19 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.

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.

An idyllic way to while away a day, Ljubljana's riverside is packed with cafés and restaurants that are perfect for people-watching. Prices have skyrocketed recently, but you're paying for location and atmosphere above all else.

This proud Baroque cathedral overlooking the daily market on Vodnikov trg is dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen and boatmen who created a powerful guild in medieval Ljubljana. The building took place between 1701 and 1708 under the Italian architect Andrea Pozzo, who modeled it after the church of Il Gesù in Rome. The magnificent frescoes on the ceiling of the nave are by the Lombard painter Giulio Quaglio and depict the transfiguration of St. Nicholas and the persecution of Christians under Diocletian and Nero. In honor of Pope John Paul II's visit in 1996, bronze doors were added to the church. The main entrance tells the story of Christianity in Slovenia, whereas the side door shows the history of the Ljubljana diocese.

Radovljica is an adorable town not far from Bled, and its intriguing Čebelarski muzej (Beekeeping Museum) may well be its cultural highlight. Located within the 17th-century Town Hall in the town center, the museum explores the humble bee through various interactive exhibitions. The museum also houses its own hive, a buzzing colony of some 5,000 bees, working away behind the safety of a glass cabinet.

You'll find the Triglav National Park Information Center at Dom Trenta in Trenta. Here, you can watch a presentation about the history and geography of the region and tour the small museum. It's also a good access point to the 20-km (12-mile) Soča Trail that winds along the river's banks. The center is open from the end of April through to the end of October, daily from 10 to 6.

Slovenes love to get out and about, so don’t be surprised to see whole families packing the hiking and biking trails around the city on the weekend. Less than a mile from downtown Ljubljana, Golovec is a popular choice, with the path starting close to the Botanical Garden. The views from the top are fantastic.

Founded in 1580 by Austrian archduke Karl II, the Kobilarna Lipica was where the white Lipizzaners—the majestic horses of the famed Spanish Riding School in Vienna—originated. Today, the farm no longer sends its horses to Vienna; instead, it breeds them for its own performances and riding instruction. The impressive stables and grounds are open to the public. Riding classes are available, but lessons are geared toward experienced riders and must be booked in advance.

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 featured along 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 an extensive 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 Carniolan Rivers.

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 snake-like "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 from May through October, six times a day in April, and three times a day from November to March.

This museum tells the story of Piran's connection to the sea. On display are a beautiful collection of model ships, sailors' uniforms, and shipping instruments, as well as a fascinating historical section on the town's changing affiliations over the centuries.

This gorge was cut between precipitous cliffs by the clear Radovna River, which flows down numerous waterfalls and through pools and rapids. The marked gorge trail leads over bridges, wooden walkways, and gullies. It was discovered almost by accident in 1891 by a photographer and local mayor, but the authorities quickly recognized its potential. By 1893 it was open to the public, and this stunning 1.6-km (1-mile) gorge of natural beauty has been stealing hearts ever since. The vertical walls of the Hom and Boršt hills create a real sense of drama. If you are heading to Triglav National Park from Bled, this is the most exciting (and beautiful) way to do it.

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 several notable 15th- and 16th-century frescoes.