In search of an unforgettable day journey from Ljubljana? There are numerous adventures only a contact away from the Slovenian capital.
Whereas the town showcases its personal plain charms with its medieval Outdated City and historic bridges, Ljubljana additionally serves as a superb base to discover the huge variety of Slovenia, because of its handy transport hyperlinks to all elements of the nation.
I at all times rave about Slovenia because the ‘underrated gem’ in Europe. And regardless of the actual 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 thousands and thousands 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 start line to start your Slovenian journey. That being stated, the place are you able to go from the capital?
Proceed studying for the perfect day journeys from Ljubljana.
Greatest day journeys from Ljubljana
1. Lake Bled
What may be stated about Lake Bled that hasn’t been stated 100 instances over? It’s a very lovely and worthwhile day journey from Ljubljana.
Cornered by the Julian Alps, Lake Bled’s pristine waters and environment supply 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 pretty restaurant proper subsequent to it referred to as Resort Starl, which is nice for brunch. The Pletna Boat experience at present prices €18 for a return.
When you’re on the island, you’ll have to 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 3 times and makes a want has their want come true. It price €6 to enter.
In your return, make sure you stroll across the complete lake! You’ll discover many scenic picture alternatives at each flip, together with the long-lasting picture on the remark deck, “The Coronary heart of Bled”, which frames the lake with an enormous coronary heart.
Alongside your path, there are eateries that promote the well-known native specialty Bled Cake. Don’t miss out! It’s virtually a sin not to do that candy cream cake whilst you’re right here.
Advice: To benefit from the delight with an exquisite panoramic view of the lake, head to Bled Citadel, perched above the lake, and revel in it contained in the citadel’s restaurant.
The way to get there: From Ljubljana, you’ve gotten a number of transportation choices to get to Lake Bled.
To get to Lake Bled by practice, catch the practice from Ljubljana to Jesenice. Then, get a practice 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 perfect 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.
High tip: Use this bus timetable service to search out the most recent bus schedules from Ljubljana.
2. Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is a pristine lake surrounded by the Julian Alps and positioned within the ever-beautiful climbing paradise Triglav Nationwide Park. It’s typically missed by vacationers, who escape to Slovenia’s golden little one, Lake Bled.
Throughout your day in Lake Bohinj, you’ll discover many fun-filled actions, corresponding to kayaking, paddle boarding, and, after all, ever-rewarding hikes.
As Bohinj is the biggest lake in Slovenia, hikes won’t ever be too onerous to search out across the lake. If you wish to hike across the lake, it can take round roughly 3-5 hours.
Nevertheless, 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 straightforward 40-minute spherical journey.
Alongside the lake’s pristine waters and rewarding hikes is its predominant attraction, the “Church of St John Baptist,” certainly one of Slovenia’s best Romanesque buildings, which sits simply on the outskirts of the lake.
It price €3.50, however you’ll be handled to a tremendous view of the lake from its bell tower.
Whereas there are many superb outside actions at Lake Bohinj, there are spots across the lake the place you possibly can merely put a towel down, indulge within the ambiance and decompress with just a little siesta.
The way to 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 can assist you journey throughout if wanted.
Really helpful route: There are excursions that discover each Lake Bled and Bohinj, with lodge drop, which is a superb possibility for a stress-free journey.
3. Postojna Caves & Predjama Citadel
Among the finest issues to do in Slovenia is to go to Postojna Caves & Predjama Citadel from Ljubljana on a day journey.
Whereas one is an unbelievable sequence of rock formations shaped over thousands and thousands of years, one other is an instance of medieval brilliance set in a cave’s mouth.
As each sights are only a quick distance aside, it makes good sense to mix the 2 for a day journey from Ljubljana.
Postojna Caves
To enter the caves, you’ll have to e-book a guided tour. You are able to do this on-line or in individual on the ticket workplace – simply make sure you arrive at the very least quarter-hour earlier than your time slot!
High tip: Be sure you put on heat clothes if you’re inside. It’s freezing inside, with temperatures reaching as little as 10ºC.
To start your tour, you’ll experience on an electrical mine practice to enter the caves. Throughout your experience, you’ll move by means of 3.7km of the caves, viewing many stalactites and stalagmites in your manner.
Your tour begins as quickly as you hop off the practice. Your information will present you round 1.3km of the cave by means of a 1-1.5 hour tour, showcasing all of the completely different rock formations contained in the cave.
Predjama Citadel
Sure! This citadel is about within the mouth of a cave, hanging on a mere cliff edge.
The citadel’s exterior seems small, however really, on the within, it feels removed from it, virtually 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 be taught loads in regards to the royalty that dominated the city and the citadel, visiting luxurious rooms like The Citadel Nice Corridor and The Armoury.
Additionally, you’ll find out about 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 behind the citadel.
Ljubljana to Postojna Caves:
From Ljubljana, you’ve gotten a number of transportation choices to get to Postojna Caves.
By automobile, it takes 40 minutes to drive on the A1 freeway. Or by practice, 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.
The way to get to Predjama Citadel:
There is no such thing as a public transport on to Predjama Citadel from Ljubljana, so you have to head to Postojna Caves first. From right here, the one possibility is to get a taxi to the citadel.
Nevertheless, from Could to September, there’s a switch bus that may take you from Postojna Caves to Predjama Citadel and vice versa. It prices €1 for a return.
4. Skocjan Caves
One other certainly 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 thousands and thousands of years within the limestone bedrock. Its open underground caves, stalagmites, stalactites, and otherworldly options have since gained its fame for being Tolkien-like.
Throughout your tour, you’ll enterprise by means of 2.5km of the inside of the cave by means of its predominant highlights, venturing into the Silent Cave and, my favourite, Murmuring Cave – one of many largest underground caves on the planet.
For my part, 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 crammed my fantasy repair.
The way to get there: Public transport from Ljubljana to Skocjan Caves is extremely awkward. The best choice is by practice, however it can require some strolling within the course of.
To get there by practice, 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 varied historic powers, together with the Venetian empire, which is seen by means of 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. If you’re there, make sure you sit down and have a look at the views.
Zizola is a superb place within the sq. for a fast cease for espresso or a snack to soak within the ambiance and look out to the port.
For the perfect view of the city, you’ve gotten 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 price visiting. The Partitions of Piran is simply €3 – For that view, you’ve acquired your self a cut price!
The way to 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 extremely dangerous.
Alternatively, there are lots of 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 plain charms!
To start out your day in Maribor, head to its predominant sq., Grajski Trg. That is the town’s central hotspot, aligned with quaint institutions and the place you’ll discover Maribor Citadel.
Initially a medieval fortress constructed within the fifteenth century, Maribor Citadel has now been remodeled 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 greatest metropolis, lots 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.
In the event you plan to cease off at a restaurant or restaurant, make sure you strive 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 probably the most 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.
Be sure you take your time! The total course can take as little as 1-2 hours to complete, however after the eagerness to attract to your digicam and refreshment stops firstly and finish, you possibly can simply end up spending half a day right here.
To increase your day, there’s an ever-rewarding hike on the finish of the path, the place you possibly can head to Sum Waterfall, the biggest waterfall in Slovenia. That is an epic grand finale to a superb day trip from Ljubljana.
Notice: Vintgar Gorge is closed through the winter.
The way to 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 means of 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, climbing, and mountain biking.
For hikers who love good views, nicely, you might be in luck! There are numerous 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 your entire path to see a lot of Soca Valley’s prettiness. Even quick strolls supply views of its turquoise waters and charming little footbridges which might be sensible for images!
And, should 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 – harking back to Mostar Bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Notice: In the event you fancy extending your day journey from Ljubljana, there are lots of visitor homes contained in the cities.
The way to 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 practice, it takes over 3 hours.
Renting a automobile is really helpful and takes round 2 hours. In the event you 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, positioned 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 Citadel.
The citadel is the Outdated City’s crowning jewel, having skilled many transitions, however is at present often known as the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum.
Inside, you’ll discover an enormous assortment of musical devices, luxurious artwork, and medieval armor which might be treasured 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 your entire world.
These masks are used throughout February when the competition is held, however they’re left right here all yr spherical for individuals to view a few of its distinctive collections.
Be sure you additionally make use of the citadel’s excessive place atop the city. These picturesque views await! Seize your digicam and take some postcard-worthy photographs.
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 also be the Mihelič Gallery, which is free to enter and has a beautiful artwork assortment.
A lot of Ptuj may be explored in hours, nevertheless it’s price taking your time to discover Slovenia’s oldest metropolis.
The way to get there: There are numerous transportation choices from Ljubljana to Ptuj. The practice is the best choice for public transport, taking on 2 hours and 13 minutes. Buses are just a little tougher, with an estimated journey of three hours.
Automobiles 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 final word place to proceed your Adriatic adventures.
With its shut ties to the Venetian Empire, a lot of its structure remains to be intact and well-preserved, touched with Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic options.
To start out your day in Koper in the easiest way, discover the structure in Tito Sq.. Right here, you will discover sights like Praetorian Palace, a wonderful Venetian Gothic constructing that initially served because the residence for the ruler of Koper.
At this time, it’s the Outdated City’s metropolis corridor, and you may take a guided tour of its rooms.
The subsequent 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 perfect 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 may be explored on foot, with little bits of historical past hidden deep contained in the Outdated City.
The way to get there: Getting from Ljubljana to Koper isn’t a straightforward 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 pair of hours and 20 minutes to go by practice. Nevertheless, these choices may be few and much between.
Some bus journeys to Koper from Ljubljana run extra typically every day by means of providers like Flixbus or extra native providers like Nomago.
11. Kranj
Final however not least, Kranj is Slovenia’s third-largest metropolis and is nicely price 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 probably the most charming in Slovenia.
Right here, you’ll discover many fantastically preserved buildings and essential monuments. A lot of Kranj, in truth, may be simply explored on foot, going from one museum to a different very quickly.
Start at Khislstein Citadel. This Renaissance-Baroque constructing homes the Gorenjska Museum exhibition, which showcases the historical past of Kranj by means of artifacts, artwork, and far more.
In the event you’re an enormous artwork fan or want a snack, the Layer Home is your go-to place. Surrounded by tables and chairs in a comfy setting is an artwork exhibition that permits you to discover a few of Kranj’s sensible up to date artwork proper out of your desk.
And eventually, simply outdoors the Outdated City alongside the Kokra River is the picturesque Kokra River Canyon. The gorge is a surprising a part of the town and nicely price a stroll for a serene setting and to get nearer to nature. Don’t miss it in your day journey right here!
The way to get there: Kranj is well 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 continuously and take round 30-35 minutes.
Closing ideas
Properly, there you’ve gotten it! 11 unforgettable journeys from Ljubljana to create recollections that may final a lifetime.
A lot of Slovenia may be explored in per week or two, and with a location as good as Ljubljana to start your journey, you’re assured to have a neater, much less demanding journey across the nation.
And if you’re completed exploring, the Slovenian capital shall be there to welcome you again to get pleasure from its delights over again.