On the lookout for an unforgettable day journey from Ljubljana? There are numerous adventures only a contact away from the Slovenian capital.
Whereas the town showcases its personal simple charms with its medieval Outdated City and historic bridges, Ljubljana additionally serves as a superb base to discover the huge range of Slovenia, due to its handy transport hyperlinks to all components of the nation.
I at all times rave about Slovenia because the ‘underrated gem’ in Europe. And regardless of the very fact you possibly can drive from north to south in as little as three hours, there are such a lot of distinctive and wondrous issues to see in between.
From its pristine lakes to caves which have shaped over tens of millions of years, the sights and experiences Slovenia has to supply are simply too good to overlook.
With Ljubljana proper within the nation’s coronary heart, it is a perfect place to begin to start your Slovenian journey. That being mentioned, the place are you able to go from the capital?
Proceed studying for the most effective day journeys from Ljubljana.
Finest day journeys from Ljubljana
1. Lake Bled
What will be mentioned about Lake Bled that hasn’t been mentioned 100 instances over? It’s a really lovely and worthwhile day journey from Ljubljana.
Cornered by the Julian Alps, Lake Bled’s pristine waters and environment provide many enjoyable day actions to do whilst you’re there.
To start your day in Lake Bled, I extremely advocate taking a Pletna Boat to Bled Island.
There are round 4 Pletna Boat stations across the lake from which to decide on. I like to recommend the Mlino Port as there’s a beautiful restaurant proper subsequent to it referred to as Lodge Starl, which is nice for brunch. The Pletna Boat journey presently prices €18 for a return.
When you’re on the island, you’ll must stroll up 99 steps to the middle.
As soon as up there, you’ll come throughout the Church of the Assumption, the island’s historic church – famend for its legend.
They are saying whoever rings the bell contained in the church thrice and makes a want has their want come true. It value €6 to enter.
In your return, make sure you stroll across the whole lake! You’ll discover many scenic picture alternatives at each flip, together with the long-lasting picture on the commentary deck, “The Coronary heart of Bled”, which frames the lake with a large coronary heart.
Alongside your path, there are eateries that promote the well-known native specialty Bled Cake. Don’t miss out! It’s nearly a sin not to do that candy cream cake whilst you’re right here.
Advice: To benefit from the delight with a good looking panoramic view of the lake, head to Bled Fortress, perched above the lake, and luxuriate in it contained in the citadel’s restaurant.
How one can get there: From Ljubljana, you have got a number of transportation choices to get to Lake Bled.
To get to Lake Bled by prepare, catch the prepare from Ljubljana to Jesenice. Then, get a prepare to Bled Jezero – the closest cease to Lake Bled. From right here, it’s a 10-minute stroll down. The general journey size is 1 hour and 40 minutes.
For the most effective route, I like to recommend taking the bus. To get there, take a bus from Ljubljana to Bled Bus Station, which takes roughly 1 hour and half-hour.
Prime tip: Use this bus timetable service to seek out the newest bus schedules from Ljubljana.
2. Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is a pristine lake surrounded by the Julian Alps and situated within the ever-beautiful mountaineering paradise Triglav Nationwide Park. It’s usually missed by vacationers, who escape to Slovenia’s golden youngster, Lake Bled.
Throughout your day in Lake Bohinj, you’ll discover many fun-filled actions, equivalent to kayaking, paddle boarding, and, in fact, ever-rewarding hikes.
As Bohinj is the most important lake in Slovenia, hikes won’t ever be too exhausting to seek out across the lake. If you wish to hike across the lake, it’s going to take round roughly 3-5 hours.
Nonetheless, if you would like that postcard-worthy view of Bohinj, head as much as the Peč Viewpoint from Stara Fužina, reaching an altitude of 640m from a simple 40-minute spherical journey.
Alongside the lake’s pristine waters and rewarding hikes is its most important attraction, the “Church of St John Baptist,” considered one of Slovenia’s best Romanesque buildings, which sits simply on the outskirts of the lake.
It value €3.50, however you’ll be handled to an incredible view of the lake from its bell tower.
Whereas there are many wonderful outside actions at Lake Bohinj, there are spots across the lake the place you possibly can merely put a towel down, indulge within the environment and decompress with a little bit siesta.
How one can get there: Public transport from Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj is extremely scarce. The one dependable public transportation possibility is by bus.
To get there by bus, journey from Ljubljana Station to Vogel križišče/ crossroads, which is a 5-minute stroll from the lake. This route takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. Boat excursions are close by on the fringe of the lake that will help you journey throughout if wanted.
Really useful route: There are excursions that discover each Lake Bled and Bohinj, with resort drop, which is a good possibility for a stress-free journey.
3. Postojna Caves & Predjama Fortress
Among the best issues to do in Slovenia is to go to Postojna Caves & Predjama Fortress from Ljubljana on a day journey.
Whereas one is an unbelievable collection of rock formations shaped over tens of millions of years, one other is an instance of medieval brilliance set in a cave’s mouth.
As each sights are only a brief distance aside, it makes excellent sense to mix the 2 for a day journey from Ljubljana.
Postojna Caves
To enter the caves, you’ll must guide a guided tour. You are able to do this on-line or in particular person on the ticket workplace – simply make sure you arrive no less than quarter-hour earlier than your time slot!
Prime tip: Make sure to put on heat clothes while you’re inside. It’s freezing inside, with temperatures reaching as little as 10ºC.
To start your tour, you’ll journey on an electrical mine prepare to enter the caves. Throughout your journey, you’ll go by 3.7km of the caves, viewing many stalactites and stalagmites in your means.
Your tour begins as quickly as you hop off the prepare. Your information will present you round 1.3km of the cave by a 1-1.5 hour tour, showcasing all of the totally different rock formations contained in the cave.
Predjama Fortress
Sure! This citadel is about within the mouth of a cave, hanging on a mere cliff edge.
The citadel’s exterior appears small, however really, on the within, it feels removed from it, nearly like a Tardis. In your arrival, you’ll be handed audio guides to assist information you round stations within the citadel.
When you stroll round, you’ll study so much in regards to the royalty that dominated the city and the citadel, visiting luxurious rooms like The Fortress Nice Corridor and The Armoury.
Additionally, you’ll study Slovenia’s very personal Robin Hood, Erasmus of Lueg, who was a well-known ruler within the fifteenth century who embodied the English legend.
Contained in the citadel is a secret tunnel he used to flee invaders throughout sieges, and also you’ll get to see it in the back of the citadel.
Ljubljana to Postojna Caves:
From Ljubljana, you have got a number of transportation choices to get to Postojna Caves.
By automobile, it takes 40 minutes to drive on the A1 freeway. Or by prepare, it takes 1 hour and 10 minutes, after which a 28-minute stroll from the station to the cave.
I like to recommend taking a bus in your route. It takes 1 hour to get from the Ljubljana bus station to the bus depot after which a 20-minute stroll to the caves.
How one can get to Predjama Fortress:
There isn’t a public transport on to Predjama Fortress from Ljubljana, so you will need to head to Postojna Caves first. From right here, the one possibility is to get a taxi to the citadel.
Nonetheless, from Might to September, there’s a switch bus that may take you from Postojna Caves to Predjama Fortress and vice versa. It prices €1 for a return.
4. Skocjan Caves
One other considered one of Slovenia’s best rock formations is Skocjan Caves, which was listed as a UNESCO Heritage Website in 1886.
The cave system is over 6 km lengthy and shaped over tens of millions of years within the limestone bedrock. Its open underground caves, stalagmites, stalactites, and otherworldly options have since gained its repute for being Tolkien-like.
Throughout your tour, you’ll enterprise by 2.5km of the inside of the cave by its most important highlights, venturing into the Silent Cave and, my favourite, Murmuring Cave – one of many largest underground caves on the planet.
In my view, the spotlight of the tour is the Cerkvenik Bridge, a bridge excessive above the Reka River.
This bears a considerably uncanny resemblance to the Bridge of Khazad-dum in The Fellowship of the Ring – one thing that stuffed my fantasy repair.
How one can get there: Public transport from Ljubljana to Skocjan Caves is extremely awkward. The best choice is by prepare, however it’s going to require some strolling within the course of.
To get there by prepare, go from Ljubljana station to Divača, which takes 1 hour and 47 minutes. It’s then a 48-minute stroll from the station.
From Divaca station, there’s a bus that may take you nearer to the Skocjan Caves; nonetheless, this solely runs each 4 hours. I like to recommend both taking a taxi to the caves or strolling.
5. Piran
Piran is among the most lovely cities in Slovenia and an absolute must-visit from Ljubljana.
The historical past of this majestic city dates again to Roman instances, and over the centuries, it has had main influences from numerous historic powers, together with the Venetian empire, which is seen by its Venetian-style structure.
To start your day there, I like to recommend exploring the Outdated City. The Outdated City’s central hubspot is Tartini Sq., stuffed with Piran’s best institutions and monuments.
Tartin Sq. is the place the city’s Venetian structure is on full show. While you’re there, make sure you sit down and take a look at the views.
Zizola is a good place within the sq. for a fast cease for espresso or a snack to soak within the environment and look out to the port.
For the most effective view of the city, you have got two decisions. Both head up St George’s Church bell tower or head farther out of city and alongside the Partitions of Piran for an unbelievable panorama of Piran.
Each sights are very a lot value visiting. The Partitions of Piran is just €3 – For that view, you’ve obtained your self a cut price!
How one can get there: The one possible technique of getting from Ljubljana to Piran is by bus. Take the bus from Ljubljana station to Piran, which takes 1 hour and 50 minutes.
The one draw back to this feature is the flexibleness round return journeys, because the final time slot is round 7 p.m., so it is rather dangerous.
Alternatively, there are numerous day excursions from Ljubljana to Piran with skilled guides, so you possibly can have a stress-free journey with out worrying about making it again to Ljubljana.
6. Maribor
Maribor is the wine capital of Slovenia and is commonly overshadowed by the luxurious inexperienced landscapes and pristine lakes in different areas of the nation.
However don’t let this put you off; this unbelievable metropolis has its simple charms!
To start out your day in Maribor, head to its most important sq., Grajski Trg. That is the town’s central hotspot, aligned with quaint institutions and the place you’ll discover Maribor Fortress.
Initially a medieval fortress constructed within the fifteenth century, Maribor Fortress has now been reworked right into a historical past museum, showcasing the town’s historic artifacts and the place you’ll discover out extra in regards to the metropolis’s turbulent historical past.
What makes Maribor distinctive is its compactness. Though it’s Slovenia’s second largest metropolis, a lot of its sights are all reachable by foot.
From Grajski Trg, it’s simply an 8-minute stroll to Glavni Trg, after which, solely a minute’s stroll away, is Lent, the oldest a part of the town, lined with cafes, eating places, and well-known monuments.
If you happen to plan to cease off at a restaurant or restaurant, make sure you attempt the native wine. Maribor is known for its wine manufacturing, particularly white wine. It’s too good to overlook!
Enjoyable reality: Maribor has the oldest vine on the planet and nonetheless produces grapes to today.
7. Vintgar Gorge
Vintgar Gorge is a feast for the eyes! Carved by the Radona Valley, this scenic spot is an opportunity to discover one of the lovely locations in Triglav Nationwide Park.
Throughout your go to, you’ll stroll alongside a wood walkway that takes you previous cascading waterfalls, water rapids, and loads of gasping moments as you meander across the river.
Make sure to take your time! The complete course can take as little as 1-2 hours to complete, however after the eagerness to attract to your digital camera and refreshment stops originally and finish, you possibly can simply end up spending half a day right here.
To increase your day, there may be an ever-rewarding hike on the finish of the path, the place you possibly can head to Sum Waterfall, the most important waterfall in Slovenia. That is an epic grand finale to a superb time out from Ljubljana.
Word: Vintgar Gorge is closed in the course of the winter.
How one can get there: The really helpful and solely appropriate path to Vintgar Gorge from Ljubljana is by bus. From Ljubljana, first catch the bus to Bled.
Then, from right here, catch the bus to Spodnje Gorje – the closest cease to Vintgar Gorge. It is just a 15-minute stroll from right here to the gorge.
Vintgar Gorge is commonly mixed with Bled as a 1-2 day journey.
8. Soca Valley
Soca Valley is Slovenia’s water exercise haven, with a river stretch spanning over 138 km and meandering by the western a part of the nation.
This a part of the nation is booming with outside fans who come to do actions like whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountaineering, and mountain biking.
For hikers who love good views, properly, you might be in luck! There are lots of hikes round Soca Valley, all of which provide nice views.
I like to recommend the Soča Path hike, which is a 25km path that takes 5-7 hours to finish and ends within the city of Bovec.
You gained’t want to finish the complete path to see a lot of Soca Valley’s prettiness. Even brief strolls provide views of its turquoise waters and charming little footbridges which are sensible for pictures!
And, when you fancy a cease off out of your adventurous exercise, Soca Valley has over 5 close by cities, together with my favourite, Kanal, with its charming bridge – paying homage to Mostar Bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Word: If you happen to fancy extending your day journey from Ljubljana, there are numerous visitor homes contained in the cities.
How one can get there: Utilizing public transport to get from Ljubljana to Soca Valley could be very tough. By bus, it takes over 2.5 hours, and by prepare, it takes over 3 hours.
Renting a automobile is really helpful and takes round 2 hours. If you happen to don’t thoughts flexibility, there are sensible day excursions from Ljubljana that embrace all of your transport.
9. Ptuj
Ptuj is the nation’s oldest metropolis, situated within the northeastern a part of Slovenia with historical past relationship again to the Stone Age.
To start out your day in Ptuj from Ljubljana, head to its most notable attraction, Ptuj Fortress.
The citadel is the Outdated City’s crowning jewel, having skilled many transitions, however is immediately generally known as the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum.
Inside, you’ll discover an enormous assortment of musical devices, luxurious artwork, and medieval armor which are valuable to the city’s historical past.
One notable discover is the exhibition that showcases all of the Shrovetide carnival masks from the Kurentovanje Competition.
Enjoyable reality: Kurentovanje Competition has been voted as one of many prime 10 festivals in the complete world.
These masks are used throughout February when the competition is held, however they’re left right here all yr spherical for folks to view a few of its distinctive collections.
Make sure to additionally make use of the citadel’s excessive place atop the city. These picturesque views await! Seize your digital camera and take some postcard-worthy pictures.
For the remainder of your day, discover Ptuj’s streets. The Drava River is a really picturesque a part of Ptuj to stroll close to. I like to recommend coming right here for an early morning or afternoon stroll.
Alongside the river can be the Mihelič Gallery, which is free to enter and has a beautiful artwork assortment.
A lot of Ptuj will be explored in hours, nevertheless it’s value taking your time to discover Slovenia’s oldest metropolis.
How one can get there: There are numerous transportation choices from Ljubljana to Ptuj. The prepare is the most suitable choice for public transport, taking up 2 hours and 13 minutes. Buses are a little bit tougher, with an estimated journey of three hours.
Vehicles are the quickest possibility, with a journey time of 1 hour and half-hour.
10. Koper
Koper is a coastal metropolis on the border of Slovenia and Italy, making it the last word place to proceed your Adriatic adventures.
With its shut ties to the Venetian Empire, a lot of its structure continues to be intact and well-preserved, touched with Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic options.
To start out your day in Koper in one of the simplest ways, discover the structure in Tito Sq.. Right here, you’ll find sights like Praetorian Palace, a advantageous Venetian Gothic constructing that initially served because the residence for the ruler of Koper.
In the present day, it’s the Outdated City’s metropolis corridor, and you may take a guided tour of its rooms.
The following attraction to discover after visiting the palace is Koper Cathedral. Inside, there are many artwork and historic treasures designed by Venetian painter Vittore Carpaccio.
Beside it, you’ll discover the bell tower, providing the most effective view of Outdated City. Climb the 204 steps of the bell tower and take a look at these attractive views!
When you’ve completed within the sq., take a stroll across the medieval streets. A lot of Koper’s highlights will be explored on foot, with little bits of historical past hidden deep contained in the Outdated City.
How one can get there: Getting from Ljubljana to Koper isn’t a simple feat in comparison with different main cities in Slovenia.
The bus is the quickest and best possibility. It takes over 1 hour and 47 minutes to go by bus and a couple of hours and 20 minutes to go by prepare. Nonetheless, these choices will be few and much between.
Some bus journeys to Koper from Ljubljana run extra usually every day by providers like Flixbus or extra native providers like Nomago.
11. Kranj
Final however not least, Kranj is Slovenia’s third-largest metropolis and is properly value a go to from Ljubljana. It’s really one of many closest cities to the capital, with solely 29.6 km separating them.
Begin your day in Kranj on the Outdated City, a medieval gem and one of the charming in Slovenia.
Right here, you’ll discover many superbly preserved buildings and vital monuments. A lot of Kranj, in reality, will be simply explored on foot, going from one museum to a different very quickly.
Start at Khislstein Fortress. This Renaissance-Baroque constructing homes the Gorenjska Museum exhibition, which showcases the historical past of Kranj by artifacts, artwork, and rather more.
If you happen to’re an enormous artwork fan or want a snack, the Layer Home is your go-to place. Surrounded by tables and chairs in a comfortable setting is an artwork exhibition that lets you discover a few of Kranj’s sensible modern artwork proper out of your desk.
And eventually, simply exterior the Outdated City alongside the Kokra River is the picturesque Kokra River Canyon. The gorge is a surprising a part of the town and properly value a stroll for a serene setting and to get nearer to nature. Don’t miss it in your day journey right here!
How one can get there: Kranj is definitely accessible from Ljubljana, which is separated by solely 29.6km. Touring by automobile takes solely 25 minutes, and public transport is handy.
Trains and buses from Ljubljana to Kranj run regularly and take round 30-35 minutes.
Last ideas
Nicely, there you have got it! 11 unforgettable journeys from Ljubljana to create recollections that may final a lifetime.
A lot of Slovenia will be explored in every week or two, and with a location as excellent as Ljubljana to start your journey, you’re assured to have a better, much less worrying journey across the nation.
And while you’re finished exploring, the Slovenian capital shall be there to welcome you again to take pleasure in its delights yet again.