A week in Slovenia
Slovenia is a small yet surprisingly diverse and spirited country. A week there before the high summer season begins will definitely leave you craving for more ❤️ Let’s pay this fascinating country a visit!
(un)Known Slovenia
What can we say about Slovenia? What do we know about it? Due to its history and location, it is heavily influenced by Tyrol, the Italian carefreeness, as well as typical Austrian alpine landscapes. There is also a lot of the Slavic soul and Balkan influences, which can be found especially in the cuisine. I suppose that most people would struggle to come up with something they associate specifically with Slovenia, but nonetheless, the country is growing in popularity every year. And there is a good reason: you can actually feel at home there ❤️
Bled – hot or not?
If you google Slovenia, you will be showered with images of Lake Bled. What’s the fuss about? Well, it’s actually really like something from a fairytale. Idyllic, peaceful, simply beautiful. It’s famous for its gorgeous island, photographed from every possible angle. A walk along the lake’s coastline is pure pleasure – footbridges, spectacular views, benches, shade, but also a lot of sun shining through trees and bushes. The lake also overlooks a castle and mountains, and there are a few nice restaurants. Kids-wise, there is plenty of grass to run and have a picnic on. And if this isn’t enough, the lake is amongst the warmest in the Alps, so you can also dip in!
When it comes to vantage points, I think that this one is the best, offering a panoramic view of the whole lake. It’s relatively quick to reach, but the hike can be a bit demanding due to steepness and overall trail quality, so if you’re thinking about going up with a baby in a carrier, make sure you wear good walking shoes. It’s an unforgettable experience, and because other tourists were impressed by my motherly stamina in attacking the peak, everyone volunteered to take photos of us 😁 So we have plenty of photographic documentation of our trip as well!
Triglav National Park
Slovenia has only one – but absolutely gorgeous – national park: Triglav. It stretches around Triglav, i.e. Slovenia’s highest mountain towering over the Julian Alps. A family trip using one of many available trails, with a stop for a bonfire or a playground visit is a marvelous idea for an outdoors adventure. The views are splendid! While in the park, you should also visit Lake Bohinj, whose crystal-clear waters are of sublime beauty… you can just sit and admire it for hours! However, I do not recommend taking the cable car – it’s expensive, and there are no trails nor good vantage points once you reach the top. You’d better stay by the lake and chill ❤️
Vintgar Gorge
Although we did not plan to, we paid a last-minute visit to Vintgar Gorge. It was wonderful! I just love gorges, they make me feel at one with nature, and their specificity – twists and turns, which sometimes can be extremely narrow, carrying the sound of water – makes them feel very intimate. The gorge is easy to navigate even with an infant. It is located in the national park, nearby Lake Bled. On your way back, choose a trail along the edge of the forest overlooking the stunning national park. If you’re lucky, you will even come across grazing cows. The essence of nature 😉
Amazing accommodation
There is a top-notch place in the vicinity of Slovenian mountains, off the beaten track (but not far from the capital). It’s close to nature in various ways, from love for bees, which are the leitmotif there, subtly incorporated even in the interior design, to furniture and various accessories made of natural materials (wood, stone), many by the owners themselves. A place with a heart and soul ❤️ And the most delicious tea I have ever drunk! Everything there is harmonious and refined down to the smallest detail, including the porch and terrace, both drowning in flowers. It is a great base camp for visiting all the other attractions.
Ljubljana – worth it?
If you are in the area, you may drop by. Although not spectacular in itself, Ljubjlana is okay for a short visit. The city life concentrates along the river, where you can find plenty of small cafés. There are a few charming bridges, such as the famous Dragon Bridge. It was a nice walk, even in bad weather. Ljubljana’s castle, located on a hill top, is the city’s main tourist attraction. It’s accessible by a cable car, and it offers a nice view of the capital.
Slovenia is truly beautiful, and just perfect for a week trip off season! Once you visit, you will want to return, if only to see the seaside. But this is a different story, worthy of its own article ;) Meanwhile: go before it’s burdened with overtourism! ❤️