Slovenia
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Slovenia - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Slovenia - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
At the west end of Lake Bohinj (near Ukanc) a cable car leads up Mt. Vogel to a height of 5,035 feet. From here, you have spectacular views of the Julian Alps massif and the Bohinj valley and lake. From the cable-car base, the road continues 5 km (3 miles) beyond the lake to the point where the Savica River makes a tremendous leap over a 194-foot waterfall. The cable car runs every half hour September through June from 8 to 6 and in July and August from 7 to 7. A round-trip ticket costs €15.
The permanent exhibition on Slovenes in the 20th century takes you from the days of Austria-Hungary, through World War II, the victory of the Partisan liberation movement and the ensuing Tito period, and up to the present day. Relics and memorabilia are combined with a dramatic sound-and-video presentation (scenes from World War II are projected on the walls and ceiling, accompanied by thundering gunfire, screams, and singing). You'll find the museum in a pink-and-white Baroque villa in Tivoli Park.
This massive building houses a large collection of Slovenian art from the 13th through the early 20th century and a smaller but impressive collection of European paintings. It also houses the original of Francesco Robba's Fountain of the Three Rivers.
The National Museum, home to more than 400,000 archaeological artifacts, rare books, historic documents, and artworks from the prehistoric era through modern times, is not to be missed. The centerpiece here is a bronze urn from the late 5th or 6th century BC known as the Vace Situle. Discovered in Vace, Slovenia, it is a striking example of Illyrian workmanship and is decorated with friezes depicting a procession of men, horses, and chariots. Extensive collections of classic artworks from Western and Northern Europe, Russia, and Japan complement the already impressive exhibit of Yugoslav pieces.
Built from 1936 to 1941, the National Library is architect Jože Plečnik's secular masterpiece. The external facades present a modernist version of an Italian renaissance palazzo, using brick, stone, and even archaeological remains from excavations around Ljubljana. However, these are not arranged in registers as in a traditional palazzo, but rather are scattered haphazardly over the entire exterior, creating a dynamic and three-dimensional look that makes the massive building seem light and airy. Inside, there is a beautiful colonnaded black marble staircase and a reading room with huge windows at either end to let in light. The austere furniture in the reading room was also designed by Plečnik. Don't miss the beautiful horsehead door handles on the main entrance.
Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to architect Jože Plečnik's house, which is home to his preserved studio, living quarters, and garden. You'll be struck by the strange combination of refined aestheticism and severe, almost monastic, asceticism that pervades the residence of the man who played a large part in transforming Ljubjana between the two World Wars. Exploring the house itself is only possible on one of the hourly tours, but the gardens and exhibition are accessible with a ticket.
This is one of the largest networks of caves in the world, with 23 km (14 miles) of underground passageways. A miniature train takes you through the first 7 km (4½ miles) to reveal a succession of well-lighted rock formations. This strange underground world is home to the snakelike "human fish" on view in an aquarium in the Great Hall. Eyeless and colorless because of countless millennia of life in total darkness, these amphibians can live for up to 60 years. Temperatures average 8°C (46°F) year-round, so bring a sweater, even in summer. Tours leave every hour on the hour May through October and three to four times a day November to April.
Ptujski Grad stands atop a steep hill in the center of town. Planned around a baroque courtyard, the castle houses a museum that houses musical instruments, an armory, 15th-century church paintings, and period furniture.
This museum tells the story of Piran's connection to the sea. On display is a beautiful collection of model ships, sailors' uniforms, and shipping instruments, and a fascinating historical section on the town's changing affiliations over the centuries.
This hall was built in 1891 for one of the oldest music societies in the world, established in 1701. Haydn, Brahms, Beethoven, and Paganini were honorary members of the orchestra, and Mahler was resident conductor for the 1881–82 season.
This neo-Renaissance palace, with an ornate facade topped by an allegorical sculpture group, was erected in 1892. When visiting ballet and opera companies visit Ljubljana, they perform here. The opera house fell into disrepair during the Yugoslav years but has been carefully and lovingly restored since Slovenian independence, with a major renovation in 2011.
This gorge was cut between precipitous cliffs by the clear Radovna River, which flows down numerous waterfalls and through pools and rapids. The marked trail through the gorge leads over bridges and along wooden walkways and galleries.
On the eastern bank of Lake Bohinj in Ribčev Laz, you'll find the 15th-century Gothic church of Sveti Janez. The small church has a fine bell tower and contains a number of notable 15th- and 16th-century frescoes.
The general municipal tourist information office provides two-hour guided tours of the city and the castle. Book in advance in their office or on the website. The departure point is in front of the Town Hall.
This striking structure spans the River Ljubljanica from Prešernov trg to the Old Town. The three bridges started as a single span, and in 1931, the two graceful outer arched bridges, designed by Plečnik, were added.
Because gasoline-powered engines are not allowed on Lake Bohinj, the super-quiet Turistična Ladja runs on electrical power. The boat makes hourly runs during daylight hours from June to mid-September from the boat dock just below Ribčev Laz to Camp Zlatorog on the western side of the lake and back. A ticket costs €9 one-way, €10.50 round-trip.
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 occasionally plunging through tunnels. From Trenta, continue west for about 20 km (12 miles) to reach the mountain adventure resort of Bovec.
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