Tourist Attractions & Monuments Slovenia

The white church and its surprising bell tower which lets you guess its author, Jože Plečnik of course. It is transformed in 1925-1927. The old part of the 14th century with its portal and the capitals are then inserted into the new building. Pillars, altar and pulpit are made of marble from Podpeč. The architect Jože Plečnik has integrated pottery, a traditional local but also universal and millennial know-how. Ceramic plates decorate the oak ceiling while amphoras frame the main altar. An amazing step!

This cave has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1986. Much more natural and authentic than the one in Postojna. She's on foot. The waters of the Notranjska Reka river disappear near the village, rush into the karst massif, roar as you cross the Hanke Bridge, a 45-metre suspension bridge. With a total length of 5 km, it makes a singular mark on the spirits. On the way back, a small hook at the lookout allows a view of the Velika Dolina, the large dolina, 160 m deep.

To access this superb natural site, you need to book your tickets online. We also recommend that you wear suitable footwear and, if necessary, warm clothing, as it's rare for the sun to penetrate deep into the gorge. It's best to visit at off-peak times, early in the morning in summer, and avoid dark days. At first glance, there's nothing exceptional about this busy spot. One might even tire of the sheer number of tourists, a rarity in Slovenia. But ignore all that! Take to the trail and discover the incredible beauty of the Vintgar Gorge. The noisy river drowns out all noise. The trail runs alongside the river, stunning in its transparency and purity, and impressive in its white-foamed waterfalls. Small wooden footbridges allow you to meander along the river. The walk lasts around 1h30. Despite the turbulence, you'll appreciate the calm spots where the riverbed is at its best: many trout swim upstream! Anglers will regret the restrictions imposed. You'll arrive near a stunning waterfall (beware of vertigo), overlooked by a small wooden bridge that you can cross to admire the power of the waterfalls. This timeless landscape will make you realize that you were right to go beyond your first impressions and continue on your way.

Legend has it that the lake was created following a dispute between fairies and local shepherds. In retaliation for the latter's mockery, the fairies had their fertile valley flooded. If you are more down to earth, you will learn that the island was formed following the melting of the Bohinj glacier during the last ice age. With a maximum depth of 30 m, its length reaches 2.12 km, its width 1.38 km. Today it hosts many sporting events.

The castle overlooks the city. It attracts the eye and makes you want to go there. It is a visit not to be missed.

How to get there. There are three ways to get there: Študentovska (in front of Vodnikov Trg), Ulica na Grad (a handful of meters to the right of St. Florian's church) and Reber, at 28 Stari Trg. But for the less courageous, there is a funicular just behind the market square, on Krekov Square. This way, you can reach the castle without any effort and enjoy a panoramic view of Ljubljana.

Visit. The castle is nothing special, a large inner courtyard with a mixture of all kinds of architecture. It is constantly being renovated. Anyway, visit the tower. The entrance with a guide gives access to the top of the tower. The 360° view of Ljubljana is breathtaking. The city appears so far away and so close at the same time. The entrance fee also includes a 3D film showing the history of Ljubljana and consequently of the castle. The whole thing is presented in a playful way and is very instructive. It is also possible to discover the monument in a playful way through a "Time Machine": the visit takes place in six stages corresponding to the six key periods that have marked the history of the castle, the guide changing costume according to the periods commented. For example, we start with a Roman soldier before meeting the Emperor Frederick III of Habsburg... A fun way to learn about the history of this place!

History. Illyrians and then Celts equipped these heights with fortifications. The Romans built a camp there. The first castle is the property of the counts of Spanheim (11th century). Frederick III of Habsburg (1415-1493) completed the original work. The chapel of St. George (1489) attracts crowds of pilgrims once a year on the first Sunday after the feast of the patron saint. It is decorated with the coat of arms of the Dukes of Carniola. The castle dates from the 16th century, the earthquake of 1511 having damaged the medieval part. The tower of the castle (1848) replaces the one destroyed by the French troops in 1813, before their withdrawal from the Illyrian Provinces. Hospital and military camp between 1815 and 1895, the castle also served as a prison until the end of the last century. Nearby, a monument, erected by Stojan Batič (1974), pays tribute to the peasant revolt (16th century).

Lots of handy leaflets, additional information about the region and booking rooms in the local area. The agents are good counsellors and will provide you with several ideas for itineraries according to your desires. They will introduce you to the many sports activities to be practiced in white water. They will also inform you about local festive events and the availability of accommodation and food on site. Charming, French-speaking staff.

In the summer, people flock to its banks for swimming, canoeing, sunbathing and views of the peaks. In winter, the landscape is an invitation to contemplate the view of Slovenia's highest peaks. This glacial lake, fed by the Savica River, is the largest of natural origin. It covers an area of 3.5 km² and its depth reaches 45 m. There are many aquatic species, including the famous trout. Fishing is allowed but regulated.

Has a lot of information on cultural and natural sites to discover in the city and its surroundings. The agents are good counsellors and will provide you with several ideas for itineraries according to your desires. They will also inform you about local festive events and the availability of accommodation and food on site. Sale of postcards and authentic souvenirs, availability of brochures in many languages, some in French.

The castle is a real eagle's nest. Every lord's dream. Impenetrable. It is attached to a 123 m rock face. It was built inside the rock cavity in the 13th century. Nothing to do with the current 16th century fortress built by Jean de Kobenzl. Such a setting, with a complex system of caves and galleries, could only generate the most daring adventures. In the middle of the 15th century, the castle belonged to Nicolas de Foramine, alias Luogar. This rich lord became governor of Trieste. The fiefdom then passed into the hands of Erasmus Lueger. He is probably Nicolas' son, dismissed by Emperor Frederick III. Erasmus Lueger is linked to Matthias, the king of Hungary who fought against the emperor's armies. It's not to please Frederick III. Taken prisoner, sentenced to death, Erasmus managed to escape. Having become a looter with a big heart, defender of the oppressed, the noble rebel confronts the emperor's army. The castle is under siege, but Erasmus has everything it needs. Food comes to him through secret channels and he can come and go without fear. Such a story implies a traitor. A bribed valet tells the enemy where the rebel is. Latrines and a tight fitting ball and chain cause his loss. The wall has five openings. The galleries of the cave are 6.5 km long.

It is the waters of the Lokva that flow into the precipice. After visiting the rooms of the castle, you reach the area where the cave castle was built.

Take the small path and you will quickly discover the beauties of this site. The water is breathtakingly transparent and pure! Many paths allow you to discover the diversity of the places, do not hesitate to venture there! At the beginning, we go into the tunnels in the rock where the Tolminka Gorge becomes narrower, looking up, we discover the Devil's Bridge above our heads. Then we climb along steep paths and we start to see "the bear's head"..

This charming little chapel is not to be missed. We take pictures of her from all angles, she brings a little extra soul to the village. Contrary to what one might think, the chapel was completely rebuilt in 1988. It's some kind of reenactment. The original building stood on the same spot but was burned by German soldiers in 1944. The entire village was destroyed. It religiously respects the plans drawn up by Plečnik who wanted it to blend in perfectly with the landscape.

Inaugurated in September 2016, the Žalec beer fountain is a symbol of the importance of hop growing in the region. You can taste six different local beers! A new attraction not to be missed for beer lovers. Among other things, it was awarded the Sejalec 2017 prize for tourism innovation. The site is home to the world's first self-service beer fountain. Get your pint glass and let's go!

Road from Trg Svobode, on the main town square, 15 minutes by car or on foot. This is the monument overlooking Kobarid. The ossuary was inaugurated in 1938 by the Duce, as Kobarid was Italian at the time. The ossuary, built around the Church of St. Anthony, contains the remains of over 7,000 Italian soldiers, both identified and unknown. The church is decorated with frescoes by Luka Šarf. The Last Judgment fresco is the best preserved.

Just 3 km west of Kranjska Gora, wedged between the ski slopes and the road to Italy, lies the small Zelenci nature reserve. Pretty paths, some with wooden footbridges, allow you to discover the region's exceptional flora. After a 10-minute walk, you come to a small lake. The crystal-clear waters leave you pensive. A wooden observatory allows you to watch, in silence, the various colonies of birds on the lake.

Since autumn 2004, the museum has been housed on the second floor of this store, which was too cramped for space in the old building between the church and the presbytery. Since 1969, an annual meeting of naive painters and sculptors has been held here. The permanent collection comprises over 800 works from some thirty countries on all continents. The "Brno 1617" exhibition took two years to complete. A must-see museum.

She has a very special charm. Nestled a few meters above the lake, its Romanesque architecture gives it the appearance of a medieval chapel. Relatively narrow, it hides a treasure of the Middle Ages within it. This is a carved wooden head representing St. John the Baptist and dating from the 13th century. Several paintings and frescoes marked by the past centuries adorn the walls, giving a very special atmosphere to the building. According to legend, this is where the first Catholics of Carniola were baptized. Documentation in English.

A short stop before continuing on to the castle. It is a neo-Gothic church dating from 1905 erected on the site of a 15th century Gothic church. The plans of the building are by the architect Friedrich von Schmidt, who also designed the town hall of the Austrian capital. The sculptures were made by Ivan Vurnik, a native of Radovljica. The frescoes (1932-1937) by Slavko Pengov depict the Last Supper and the Last Judgement with a portrait of Lenin in place of Judas. Sculpture from Plečnik in front of the entrance.

Since the ^17th century, it has been the cradle of biospeleology, the science of underground life. When you arrive at the time of your reservation, you'll be given an audio guide in your own language, before boarding a small train that takes you deep into the cave. On a 2 km guided walk, you can admire the splendid galleries in a golden silence, with the lights dimmed to preserve this unique heritage. The return journey is again by small train, the first in the world to operate in an underground gallery.

The ascent of Triglav is a pilgrimage, an initiation test for Slovenes. Some people no longer count the number of ascents they have made. Reaching the summit is not the prerogative of only high mountain specialists. However, a minimum of conditions is required. A good physical condition of course, a good equipment, and not to attempt the adventure alone. 3Glav in Bled has mountain guides. Contact them, as Triglav is not accessible most of the year. The arrival at the summit is a rare moment of apotheosis in a lifetime!

The brochures are written in English, German and Italian. In French, however, they are becoming more and more numerous. And don't hesitate to ask for the national brochures on accommodation (thematic, hotels, campsites or farm inns) as well as on the main natural sites (hiking, cycling). If you are staying in Ljubljana for several days, it is worth buying the Ljubljana Urbana Card, which is valid for up to three days and gives you free access to public transport and museums.