Must-See Steder i Slovenien

Built in 1750 and named after Napoleon’s troops who crossed it in 1797, this single-arch stone bridge spans about 55 m, rising 22 m above the emerald Soča River. Rebuilt after World War I battles along the Isonzo Front, it remains a striking historic crossing with panoramic views of the Julian Alps.

Lake Bled er Sloveniens mest berømte seværdighed, og det med god grund. Søen blev dannet af gletsjeraktivitet, og i dens centrum ligger den eneste naturlige ø i Slovenien. En kirke har stået på den ø siden det 9. århundrede, og i dag ringer besøgende stadig med dens "ønske klokke." At komme til øen sker på den traditionelle måde - med pletna, en træbåd der roes stående, en metode der er unik for dette område.

Mangart Saddle, at 2,055 meters, is the highest road in Slovenia. The panoramic road leading up includes tunnels and dramatic switchbacks, ending just below Mount Mangart, Slovenia’s third-highest peak. It is a starting point for hikes, but even without climbing further, the views stretch across Slovenia and into neighboring Italy and Austria.

Crossing north-west Slovenia and into Italy, the Julian Alps rise above 2,700 m and hold icons like the cobbled Vršič Pass with its 24 switchbacks. Glacial lakes Bled and Bohinj, turquoise rivers, and traditional alpine villages create dramatic scenery, while historic WWI routes add intrigue. Cyclists come for challenging ascents, sweeping panoramas, and some of Europe’s most rewarding mountain rides.

Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia, 4.2 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, located inside Triglav National Park. It holds about 100 million cubic meters of water, fed by mountain streams and glaciers. Activities such as swimming, kayaking, and hiking around the lake are popular, but it remains much less developed than nearby Bled. A cable car leads from the lake up to Mount Vogel, where ski slopes in winter turn into hiking trails in summer.

Perched on a cliff 130 m above the emerald waters of Lake Bled, this is Slovenia’s oldest castle, first mentioned in 1011. Its Romanesque walls, medieval courtyards, and Renaissance towers overlook one of Europe’s most photographed lakes, with panoramic views of the Julian Alps and the tiny island church below. Inside, a small museum traces a thousand years of history, while a wine cellar, chapel, and printing workshop bring the past to life. 

High above Lake Bohinj on the Pokljuka Plateau, Zajamniki is one of Slovenia’s most picturesque alpine pastures. A ribbon of traditional wooden herdsmen’s huts stretches across a grassy ridge at about 1,300 m, with sweeping views of the Julian Alps and Mount Triglav. In summer, meadows burst with wildflowers and cows graze as they have for centuries, offering a glimpse of authentic mountain life. Reached by quiet forest roads, Zajamniki is a peaceful stop for adventurers seeking classic Alpine scenery.

The Italian Charnel House in Kobarid is a military ossuary built in 1938 to hold the remains of 7,014 Italian soldiers who died during World War I in the Isonzo Front battles. The circular structure is built around the pre-existing church of St. Anthony, and its inauguration was attended by Mussolini. It stands above the town of Kobarid and is part of the “Walk of Peace” heritage trail, which connects key sites from the front lines of the Great War across the Soča Valley.

Lake Jasna consists of two connected artificial lakes near Kranjska Gora. Built for tourism, they are surrounded by walking paths and overlooked by the peaks of the Julian Alps. A wooden viewing tower, a bronze statue of an ibex, and clear alpine water make it one of the most photographed spots in the region.

Located near Tržič in northern Slovenia, Dovžanova Soteska is a narrow limestone gorge carved by the Tržič Bistrica River. It is a protected natural monument and internationally known geological site, showcasing 300-million-year-old fossils and rare rock formations from the Paleozoic era. A scenic trail with bridges and interpretive panels follows the river through steep cliffs and natural rock arches, offering visitors both striking alpine views and a glimpse into deep geological history.

Rising 1,200–1,500 m within Triglav National Park, Pokljuka is Slovenia’s largest high plateau and a showcase of pristine alpine nature. Vast spruce forests, peat bogs, and open pastures dotted with traditional shepherd huts create a landscape of striking beauty and rich wildlife, with sweeping views of the Julian Alps and Mount Triglav.

Zelenci is where the Sava Dolinka River begins. The water rises through porous chalk and sand, creating bright emerald pools that never freeze, even in winter. The reserve covers 15 hectares and is home to rare species of plants and animals, including orchids and kingfishers. A wooden boardwalk and viewing tower make the area accessible for visitors, offering views of the surrounding Julian Alps. The constant temperature of the spring water is about 6°C year-round.

Above Begunje na Gorenjskem stand the ruins of this 12th-century fortress, once guarding a key trade route through the Draga Valley. Built by the Counts of Ortenburg and later the Lambergs, it was damaged by the 1511 earthquake and uprisings, leaving striking stone walls and towers that now offer panoramic views of the Karawanks and Sava plain.

Soča-dalen er berømt for den smaragdgrønne farve af Soča-floden, der flyder gennem dybe kløfter og forbi vandfald. Området er populært for udendørs sportsgrene som rafting, kajakroning og vandreture, og har et væld af naturskønne højdepunkter, blandt andet: de store Soča- og Tolmin-kløfter, samt imponerende vandfald som Virje, Kozjak og Sloveniens højeste - Boka. Det er også et sted for store første verdenskrigs slag, husket gennem en række museer og Walk of Peace-stien.

Slovenia’s only national park spans 880 km² of the Julian Alps and protects Mount Triglav, the nation’s 2,864 m peak and national symbol. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s a landscape of glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and the emerald sources of the Soča and Sava rivers. Quiet roads and scenic climbs lead through Bohinj and the Soča Valley, offering cyclists pristine nature and classic Alpine views.

Rising 1,641 m on the border of Slovenia and Italy, Mount Matajur offers sweeping views across the Soča Valley, the Julian Alps, and all the way to the Adriatic Sea on clear days. Its grassy slopes and open summit have long served as alpine pastures, while World War I left historic trails and memorials from the Isonzo Front. Today it’s a beloved cycling and panoramic viewpoint, combining gentle lower roads with a challenging final climb and a unique vantage point over two countries.

A 5 km glacial valley in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, Robanov Kot is protected as a Landscape Park and part of Natura 2000. Ringed by peaks like Ojstrica and Krofička, its floor of meadows and forests has been farmed since the 15th century by the historic Roban homestead. Quieter than nearby Logar Valley, it offers pristine alpine scenery, traditional mountain farms, and a peaceful escape into Slovenia’s highlands.

The Karst plateau gave its name to karst landscapes worldwide, known for caves, underground rivers, and sinkholes. This limestone region of southwestern Slovenia is home to the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves and countless smaller caves. Alongside the geology, visitors find stone-built villages, vineyards producing the strong red wine Teran, and traditions tied to this unique landscape.

Predjama Castle holds a Guinness World Record as the largest cave castle in the world. Built more than 800 years ago, it is integrated directly into a 123-meter cliff face. The castle became legendary thanks to the knight Erazem Lueger, who resisted a siege for over a year by using hidden passages that led out of the cave system below. Archaeologists have discovered a vast network of tunnels beneath the castle, more than 14 kilometers explored so far.

Goriška Brda er en vinproducerende region på grænsen til Italien, ofte kaldet "Sloveniens Toscana." Dens bølgende bakker er dækket af vinmarker, frugthaver og små landsbyer, hvoraf mange tilbyder vinprøvninger og mad fra gård til bord. Regionen er kendt for både hvide og røde vine, og cykling gennem dens bløde bakker er en af de bedste måder at udforske området på.

The Lipica Stud Farm was founded in 1580 and is the original home of the Lipizzaner horses. These horses were bred for the Habsburg court and later became famous worldwide for their performances at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Today, the stud farm still breeds and trains Lipizzaners, offering riding shows, guided tours, and a museum that tells the story of this historic breed.

Piran er en kystperle ved Adriaterhavet, kendt for sit venetianske arv og snævre middelalderlige gader. Hovedtorvet, Tartini Plads, er opkaldt efter den berømte violinist Giuseppe Tartini, som blev født her. Bestig de gamle bymure for panoramiske udsigter over den rødt tagede by og havet, eller besøg St. Georgs Kirke, som har udsigt over havnen fra en skrænt.

Sečovlje Saltpans er et af de sidste steder i Middelhavet, hvor salt stadig høstes ved hjælp af århundreder gamle teknikker. Saltpannerne dækker omkring 750 hektar og er opdelt i fordampningsbassiner, der også fungerer som levesteder for hundreder af fuglearter. Et saltmuseum forklarer den unikke proces, og besøgende kan endda prøve saltbaserede spa-behandlinger i nærheden.

Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital and cultural hub, with a population of just under 300,000. The Ljubljanica River runs through the center, lined with outdoor cafés and crossed by well-known bridges such as the Dragon Bridge and the Triple Bridge, both designed by architect Jože Plečnik. The city’s castle dates back to the 11th century and offers views across the entire basin. Ljubljana has been named a European Green Capital thanks to its pedestrianized center, bike-sharing system, and strong focus on sustainability.

The Church of St. Thomas sits on a hill near Škofja Loka and has become one of Slovenia’s most photographed landmarks. The church was first built in the 13th century, later rebuilt in Baroque style, and today still serves the local parish. A nearby roadside viewpoint frames the church with the surrounding hills and mountains, making it a favorite spot for photographers.

Golovec Hill rises right next to Ljubljana and is covered by a dense forest crisscrossed with trails. It is one of the city’s most popular areas for mountain biking, with a maintained trail center offering downhill and enduro routes. The hill also hosts an astronomical observatory that has been operating since 1959.

Krvavec is Slovenia’s most accessible ski resort, located just 25 kilometers from Ljubljana and reachable by cable car. In summer, its slopes turn into a cycling and hiking area with panoramic views across the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. At 1,450–1,970 meters altitude, it also hosts outdoor festivals and alpine dairy farms producing traditional cheeses.

This vast forested karst plateau lies between Bohinj and Škofja Loka at about 1,000 m above sea level. Cloaked in spruce and fir, it was once a center for forestry and charcoal making and remains one of Slovenia’s quietest natural areas. The plateau is crowned by the hilltop St. Primož Church, whose striking white spire set against the mountains is one of the country’s most photographed landmarks. 

Škofja Loka is one of Slovenia’s oldest towns, with a history dating back over a thousand years. Its medieval center is one of the best preserved in the country, dominated by a castle on a hill that today houses a museum. The town lies at the meeting of two rivers and is surrounded by a landscape full of waterfalls and hiking trails.

Vršič-passet er den højeste vejpas i Slovenien med en højde på 1.611 meter og præcis 50 nummererede hårnålesving. Det blev bygget af russiske fanger under Første Verdenskrig og er stadig kendt som "Den Russiske Vej." Passet forbinder Kranjska Gora med Soča-dalen og er en populær indgang til vandrestier, bjergudsigter og et stop ved den lille russiske kapel, der er bygget til minde om arbejderne, der omkom under konstruktionen.

Krvavec is Slovenia’s most accessible ski resort, located just 25 kilometers from Ljubljana and reachable by cable car. In summer, its slopes turn into a cycling and hiking area with panoramic views across the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. At 1,450–1,970 meters altitude, it also hosts outdoor festivals and alpine dairy farms producing traditional cheeses.

Jezersko is a small alpine valley north of Ljubljana, close to the Austrian border. It is named after a glacial lake that drained in the 14th century, leaving fertile meadows where farming traditions continue today. The area is known for hiking, cycling, and the healing mineral water from its springs, which has been used since the 17th century.

Kočevski gozd (forest) is the largest primeval forest in Slovenia, covering around 500 square kilometers. The area is home to rare wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and lynxes, making it one of the most important biodiversity reserves in Europe. Visitors can explore marked trails, guided bear-watching tours, and learn about the area’s history as a former restricted military zone during the Cold War.

Beliggende på en bakketop i Kroatiens Istriske halvø er Grožnjan kendt som "kunstnerbyen." Dens middelalderlige stenspor er fyldt med mere end tyve gallerier og studier, og musikfestivaler fylder de smalle gader hver sommer. Med panoramisk udsigt over vinmarker og olivenlunde blander Grožnjan historie, kunst og en afslappet middelhavscharm, der gør det til et populært stop for kulturinteresserede og cyklister, der krydser grænsen fra Slovenien.

Kun en kort køretur væk rejser Motovun sig dramatisk over Mirna-floddalen og er berømt for sine intakte middelaldermure og vidtstrakte udsigt over det centrale Istrien. Byen ligger i hjertet af Kroatiens trøffelregion og tilbyder alt fra enkle trøffelsmagninger til fin dining. Dens brostensbelagte gader, venetianske arkitektur og omkringliggende skove gør Motovun til både et kulinarisk hotspot og en af de mest stemningsfulde bakketopbyer i regionen.

Premantura is the southernmost tip of the Istrian peninsula, known for the protected landscape of Cape Kamenjak. The cape is dotted with coves, cliffs, and beaches, and its coastline stretches for about 30 kilometers. Cyclists and hikers can explore its trails, while swimmers and divers are drawn to its clear waters and unique rock formations.

Pula, at the southern tip of Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, is known for its Roman heritage. The highlight is the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, built in the 1st century and still used for concerts and events today. The city also features Roman temples, medieval fortresses, and a busy port that reflects its long history as a crossroads of Mediterranean cultures.

Wurzenpass, at 1,073 meters, is a mountain pass connecting Slovenia and Austria. The road is steep, with gradients reaching 18%, and was once an important military route. At the top sits the Bunkermuseum, an open-air museum of Cold War bunkers built in the 1960s to defend against a possible invasion.

Passo Giau is one of the most scenic high mountain passes in the Dolomites, standing at 2,236 meters. The road climbs with 29 hairpin bends and has often featured in the Giro d’Italia, making it a legendary route for cyclists. From the top, the views stretch to peaks like Tofane and Marmolada, making it a favorite stop for photographers and riders alike.