Slovenia in winter – what you can do in a week: see Ljubljana, visit the Bled and Bohinj lakes, go to the seaside, see canyons and peaks in the Julian Alps, and even go skiing.
Slovenia is a country that surprisingly combines majestic mountain ranges covered with snow-covered slopes, transparent lakes reflecting the endless sky, caves, and ancient castles full of legends and mysteries.
We travel to Slovenia in our car because our friends live in Ljubljana. Therefore, whenever there is at least some opportunity to see them, for example, on the way from Prague, Croatia, or Italy. We always stop in Slovenia for a few days. To hug your loved ones and see another wonderful piece of this country. Despite its small size, Slovenia has a huge selection of beautiful locations. So I highly recommend this country to visit!
Dolomites in winter – family vacation in the mountains and skiing
Ljubljana for Christmas
Ljubljana is a small capital by European standards. It is a cozy, homely city that is conducive to leisurely walks through the pedestrian center, parks, and cozy churches.
The Ljubljana Castle is a castle on top of a cliff overlooking the Old Town. The guides will be happy to tell you the history of this place and the region, which goes back to the depths of time, up to the Roman Empire. In restaurants and bars, you will be able to enjoy national cuisine and famous Slovenian wines, which are not inferior in quality to the best French and Italian wines.
Christmas holidays in Ljubljana are not celebrated on a very large scale, as, for example, in Prague or Dresden. It’s very cozy and nice here: hot mulled wine is poured at the Christmas market, the city Christmas tree is decorated almost like a home, and the city’s illumination shines. No pomp and circumstance, but with a soul.
Where to stay in Ljubljana:
I advise you not to look for hotels out of Old Town Center. This way, you can be in the epicenter of all the Christmas action. And if you get cold while walking the streets of Ljubljana, you can always return to the hotel for a couple of hours to warm up.
I recommend these hotels for their cozy family atmosphere:
- Studio Emmi≫ – is located in the center, not far from the river embankment, and offers a magnificent view of it and the Tremostovsky Bridge.
- Hotel Heritage≫ – is a very beautiful and stylish hotel with large, bright rooms designed in the same style.
- A Boutique Hotel, superior≫ – fantastic and very easily accessible location. The modern, pleasant decor and overall atmosphere is warm and relaxing. The hotel does not have parking, but it is possible to leave the car in the nearby garage, which is located just a few minutes walk away.
Lakes of Slovenia: Bled and Bohinj
Lake Bled
Lake Bled is the country’s hallmark and symbol. In the middle of the lake there is an island with the Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and a bell tower from which melodious chimes can be heard over the lake. There is a belief that the bell fulfills the wishes of anyone who rings it.
Newlyweds come here on a special boat called a “pletna” to get married. A staircase of 99 steps leads to the chapel. So the groom is supposed to carry the bride in his arms to the very top, as a sign that his love is strong and not subject to adversity. Everyone can take a boat ride, regardless of marital status. A tourist boat, the “pletna”, runs between the island and the shore all year round.
The Bled Castle, located on top of a 130-meter cliff, also rises above the lake. The first mention of the Bled Castle dates back to 1011, when it was called Feldes and belonged to the Bishop of South Tyrol. It was only in the nineteenth century that Bled Castle became a private property. The walls of this cozy castle offer a magnificent view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Where to stay on Lake Bled:
- Penzion Berc≫ – is a stunning alpine-style hotel with modern facilities and a good buffet breakfast. You can rent electric bicycles at the hotel and go around the entire lake and climb to Bled Castle.
- Bled Rose Hotel≫ – The hotel is located on the shore of the lake and has its spa center.
- Aparthotel Gaja≫ – clean, spacious apartments with a rich breakfast.
Lake Bohinj
Less touristy, but more grandiose, Lake Bohinj is the largest lake in Slovenia, located among the mountains, which are nicknamed the “Slovenian fjords.” Bohinj is associated with silence and measured walks, cycling along the paths laid along the edge of the clear water.
In the warm season, you can spend several active days here. For example, to climb to the top of Mount Triglav. Such a hike is available to anyone who likes to walk in the mountains and breathe crystal clear air filled with pine aromas.
Those who like beautiful views can take a lift to the top of Mount Vogel. It offers a magnificent panorama of the lake and the surrounding mountains. There are also water activities on Lake Bohinj. In the village of Rybchev Laz you can rent canoes – The perfect way to see the rocky “Slovenian fjords” hanging over the turquoise water.
Hotels near Lake Bohinj:
- Hotel Bohinj≫ – is a cozy hotel in the style of hygge, with an interesting design, convenient parking and a very good breakfast, very worthy. It has its own sauna and swimming pool, which are very appropriate after an active holiday.
- TD Bohinj Apartments≫ – beautiful newly renovated apartments 100 meters from the lake. The kitchen is fully equipped, the bathroom is very large. A few steps from hiking trails and restaurants.
- Apartments Rožič Bohinj≫ – the best apartments in Bohinj with the best views of the lake and mountains.
Lake Yasnaya
I would also like to mention not the most famous, but one of the most favorite places for Slovenes to relax – Lake Jasna. In summer, people come here to swim and sunbathe on the beaches. In the fall and winter, you can go hiking in the canyon of the Pishnytsia River.
Canyon of the Soča River
If you go around the Triglav mountain range from the opposite side, you can get acquainted with the “emerald beauty” of Slovenia, the Soča River. Its intense turquoise color and crystal clear water are particularly striking.
Soča flows out from under the western slopes of Mount Triglav, running through a narrow canyon, it turns into a rather large river, the color of which becomes deeper and richer with each kilometer. Rafting and kayaking enthusiasts flock to its rocky and steep slopes, as Sochi is another of the best places for these water sports.
Housing near the Socha River canyon:
- Yellow house≫ – is an excellent small house with a huge bedroom, well suited for two families with children, located near the Soča River, the bridge over it is next door.
- Apartments and rooms Kravanja≫ – Great location of the apartments, surrounded by mountains on all sides, beautiful views of Triglav. The apartment is new, very clean, and has everything you need in the kitchen for cooking. There are many interesting tourist routes nearby.
Slovenia – Sea, Yachts and Salt
Piran is one of the few towns on the Slovenian coast that is worth visiting for at least one day. The piranha was built literally on salt. Salt is the source of prosperity in this picturesque Mediterranean town with fortress walls, churches and cultural monuments.
Not far from Piran are the Piran saltworks, where old methods of salt extraction through evaporation in the sun have been used since 804. Water and mud from local saltworks are used for baths and rejuvenating wraps. You can try and evaluate the effect of thalassotherapy in the Sechovel saltworks at the Lipa Vida Spa and other spa hotels in Piran.
Hotels and apartments in Piran:
- Piran Rooftop Apartments≫ – good location, close to the sea, restaurants, and the central square of the city. It should be borne in mind that you cannot drive into the city center and it is better to leave your car in the parking lot at the entrance to the city. But the view of the rooftops and the sea is unbeatable.
- Piccolo Pirano≫ – is an apartment located in the charming old town, equipped with everything for a comfortable stay.
- Guest House PachaMama≫ – is a very hospitable and clean hotel with comfortable beds. Excellent location near Piazza Tartini.
Karst caves in Slovenia
Slovenia can surprise tourists. When you travel through the mountains and plains, you don’t even realize that a whole underworld is hidden under its green carpet. And it’s so huge that you can travel through it by train.
Cave Postojna Yama – is the only karst cave in the world with a railroad built in it, which was built more than 140 years ago. For tourist purposes, 5 km of underground routes were built.
The unique underground train rushes its passengers through the kingdom of karst halls, corridors and galleries covered with amazingly shaped stalactites and stalagmites. During the hour-and-a-half tour, you can see the 16-meter-high stalagmite “Skyscraper,” the crystal-white symbol of the Permanent Yama cave, “Diamond,” and its famous underground inhabitant, the “human fish.” Once upon a time, there was a belief that a dragon lived in a cave, and the “human fish” were its cubs.
In 2016, for the first time in the two hundred years of the cave’s tourist history, baby dragons hatched from the eggs of the “human fish” in the Postojna Yama cave. You can see them by visiting the cave vivarium, which is arranged in one of the cave passages.
The Permanent Pit Cave is recognized as the richest in the world in terms of the number of species of wildlife that inhabit it. It is home to more than 150 species of fauna. You can meet some of its inhabitants and learn a lot of interesting things about them.
Predyamsky Castle
Near the Postojna Cave is the Predyamsky Castle, the largest cave castle in the world. For more than 800 years, it has been proudly protruding from the center of a 123-meter-high rock. Secret passages from the cave lead to the castle – according to legend, looted treasures were carried into the cave through these passages.
The owner of the castle was the knight Erasmus Luegg, the Slovenian Robin Hood, who robbed the rich and their trade caravans. But he did not share it with the poor, but kept it in caves. For this, he repeatedly had to withstand a siege from other lovers of looted wealth. Thanks to the unique location of his castle, the knight-errant had no trouble defending himself against numerous attacks.
Hotels and apartments in Postojna:
- Postojna Cave Hotel Jama≫ – is a good hotel for sightseeing – a castle and caves. The rooms with views of the neighborhood are also a delight.
- Lemonwood House≫ – The hotel has very clean, quiet, and fresh rooms. Close to the Postojna Yama cave.
- Apartma Grže≫ – clean, cozy and tidy apartments. For those who come to see the caves, it’s a 25-minute walk to the Postojna Yama. If you plan to cook, there is a Lidl supermarket nearby.
Mariborsko Pohorje ski resort
Season duration: mid-December to mid-March
Slovenia is surrounded by the Julian Alps and is known for its traditions of organizing winter recreation. No wonder its slopes have a well-developed infrastructure that attracts healthy lifestyle enthusiasts. Maribor Pohorje is the largest ski center in Slovenia. And the proximity to the Maribor Thermal Center is a great opportunity to improve your health in the thermal springs.
Trails and features of the ski areas:
The 64 km long slopes of the Maribor Pohorje are more suitable for beginners. There are mostly blue trails (23.5 km), as well as red trails (13 km) and black trails (5 km) for professionals. 7 km of illuminated trails for night skiing and 20 km of cross-country skiing trails diversify your outdoor activities.
There is no need to be afraid of snowless winters – the resort copes with this with the help of snow cannons, which are guaranteed to maintain snow cover more than 100 days a year.
The ski area is located at altitudes from 325 to 1372 meters. There is 1 cabin, 3 chairlifts, and 17 rope tows. There is a snow park for snowboarders. There is also a half-kilometer-long toboggan run. The resort often hosts sports competitions – you can combine skiing and watching athletes set new records.
Accommodation:
For those who want to devote the entire vacation to skiing, it will be more convenient to stay in hotels near the first stage of the ski lift.
Book a hotel in the Mariborske Pohorje resort≫
For those who want to combine skiing with a cultural program, it is better to stay in hotels and pensions in Maribor. Please note that the ski slopes in Mariborske Pohorje often host sporting events and there may be a shortage of rooms in budget hotels on such days.
Book a hotel in Maribor≫
Ski-passes:
The resort has a single ski pass for all lifts. Seasonal ski pass: adults (from 19 years old) – €480, pensioners and students – €360. Six-day ski pass: adults – €159, pensioners and students – €134, children – €84. Children under 6 years old can ski without a ski pass only if accompanied by an adult.
Denny and other types of ski passes on the site Maribor Pohorje
Entertainment:
Sights of Maribor: Art Gallery, National Theater, Maribor Church. Other tourist attractions in Maribor include a casino, a jazz club, restaurants, and cinemas..
Be sure to visit the Maribor thermal springs, the water temperature in the springs is 26-32℃. For example, for €20, you can spend the whole day in the thermal pools and saunas of the HABAKUK hotel.
Kranjska Gora ski resort
The Kranjska Gora ski resort is ideal for those who are just starting to learn to ski and snowboard. It combines recreational opportunities for both young people and couples with children.
The skiing area is located at altitudes of 810m – 1570m, where 22 blue, 5 red and 3 black slopes are equipped for skiers. The cost of ski passes and the start of the season can be found on the website Kranjska Gora .
Accommodation in Kranjska Gora:
The advantages of the resort are the convenient location of the hotels to the ski lifts – all hotels are located at the foot of the mountains. And the prices for skiing are more than reasonable compared to our Italian and Austrian neighbors.
Book a hotel in the Kranjska Gora resort≫
Useful articles and links:
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
Car rental – I am looking for inexpensive options on Rentalcars.com
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