Slovenia

Discover the essence of holidaying in Slovenia, where every moment is an adventure waiting to unfold.

Last updated: March 18, 2025

Located in Central Europe, Slovenia shares borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Its capital, Ljubljana, is a charming blend of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. Slovenia has a population of approximately 2.1 million people. The country operates on Central European Time (CET), which is GMT+1, observing daylight saving time. As a parliamentary republic, Slovenia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area.

General information

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Slovenia's culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional flavours and modern innovation. Must-try dishes include štruklji, rolled dumplings; jota, bean soup; and kranjska klobasa, Carniolan sausage. Wine lovers will appreciate Slovenia's boutique vineyards where they have numerous choices from natural fruit wines, rosé, sweet wines and traditional wines. Craft beers and schnapps are also favourites in Slovenia, you would hardly pass by a party or bar without noticing this. 

Wine and cuisine

Slovenia's culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional flavours and modern innovation. Must-try dishes include štruklji, rolled dumplings; jota, bean soup; and kranjska klobasa, Carniolan sausage. Wine lovers will appreciate Slovenia's boutique vineyards where they have numerous choices from natural fruit wines, rosé, sweet wines and traditional wines. Craft beers and schnapps are also favourites in Slovenia, you would hardly pass by a party or bar without noticing this. 

Outdoor activities

Slovenia is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts and opportunities for activities are everywhere. You will get one of the best experiences, engaging in activities like hiking, biking, dog sledding, or caving. Even gastronomic adventures will find enough to satisfy their cravings from the diverse food scene in the country.  Other popular activities include cycling, spelunking in the Postojna Cave system, and paragliding over Lake Bled.

Nature

Slovenia is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders. Its landscape is green and clean with its diversity including pristine lakes, verdant forests, and dramatic mountain ranges. Slovenia has its name as the third most forested country in Europe. Visitors have a lot to enjoy either from concentrating on the greenery where there are options for ecological tourist farms and beautiful views from mountain peaks, to experiencing the wildlife or enjoying the coolness of the stunning coastline. The Triglav National Park, Kranjska Gora and Strunjan Nature Reserve are some of the many places you can get blown by Slovenia’s natural uniqueness.

Festivals and events

Slovenes are lively people, and their love for tradition, music, food, and celebration is evident in the variety of festivals held throughout the year. These events showcase Slovenia's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse influences, making them an integral part of the country's identity. The summer months feature numerous music festivals, outdoor concerts, and culinary events including Ljubljana Festival, Kranfest, and Open Kitchen among many others. Indeed, Slovenian festivals offer something for everyone, attracting both locals and visitors alike.

Health precautions

Slovenia is relatively safe as far as contracting diseases is concerned but it is advised to be up to date on routine vaccines like flu, chicken pox, MMR, Polio, Shingles, and Hepatitis. If there is the possibility of being in any of the forested regions at any time, having repellents with you to prevent ticks is a wise decision. As an international traveller, your international travel insurance will always come in handy in cases of emergencies.

Currency

The official currency of Slovenia is the Euro.

Electricity and plug types

The Type C and F plugs are the standard plugs in Slovenia, with the standard voltage being 230V at a frequency of 50Hz.

Transportation options

Trains, buses, cars, and flights are the common ways to move around in Slovenia. Cars seem to be the easiest means of transport as the road network is very good except for local roads which can be a bit narrow. Buses and trains run through every day, as long as you have your ticket and stick to the time, you are good to go.

Language

Slovene is the official language in Slovenia with Italian and Hungarian serving as co-official languages. Croatian and Serbian are also significant languages used majorly by immigrants. English proficiency is relatively high in Slovenia as it is the most taught language in the country.

Local etiquette

Slovenians get on so well with people. You will enjoy your stay in Slovenia provided you are culturally sensitive to etiquette. Handshake is the common way of greeting and Slovenians like it to be firm and confident. Be mindful of jokes and teases as they might be misinterpreted if they go overboard. Generally, Slovenians are humble and modest and it should not be surprising if they expect the same from visitors.

Seasons

  • Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make spring an ideal time to visit Slovenia. It is a great season for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. It is usually quiet due to fewer crowds than in the summer.

  • Summer (June to September): Warm and sunny weather makes summer the peak tourist season in Slovenia. Visitors flock to popular destinations like Lake Bled and the Soča Valley for outdoor recreation and cultural events. Most of the Slovenian events are packed in this period. July is the hottest month of this season.

  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, making it a picturesque time to visit Slovenia. It is a great season for wine tasting, mushroom foraging, and exploring the country's historic towns and castles.

  • Winter (December to March): Winter is utterly cold with January being the coldest. Temperature is expected to be between 0-5C. Slovenia's mountainous regions offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities during these months. Visitors can also enjoy festive Christmas markets and cosy mountain retreats.

Travel cost

Travel costs in Slovenia can suit a range of budgets. Budget travellers can expect to spend around €40-70 per day, covering hostels, local eateries, and public transport. For mid-range travellers, €80-150 is a good spend, catering for stays in 3-star hotels, dining, and tours. Luxury travellers can expect to spend €200 or more per day, enjoying upscale hotels, fine dining, and private guided tours. Entrance fees to attractions like Postojna Cave or Lake Bled range from €10-30. Renting a car costs around €30-50 per day, depending on the season and mode.

Entry requirements

Slovenia is a Schengen country and as such all visitors are required to obtain a Schengen short-stay visitor visa except nationals of visa-exempt countries and residents of the Schengen and EU countries.

Nationals of the Schengen and EU countries have freedom of movement and can enter with just their passports or national IDs.

Recommendations

  • Explore the charming old town of Ljubljana and climb to the top of Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views of the city.

  • If you are looking to experience a fun-filled culinary experience partake in any of the open kitchen events at Pogačar Square.

  • Take a leisurely boat ride to Bled Island and visit the iconic Church of the Assumption.

  • Don't miss the opportunity to taste Slovenia's delicious wines and regional specialities at local vineyards and restaurants.

  • Spend time exploring Slovenia's vast network of hiking trails and natural parks for a true outdoor adventure experience.

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