29 Jul in Terme Rogaška Slatina Slovenia may not be your typical holiday destination but this beautiful country has a wealth of attractions including lakes, caves, cathedrals and castles. You may fly over Slovenia if you’re going to Greece, Italy or Turkey. Majestic mountains, sweeping glaciers and densely wooded valleys combine to create a dreamlike vision of times gone by. But at just 20,000 square kilometres, blink and you’ll miss it. Ljubljana Ljubljana, the capital city, plays hosts to beautiful Baroque architecture and boasts a gorgeous river and a wealth of museums, shops, bars and restaurants. Many of the buildings are constructed in a monarchic and quintessentially Slovenian style. They often date back to the 16th Century and remain every bit as striking and vibrant as they were then. Must-see attractions include the castle, the cathedral and the Seminary Library. The Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers, by sculptor Francesco Robba, stands in front of the town hall as is hailed as one of Ljubljana’s most iconic images. Lake Bled Forty five minutes to the north west of Ljubljana lies Lake Bled – one of Slovenia’s foremost attractions. This breathtakingly beautiful glacial lake is set against stunning woodland and contains a gorgeous 17th Century church which sits on Bled Island in the centre of the lake. The church has a 52 metre tower and the sanctuary is decorated with the remains of gothic frescos dating back to around 1470. The area is made even more popular by its thermal springs and activities on the lake. The World Rowing Championships have been held on Lake Bled on four separate occasions, most recently in 2011. Bled Castle Above the lake sits an imposing medieval structure which appears to have sprouted directly from the tower of rock on which it resides. This is Bled Castle. Dating back to at least 1011, it is the oldest castle in Slovenia. It has been fortified and added to over a number of eras – boasting art and architecture from throughout the ages. The chapel is decorated with mind-boggling frescoes which create the illusion of three-dimensional space and despite being perched on a precipice, Bled Castle even manages to have a moat and a drawbridge. Volčji Potok Arboretum To the north of Ljubljana, is Volčji Potok Arboretum. This sprawling botanical garden features fantastic flower displays, gorgeous wide open spaces and even giant dinosaurs – to keep the children happy! The arboretum was originally part of the Souvan family estate but it was taken over by the University of Ljubljana and opened to the public in 1952. The arboretum spans 88 hectares and includes around 2,500 species of trees and shrubs. It sits within sprawling parkland which includes five lakes and the remains of a 13th Century tower and a 16th Century castle courtyard. Škocjan Caves Close to the Italian border, near a small village named Naklo, lies a huge underground network of waterways otherwise known as the Škocjan Caves. Mankind has learnt many scientific and geological lessons from this vast subterranean labyrinth. The Škocjan Caves form one of the largest known underground canyons in the world and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The caves form a truly magical environment and there is a very popular tour of the more easily accessible areas. In terms of size, there are 6,200 metres of caves. However, these are merely the sections which have been explored. Triglav National Park Triglav National Park is the largest protected area in the country. Situated near the Italian and Austrian border, visitors can enjoy spectacular scenery owing to the karstic mountain terrain of the Julian Alps. Amazingly, Slovenia has 400 two-thousand metre mountains and most of them lie here. The majority of the mountains are covered in forests but there are also stunning rock formations. Popular activities include hiking, mountaineering, rafting on the Soča River and water sports on Lake Bohinj – the largest glacial lake in Slovenia. Triglav National Park is very popular in the summer, the high altitude providing a welcome escape from the hot weather. Celjska koča Ski Resort There are a number of options for skiing in Slovenia. One of the best resorts is Celjska koča, to the south of Celje. The area is distinguishable by its four valleys and the gorgeous woodland scenery in the lower sections. The resort has been hosting ski competitions since 1928 and has lighting which allows for night skiing every day of the week. Celjska koča has a modern snow making system for the beginning and the end of the season and offers a ski school for children. In the summer the trails are popular with hikers, mountain bikers and there is also a summer bobsleigh run. Ptuj Slovenia has a rich cultural heritage but unfortunately many buildings were destroyed in an earthquake in 1511. However, in Ptuj – the oldest city in Slovenia – many of the ancient buildings still stand. The city has been occupied by a number of peoples including Celts, Romans, Huns and Eurasian Avars. Near the centre of the city sits a large, gothic 12th Century building – this is George’s Church and is one of the oldest in the country. The church is near to the Town Tower, in front of which sits the Orpheus Monument – a Roman monolith dating back to the 2nd Century. It was originally a grave marker to honour the memory of a mayor and was later used in punishment – as criminals were tied to the iron rings near its base. Carved of marble, it depicts scenes from the myth of Orpheus and is the oldest public monument in the country which remains in its original location. Rogaška Slatina Slovenia is known for its spa culture and Rogaška Slatina, to the east of Ljubljana, is certainly no exception. Nestled between the Boč and Donacka Gora mountains, this gorgeous town is renowned for the magnesium-rich mineral water which flows from its springs. The water is said to have curative effects and is shipped all over the world. The town is very popular for health tourism and most hotels also have a spa. There are also natural thermal pools containing thousands of dissolved mineral substances. Moreover, this fairytale town also plays host to some of the most ornate Baroque architecture in the world such as the Grand Hotel Rogaška – a majestic and historical building which epitomises this bold yet intricate style. For amazing stalactites and the fantastic “cave train”, we would also recommend Postojna Cave. The nearby Predjama Castle is an iconic Renaissance castle built within the mouth of a cave, on the edge of a cliff and is a truly awe-inspiring sight. If in Ljubljana, visiting Tivoli City Park is a great way to while away an afternoon. It boasts a mansion, a castle and beautiful plants and sculptures. For those in search of adventure, Vršič Pass, in the west of Slovenia, will make your hairs stand on end. There is both a walking and a driving route – which forms the highest road pass in the country. Slovenia is a land of stunning and often untouched landscapes. But it is also home to beautiful towns, gorgeous architecture and welcoming hosts. With such a rich history and spectacular scenery, there is plenty to see and do. An enchanting gothic fairytale, this country will leave you with lasting memories and a keenness to book your next Slovenian holiday. Image Credits: Jorge Láscar Mark Gregory NH53 Juanma Pérez Rabasco Philip Brown Celjska koča Ski Resort Mick Baker Jon Gos Matteo Mazzucconi
