Backpacking Slovenia | Must See & Itinerary
I heard so many good things about Slovenia that I had to add it to my European itinerary. It seemed to be the best nature getaway I could find in Europe. Mountains were calling my name, I was overdue my mountain-ish dose. Austria was a smart move but I wanted to hang around the mountains a bit longer. Slovenia was about to be the next move. And here I was, hopping on a train to get to Lake Bled.
If you are wondering if you should book that trip to Slovenia, just stop.
The best time to visit Slovenia is now. It’s a gem! The truth is that most backpackers/travelers haven’t discovered it yet. So, enjoy it before the crowds arrive. For more inspiration, check out these other hidden gems in Europe.
This article will cover topics like itinerary, road-trip ideas, and the best places to see in Slovenia.
Bonus: learn from my mistakes. I made many mistakes while traveling in Slovenia (my bad!), so please, be smarter!
Slovenia Travel Blog
Backpacking Slovenia Itinerary
Learn from my mistakes – How not to travel to Slovenia
Lake Bled is the most popular icon in Slovenia. You just need to look on Instagram to add this place to your Slovenia itinerary.
There are many other places to see. In fact, I was planning to spend at least a week in Slovenia when… -insert misadventures here-.
Or… maybe it was just me.
I destroyed my own trip to Slovenia. Without even noticing. Yeah. Feel free to say it; shame on me.
First, I was planning to spend at least 3 to 4 days around Bled.
I needed peace, quiet surroundings and a place to try and relax.
Sometimes life is tricky and doesn’t give you what you need.
I had obligations. My digital nomad lifestyle involves work. I was getting late on everything. I had to work. A lot.
My time in Bled was not a digital detox but a work intoxication. (#shameonme#1)
I still managed to take a day off and walk around the lake on a very sunny day. Birds were singing. Nature was smiling at me. And yet I was nearly dancing.
Lake Bled was not disappointing. It was even more beautiful than I had imagined.
I had heard of Bled’s Big Brother; Lake Bohinj, and I was determined to get there. Although, mother nature decided not to be on my side. The forecast wasn’t promising at all. The rain was winning the game after all.
The weather was perhaps ruining my plans but it was also sending me right to my work obligations… oh, and deadlines.
I decided to leave Bled to visit Ljubljana next. I’d have to skip the coast as I wasn’t going that way and thought that Maribor could be a great destination too. A few people told me that the train would be quite expensive to get to Budapest and the Internet was pretty scary with its enormous train fares. I thought that I’d have to skip Maribor and take the train from Ljubljana instead. Expecting to pay around 50 euros for the train, I found myself accepting a better offer at the train station; 14 euros would easily close the deal.
I left the train station and headed toward my hostel. A few steps later, I realized I had shortened my trip in half. I had chosen the wrong leaving date. (#shameonme#2)
At this moment, I took another decision; Slovenia, I’ll be back for you. And hopefully soon enough. In fact, I think you’d be the perfect destination for an epic Slovenia road trip.
Now, let’s make sure you won’t destroy your trip either.
Here’s my quick guide to Backpacking Slovenia
Slovenia Must See – Lake Bled, Slovenia
Backpack Slovenia
Lake Bled is the most instagrammable place in Slovenia. Of course, you must see it!
Things to do in Bled, Slovenia
Walking around Lake Bled, Slovenia
Walking around Lake Bled is surely worth it! 6.5km of pure happiness, surrounded by peace and nature. It takes around two hours. If you want to extend your walk, I’d suggest you get to the viewpoint; Ojstrica. This spot is ideal for photographers and hikers and is truly spectacular. It takes an extra 20 minutes to get there. Hikers; you could also keep going to get a higher lookout opportunity.
Note that could you also rent a bike and ride around the lake!
Visit Bled Island
You can also check out Bled Island where you will find a church. You can get there by boat with a group or rent a boat yourself.
Visit Bled Castle
Look around and you might spot it; Bled Castle, right on the top of a hill. You will find a small museum inside the castle.
Try that famous Bled Cream Cake AKA Kremsnita
Everyone on Instagram told me I had to try that famous cream cake. It was a pure delight – especially with the view I had. You will find the cream cake pretty much everywhere around Bled. It tastes similar to a vanilla slice – so make the most of it while you can.
Slovenia hidden gems
The weather can be tricky around Bled. If it does rain, I’d suggest you read this: Tips for visiting Lake Bled in the rain and how to make the most of it. If you’re traveling around Slovenia during the winter, check out this one: Winter in Lake Bled.
Self-Guided E-Bike Tour of Vintgar Gorge – Check the price!
Full-Day Triglav National Park Tour – Check the price!
3–Hour Rafting Experience – Check the price!
Where to stay in Bled, Slovenia
If you’re planning on staying in a hostel, I’d highly recommend you book a room at the Castle Hostel 1004. I stayed there for a few nights and I found the staff to be super helpful. Bonus: it was probably the cleanest hostel I’ve stayed in!
Look at the price for the perfect room in Bled!
Day trip from Bled, Slovenia
While you’re in Bled, you should definitely check out Lake Bohinj. You can read more about it here.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Must do Slovenia
Ljubljana is a vibrant city. I must say; it’s so hard to pronounce correctly (and it’s also hard to write) – but it’s absolutely worth it. I could easily imagine myself living in such a colorful city.
Things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Walking around Ljubljana Castle
Some parts of Ljubljana Castle are free, others aren’t. I’d suggest you make the most of the free bits and that you walk around the castle to witness the most beautiful views of the city.
Check the price for the guided tour!
Slovenia Travel
Eat your way around Ljubljana’s Open Kitchen AKA Odprta Kuhna
Foodies; you’re about to enter the most interesting European street food market! Only open during spring, summer and the beginning of autumn, if you happen to be there on a Friday – you must try this! This is where you’ll find traditional Slovenian food, but also various international dishes.
Click here to see on the map.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Who would have thought you could go on a true adventure in the middle of a capital city? Sup Slovenia Discovery are giving you a “shortcut to paradise” with the opportunity of being super active in the middle of the city, but also in other destinations in Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy. Check out their website to organize your SUP holidays!
Best of Slovenia
Discover the vibrant colors of Slovenia through bridges, canals, and terraces
If you prefer to stay high rather than wet, you have to get lost in Ljubljana. There are so many bridges, canals and cute little streets in the Slovenian capital. Pick a terrace and enjoy the young and chilled out vibes of the coolest city in Slovenia.
Discover the street art – on a whole new level
If I love colorful street art, I was absolutely amazed by the ones found in Slovenia. Street art is part of a lifestyle.
Click here to see on the map.
Must see in Slovenia
Get a view – The best views in Ljubljana
As I already mentioned above, Ljubljana Castle has some of the best views in Ljubljana. But, I have to say that there’s one view that could easily beat that one; Neboticnik Roof Terrace. I have to say, it might be busy – especially around sunset time, but the view is absolutely stunning. Grab a drink (or a cheap lemonade), sit back, and relax.
Slovenia itinerary
Best coffee shops with decent WiFi in Ljubljana, Slovenia
I love coffee. Especially when it comes with good Wi-Fi and a cool atmosphere.
Digital nomads; I found the best cafés in Ljubljana.
STA Travel Cafe
Sit on the terrace or inside; Wi-Fi works perfectly! The atmosphere was relaxed, brilliant and colorful. (See on the map.)
Le Petit Cafe
Le Petit Cafe is so beautiful and unique! It seems to be a cool place to hang out and make the most of the outside terrace. (See on the map.)
CRNO ZRNO
This mini Cafe doesn’t provide Wi-Fi, but it’s probably the best little cafe out there. Get your unique coffee now! (See on the map.)
Where to stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia
So many options to pick from; from hostels to unique boutique hotels, the choice is yours!
Find a room in Ljubljana!
Haven’t been there, but it’s on the list – Slovenia must see (the dreaming part)
Piran, Slovenia
Famous places in Slovenia
Piran seems to be out of a fairytale from what I can tell on Instagram. Located in the very South-West part of the country, it’s pretty close to Italy and Croatia. This coastal town seems absolutely beautiful.
Predjama Castle, Slovenia
Top cities in Slovenia
Between Ljubljana and Piran, you could stop to Predjama Castle. Picture a castle built in a cave. I’m guessing this must be quite spectacular, don’t you think?
Book your day trip now!
Soca Valley, Slovenia
Things to do in Slovenia
Soca Valley is probably the best stop for any outdoor lovers out there. Waterfalls, emerald green water, and cascades, can it get any better? It’s the perfect spot for kayak adventures, rafting, and canyoning.
Book your day trip now!
Slovenia road-trip – How to get around Slovenia
Slovenia’s hidden gems are all surrounded by nature. It can be a bit tricky to access some of these places by public transport. It seems that the best way to get around is by renting a car, especially if you want to get to Soca Valley or Brda in Slovenia.
If you’re thinking of sticking to a short itinerary – you can easily take the bus to reach popular destinations such as Lake Bled and Ljubljana.
Rent a car now!
How to get to Slovenia by train
Stop looking on the web, the best way to get to Slovenia by land is by train. Unfortunately, the web won’t offer you the right answers on how to get to Slovenia.
This means you’ll have to get your train ticket directly at the train station regardless of where you’re coming from. Daily trains are available from Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Just get to the train station and find a great deal!
READ MORE
‣ My Favorite Travel Essentials
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‣ Road-Tripping around Wales
BEFORE YOU GO TO SLOVENIA
☑ Book your flight: If your flight isn’t booked yet – check out the flights on Skyscanner or via Google Flights. My top saving tip is flexibility. If you’re flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight.
☑ Book your accommodation: I always use Airbnb and Booking.com. If you’d rather stay in a hostel, you should take a look at the options on Hostelworld. If you click on the Airbnb link and you don’t have an account yet – you’ll get a $30 discount on your first booking.
☑ Protect your cute face: Oh, you may want to protect your cute face with a travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers. Otherwise, you can also take a look at World Nomads.
☑ Pack the essentials: You can consult this list when it’s time to pack your bag! Do not leave without a universal charger, a power bank and your passport!
☑ Do you need a visa? If you aren’t sure if you need a visa, it would be a smart idea to take a quick look before you go. You can use iVisa – it’s super useful and easy to use.
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