A survey of Slovenia’s cities shows how much variety a traveler can experience within just one country. From prancing white stallions, to hidden-cave castles, to ancient wine vines, each of Slovenia’s cities is known for an element that makes it unique and worthwhile as a travel destination.
Bled
Bled is a getaway like no other.
Lake Bled is the city’s main attraction. With its backdrop of Mount Triglav, its scenic castle perched on a cliff, and its romantic island, it’s no wonder Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular destinations. A set of steps attracts lovers and newlyweds—legend has it that if the man can carry the woman up the 99 stairs to the church, their love will endure. The banks of Bled Lake swarm with tourists during the high season, but Bled becomes a tranquil natural oasis in the off season.
Celje
Celje has been inhabited since Roman times. It is located where several rivers merge, and its castle, now in ruins but once a mighty fortress, overlooks the waterway that flows through the city. Once ruled by counts, it is now Slovenia’s third-largest city and an active commercial and trade center.Kranj
Kranj is one of Slovenia’s largest cities, but it continues to preserve an old town with 16th century castle set high on a hill. Another major sight is its St. Cantianius and Companions Church, built in the 14th century.Lipica
Lipica is famous for being the location of the
Lipizzaner Horse Farm, where the famous white Lipizzaner horses are trained. Visitors can take riding lessons and get a tour of the farm and demonstrations by the talented beasts that have served royalty for hundreds of years. A museum about the long heritage of horse husbandry can also be toured.
Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital city. Its historic core is the site of holiday festivals that attract large annual crowds. The canals, shaded by weeping willow trees and crossed by dragon-guarded bridges, are an idyllic and surprising aspect to the city landscape. Ljubljana Castle overlooks all, including a market where vendors sell fresh produce, flowers, and crafts. Slovenia’s capital city is a popular travel destination and stop on regional tours for good reason. Even if you only catch a small glimpse of the city, you’ll likely be dreaming of planning a more extended trip in the future.
Maribor is distinctive for being the home of the world’s oldest producing grapevine. It’s possible to sample wine made from the grapes of this remarkable plant, but other
Slovenian wines can be sampled in this mecca of the surrounding wine-growing region. Maribor also has a castle, a main square, and a calendar of regular events to keep visitors occupied when they aren’t visiting cellars or enjoying wine tours.
Piran
Piran is a city in the Istrian region of Slovenia once under Venetian rule. It is located on a stretch of land that juts out into the Adriatic, and its cluster of red-roofed buildings evoke prior centuries. Tartini Square is the main focus of Piran’s sightseeing attractions, but visitors should explore on their own and relax on a restaurant terrace at sunset to get a sense of what Piran is all about.Portoroz
Portoroz, or the Port of Roses, is a coastal city attracting beach-lovers and sun-bathers from far and wide. Casinos and spas round out the activities available in this pleasure-seekers’ paradise.Ptuj is regarded as Slovenia’s oldest city. Ptuj is interesting on a variety of levels, from its nearby Mithra shrines, to its proximity to thermal springs, to its annual Carnival traditions. This multi-faceted destination is appealing in such disparate ways, it may be just what you’re looking for if you simply can’t decide where in Slovenia to spend your time.
