If you’re a lover of all things outdoors, Slovenia should definitely be on your list for a spring getaway. From al fresco wining and dining to exploring the lush green landscapes on foot or by bike, visitors can experience all Slovenia has to offer…and fall in love with the place!
1) Go wild for Bohinj
Visitors can discover the wonder of nature in all its glory at The International Wild Flower Festival – a celebration of Slovenia’s floral richness and definitely a date for the diary if you plan to visit in May. This charming festival is a reminder of the unique natural environment in Bohinj which is a haven for flower lovers. Local guides and experts will be on hand for botanical tours, events and culinary experiences built around the area’s floral wealth. The exceptional flora of Bohinj has been attracting the attention and admiration of nature lovers for years. The Bohinj region is a true treasure trove of Alpine flowers and the festival is one of the highlights in Slovenia’s calendar. The festival’s events take place around various locations in Bohinj’s pretty villages and is a must-do for lovers of wild plants and flowers.
2) On your bike…
From flower power to pedal power, Slovenia is a cyclist’s paradise. The diverse landscape is ideal for all levels of bike rides. When you see the choice of cycling adventures on offer in Slovenia, it’s easy to understand why Slovenian professional cyclists are among the best in the world. Get that adrenaline pumping with some mountain cycling or at a bike park. You can also try out many on-road biking trails where you can test your skills and discover how well you ‘master’ your bike. Not all routes are designed for experienced cyclists though – there’s many cycling routes in the countryside suitable for beginners. If it’s a nice easy bike ride among beautiful scenery you’re after, you’ve come to the right place – we have those too! There are plenty of gentler options for a family friendly trip.
Another top choice for cycling fans visiting Slovenia is the Green Wellness Cycling Route, a 16-day cycling plan that circles the country’s diverse landscapes and connects with the best Slovenian spas and natural health resorts along the way.
The circular route begins in Ljubljana, before heading north, towards the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. As the landscape flattens, the route runs through Štajerska to the mountains above the Pannonian Plain. The final part of the route leads to unique locations such as Kozjansko Regional Park, also known as the ‘Slovenian Venice’ and Otočec Castle. The daily stages are designed to allow ample time for pampering and relaxation – perfect for sorting out those tired muscles after a day on the bike.
3) Take a hike
Slovenia is an ideal destination for hiking holidays too. With more than 10,000 km of marked trails, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Take your pick from hiking in the mountains, highlands, plains, long distance trails and there’s also family friendly routes if you’re travelling with the kids. Accommodation options are plentiful too – there’s designated hotels and camps specifically for hikers or rest your weary legs in one of 175 mountain huts.
Pohorje is an ideal starting point for visitors wanting to explore Eastern Slovenia. Hiking and mountain trails are plentiful in this beautiful pocket of the country. Close to Maribor, visitors can explore the Pohorje mountains, yet still be conveniently close to the city. It’s hard to believe a treasure trove of natural beauty exists within such easy reach; come and see for yourself. There’s peat bogs, stunning lakes, waterfalls and ancient woodlands which can be accessed via several hiking trails.
4) Raise a glass with a Slovenian wine experience
Time for a tipple? Why not enjoy a delicious wine tasting experience on your trip too?An opportunity to visit the vineyards and cellars of Slovenia is not to be missed. Maribor and its surroundings is an ideal place to go for that. Maribor itself is a top place to visit too. The city was awarded third place in the Best European Destination 2023 competition and was also named Europe’s Best Culinary Destination. In Maribor, visitors can drop into the oldest grapevine in the world – it’s over 450 years old! Visitors can take a guided tour of the Old Vine House or join a group on the Maribor Wine Trail to sample the produce of the Stajerska region. Red or white? Dry, sweet or full-bodied? You’re sure to find a delicious wine to suit your palate.
You can enjoy a glass or two knowing that Slovenia’s sustainable wines are produced with great mindfulness and responsibility towards nature and the planet. And to ease any guilt about extra calories, you can always take a bike ride and cycle through the most popular wine routes. Take in beautiful scenery and enjoy the tasty pit stops along the way. Cheers!
5) Try out Slovenia’s street food
Street Food – it seems to be the phrase on everyone’s lips.Street food used to be the preserve of busy people in a rush grabbing a snack in their lunch break, right? Not any more. Sampling local delicacies al fresco from food trucks and artisan stalls is all the rage these days. Ljubljana is a hot pot of sizzling street food and the popular ‘Open Kitchen’ is now underway in the capital. This cool event is sure to tickle the taste buds. The Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen food festival) runs from March until November, attracting foodies and culinary adventurers to the capital.
It’s not just at ‘Open Kitchen’ you can grab tasty nosh on the go. There’s an abundance of street food vendors serving up the works. A must try is the ‘Kranjska Klobasa’ – a Carnolian sausage which is bursting with flavour. For more refined palates, there’s even the chance to tuck into street seafood at Central Ljubljana Market.
An impressive choice of flights will be operating in the Ljubljana Airport summer timetable including up to six flights per week to London Gatwick, six flights per week to London Heathrow and three per week to London Luton with Wizzair. Transavia France will operate twice weekly to Paris and 11 flights with Air France. In total, 21 scheduled flights with 18 carriers will be available at Ljubljana Airport.
Analysis of a survey of overseas tourists revealed the top three motives for visiting Slovenia, regardless of country of origin, are natural beauty (87% rated natural beauty as a very important or important motive), personal safety during their stay (77%) and the possibility for active and sports activities (75%). These are the key motives for the vast majority, regardless of the market they come from. Just under half (45%) of foreign tourists have visited Slovenia before this visit.
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