If the breakup of the
former Yugoslavia left Croatia with many of the most beautiful beaches in
Europe, Slovenia came out no less happy at the culmination of the whole
process. This may be a tiny country of about 20,000 square kilometres, bordered
by Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Italy, but the small stretch of the Adriatic
that was left to it after the division is an oasis of crystal-clear waters.
The borders with Italy and Austria also secured the nation part of the Alps, meaning that the north of the country is bursting with snowy landscapes and greatly sought after by fans of winter sports. Within these mountainous regions, the landscapes are divided between large green fields and the largest cave complex in Europe. The varied topography of Slovenia means that there are three different climates. Most of the country is covered by forests, providing the reason for the abundance of natural parks and for it being the third most forested country in Europe.
Ljubljana is enchanting for its cosmopolitan smallness, its monumental architecture, its culture and traditions kept alive for centuries and, above all else, for the friendliness of its people.
Nature is one of the main highlights of the country, but Ljubljana, the capital, with its rural vibe and bars scattered along both sides of the Ljubljanica River, has long since become the hangout of many Europeans. Ljubljana is also enchanting for its cosmopolitan smallness, its monumental architecture of its historic centre, enriched by Art Nouveau buildings, by culture and traditions kept alive for centuries, by art, by the charm of its streets, by the liveliness of its university students and, above all else, by the friendliness of its people. The Tromostovje, the «Triple Bridge» over the Ljubljanica River, marks the historic centre and connects the bustling market on one side of the river to tranquil Preserev Square on the other, named after the greatest Slovenian poet. And because the city is small, so small that it is easy to find your way around it, Ljubljana Castle, one of the main attractions, is very close to the «triple bridge», on a small hill. From the top of its tower, a far-reaching and fascinating view over Ljubljana awaits visitors.
Bled, with its stunning lake of the same name, is the main winter destination and probably one of the most scenic cities in Europe.
A few tens of kilometres away lies Bled, but to reach it we can also pass through Skofia Loka and Kranj, through green plains and farmed fields and, when approaching our destination, we can begin to make out the top of the almost 2900-metre-high Mount Triglav, which gives its name to the Natural Park of the region. Bled, with its stunning lake of the same name, is the main winter destination and probably one of the most scenic cities in Europe. Upon arriving, we are already in the Julian Alps, with Austria ahead of us and Italy to our side. The stunning scenery is made up of gorges, rivers with emerald green water and chalets that seem to have been strategically placed in large flowering meadows. Bled is one of the pearls of Slovenia, but there are so, so many, that it almost seems impossible that they all fit in this patch of land daubed with green.
The borders with Italy and Austria also secured the nation part of the Alps, meaning that the north of the country is bursting with snowy landscapes and greatly sought after by fans of winter sports. Within these mountainous regions, the landscapes are divided between large green fields and the largest cave complex in Europe. The varied topography of Slovenia means that there are three different climates. Most of the country is covered by forests, providing the reason for the abundance of natural parks and for it being the third most forested country in Europe.
Ljubljana is enchanting for its cosmopolitan smallness, its monumental architecture, its culture and traditions kept alive for centuries and, above all else, for the friendliness of its people.
Nature is one of the main highlights of the country, but Ljubljana, the capital, with its rural vibe and bars scattered along both sides of the Ljubljanica River, has long since become the hangout of many Europeans. Ljubljana is also enchanting for its cosmopolitan smallness, its monumental architecture of its historic centre, enriched by Art Nouveau buildings, by culture and traditions kept alive for centuries, by art, by the charm of its streets, by the liveliness of its university students and, above all else, by the friendliness of its people. The Tromostovje, the «Triple Bridge» over the Ljubljanica River, marks the historic centre and connects the bustling market on one side of the river to tranquil Preserev Square on the other, named after the greatest Slovenian poet. And because the city is small, so small that it is easy to find your way around it, Ljubljana Castle, one of the main attractions, is very close to the «triple bridge», on a small hill. From the top of its tower, a far-reaching and fascinating view over Ljubljana awaits visitors.
Bled, with its stunning lake of the same name, is the main winter destination and probably one of the most scenic cities in Europe.
A few tens of kilometres away lies Bled, but to reach it we can also pass through Skofia Loka and Kranj, through green plains and farmed fields and, when approaching our destination, we can begin to make out the top of the almost 2900-metre-high Mount Triglav, which gives its name to the Natural Park of the region. Bled, with its stunning lake of the same name, is the main winter destination and probably one of the most scenic cities in Europe. Upon arriving, we are already in the Julian Alps, with Austria ahead of us and Italy to our side. The stunning scenery is made up of gorges, rivers with emerald green water and chalets that seem to have been strategically placed in large flowering meadows. Bled is one of the pearls of Slovenia, but there are so, so many, that it almost seems impossible that they all fit in this patch of land daubed with green.
