10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Slovenia at Least Once in Your Lifetime

In its small territory, Slovenia exhibits a vast diversity of nature. The country has numerous mountains and hills that are suitable for all levels of hiking. In the winter, the snow-covered mountains offer the joy of skiing. For those who prefer to be warm, Slovenia’s seaside offer charming old towns, a dip in clear water, and beautiful sunsets. The Prekmurje lowlands in the northeast are perfect for the cycling enthusiast. Whether visitors are looking for an active vacation or a relaxing getaway, Slovenia has it all.

Slovenians are hospitable and friendly people, and they want to make their guests feel like kings. Locals in Slovenia will be happy to introduce visitors to their traditional food, culture, monuments, and natural wonders. Enjoying good food is something they love almost as much as meeting in cafés. Slovenians will gladly sit with a visitor for hours just sipping coffee, chatting, and enjoying the views. Showing off the beauty of their country is something Slovenians also love to do. Since a large percentage of people in Slovenia speak English, communicating with locals should not present a problem.

Slovenia is a great destination for adrenaline junkies. In Planica, the zipline with the steepest descent in the world simulates the feeling of a ski jump. Bridge Solkan, the longest train bridge built of stone blocks, is a picturesque place to bungee jump. Water sports enthusiasts can raft or kayak on the crystal clear river Soča. For visitors who are a little less courageous, Slovenia offers several adrenaline parks, which are becoming a popular weekend destination for the locals.

The Slovenian nation has a rich history. Before gaining independence in 1991, Slovenes were a part of different empires, kingdoms, and countries. A day visiting the castles from medieval times will let visitors’ imaginations run wild. Hospital Franja, a secret partisan WWII hospital, is tucked away in a forest and still displays the enormous courage of the people who fought in the war. Numerous indoor and outdoor museums around the country make Slovenia a great destination for history buffs.

The history of producing wine in Slovenia goes back to the time when Illyrian and Celtic tribes ruled this territory. Since then, wine has been a big part of the country’s traditions. A visit to one of the wineries that offer wine tours is a great way to spend a day in the countryside and a fun way to try the best wines Slovenia has to offer. Slovenia is also home to the oldest vine in the world. Located in Maribor, it has been producing grapes since the sixteenth century.

Cave exploration is a long-standing tradition in Slovenia. In the underground of the country, thousands of caves are hidden, of which 22 are open to the public. Each of the caves reveals beautiful and unique karst formations that have been growing for millions of years. With over 600,000 visitors per year, the most popular cave is Postojna Cave. Besides breathtaking formations, this cave is also popular for being a home to the olm. This small blind animal is the color of human skin and lives in the waters in the cave. That is why locals refer to it as a human fish. Visiting one of the beautiful caves is a great way for families to spend a hot summer day.

Food is an important part of every culture, and it is no different in Slovenia. Some traditional foods like kranjska klobasa (a type of sausage) are popular all over the country; others, like bograč (a type of stew), are unique to one of the 12 regions that form Slovenia. Known for their hospitality, Slovenians always love to prepare traditional food for their visitors. Besides traditional Slovenian food, Balkan foods are also very popular among Slovenes. The most popular street food in Slovenia, burek, actually originates in Bosnia.

Over half of Slovenia is covered with trees. This gives visitors a feeling that they are always sounded by forests. Hiking in the Slovenian forests offers gorgeous surroundings like nowhere else. A walk among the trees relaxes the mind and helps hikers recharge their batteries. The oldest Slovenian forest is Rajhenavski Forest. It has been growing for over 500 years and is located in Kocevski Rog. Throughout the year, several tourist agencies offer day trips to the area where visitors get to explore the forest with the help of a skilled guide.

Like the rest of the country, the Slovenian seaside is diverse. The coast offers something for everyone, including beautiful beaches. For the romantic souls, Piran is a must. This old town charms visitors with its architecture, art, cozy cafés, and restaurants. The nearby town of Porotorž offers casinos where visitors can try their luck. The seaside also offers spots to unwind and recharge. A popular spot among the locals is an outdoor spa located in the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park. The seaside towns of Slovenia offer local restaurants where travelers can enjoy traditional food and exquisite wines.

Slovenia is rich in mineral water. Depending on the geographical location, the actual water offers different healing benefits. The water’s healing benefits make spa centers all around the country an attractive destination for a vacation. Spa centers offer packages where visitors can relax their body and soul and get the most out of the healing water. With beautiful surroundings, various pools, water slides, and saunas, these centers are also a popular destination for families.