9 Best Sights in Slovenia

The stately Bled Castle perches above the lake on the summit of a steep cliff against a backdrop of the Julian Alps and Triglav Peak. You can climb up to the castle for fine views of the lake, the resort, and the surrounding countryside. An exhibition traces the castle's development through the centuries, with archeological artifacts and period furniture on display, but the view steals the show.

Bled's famed lake is nestled within a rim of mountains and surrounded by forests, with a castle on one side and a promenade beneath stately chestnut trees on the other. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop along the promenade while swans glide on the water, creating the ultimate romantic scene. On a minuscule island in the middle of the lake, the lovely Cerkov svetega Martina (St. Martin's Pilgrimage Church) stands within a circle of trees. Take a ride over to the island on a pletna, a traditional covered boat.

Lake Bohinj is the quieter, wilder, and prettier sister of Bled and lies entirely within the Triglav National Park. The entire length of the north shore is rugged and accessible only by foot. At an altitude of 1,715 feet, the lake is surrounded on three sides by the steep walls of the Julian Alps. The altitude means the temperature of the water—even in August—rarely rises above a brisk but still swimmable 74°F. The small village of Ribčev Laz, on the eastern end of the lake, functions as the de facto town center, where you'll find a grocery store, post office, currency exchange, an ATM, and the tourist information center. On the western shore lies the remote village of Ukanc, anchored by the Hotel Zlatorog, a campsite, and a few small shops. Just to the north and east of Ribčev Laz are the tiny hamlets of Stara Fužina, Studor, and Srednja Vas.

Situated in the grand Auersperg Palace, this museum's beautifully designed exhibits trace the city's history from pre-Roman times through the Austrian domination, the World Wars, the Tito years, and finally, the establishment of independent Slovenia. In the basement, you can walk on a piece of the ancient Roman road or see a cross-sectioned excavation that shows the burning of Emona by Attila the Hun through a black charred stratum. If you're interested, you can arrange for a museum guide to take you to other ancient Roman sites around the city. The city museum also houses the world's oldest wooden wheel, dating from 4000 BC.

Its color may now garner more attention than its history, but Ljubljana's famous Pink Church has plenty of stories waiting within. A High Baroque beauty built in the middle of the 17th century, the church flourished a century later under the watchful eye of the Franciscans, who decided to paint it red (hence the faded pink of today). The church's prime location on the city's main square makes it a prominent meeting point for people of all ages today.

Ljubljana's hilltop castle affords views over the river and the Old Town's terra-cotta rooftops, spires, and green cupolas. On a clear day, the distant Julian Alps are a dramatic backdrop. The castle walls date from the early 16th century, although the tower was added in the mid-19th century. Architect Jože Plečnik landscaped the surrounding park in the 1930s. The castle also houses a virtual museum showcasing Slovenian history through digital technology. Take a step back through time and do the tour; it's a great introduction to Ljubljana. The castle is also home to the Museum of Puppetry, one of the most underrated museums in the city.

The 11 interconnected chambers that compose the Škocjan Jama stretch for almost 6 km (about 4 miles) through a dramatic subterranean landscape so unique that UNESCO has named them a World Heritage site. The 90-minute walking tour of the two chilly main chambers—the Silent Cave and the Murmuring Cave—is otherworldly as winds swirl around the dripstone sculptures, massive sinkholes, and stalactites and stalagmites that resemble the horns of a mythical creature. The highlight is Europe's most extensive cave hall: a gorge 479 feet high, 404 feet wide, and 984 feet long, spanned by a narrow bridge lighted with footlights. Far below, the brilliant jade waters of the Reka River rush by on their underground journey. The view is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Covering some 4% of Slovenia's entire landmass, Triglav National Park is the ideological and spiritual heart of the country. The iconic three peaks of Triglav (the highest point in the country) are found on Slovenia's coat of arms and its flag, placing this dreamland of gorges, caves, waterfalls, rivers, and forests front and center for the nation. Winter sees locals and visitors alike head here in search of skiing and other snow-based activities, while the warmer months are perfect for amateur and experienced climbers and hikers. Mountain huts dot the landscape offering affordable accommodations for those looking to wander the meadows. Slovenia's only national park, Triglav contains everything that makes Slovenian nature magnificent, all within 840 square km (324 square miles) of magic.

From Kranjska Gora, head south over the breathtaking Vršič Pass, some 5,253 feet above sea level. You’ll then descend into the beautiful Soča Valley, winding through the foothills to the west of Triglav Peak and passing truly magnificent scenery. From Trenta, continue west for about 20 km (12 miles) to reach the mountain adventure resort of Bovec. The Vršič Pass isn’t for the faint of heart—every hairpin turn is fraught with danger—but roads in Slovenia don’t come much more exhilarating than this. The truly brave should make the journey via bus from Kranjska Gora. The pass closes when the weather is particularly bad in winter.