Road Tripping Through Slovenia: Explore Europe’s Best-Kept Secret in Luxury
Slovenia: a land of stunning landscapes, rich history, and culinary treasures waiting to be discovered. Is Slovenia good for a road trip? No. It is great! Buckle up and join us on an unforgettable journey through this hidden gem of Europe, where every twist and turn reveals a new adventure.
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Common Questions
How many days are enough for Slovenia?
Having at least one week should be enough time for you to make it through this itinerary, but of course, more time to explore is always better.
What is the best month to visit Slovenia?
Spring and fall offer the best of both worlds with nice weather and less of the summer tourist crowds. We visited in early September and while Ljubljana in particular was very busy(finding a dinner restaurant took some effort), the weather was fantastic.
Ljubljana: A Gastronomic Hunt in Slovenia
Our journey begins in the vibrant capital city of Ljubljana, where cobblestone streets lead you on a culinary odyssey like no other. Start by wandering along the riverside, exploring quaint boutiques and cozy coffee shops tucked away in charming alleys. Walk up the hill or take the funicular up to the castle for a view of the city, or better yet visit the Neboticnik skyscraper for a view of the city that includes the castle instead. Entry is free however there is a cafe located here with panoramic views so grab a cup and settle in to enjoy your vista over the city. When you have walked up an appetite and are done with the sights, our hunt for Slovenian specialty foods can begin!
#1 - Carniolan Sausage: This quintessential Slovenian dish is a savory delight made from finely minced pork, flavored with garlic, salt, and pepper, then smoked to perfection. This delight can only be made by producers who have obtained a certificate to do so, of which there are no more than 15. Fun fact: this sausage even went to space when the mother of an astronaut with Slovenian heritage sent some up to the ISS for Christmas! We recommend you simply indulge your taste buds here on earth at Klobasarna, where the aroma of sizzling sausages fills the air.
#2 - Cockta: Quench your thirst with Cockta, Slovenia's beloved herbal cola found on every corner. Somehow this delicious cola-tasting beverage contains no caffeine and is made from 11 different herbs. Its unique blend of flavours will refresh and invigorate as you explore the city's hidden gems.
#3 - Idrijski Zlikrofi: Originating from the town of Idrija, these delectable dumplings are a regional specialty not to be missed. Made from thinly rolled dough, filled with a savoury mixture of potato and onion, then shaped into small pockets and boiled to such perfection, they obtained protected status in 2010. Head to Julija to sample this dish, where each bite transports you to the heart of Slovenian cuisine.
Bonus: Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Odprta Kuhna, a street market extravaganza open every Friday night in the summer, offering a tantalizing array of global cuisines. From craft beers to paella, indulge in a culinary adventure unlike any other. We loved strolling through the crowds with our drinks, trying to decide which foods to try next, and hunting for a small spot on the surrounding steps to enjoy our bounty by the river.
Lake Bled: A Postcard Come to Life
Nestled amidst breathtaking mountains, Lake Bled is a Slovenian gem that captivates visitors with its azure waters, medieval charm, and culinary delights. You have probably seen photos of this iconic spot on travel bucket lists and Pinterest dream boards before, but nothing compares to the feeling of seeing it with your own eyes. For a detailed itinerary and more insider tips, read our full blog post HERE.
But to give you a glimpse, you will embark on a rowing trip to the island itself, enjoy panoramic views on not one, but two different hikes, and indulge in the local specialty (and your new favorite desert) Bled Cream Cake at Hotel Park. Is this part of Slovenia very touristy? Probably, but it is so beautiful you won’t care. Whether you explore the tranquil shores, hike the scenic trails, or dine with a view at Bled Castle, Lake Bled offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and gastronomic pleasures.
Soca Valley: Nature's Playground
Venture into the pristine wilderness of the Soca Valley, where outdoor adventures await at every turn. From white water rafting to hiking and biking, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this enchanting paradise. We found the drive here to be one of the most mesmerizing experiences of our time in Slovenia. There were rolling green hills surrounded by towering mountains, tiny tunnels carved out of the rock to drive through, and even paragliders soaring above us.
We passed picturesque house after picturesque house and probably would have considered moving into one, had it not been for the other drivers frightening us by quickly whipping around the narrow corners in the area. Is driving in Slovenia easy? For the most part yes, but we did need to drive a little slower here to feel safe. We would recommend you learn from our mistake and rent as small a vehicle as you can.
The reason we ventured into this area of Slovenia was to visit the two Michelin star restaurant that is currently ranked the 32nd best restaurant in the world. This is the brainchild of the woman who was awarded best female chef in 2017, Ana Ros, who upon meeting, we thanked for bringing us to this beautiful part of her country.
Dining at Hisa Franko was a culinary journey unlike any other, elevating our Slovenian road trip to new heights of gastronomic excellence. When we arrived, we were immediately ushered to the outdoor patio to enjoy aperitifs as we watched the sunset, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. The 21-course meal, crafted by the talented Chef Ana Roš and her team, was a masterful blend of creativity, tradition, and locally sourced ingredients.
Each dish told a story, a testament to Slovenia's rich culinary heritage and the chef's innovative approach to cooking. We enjoyed exquisite wine pairings and were happy to serve as guinea pigs to test out some new cocktails our server was hoping would make it to the official menu. As the entire dining experience took over 3 hours, even after 21 courses we did not feel over-stuffed. Thus the evening concluded with us being ushered to a separate outdoor patio space where we enjoyed the final cheese course, snuggled inside the provided blankets. Our evening at Hisa Franko was more than just a meal—it was a culinary adventure that left us with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for Slovenian gastronomy.
For those looking to extend their culinary experience at Hisa Franko into a luxurious getaway, the restaurant also offers a charming on-site hotel where guests can immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of the Soca Valley. However, during our visit, the hotel was fully booked, leading us to discover the modern and beautiful Apartment Pri Nas. Located nearby, this comfortable accommodation provided us with a relaxing retreat complete with an on-site hot tub—a perfect way to unwind after our indulgent dining experience.
Goriska Brda: A Wine Lover's Paradise
If you're wondering where the wine region in Slovenia is or which country is best for wine tourism, Goriska Brda should definitely be on your list. Our final destination has rolling vineyards and sun-drenched hillsides that produce some of Slovenia's finest wines. This is one of Slovenia’s best-kept secrets, as you must drive through a portion of Italy (don’t worry there are no official border crossings) to reach it. This means that while you are drinking the Slovenian wines produced from the grapes around you, the wineries two streets over working with the same soil are producing Italian wines.
Nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, this picturesque region boasts a unique microclimate ideal for wine cultivation and is topographically often compared to Tuscany. The vines, nourished by the warm Mediterranean sun and cooled by mountain breezes, yield grapes of exceptional quality, resulting in wines that rival the best of Italy.
The key to a luxurious stay in this region is Hotel Gredic - a beautifully renovated castle on a vineyard with a Michelin Plate recommended restaurant inside. You can read more about our glamorous stay at this property HERE. As you traverse this picturesque landscape remember to drink in more than just the view, and don’t forget to savor the local specialty Brda pizza at Vipolze villa.
One Last Sight in Slovenia
As you conclude your unforgettable road trip through Slovenia by returning to Ljubljana, be sure to stop at the mesmerizing Predjama Castle on the short drive. This architectural marvel, built into a rock cliff, offers one of the most unique castle sightings in Europe. While you can pay an entrance fee to explore the interior, we found that the castle's grandeur could still be appreciated from the outside, making it a perfect final stop on your journey.
So is it worth going to Slovenia? Hopefully after completing your journey, the answer is a resounding yes. At this point, we hope your heart will be filled with cherished memories and your suitcase stocked with Slovenian wines. From the vibrant streets of Ljubljana to the tranquil shores of Lake Bled, the adventurous trails of the Soca Valley, and the picturesque vineyards of Goriska Brda, Slovenia has proven itself to be Europe's best-kept secret- and a place that will leave you yearning for more.
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