I've traveled a lot in my time, and once in a while, during a study of places to go, I find something that I can't believe I missed. So, today we're discussing something that has been placed on my bucket list. Something that I can't believe I missed. Something for everyone. Something that checks a lot of boxes. We're talking about Slovenia.
Slovenia is one of those countries. It sits in pretty much the middle of Europe. It's been ruled by everyone. It's been part of every war. It's been part of Yugoslavia. It's been part of the Soviet Union. There are artifacts that have been recovered dated to 55,000 years ago. Slovenia has been around for a long time. They knew Napoleon, they were ruled by Tito. They were part of the Reformation. They were part of the Holy Roman Empire. They've been lorded over by Huns, Nazis, Austro-Hungarians, and so many more. They were dead center in WWI and WWII. They've seen it all, and still wanted to be an independent nation. In the 1990's they got their wish. And now, they're part of the European Union.
What truly boggles my mind is that they have it all in Slovenia. They have around 500 castles and palaces. They have the largest cave system in Europe. They have Alps. They have Lake Bled. They have scenic waterfalls and gorges to hike, and peaks to climb, and slopes to ski. They have numerous cable cars to get a view in. They have medieval towns and monasteries. They have Venetian ports, salt flats, ridiculous driving roads, and Lippizans. There's simply no end to the things that they have. You can even take a boat tour on the river in Ljubljana. Things that you can do in Croatia, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France; you can do in Slovenia. They have it all from history to architecture, to wilderness, to sports, to the macabre and beyond. They have everything I look for in all those other countries in one place. They have mountains, shore, beaches, villages, and some truly unique things to see and do.
I love the outdoors. Slovenia has that. Known as Europe's land of waterfalls, there are amazing hikes you can take. You can go with or without a guide, as you can find maps to and through the hikes easily. Are you concerned about your safety? Well, Slovenia is one of the safest countries to travel in the world. The place is a success story. In touristy areas, which from what I can see is most of the country, a lot of people speak English. That reduces the language barrier and helps with independent travel. Their currency is the Euro, so if you're traveling in more than one country, you don't have to worry about more money exchanging.
However, if you don't want to try it alone, there are dozens of tours and cruises and guides that you can use to make your trip more comfortable. They range from groups and cruises to individual, personalized tours. There are a lot of options, so choose one that's right for you. Take your time, because this could be one of the best trips of your life.
Slovenia is a rare gem with a variety of places to go and things to see. They have a specific culture and their own place in Europe. They have a 13 story building in Ljubljana that's famous. It was the highest building in that part of the continent for years. Now, it's a great place to have lunch and get a great view of the city.
Ljubljana also has the three bridges. I thought it was some complicated story with a crazy reasoning that made those bridges. It turns out that they were all just built to help with pedestrian traffic in the early 1900's. But the city also comes with medieval streets, old town, beautiful cathedrals, a fortress and so much more. They have the robust food that Slovenia is known for. And, if you're so hungry you could eat a horse, they have that too. If that doesn't thrill you, make sure you read the menu carefully.
The country has a castle that is in a cave. Predjama Castle sticks right out of a cliff. Quite a sight. The whole place is a national park and you can tour the castle and the cave. They also have a cave with a train in it. Postojna Cave is one of the largest on the continent. The other main cave is Skocjan and they are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. They have one of the premiere pass roads in the Alps. The road through Vrsic Pass. It's about a 50 km drive and takes about two hours. Don't try it in the winter. It's closed. They have beaches, and you can go sailing. Piran is the ancient city by the sea where you can do all the shore activities and visit the salt flats and walk the walls of the medieval town. It's bizarre the variety of things you can do in Slovenia.
Lake Bled is the most famous lake in the country with its island holding a palace sitting in the middle of it, but Lake Bohinj is the largest. Both are gorgeous, both have villages around, both have castles to look at. Take your pick, or if you have time, visit both. The Soca River is probably the largest in the country and goes through some gorges and to some waterfalls. You can't beat the scenery. Vintgar Gorge is probably the best known gorge hike in Slovenia ending at a Slap. That's the Slovenian word for waterfall. There's medieval farming villages on the slopes of the Alps. There's so much to wonder at that you'll never be bored.
Slovenia is full of museums and artistic spaces. There are history, art, modern art, Soviet and more for the museums, but in Ljubljana they have something different. It's an artistic colony called Metelkova City which used to be a Soviet military barracks. Nowadays, the whole neighborhood's become an outdoor art display of graffiti. Some of the sculptures seem a bit macabre, but it's something you won't see anywhere else. It's worth a look. Promise.
Getting to and from Slovenia is also easy. You can drive. You can take a train. You can fly. You can sail there on a cruise. All the options are available. What you'll be surprised about is the modernity. Slovenia is with the times. They're tech savvy and ready for the 21st century. The people are reportedly outgoing and proud to be independent and members of the European Union. They welcome visitors and try to show them a very good time while in their country.
Just remember that Slovenia has something for everyone and a lot of things that you have to go to several other countries to do all in one place. Whether you want to wander a city market, celebrate the holidays, go skiing, go on a cruise, experience art, hike, bike, visit castles or caves; Slovenia has something for you. Whether it's the Alps, the gorges, the medieval villages, the cathedrals, the waterfalls, the beaches, the gondolas or the food; Slovenia has something for you. It's one of the most diverse, richly historical, beautiful, fascinating countries I've heard of in a while.
All I can say for myself is that I intend to visit this one. I can't believe I missed it. But, if you're like me and love to have a lot of options of things to do with your travel time, then Slovenia is worth checking out. I found options there I'd never dreamed of, so look into it, plan a vacay and enjoy!
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