11 Best Sights in Slovenia

The stately Bled Castle perches above the lake on the summit of a steep cliff against a backdrop of the Julian Alps and Triglav Peak. You can climb up to the castle for fine views of the lake, the resort, and the surrounding countryside. An exhibition traces the castle's development through the centuries, with archeological artifacts and period furniture on display, but the view steals the show.

Bled's famed lake is nestled within a rim of mountains and surrounded by forests, with a castle on one side and a promenade beneath stately chestnut trees on the other. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop along the promenade while swans glide on the water, creating the ultimate romantic scene. On a minuscule island in the middle of the lake, the lovely Cerkov svetega Martina (St. Martin's Pilgrimage Church) stands within a circle of trees. Take a ride over to the island on a pletna, a traditional covered boat.

Lake Bohinj is the quieter, wilder, and prettier sister of Bled and lies entirely within the Triglav National Park. The entire length of the north shore is rugged and accessible only by foot. At an altitude of 1,715 feet, the lake is surrounded on three sides by the steep walls of the Julian Alps. The altitude means the temperature of the water—even in August—rarely rises above a brisk but still swimmable 74°F. The small village of Ribčev Laz, on the eastern end of the lake, functions as the de facto town center, where you'll find a grocery store, post office, currency exchange, an ATM, and the tourist information center. On the western shore lies the remote village of Ukanc, anchored by the Hotel Zlatorog, a campsite, and a few small shops. Just to the north and east of Ribčev Laz are the tiny hamlets of Stara Fužina, Studor, and Srednja Vas.

Covering some 4% of Slovenia's entire landmass, Triglav National Park is the ideological and spiritual heart of the country. The iconic three peaks of Triglav (the highest point in the country) are found on Slovenia's coat of arms and its flag, placing this dreamland of gorges, caves, waterfalls, rivers, and forests front and center for the nation. Winter sees locals and visitors alike head here in search of skiing and other snow-based activities, while the warmer months are perfect for amateur and experienced climbers and hikers. Mountain huts dot the landscape offering affordable accommodations for those looking to wander the meadows. Slovenia's only national park, Triglav contains everything that makes Slovenian nature magnificent, all within 840 square km (324 square miles) of magic.

From Kranjska Gora, head south over the breathtaking Vršič Pass, some 5,253 feet above sea level. You’ll then descend into the beautiful Soča Valley, winding through the foothills to the west of Triglav Peak and passing truly magnificent scenery. From Trenta, continue west for about 20 km (12 miles) to reach the mountain adventure resort of Bovec. The Vršič Pass isn’t for the faint of heart—every hairpin turn is fraught with danger—but roads in Slovenia don’t come much more exhilarating than this. The truly brave should make the journey via bus from Kranjska Gora. The pass closes when the weather is particularly bad in winter.

Protruding westward into Italy above the city of Gorizia lies Slovenia's best and most charming wine-growing region, Goriška Brda, or just Brda for short. Nestled near-by river Soča, half way between the Alps and the Adriatic, the region is quite accurately described as Petite Provence and features a mosaic of green hills liberally spotted with vineyards, cherry orchards and olive trees. Wine may not be the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of Slovenia, but the Brda region can hold its own with the European heavyweights. The wineries are all family-run and rather minute, yet exhibit an unmistakable tradition and deeply-rooted knowledge of the terroir. All of the manufacturers offer their products at winery prices at the castle in Dobrovo, the picturesque administrative center of the region, as well as several more established hotels and haciendas around the region. In September, visitors are welcome to help with the grape harvest at most wineries and if you chance to be there in May, hop on a bike and go cherry picking at one of the many orchards. Further attractions include Krčnik, a 5-meter natural stone bridge, smoothly polished by water and looming over the Kožbanjšček creek on top of a gorge. The refreshing beauty of the sight even compensates for pronunciation woes. While there, walk over to Kotline, three pools carved into the streambed of the creek.

Radovljica is an adorable town not far from Bled, and its intriguing Čebelarski muzej (Beekeeping Museum) may well be its cultural highlight. Located within the 17th-century Town Hall in the town center, the museum explores the humble bee through various interactive exhibitions. The museum also houses its own hive, a buzzing colony of some 5,000 bees, working away behind the safety of a glass cabinet.

You'll find the Triglav National Park Information Center at Dom Trenta in Trenta. Here, you can watch a presentation about the history and geography of the region and tour the small museum. It's also a good access point to the 20-km (12-mile) Soča Trail that winds along the river's banks. The center is open from the end of April through to the end of October, daily from 10 to 6.

At the west end of Lake Bohinj (near Ukanc), a cable car leads up Mt. Vogel to a height of 5,035 feet. You have spectacular views of the Julian Alps massif and the Bohinj valley and lake from here. From the cable-car base, the road continues 5 km (3 miles) beyond the lake to the point where the Savica River makes a tremendous leap over a 194-foot waterfall. The cable car runs every half hour from 8 am to 6 pm. A round-trip ticket costs €28.

This gorge was cut between precipitous cliffs by the clear Radovna River, which flows down numerous waterfalls and through pools and rapids. The marked gorge trail leads over bridges, wooden walkways, and gullies. It was discovered almost by accident in 1891 by a photographer and local mayor, but the authorities quickly recognized its potential. By 1893 it was open to the public, and this stunning 1.6-km (1-mile) gorge of natural beauty has been stealing hearts ever since. The vertical walls of the Hom and Boršt hills create a real sense of drama. If you are heading to Triglav National Park from Bled, this is the most exciting (and beautiful) way to do it.

On the eastern bank of Lake Bohinj in Ribčev Laz, you'll find the 15th-century Gothic church of Sveti Janez. The small church has a fine bell tower and contains several notable 15th- and 16th-century frescoes.