Our Incredible Slovenia Itinerary: Mountains, Lakes, Historic Attractions and Hidden Gems
Discover the best of Slovenia with our definitive 7-day Slovenia itinerary. Includes major attractions, best day hikes, where to eat, and all the essential travel information you need.
Slovenia is, in our opinion, pound for pound, Europe’s most incredible country.
From the towering snow-capped peaks of the north, to the shimmering (and albeit, small) Mediterranean coastline, the bright turquoise rivers to the stunning blue lakes, Slovenia is a nature lovers paradise.
On top of the vast natural beauty, Slovenia is home to the picturesque capital of Ljubljana, which has one of the most beautiful old towns we’ve ever seen, and a myriad of quaint towns where time has frozen still.
It’s heaven.
We visited Slovenia on a whim, keen to explore this bite-sized country before the colourful Autumn leaves fell, and our nine-day Slovenia road trip ended up being our favourite trip of the year.
Starting in the beautiful and isolated Logar Valley, our road trip took us to all the major sights, including the enchanting Lake Bled and Bohinj, the irrepressible Soča Valley, over Slovenia’s highest road, the Vršič pass and back to the historic capital of Ljubljana (read our guide to Slovenia here).
We’ve based this Slovenia road trip itinerary directly off our own experiences, having felt it was the best way to see all Slovenia has to offer. It’s full of all the essential information & tips you could ever need to enjoy the best road trip possible.
So, if you’re planning your own road trip to the region, or are looking for ideas and inspiration for a personal Slovenia itinerary, this post is made for you.
OUR SLOVENIA ITINERARY | THE HIGHLIGHTS
After thoroughly researching our trip, we feel this is the best Slovenian road trip route to enjoy the best of the country.
Our road-trip guide in an easily followed circular loop through some of the region’s most beautiful roads and stunning regional towns, starting and ending in the beautiful capital city of Ljubljana.
Our Slovenia road trip itinerary covers everything from the vertiginous rocky peaks of the Julian & the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, to the insta-perfect lakes of Bled and Bohinj, as well as the irresistible Soča Valley, must-drive mountain passes, and a few hidden gems along the way.
Oh, and we’ve added in a few must-visit restaurants to sample some of that amazing Slovenian cuisine.
This is your Slovenia road trip bible - your ultimate guide to the best of Slovenia, and one we hope will make you fall just as in love with the country just as we have.
THE WONDERFUL CAPITAL OF LJUBLJANA
Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, with its Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture, beautiful bridges, endless cobblestone streets, and leafy gardens, would go close to winning our prize for Europe’s prettiest little city. It’s also a place where you can take your time - you never feel rushed in Ljubljana.
Not just that, it’s an eco-conscious travellers paradise; Ljubljana was voted "Green Capital of Europe” in 2016, because of it’s many green schemes to promote a better life for its citizens. This makes the city wonderfully accessible for tourists, be it by communal bikes or by foot.
The centre point for all things beautiful is Prešeren Square, developed at the point of a medieval crossroad into the former walled city. It’s surrounded by the famous pink facade of the Franciscan Church, the white-washed triple bridge which extends over the Ljubljanica River, and the pedestrianised old town, all which lead to the attractive town square and Robba fountain.
From here it’s possible to explore the 16th century Ljubljana Castle, walk the narrow streets of the old town, buy gourmet local produce at the central markets, take in the leafy riverside, or jump inside one of the many bars and restaurants.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Ljubljana that you can’t miss:
Ljubljana Castle | For the best views in town, jump aboard the funicular, or walk through the leafy pathways to the the castle. Stay for sunset and watch the city light up
Ljubljana Old Town | Get up early to explore the old town streets and alleyways, sans tourists. Gornji Trg was our favourite street, full of pastel colours and endless wonder
Tivoli Gardens | Stroll the chestnut-tree lined pathways of Ljubljana’s largest, most beautiful park, the 1,260-acre Park Tivoli
Petkovšek Embankment | Sit by the banks of the Ljubljanica River enjoying a beverage or two in the summer sun
Ljubljana Central Market | Ljubljana’s farmers market is full of local produce such as Slovenian honey, and our favourite, pumpkin oil (this will change your life!)
Eat at Julija | Our favourite restaurant in Ljubljana by far - try the cheese dumplings (thank us later!), and finish the meal off with apple strudel and ice cream
Stow coffee | Ljubljana has burgeoning coffee scene, with Stow being the best coffee in town. Head there for a pick me up, and one of their delicious cakes
OTHERWORLDLY LANDSCAPES OF THE LOGAR VALLEY
The beautiful alpine valley of Logaska Dolina (Logar Valley), which extends into the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of Europe’s main cities - in fact, it might just be the quietest and most relaxed place we’ve ever visited in Europe.
Just one road leads into the Logar Valley, where imposing peaks over 2,000m high tower above over lush green meadows, dotted with foresters cottages and farm houses. The scene is endlessly beautiful, and immediately puts the mind at ease.
The valley is popular with lovers of the outdoors, with a great array of short and long hikes, cycling, and climbing.
The drive to get to the Logar Valley is enjoyable itself, winding through through the forested
The valley is protected due to its natural beauty which means you must pay a €7 entry fee, unless you enter by foot (or arrive after dark, as we did).
Here’s what to do in the Logar Valley:
Rinka Falls | Take a walk to the 90m high Slap Rinka waterfall, right at the end of the valley. Dropping through a narrow gap in the limestone mountains, Slap Rinka is a beautiful stop in the valley
Hiking | There are a huge array of hikes in the Logar Valley, including multi-day hikes that get right into the heart of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
Hotel Plesnik | A luxury hotel with the most beautiful views in Slovenia, our stay here was a treat of the best kind. The wellness centre is dreamy, with sauna and spa facilities overlooking the alps. Book Hotel Plesnik here
Eat local | The food in this part of the world uses local ingredients, including delicious mushrooms. Try some of the local restaurants and enjoy the delicious cuisine
Slovenska panoramic road | The road leading into, and surrounding the Local Valley is stunning, taking in incredible panoramic views and cute little villages along the way
ENCHANTING LAKE BLED
Think of Slovenia and you’ll no doubt think of the ubiquitous image of Lake Bled - a picture-perfect church on an island, the fairytale castle clinging to the cliffside above the lake, surrounded by dense forests and verdant meadows; the lake and surrounds are so beautiful they look as if they are lifted straight out of a fairytale.
Lake Bled is Slovenia’s best-known major attraction and while it’s super busy, especially in the summer months, it’s still one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Here are some of the places you should visit around Bled on your Slovenia road trip:
Watch sunrise over Lake Bled | Lake Bled looks its best during the early hours, as sunlight fills the lake and surrounding hills in a glorious golden glow, and church bells toll, echoing out over the lake.
The best place to watch the magic happen is high above at the Mala Osojnica viewpoint, or at the eastern end of the lake, overlooking Blejski Otok
Vintgar Gorge | Vintgar is Slovenia’s most spectacular gorge, worthy of a half-day trip from Lake Bled. Follow the boardwalk that hugs the rock face and criss crosses through the fast-flowing turquoise waters of the gorge.
Take the circular route and end with a hike through the beautiful woodlands. We hired a bike to cycle to Vintgar and explore the local area
Hire a paddle boat | Probably the most romantic thing to in Lake Bled - paddle out and around the Blejski Otok (Church Island) and take in the pristine views from the lake (€20 per hour)
Walk around the Lake | A walk around the clear blue waters of Lake Bled is simply, a must do. The 6km walk is super easy, and provides the most beautiful vantage points
Eat a Bled cake | You must try the ubiquitous cake from Bled, made of delicious flaky pastry layered with cream and custard. The Bled Cake is sold just about everywhere in town, but some can be very bland, boring, and made for tourists - seek out Zima Cafe, just near the church for the most delicious version
PEACEFUL LAKE BOHINJ
Sure, Lake Bled is beautiful, but Bohinj, just a short 30-minute drive away, is our favourite place in Slovenia.
Nestled in the foothills of the Triglav National Park, the crystal-clear expanse of water is primarily surrounded by nature, giving it a more authentic, untouched feel than its big sister.
What it lacks in main tourist sites it makes up for in outdoor pursuits, with a huge array of hikes (both day and multi-day), cycling, kayaking, and swimming.
Bohinj really comes alive in Autumn, when the shores of the lake and surrounding hills are covered in a thick burnt-orange cloud of foliage - it’s honestly one of the most beautiful sights we’ve ever seen.
Here are the best things to do around Bohinj:
Hiking | Some of Slovenia’s best hikes start right here in Bohinj. Try the multi-day Seven Lakes hike, or head up into the hills to Dom na Komni mountain hut for the perfect day hike
Historical church and bridge | Visit the 700 year old church of St. John the Baptist located next to the historical stone bridge in Stara Fužina
Savica Falls | Take the short 20 min walk to the beautiful Slap Savica (€3pp entry), enjoying the beautiful natural environment while you’re at it
Lake Bohinj boat tour | Jump aboard one of the pretty wooden boats for a tour of the lake
Sunset | Bohinj has some epic sunsets, but for the best views hike to the viewpoint at Hill Peč to enjoy panoramic views over Lake Bohinj
THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF KRANJSKA GORA
Beautiful Kranjska Gora is nestled at the base of the limestone peaks of Triglav National Park, on the border of Austria and Italy in the north west of Slovenia.
Surrounded by forested mountainsides, picturesque lakes, some of Europe’s best mountain passes, and the cutest little old town, Kranjska Gora is the perfect starting point for a lot of Slovenia’s best adventures.
We actually spent two nights here, making our way to all the best natural spots in the region - here are our top things to do in the area:
Lake Jasna | Watching sunrise from lake Jasna is an experience in itself. Admire the perfect reflections as the surrounding peaks turn orange. Lake Jasna is also a popular swimming spot in Summer, the perfect place to cool off after a long hike
Zelenci Nature Reserve | Blink and you’ll miss it, yet Zelenci Nature Reserve embodies Slovenia - incredible natural beauty in such a small little area. Check out the crystal clear blue waters with mountain views
Drive over Vršič pass | The highest Slovenian road crossing, the Vršič pass connects the Sava and Soča Valleys. Built during WW1 as a supply channel, it includes 50 hairpin bends which lead to the most amazing views from 1,600m+.
Don’t forget to stop at the Russian Chapel, built in memory of 100’s of soldiers who died here in the 1800’s. The Vršič Pass is seriously steep, and somewhat anxiety-induing, but definitely the best drive in all of Slovenia
Peričnik Waterfall | Just a short drive from Kranjska Gora is the 52m tall Peričnik waterfall. Probably the most attractive waterfall in Slovenia, you can also walk behind/under the falls
THE EMERALD WATERS OF THE SOČA VALLEY
The impressive Soča Valley is home to Slovenia’s best outdoor pursuits, and a few hidden gems along the way.
The centre-point of the region is the famous emerald waters of the Soča River, which snakes through the alpine valley towards Italy. You can’t miss the river as you drive through, its colour and beauty stand out at almost every turn.
Bovec is the starting point for most adventure activities in the region, including rafting and kayaking along the Soča, zip-lining, climbing or cycling.
The Valley was also home to the Isonzo Front and some of the greatest battles of WW1, so a stop at Kobarid Museum is worthwhile to learn about the history of the region.
Here’s what to do in and around the Soča Valley:
Mangart Saddle | The highest mountain road in Slovenia, the hair-raising drive to the top of Mangart is totally worth it for the views and hiking opportunities. Just be careful, and use your horn liberally. €5 per car entry fee
Gorge of the Soča | The perfect place to admire the beauty and unique colours of the Soča River, and even have a swim during the warm summer months
Eat at Hiša Polonka | Unless you book well in advance, Hiša Franko, Slovenia’s best restaurant, will be booked out. Instead, eat exceptional local fare at its sister restaurant, Hiša Polonka, in Kobarid. Enjoy the Shepherds potato & cheese pie, seasonal salads and delicious local desserts. Mains start at €10
Kozjak Waterfall | Kozjak waterfall, just outside of Kobarid, wouldn’t look out of place in Bali. Falling through a small opening, the emerald waters and deep green trees colour the gorge beautifully (€4pp entry)
Napoleon Bridge | On the way to Kozjak Waterfall, stop to admire the beautiful Napoleon Bridge that passes over the Soča. Built in 1750, it was destroyed during WW1, but has been rebuilt to its former glory
Kanal ob Soci | This picture-postcard town is situated on the top of cliff face in the Soča valley, with colourful building providing the perfect backdrop to the emerald Soča waters. You can also swim on the ‘beach’ in summer
Kobarid Museum | History buffs should make a stop to Kobarid Museum to learn more about the regions WW1 history. Up to 1.7 million people died in the area during WW1, making it one of the deadliest battles in history.
The Walk of Peace, which makes its way through the valley, is also worth visiting, to see the many forts, caverns, and trenches that still remain.
SLOVENIA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY | DAY BY DAY OVERVIEW
DAY #1 & 2 | LJUBLJANA TO LOGAR VALLEY - 2 NIGHTS
Distance | 68km // 2 hours
DAYTIME
Start your Slovenian road trip by picking up your car rental in Ljubljana.
From here, we recommend getting straight on the road and heading east towards the towering peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and your final destination, the Logar Valley.
Head north on route 104 towards the town of Kamnik, passing endless pastures and fields growing Slovenia’s incredible fresh produce. Once through Kamnik, follow Route 225 towards the pretty town of Luce, making a sharp left turn in Podlam onto Route 924 (this turn is hard to spot, so go slowly!).
From here, the road ascends through beautiful forested slopes, with incredible views over the valley below. There are a few hairpin bends along the way, so make sure to take your time and drive cautiously.
Before long, you’ll arrive in Luce, joining Route 428 and the famous Slovenska panoramic road.
This leads you directly into the Logar Valley, and it's here that the best views of the Alps appear. Take your time, enjoying the incredible panoramic views and cute little villages along the way (stop here for the best view!).
If you’re looking to treat yourself, we recommend staying at Hotel Plesnik, a 4* hotel with incredible views over the valley. It also has a luxurious wellness centre which is perfect after a long day of hiking and driving.
Alternatively, stay just down the road in the cheaper Penzion Kmecka Hisa Ojstrica (Use our airbnb discount code for up to £30 off your first booking!).
Basing yourself in the Logar Valley for 2 nights will allow you to explore the most beautiful parts of the region.
We recommend venturing into the mountains on your second day in the Valley.
MORNING
For those after a short hike, the 10km return walk from Hotel Plesnik to Slap Rinca is easy, and passes through forests and meadows, giving you a great feel for the Logar Valley.
Alternatively, a harder yet more rewarding hike takes you to Kamnik Saddle Lodge.
Starting at Slap Rinca, expect 3 hard hours of ascent towards the summit, where you can rest your legs and enjoy the view of the Logar Valley to the north, and to the east and west two beautiful mountains Brana and Planja. Grab some mountain food and a beer (cash only) before making your way back down.
AFTERNOON
In the afternoon, make use of the hotel wellness centre, or relax in the late afternoon sun before enjoying a meal - we recommend the local mushroom soup which tastes a little like heaven.
STAY | The incredible Hotel Plesnik, or Penzion Kmecka Hisa Ojstrica (Use our airbnb discount code for up to £30 off your first booking!)
NOTE | Visitors to the valley must pay €7 entry fee, unless you enter by foot (or arrive after dark, as we did)
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DAY #3 & #4 | LOGAR VALLEY TO BLED/BOHINJ - 2 NIGHTS
Distance | 85km // 2 hours
DAYTIME
From the quiet and relaxed surrounds of Logar Valley to Slovenia’s premiere holiday destination, our road trip takes you to the picture-perfect Lake Bled.
There are actually two routes from the Logar Valley to Bled - one through Austria, and one staying within the borders of Slovenia; whichever you decide is up to you, but for this guide, we’ll take the faster route through Austria.
From the Logar Valley, follow route 425 towards the Austrian border. At the border, you may be asked to show your passport, but once you’ve crossed, the empty road winds its way towards Bad Vellach.
The scenery is breathtaking, as is the road, which includes a number of tight hairpins back towards the Slovenian border. All in all, you’ll be in Austria for about 30 minutes.
We recommend stopping for lunch at Gostišče ob Planšarskem Jezeru in Zgornje Jezersko and admiring the views up the valley - it’s almost a mirror image of the Logar Valley.
Continue on Route 210 through colourful farming towns before joining the E61 highway near Šenčur. From here, it's a 20-minute drive before arriving in Bled.
We suggest spending two nights in Bled and using it as your base to explore Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge, and Lake Bohinj.
Upon arrival at Bled, head to straight to Zima Cafe for the best Bled cake money can buy! Then spend the afternoon enjoying the lakeside, hiring a paddle boat and admiring the surroundings from the lake, including a quick visit to Blejski Otok.
MORNING
On day 4 of your Slovenia road trip, rise early to take in the sunrise from Mala Osojnica viewpoint, or lakeside, before hiring some bikes in town and riding out to the beautiful Vintgar Gorge. The ride to Vintgar is super easy, and passes through many smaller villages and farms, showcasing Slovenia’s beautiful, rustic countryside.
Hike the spectacular gorge and surrounding woodlands (3 hours - bring lunch) before heading back to Bled for the afternoon.
AFTERNOON
From here we suggest two options - either stay in town and enjoy the sunset from lakeside or Bled Castle, or do what we did and drive to Lake Bohinj for the afternoon.
The sunsets in Lake Bohinj are something else, and the best place to enjoy it is from Hill Peč, which really does provide a panoramic over Bohinj during golden hour.
STAY | We stayed in this Airbnb apartment just outside of Bled, which was so comfortable and quiet. Book here
Alternatively, Castle Rock Apartments are very clean, and centrally located in the heart of Bled. Book here
DAY #5 | BOHINJ TO KRANJSKA GORA - 1 NIGHT
Distance | 68kms // 1.5 hours
MORNING
From Bled, head back to Lake Bohinj for the morning to enjoy more of the lake and its surroundings.
Stop into Pekarna bakery in Bohinja Bistrica for some local baked goods for lunch (börek for the win).
After arriving in Bohinj, check out the 700-year-old church of St. John the Baptist located next to the historical stone bridge in Stara Fužina. Take a walk around the part of the lake from Ukanc in the west, heading towards the town of Stara Fužina, admiring the pristine surroundings.
Alternatively, if you’re after a longer hike, we recommend the hike from Slap Savica waterfall to Dom na Komni alpine hut. It’s a seriously tough walk, increasing around 1,000m in elevation over 5kms, but the views on the way up are breathtaking and worth the effort.
AFTERNOON
In the afternoon, head back towards Bled to Kranjska Gora. The drive is rather boring and should take 1.5 hours. Take route 209 towards Bled, then jump on the highway (E61), exiting at Jesenice-Zahod and continuing straight along route 201 before arriving at Kranjska Gora.
The town itself is rather small, but the historic centre is worth a walk if you have time.
STAY | We stayed in this apartment which included a kitchen in Kranjska Gora. Book here
Alternatively, the Best Western Kranjska Gora is a comfortable alternative close to town. Book here
TIP | A new Nepali restaurant has opened in town - we recommend visiting and enjoying some delicious Nepali food, cooked with love by the amazing Ram, who settled in Slovenia over 10 years ago
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DAY #6 | KRANJSKA GORA TO BOVEC - 1 NIGHT
Distance | 46km // 2 hours
MORNING
Located 10 minutes from Kranjska Gora is the stunningly beautiful Lake Jasna. Nestled at the base of the Triglav peaks, Lake Jasna is best enjoyed in the early morning, when the alpine glow hits the mountain peaks, reflecting in the still waters of the lake. It’s truly a beautiful sight.
After sunrise, take the short drive to Zelenci Nature Reserve, situated on Route 201 towards Italy. The reserve is small but worth visiting for the crystal clear green waters, which are actually a source of the Sava River, Slovenia’s longest, and the views over the Ponce Range.
From here, head back towards Lake Jasna to commence your journey on one of Slovenia’s best mountain passes, Vršič (route 206). Connecting the Sava and Soča Valleys, the Vršič pass (read our guide here) includes 50 hairpin bends which lead to the most amazing views from 1,600m+.
We recommend stopping at various points along the way, including the Russian Chapel, built in memory of 100’s of soldiers who died here in the 1800s, and the highest point, which provides amazing views down into the Soča Valley and is the perfect lunch spot.
There are also amazing hiking opportunities commencing from the Vršič pass, including to Monte Prisani (we didn’t get to do any hikes from here, unfortunately).
After the slow descent into the Soča Valley, follow route 206 towards the town of Bovec, stopping off at various viewpoints along the way to admire the turquoise waters of the Soča, including the Great Soča Gorge. Here, it’s possible to cliff jump into the freezing waters, which were were not game on doing when arriving in late autumn - but if it’s summer, by all means, jump in!
AFTERNOON
Just before arriving in Bovec, turn right on Route 203 towards Italy, passing a number of small towns before arriving at a small junction to drive up to Mangart Saddle.
The highest mountain road in Slovenia, the hair-raising drive to the top of Mangart is totally worth it for the views and hiking opportunities. About a quarter of the way up, you’ll need to pay the €5 per car entry fee (we actually missed this, and had to slam on our breaks and reverse back after being waved down).
At the top, you’ll straddle the border of Italy and Slovenia, and the views will reach out far and wide in front of you. There is a range of hikes that start here, from moderate to challenging, however decided to watch the epic sunset, which from 2,000m was absolutely incredible.
A word of warning for driving the Vršič Pass and the Mangart Saddle; they're seriously steep, somewhat anxiety-inducing roads, and can get very busy in summer, so take it slowly and use your horn liberally, especially on the tight one-way bends of the Mangart Saddle.
From Mangart, take the road slowly back down towards Bovec, where we recommend staying for the evening.
STAY | Stay at the comfortable and affordable Apartments Kaninska Vas in the centre of Bovec. Book here
NOTE | Be very careful driving both the Vršič Pass and Mangart Saddle - the windy roads are prime for an accident
READ | Our guide to the Zelenci Nature Reserve
DAY #7 | BOVEC TO LJUBLJANA - 1 NIGHT
Distance | 176km // 2.5 hours
MORNING
The Soča Valley is home to Slovenia’s burgeoning active holidays scene, so join a white water rafting tour of the turquoise waters of the Soča to make the most out of your trip.
This 3.5 hour rafting experience takes you along the Soča, where you’ll brave rapids, waves and the freezing cold water, but experience the breathtaking views from the river.
After your adrenalin-fueled experience, leave Bovec and head towards Kobarid on route 203, stopping for lunch at the traditional tavern Hiša Polonka, owned by Slovenia’s best chef, Ana Roš, and her husband Valter.
Set behind the blue facade in the old town, the tavern offers local cuisine born from family recipes and reasonable prices (mains start from €10). We enjoyed the Shepherds potato & cheese pie (Frico), a seasonal salad and a delicious local dessert, and left thoroughly satisfied.
AFTERNOON
After lunch, either head to the beautiful local waterfall of Slap Kozjak, or start the drive back to the capital, Ljubljana.
Following route 103, follow the Soča River towards Kanal ob Soci, stopping to admire this picturesque town. Clinging to the cliffs above the river, colourful Kanal Ob Soci is one of the prettiest villages we have seen in Slovenia. Stop for a coffee in town at Fontana Bar, right on the main square, before settling in for the long drive back to Ljubljana.
Take route 103 towards Nova Gorica, taking the bypass to join the H4/E61 highway which will take you right to Ljubljana (125 km// 2 hours).
We recommend returning your car rental at this point, as Ljubljana is such a walkable city.
STAY | We stayed in this magical riverfront airbnb in the heart of Ljubljana's old town. Book here
BOOK | This 3.5 hour Soča river rafting experience - Book here
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DAY #8 & 9 | LJUBLJANA SIGHTSEEING
DAYTIME
After a hectic week on the road, Ljubljana is the perfect place to slow down your travels, and enjoy a few days meandering the exquisite old town, sampling the local markets, and enjoying a few of the city’s best restaurants.
For Ljuljana, we’ve left the itinerary up to you, however, there are a few things you must see and do.
The centre point for all things beautiful is Prešeren Square which houses some of Ljubljana’s famous buildings, including the pink facade of the Franciscan Church, the white-washed triple bridge that extends over the Ljubljanica River, and the pedestrianised old town, all which lead to the attractive town square and Robba fountain.
Don’t forget to make your way through the old town towards Gornji Trg, our favourite street full of pastel colours and endless wonder.
We could’ve spent hours exploring and photographing the Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture of these streets.
The bustling central markets are a great place to spend a few hours, sampling some of the local produce and picking up a few treats for back home, including Slovenian honey (amazing!), and a few bottles of local wine.
Explore the 16th-century Ljubljana Castle, which has the best views in town. Head up, and stay to watch the sunset and the city light up.
If you really want to relax, take a walk to the inner-city Tivoli Gardens and chill amongst the beautiful grounds of this former mansion complex.
At night, enjoy a drink at one of the many riverside bars, before eating at Julija, our favourite restaurant in Ljubljana - try the cheese dumplings (thank us later!), and finish the meal off with apple strudel and ice cream.
Ljubljana has a burgeoning coffee scene, with Stow being the best coffee in town. Head there for a pick me up, and try one of their delicious cakes.
OUR SLOVENIA ROAD TRIP MAP
To follow our Slovenia road trip itinerary, and for all the best places to visit in Slovenia, we recommend downloading our map below.
To save our map, click the star to the right of the map title while will download the map to: your places - maps in your Google account.
SLOVENIA ITINERARY | TRAVEL TIPS & FAQS
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN SLOVENIA?
Our Slovenian road trip itinerary is based on exploring the country over 9 days/one week in total (with 7-day car hire), taking in a mixture of major attractions, natural beauty, perfect day hikes, and the capital, Ljubljana.
However, we found a week not quite enough to see everything we wanted, so how long you stay here is completely up to you.
If you’re planning to visit all the major attractions, as well as the Slovenia coastline, 12 nights might be a better option.
If you’re planning to hit the region for photography or hiking only, five nights is achievable to see the Slovenian highlights.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SLOVENIA?
We took our road trip through Slovenia in Autumn, which we found was perfect.
Over this period, the autumn colours were breathtaking, the crowds thin, and the accommodation slightly cheaper.
We’ve also visited Slovenia in Spring and found this to be highly agreeable, as the meadows are covered in wildflowers, the mountain peaks in snow, and the weather is comfortable.
Either shoulder season of Spring or Autumn is the perfect time to road trip through Slovenia.
If possible, we’d avoid visiting during the summer months of July - August as Slovenia (along with most of Europe) becomes extremely busy with European holidaymakers, as well as foreign tourists.
As a result, the main attractions and destinations can be overrun, the roads busy, and the summer temperatures almost too warm for outdoor activities.
WHAT TO BUDGET FOR A 9-DAY SLOVENIA ROAD TRIP?
We recommend budgeting between €1000 - €1,200 for a 9-day Slovenia road trip.
Overall, car hire in Slovenia is cheap, and while fuel is rather expensive, the overall cost of hire and fuel was around €160 for the week.
Our main expense was accommodation, which we found to be quite expensive in comparison to other parts of Europe. This was especially so in ‘resort’ towns such as Bled and Kranjska Gora. Depending on how you’d like to travel, this cost could be reduced by camping, or staying in local guesthouses.
Overall, food is generally quite cheap, and we managed to keep our costs down by cooking for ourselves on three nights of the road trip, as well as making our own breakfast. We did treat ourselves to a few popular restaurants, however these were still quite affordable.
We did encounter a few hidden expenses, which included entry into national parks, and car parking in Bled and Bohinj.
Here’s an overall breakdown of what we spent in Slovenia:
Car hire | €80 - €220
Fuel | €80
Other car-related expenses (parking etc.) | €30
Accommodation | €600 (we budgeted around €70 per night)
Food & drink | €10 - €50 per person, per day, depending on where you eat
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN SLOVENIA
Due to its size, Slovenia is the ultimate road-trip destination, but there are a few essential driving tips we wanted to share with you before you take to the roads:
Car hire in Slovenia is cheap | We couldn’t believe how cheap 7-day car hire was in Slovenia (we paid €86!). It makes it the perfect road trip destination. We use Rentalcars.com - check prices and availability here.
Bring your International driver’s permit | If your licence is from outside the EU, you’ll need to bring an International Driver’s Permit (as well as your licence and passport) to hire a car in Slovenia. You’ll also need an up-to-date credit card
Use a GPS | Honestly, a GPS/Google Maps is a godsend in the region. Most hire cars should have a GPS built-in, otherwise, use your phone
Tolls | Major roads and highways in Slovenia are tolled, however this is generally included in your car hire (see below). Ask when picking up your car, just in case
Vignette sticker | To drive on Slovenian highways you need a ‘vignette’ sticker (or risk a huge fine), which if hiring a car in Slovenia, will be supplied. If not, you can pick one up from any petrol station for a few Euros
Border crossing | Slovenia borders Hungary, Austria, Croatia and Italy so it can be tempting to cross over the border. It is, however, forbidden, unless you pay an extra charge to your rental car agency. Give them a call and they’ll add the cross-border charge to your bill
Narrow roads | Some of the roads in Slovenia are very narrow (looking at you, Mangart Saddle!), so take it easy when going around corners. If unsure, go slowly and carefully, and don’t be put off by speedy locals
Mountain passes | Some incredible mountain passes exist in Slovenia. They’re a little crazy, especially when busy or on weekends, but incredibly fun to drive. Pro tip: take them slow and enjoy the view
Distances are fairly short, but take a long time | Due to the mountain ranges, driving around Slovenia can be quite slow. It’s all part of the fun though, and gives you time to enjoy the views
Speed Limits vary | On major highways, the speed limit is 130km/h, while in towns, it’s 40km/h. Be careful and cautious to avoid speeding tickets
Get Car Hire Insurance | Obviously…! Purchase a 12-month Worldwide policies for under £60/$75 USD here
RENTING A CAR IN SLOVENIA
We’d recommend hiring a small all-wheel drive / SUV in Ljubljana, the gateway to your Slovenia road trip.
Ljubljana has many rental car companies in the city centre, however, we picked up ours from Ljubljana train station, which was an easy process and allowed us to escape the inner city traffic to start our trip.
Expect to pay anywhere between €80 - €220 for 7-day car hire, excluding insurance (depending on car type).
Standard insurance will be included in the car rental price and will cover Liability, Fire, Theft and Collision Damage (CDW). The excess though, is large, so consider reducing this by buying additional insurance for peace of mind (these Slovenian roads can be a little narrow at times).
We actually don’t buy additional insurance through the car hire company, as it’s usually extremely expensive; instead, we use Insurance4CarHire, which provides 12-month Worldwide policies for under £60/€70/$75 USD. This has been a game changer for us, as additional insurance through our car hire company was going to cost €70 for our week-long Slovenian road trip (book your policy here).
We use Rentalcars.com to book our rental cars, which is an aggregator of all the major car hire companies.
BOOK | Search for car rental options in Ljubljana here
HOW TO TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY IN SLOVENIA
Slovenia is known for its pristine natural environment, but in recent years it’s become a boom destination for all types of travellers, and as a result, some of its natural environment has suffered the dreaded impacts of over-tourism.
If you’re visiting Slovenia, it’s important to remember a few of these key rules to have the least impact during your stay:
Slovenia isn’t your Instagram playground | Slovenia is perfect for photography and Instagram, but that doesn’t mean you have free reign to break rules, ruin natural environments and use it as your playground (read our responsible travel tips here).
Just remember to keep to the paths, only swim in lakes where you’re allowed, and respect local rules and regulations.
Bring a reusable water bottle | There is no need for a modern traveller to buy bottled water, ever. Purchase a water filtration + purification bottle (like our faves from The Grayl) and you will literally never need to purchase bottled water again.
BUY | We use the Grayl GEOPRESS every day, every trip we take!
Don’t litter | Whatever you do, please don’t litter in this pristine natural environment. Where you can, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you can’t, carry it out of the national park with you.
Pick up any trash you see | Although, thankfully, there’s not much rubbish to be found around these parts, the odd piece can still pop up. If you come across rubbish on your travels here, collect it in a tote bag and take it off the trails with you to dispose of properly later.
Offset your travels | Consider carbon offsetting your travels, especially if you fly to the destination. Read our guide on how to carbon offset here.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SLOVENIA
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - Comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.
*The Common Wanderer readers get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - Comprehensive travel & medical, and policies for digital nomads, and can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO SLOVENIA SOON?
Check our these essential posts to help you have the best Slovenia trip ever
THE BEST OF SLOVENIA | 14 incredible things to see and do in Slovenia, the best things to do in Lake Bled, How to visit the Logar Valley
SLOVENIA ROAD TRIP | Our essential 7-day Slovenia road trip itinerary
VRSIC PASS | Our guide to Slovenia’s highest mountain pass
ZELENCI NATURE RESERVE | A quick guide to beautiful Zelenci
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
EXPLORE THE BEST OF SLOVENIA WITH OUR GUIDES
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That, and you're officially a legend.
