Slovenia -The Green Heart of Europe
Tucked between the Alps and the Adriatic, Slovenia is a haven of lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, and unspoiled wilderness. As one of the world’s most sustainable travel destinations, it offers a glimpse into how nature and modern living can thrive side by side.
What’s the story, where is Slovenia and why is it so ‘green’?
Nestled in Central Europe, Slovenia often flies under the radar, but those who visit quickly discover a country rich in natural beauty and environmental consciousness. Bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, it packs snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and ancient forests into a space no bigger than Wales. But what truly sets Slovenia apart is its deep-rooted commitment to sustainability: over 60% of its land is covered in forest, and an impressive 45% of the capital city is tree-covered. It was also the first country to be declared a Green Destination in its entirety. From eco-certified accommodations to car-free zones and protected national parks, it’s a place where green living isn’t a trend, it’s a way of life.
Getting there by land couldn’t be easier! Slovenia is well connected by train to many major European cities, and regular rail lines make exploring the country itself just as simple. The official tourism site, I Feel Slovenia, is a fantastic resource for planning your journey by rail.
By air, options can be a bit more limited depending on your origin, so expect indirect routes or simple workarounds, like flying into or out of nearby Italy. We flew to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, from Dublin via Heathrow with British Airways, and departed from the Italian city of Trieste. Buses between Ljubljana and Trieste cost as little as €13 one way and take around 1.5 hours. It also gave us the perfect excuse to tack on a night in Italy at the end of our trip.
Urban Buzz or Alpine Bliss? You Don’t Have to Choose
One of Slovenia’s biggest charms is its size. Distances are short, but the variety is huge, so even on a five-day trip you can soak up the alpine calm of the mountains and the vibrant energy of the capital. If you have extra time, consider including time at the coast.
Here’s how to combine both worlds without feeling like you’re living out of a suitcase:
Day 1 – Arrival in Ljubljana
Touch down and ease into Slovenia’s fairy-tale capital. Stroll along the Ljubljanica River, cross the famous Dragon Bridge, and let the pastel façades and cobblestone streets work their magic. In the evening, grab dinner in one of the riverside restaurants, or settle into a café for people-watching with a glass of local wine. For delicious plant-based dishes, dont miss Veganika or Gaudi&Naan. Sip a chilled glass of local wine at Štorija, head to Ferdinand for retro vibes or head to the museum of modern art for creative cocktails at Moderna.
Day 2 – Ljubljana’s Urban Charm
Spend the day exploring the city at your own pace: climb up to Ljubljana Castle for sweeping views, browse through the lively Central Market, and recharge in Tivoli Park. Don’t miss out on the city’s excellent coffee scene, Slovenians take it seriously! Our favuroite spots are Črno Zrno and Stow (located in the bright, modern basement of the City Museum.) By night, the old town glows with lights reflected in the river, and bars hum with easygoing energy.
Day 3 – To the Alps: Lake Bled
Pick up a rental car or hop on a bus and in under an hour you’re at Lake Bled. Check into a lakeside guesthouse, walk the full loop around the water, and maybe row out to the tiny church on Bled Island. As the sun sets, sit back and enjoy the alpine backdrop with a slice of the legendary Bled cream cake.
Day 4 – Vintgar Gorge & Lake Bohinj
Start with a morning walk through the Vintgar Gorge, where wooden pathways wind above rushing turquoise waters. In the afternoon, continue on to Lake Bohinj, Bled’s wilder cousin. Hike the lakeside trails, dip into the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim, or ride the cable car up Vogel Mountain for epic views over the Julian Alps.
Day 5 – A Last Taste Before You Go
Linger in Bled for a relaxed breakfast with mountain views before swing back to Ljubljana for one last coffee and a stroll through the markets. Either way, you’ll leave with the feeling that Slovenia let you experience two trips in one!
Sauna lovers, take note: Vodno Mesto Atlantis Wellness offers the perfect respite from traveling. Just a short bus ride from Ljubljana’s city center, this wellness haven features three pools (two of them outdoors) and no fewer than 14 different types of saunas. It’s an ideal spot to recharge for a few hours—just be mindful that locals embrace the nude sauna tradition. When in Rome, as they say!
Where we stayed
For this trip we chose two bases, one by the Alps and one in the capital, and it worked out perfectly.
Near Lake Bled
We found a simple but stylish Airbnb just outside of town, complete with castle views, a yoga studio and its very own sauna. Tucked in the countryside, it was only a short drive to the lake, but what we loved most was the evening walk, along fields and quiet lanes at the foot of the Julian Alps, into Bled for dinner and a glass of local wine in one of its cosy little bars. The location was also a hiker’s dream, with trails, including to the Vintgar Gorge, starting right from the doorstep.
In Ljubljana
Back in the capital, we swapped rural calm for old-town charm at the Hotel Heritage. This boutique gem sits right by the river in the heart of the historic centre. From here, everything was within strolling distance, bridges, markets, cafés, and lively streets. It gave us the perfect balance of comfort, style, and location.
