Things to do in Slovenia

Take a traditional pletna boat across the emerald lake to the tiny island, then climb the 99 stone steps to the Church of the Assumption and ring the bell for good luck.

Tackle Slovenia's highest peak via the Krma Valley or Pokljuka route, staying overnight at the Kredarica hut before the final via ferrata scramble.

Ride a subterranean train through 5 km of stalactite-filled caverns, then marvel at the brilliant 'Brilliant' white stalagmite in the enormous Concert Hall.

Follow the emerald green trail along the source of the Soča, crossing wooden footbridges and pausing at deep, silent pools surrounded by steep alpine peaks.

Stand on the vertiginous bridge high above the underground Reka River as it thunders through one of the largest known subterranean canyons in the world.

Drive through rolling vineyards and stop at a family-run winery in the village of Šmartno to sample crisp Rebula and fruity Merlot while overlooking the hills.

Swim in the crystal-clear alpine lake under the shadow of Mount Vogel, then walk the serene shoreline trail to the stone bridge and the Church of St. John.

Cross the iconic Triple Bridge into the heart of the cobblestoned old town, passing Prešeren Square and arriving at the open-air Central Market with its colonnade.

Tour the dramatic 13th-century castle perched halfway up a 123-meter vertical rock face, complete with secret tunnels and the legend of the rebellious knight Erazem.

Every Friday from spring to autumn, Pogačarjev trg fills with stalls serving everything from Carniolan sausage to walnut potica, offering a lively alfresco lunch.

Lose yourself in narrow Venetian alleys, then ascend the bell tower of St. George's Church for a panoramic view over the red rooftops and the Adriatic Sea.

Pedal along the renovated narrow-gauge railway route from the coast near Portorož into the rolling green hills, passing viaducts with sea glimpses and old stone villages.

Paddle through white-water sections of the crystal-clear Soča, with guided descents that range from family-friendly to adrenaline-pumping between narrow canyon walls.

Explore the former military barracks transformed into an autonomous cultural zone, its every wall covered in vivid murals, mosaics, and sculptures.

Study detailed exhibits on the Isonzo Front’s brutal mountain battles, then walk the outdoor museum path past untouched trenches and chapels.

Settle into a velvet booth at this Ljubljana institution dating from 1935, where the city’s intellectual life mingles over panna cotta and espresso.

Descend into the 500-year-old Anthony's Shaft to learn how mercury was extracted, then see the stunning lace collection in the nearby Gewerkenegg Castle.

Follow the 1.6 km trail along the Radovna River, traversing narrow boardwalks and crossing an elegant stone railway bridge over thundering rapids and pools.

Step inside the hilltop church to study well-preserved 14th-century frescoes, then take in the bell tower panorama reaching across the salt pans to Croatia.

Watch the elegant white horses perform a classical dressage show, then tour the 16th-century stable complex and meet the mares and foals in the paddocks.

Launch from Mount Vogel’s grassy slopes to soar silently above the glacial lake, with the Julian Alps stretching in every direction as far as Triglav.

Visit a stone farmstead near Štanjel to taste air-dried Karst ham alongside the region’s ruby Teran wine, a pairing perfected over centuries.

Wind along the 37-km scenic road high above the Logar Valley, stopping at viewpoints to photograph the steep-sided glacial valley and its waterfalls.

Visit the 450-year-old vine still producing grapes on the Lent riverbank, then taste its fruity Žametovka wine in the adjoining museum and shop.

Trek up the valley floor past wooden hayracks and grazing cattle to the Rinka waterfall, where the mountains close in like an amphitheatre of rock.