasingly well-adapted for disabled travellers and anyone else with mobility difficulties. While it’s no surprise that most larger hotels and restaurants are disabled accessible, nowadays it’s also not uncommon to find such facilities in smaller guesthouses and tourist sights across the country. Further information is available from the National Council of Disabled People’s Organisation of Slovenia (or the NSIOS by it’s Slovene acronym) by phone at +386 (0)4 30 36 46 or on the web at www.nsios.si.
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T: +386 8 20 50 310 | E: booking@terme-krka.si www.terme-krka.si
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.
Population 2,048,951 (2011 estimate)
Area 20,273 square kilometres
Official Languages Slovenian, Italian, Hungarian
Local Time Central European (GMT +1hr)
Longest River Sava (221km in Slovenia)
Highest Mountain Triglav 2,864m
World Cup Biathlon (Pokljuka, (15-20 Dec) Launched as an alpine resort destination several years ago, Pokljuka is one of the best known Slovenian plateaus. Its main attractions are the huge cross-country skiing/running track and a state-of-the-art biathlon centre, which host world famous biathlon competitions. There are moderate difficulty hiking trails nearby, offering fantastic views. Natour Alpe Adria (27-30 Jan) In 2016 the annual Alpe-Adria Tourism and Leisure fair will combine forces with the long-running Natour exchanges to form the region’s largest tourism event. Natour Alpe Adria will bring together seemingly every tourism related business, organisation, association and government office in the country. The fair not only aims to promote all of Slovenia’s numerous tourist offerings, but also bring together people from all of tourism’s diverse sectors. Castles of King Matjaž (29-31 Jan) The main attraction of this traditional tourist event is a team competition in building castles from snow. The event got its name from King Matjaž, the
Zlata Lisica (30-31 Jan) The Zlata Lisica, or Golden Fox, women’s ski championship is one of the largest sporting events in Slovenia, and the highlight of Maribor’s winter events season. Over two days the sport’s top athletes compete in the Slalom and Giant Slalom, with the combined best score taking home the prestigious Golden Fox trophy. Some 20,000 spectators will be in attendance. In addition to the actual ski competition at Pohorje, the city hosts several music concerts and other events. Kurentovanje Seeing large hairy sheep-like creatures standing up-right and dancing around might sound strange, but don’t worry, you’re not having a nightmare. These folkloric figures are the Kurenti and they’re meant to look terrifying in order to ward off winter and evil spirits. Taking its name from the Kurenti, Kurentovanje is a carnival like no other, attracting more than 100,000 visitors to the town of Ptuj, it is the largest celebration of its kind in Slovenia. Cerknica Carnival (4-10 Feb) Each year on Shrove Thursday the traditional madness begins, Cerknica ceases to be Cerknica, replaced by ‘Butale’ the town of the ‘Butalci’ or hillbillies, whose mayor takes control for a week of carnival festivities. First on the programme is the traditional “sawing of the witch”, where locals deal with Uršula, the mother of the Slivni-
Prešeren’s Fair in Kranj (8 Feb) One of Slovenia’s most important cultural events takes place in Kranj each year on 8 February, the country’s official day of culture, which is a work-free public holiday chosen because it was the day famed poet France Prešeren passed away in 1849. As Kranj is the unofficial guardian of Prešeren’s heritage, it’s only fitting that it hosts the largest celebration of not only his life and work, but also the period in which he lived. World Cup Women’s Ski Jump (Lubno, 12-14 FEB) The Lower Savinja valley, the best spot in Slovenia for hops agriculture, cradles the watercourse of the Savinja river, surrounded by hills and plateaus. The said river boasts first class water quality all the way to Radmirje, which includes the settlement of Ljubno. First mentioned in the 13th century, it is now on the map as the capital of women’s ski jumping in these parts. A world class competition takes place here every year, and the friendly hospitable local residents relish it. Planica (17-20 Mar) Planica is actually busy all year, the village of Rateče undergoing a certain level of ongoing preparation, to be ready for its time to shine every March at the Ski Flying World Championships, and the onslaught of 50,000 people. Being amongst dramatic alpine peaks soaring over 2000m, it’s the only kind of setting worthy of such an internationally prestigious ski event. As such, records have been made and broken here since all the way back in 1934.
Krvavec Voted the best Slovene ski resort the last three years running, its huge popularity (capacity: 13,700 skiers/hour) is partly by virtue of its proximity to Ljubljana, just 45 minutes by car. www.rtc-krvavec.si
Terme Čatež Located in Southeastern Slovenia near the town of Brežice, Terme Čatež is a well-known wellness, business and recreational centre, featuring one of the Slovenia’s most impressive water parks, which includes the largest indoor thermal pool with over 2300m² of surface area.
Vogel Arguably the Slovenian ski resort with the best views, Vogel has become the most famous in the area, with 8 cable-cars and 19km of piste. Several guest houses and hotels have sprung up like mushrooms at the foot of the mountain, but still better to book in advance if you plan to stop by in high season. www.vogel.si
Rimske Terme In a country blessed with numerous thermal spas and countless world-class wellness centres, Rimske Terme still manages to stand out as one of our favourites. Located only 8km from Laško, it has a secluded atmosphere, thanks to its position tucked away on forested hillside overlooking the Savinja river.
Rogla Slovenia’s best cross country ski location, and beginner to intermediate adrenaline addicts downhill skiers are also well taken care of, with a selection of slopes, and the odd relatively demanding run. www.rogla.eu
Terme SPA Rogaška You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more opulent place to rest your head anywhere in the country than at the Grand Hotel Rogaška - the main attraction of this 400 year old thermal spa and resort.
PohoRje Pohorje, the biggest ski centre in Slovenia, entertains everyone from beginners to advanced skiers and boarders. With 41.5 km of varied and well-kept piste, it’s non-stop fun for friends and families alike. www.mariborskopohorje.si
Thermana Laško Located side by side on the banks of the Savinja River, Laško’s two biggest hotel and spa centres - Wellness Park Laško and Zdravilišče Laško - give visitors a chance to choose between tradition and modernity.
Škocjan Caves Park KAMP DANICA / CAMP DANICA .............................................................. - odprto 365 dni v letu open all year around - posebne akcije / specials 5=7 - smučarske karte s popustom snow passes with discounts - ski bus
- Slastna kosila / Delicious lunch - Odlične jedi z žara Excellent grilled treats - Bohinjske in svetovne specialitete Bohinj & World cuisine - Mamljive sladice Tempting desserts Kamp Danica, Triglavska c.60, 4264 Boh.Bistrica, t: e:info@camp-danica.si, www.camp-danica.si
Kranjska Gora Maribor Novo Mesto Portorož
85km, 60mins 127km, 84mins 72km, 50mins 118km, 78mins
Trieste Venice Klagenfurt Graz Zagreb
101km, 71mins 231km, 144mins 85km, 82mins 194km, 125mins 143km, 104mins
Gostilna Danica, Triglavska c 60, 4264 Boh. Bistrica, t: + 386(0)4-5751-619 e: gostilna.danica@bohinj-info.com, www.bohinj-info.com
Škocjan Caves Regional Park is situated in the heart of Classical Karst. The most beautiful part of the Park is undoubtedly a set of eleven caves, collapsed dolines, ponors and natural bridges known as the Škocjan Caves. They are the most important underground phenomena of the Karst and on the opinion of international experts one of the most beautiful pearls on Earth. Therefore are since 1986 listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List and are the only Slovenian site on the list as natural heritage.
www.kompas-shop.si
Park Škocjanske jame, Slovenija T.:+386 (0)5 708 21 10, +386 (0)5 708 21 04 F: ++386 (0)5 708 21 05 E: psj.info@psj.gov.si www.park-skocjanske-jame.si
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SLOVENIAN SKI RESORT Altitude 1.480 to 1.971 m above sea level, only 25 km from Ljubljana and 7 km from International Airport Ljubljana Brnik.
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