We’ve said this before, and we’ll say it again: Slovenia is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. Although it lacks the size and popularity of its neighbors – which includes Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and Italy – little Slovenia packs a punch when it comes to European travel destinations.

Slovenia‘s small stretch of coastline on the Istrian Peninsula is home to picture-perfect fishing harbors and is lined with ancient history and excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Travel inland and Slovenia’s wine-growing regions offer a welcome countryside escape for foodies. 

Slovenia has medieval castles, deep subterranean cave systems, and a wealth of culture at the crossroads of Central Europe. Start your trip among the cobblestone streets of Ljubljana, where red-roofed castles and towers overlook a turquoise river guarded by dragon-lined bridges. End your tour on the coast, where you can soak up the sun, gorge on fresh seafood, and take a dip in the Adriatic Sea. 

With two weeks to spend, you’ll have the opportunity to see Slovenia’s major destinations in between. Our itinerary isn’t as full as it could be, but you’ll have enough time to see iconic locations like Lake Bled, Maribor, Lake Bohinj, Triglav National Park, and Piran. If you’re planning a trip to Slovenia, then keep reading as we unveil our perfect two-week itinerary! 

Two Weeks in Slovenia

The Best Time to Visit Slovenia

If you’re looking to spend a perfect 2-weeks in Slovenia, then you’ll need to time your trip well. This small nation can experience wide-ranging differences in weather, and you’ll need to decide which season is best for your travels.

The most popular time to visit Slovenia is in the summer. June, July, and August see the hottest weather, with temperatures rising to highs of 27°C (80°F) while the chance of rain is exceptionally low. This is a great time to lounge around on Slovenia’s Istrian coastline while conditions are perfect for hiking in the Julian Alps. 

As it’s summer, though, it gets busy. Accommodation costs can be higher, the beaches can be packed, and the streets of Ljubljana often overflow with tourists. 

To avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting in spring or autumn. The best places to see in Slovenia are much quieter in the shoulder seasons, prices can be lower, and we think you’ll have a much more enjoyable time, especially at hotspots like Lake Bled. For hikers, spring and autumn are a little cooler, too, although be careful early on in the season when snow can still block the high mountain passes and hiking trails.

Winter is an overlooked season to visit Slovenia. Although temperatures can drop to -2°C (28°F) in Ljubljana, the Christmas markets more than make up for the cold weather with their festive cheer. 

Lake Bled is quiet in winter but beautiful when the surrounding mountains are covered in a blanket of snow. Hiking isn’t always possible, of course, but then again, you can try your hand at snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or downhill snow sports instead.  

Things to Know Before You Go

Slovenia is a member of the European Union and is included within the Schengen Zone. If you hold a European Union passport, then you can travel and work freely in Slovenia as you would in your home country. 

If you hold a passport from many other qualifying nations, such as the UK, USA, Australia, and more, then you’ll have access to the Schengen Zone as a whole for 90 days within 180 days. Remember, this time period is for all Schengen Zone countries, so make sure you don’t overstay if your 14-day Slovenia itinerary is part of a longer European getaway. 

Slovenia is also part of the Eurozone, which means the Euro is the currency in circulation. This also makes things much easier if you’re traveling across Europe. Cash and cards are readily accepted in Slovenia, while you can change money in most towns and cities. 

The Slovenian language has Slavic roots, and while it’s quite similar to other languages in the Balkan region – including Serbian and Croatian – it also has its differences. Only 2.5 million people speak Slovenian, and you’ll find that many locals (especially those working in tourism) speak excellent English. Slovenia also borders Austria and Italy, so it’s common to find people proficient in German and Italian. 

Slovenia has thousands of miles of way-marked trails for you to explore, and it’s an exciting adventure travel destination. If you’re out hiking, or taking part in other outdoor activities, like biking or skiing, then make sure you plan well, have the appropriate maps with you, and prepare for changes in weather. You’ll want to be insured in the event of accidents and have the contact number of local emergency and mountain rescue services on hand. 

Getting Around Slovenia

Slovenia is a compact country to explore, and luckily, it’s super easy to get around. Distances are never too long here, with most destinations being no more than 2 hours away from one another.

Ljubljana, the capital, is the country’s transport hub, so you’ll often find yourself traveling through the city. This is where the country’s main international airport (Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport) is, with direct flight connections to most major European cities and further afield to transit hubs like Istanbul and Dubai. Centrally located, Lake Bled is less than an hour away from Ljubljana, Maribor is less than two, and Piran on the coast is also less than a 2-hour drive. 

The quickest way to get around Slovenia is to rent a car and drive. Roads are easy to navigate – although, be careful in the mountains, particularly in winter or early spring. If you do rent a car, remember to pay tolls when you’re on the highways, and don’t forget to purchase a “Vignette” (you can buy this online, and it works as a type of road toll tax). 

Alternatively, there are great connections between Ljubljana and major tourist destinations, including Lake Bled, Piran, and Maribor. Buses have the best connections, but there are also rail routes to Maribor, Celje, and Zidani Most. International routes connect Ljubljana by bus and train to Austria, Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and further afield to Serbia, North Macedonia, and even Greece. 

Slovenia Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights of the Country

Ljubljana – 3 nights

Your 2-week trip to Slovenia starts in Ljubljana, the nation’s capital and transport hub. But Ljubljana is much more than this, as you’ll soon discover during your minimum 3-night stay in the city (you may even want an extra day here at the end of your journey if you’ve still got things to see!). 

Ljubljana’s Old Town

Ljubljana has a long history dating back to the Romans, who first founded an army camp here some 2,000 years ago. The city’s location at the crossroads of Central Europe means that you’ll find an unusual mixture of Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian architecture, with the Old Town’s cobbled streets a particularly wonderful place to explore. 

We recommend starting your first day with a walking tour of Ljubljana. These depart daily from Prešeren Square, where you’ll find the famously pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. 

Learn about Frances Prešeren, the country’s 19th-century nationalist poet, and visit historic sights in the Old Town, like Ljubljana Cathedral and the Town Hall. The city is really quite famous for its bright green river, and you’ll love crossing backward and forwards over the Ljubljanica River’s many bridges. 

The most iconic bridges include the Triple Bridge (featuring three interweaving pedestrian bridges), Cobbler’s Bridge (lined by Greco-Roman columns), “Dragon Bridge” (guarded by dragon statues), and Butcher’s Bridge (where couples leave padlocks symbolizing their eternal love). You can take a boat tour of the river during your stay as well, or enjoy long walks along the riverfront pathways. 

Take the time to visit Ljubljana’s other major tourist attractions during your first days in Slovenia. Don’t miss taking the funicular to Ljubljana Castle, where you can delve into medieval history. There’s a puppet museum, a beautiful viewing platform, and a romantic restaurant serving up fine dining Slovenian cuisine within the castle grounds too. 

History and culture lovers will want to visit the National Museum of Slovenia, the Slovenian Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery, and the Museum of Modern Art. 

Metelkova District

You’ll also want to spend an afternoon in the quirky Metelkova district. Once an army barracks and political prison, when Slovenia gained its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, Metelkova was taken over by squatters, artists, and creatives. They transformed the area into an unusual cultural center, where you can now visit galleries, admire modern art installations, and attend live music events and late-night parties. 

If you’ve still got time, then we recommend taking a foodie tour of Ljubljana or at the very least, eating your way around the stalls, shops, and producers in the Central Market. You can take a communist-themed walking tour to learn more about the Yugoslav era or a street art tour to uncover those hidden murals and works of graffiti found across the city. 

If you need a break, then Tivoli Park is the perfect place for a stroll, while the hike to Šmarna Gora, where you’ll find a church on a high hilltop overlooking the city, is beautiful.  

Maribor and the Podravska Wine Region – 2 nights

Your next stop is Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city. Compared to Ljubljana, few tourists make it to Maribor, but that’s why we wanted to include it on our 14-day Slovenia itinerary. Maribor is a 1.5-hour car ride or 2-hour bus journey from Ljubljana (you could even visit on a day trip if you’re pressed for time), and we know you’re going to love the history and the wine!

Let’s start with the history. Much of the city’s architecture dates back to the Renaissance era, including the landmark town hall, which was built in the 16th century.

Maribor Castle dates back even earlier, and you can learn more about its history on a walking tour or with a visit to the Maribor Regional Museum. 

Mariborsko Pohorje

Maribor is small, and you’ll tick off the best things to do quickly but don’t worry, because the city is also surrounded by beautiful Slovenian countryside. If you’re here in winter, then Mariborsko Pohorje is one of Slovenia’s best ski resorts. 

It’s located just outside of Maribor, and it’s an excellent place for winter sports. For the rest of the year, you’ll want to focus on exploring the Podravska Wine Region. 

Freser Winery, also just outside the city, is one of Slovenia’s largest vineyards, Ramsak Winery is beautiful, and Horvat Vineyards offer excellent vintages.

Old Vine

In Maribor itself, the “Old Vine” is home to the world’s oldest vine, which is thought to be at least 400 years old (and it’s in the Guinness World Records), while the Vinag Wine Cellar has over 2 kilometers of underground wine cellars built in 1847 to explore. 

Lake Bled – 2 Nights

Next up is Lake Bled, one of the best places to visit in Slovenia. Whether you’re driving or taking the bus, you’ll need to head back to Ljubljana, then take the road going north to reach the lakeside town of Bled (it’s a 45-minute drive north of the capital).

We recommend booking a hotel by the lake, then spending two relaxed days soaking up the serenity. Lake Bled really is postcard-perfect. Take a walk around the lakeside (it’s about 4 miles of walking in total), and you’ll find there’s much to explore.

Bled Castle

Bled Castle dates back to the 11th century AD, and with its imposing location on a clifftop some 600 meters above the lake, you’ll love the views from the battlements. Down below, Lake Bled is best known for its island church. 

Perched on a small piece of land in the middle of the lake is the Church of the Mother of God on the Lake. Join a boat tour or hire a rowing boat to visit, and don’t forget to ring the “Wishing Bell” to make your wishes come true. Lake Bled is also famed for its creamy cake (Bled Cake), which is much deserved after a hike around the lake!

Lake Bled is just a short way from the Vintgar Gorge, one of Slovenia’s most spectacular natural attractions. At one mile in length, this beautiful gorge was carved through the mountains by the Radovna River. You can follow an epic boardwalk built into the cliffs, which makes for a great day trip from Lake Bled. 

Lake Bohinj and Triglav National Park – 2 to 3 Nights

Triglav National Park 

From Lake Bled, you’ll be traveling west to Triglav National Park, one of Slovenia’s most beautiful outdoor areas. You’ll want at least 2 nights here, but we highly recommend adding a third night if you’re a keen hiker (if not a fourth or a fifth!). 

This expansive national park protects the heart of the Julian Alps, and it’s the perfect place for hiking. Triglav National Park is guaranteed to wow, and you’ll love exploring its deep gorges, hiking to epic viewpoints, and staying overnight in mountain huts. The area is well known for its rare wildlife, too, and if you’re lucky, you could spot lynxes, wolves, and even bears roaming around the mountains.

There are mountain trails for all abilities here. The 7-mile-long Triglavska Bistrica Trail takes you along the Bistrica River in the shadow of Mount Triglav, starting from the Slovenian Alpine Museum in Mojstrana. 

The Goreljek Bog Nature Trail is an easier 1-mile walk through a unique but boggy ecosystem near Pokljuka. At just under 2,900 meters in height, Mount Triglav is the highest peak in Slovenia; but of course, this is only for experienced mountaineers to tackle!

Lake Bohinj

The most famous natural attraction in Triglav National Park is Lake Bohinj, a glorious alpine lake that’s fed by glacial water. Lake Bohinj rivals the beauty of Lake Bled, and in fact, this is Slovenia’s largest body of freshwater. It’s also not quite as well known as Lake Bled (being further from Ljubljana), so the crowds can be a little smaller even in summer. 

You’ll want to spend at least one day hiking around the lake or participating in water sports like paddleboarding. For supreme views over the lake, take the cable car to the Vogel summit. There are some great hikes in and around the lake, too, including the walk to Savica Waterfall and the long hike to Mostnica Gorge. 

Vipava Valley – 2 nights

After exploring all that Triglav National Park has to offer, you’re heading back south as you make your way toward the coast. You’ll be following the River Soca as it winds its way down from the Julian Alps to the Italian border in western Slovenia, then you’ll follow the Vipava River back east. While there are countless valleys, villages, and vineyards to visit on the way (this is perfect road-tripping territory), we recommend basing yourself in the Vipava Valley. 

The Vipava Valley is deep in the heart of the Slovenian borderlands. This is where Slovene culture collides with Italy, while Austro-Hungarian influences are readily apparent too. The Vipava Valley’s rich soils and Mediterranean climate ensure that it’s warm all year round, while the mineral-rich waters that flood down from the Julian Alps keep the region almost evergreen.

You can rent a bicycle (or an e-bike to make those hills easier!) and cruise along countryside roads. Visit rural villages and medieval towns like Goce and Pedrovo, then retire to a farmyard retreat for an evening of blissful wine and Slovenian cuisine. The Vipava Valley really is a renowned culinary destination, and you’ll be in for a serious treat as you tour from one winery to the next. 

Famous local grapes include Zelen, Pelen, and Klarnica, varieties that are rarely found elsewhere, even within Slovenia itself. Must-try dishes include the local Jota (a hearty stew), Struklji (delicious dumplings), and Vipava Valley prosciutto. In springtime, foodies deliberately visit the Vipava Valley just to try the Fritaja, a type of omelet made only with the freshest wild herbs. 

Piran and the Istrian Coast – 2 to 3 nights 

Your trip is now winding down to a close, but after a hearty stay in the rural Vipava Valley, you’ve still got time for one more excellent destination. By now, you’re nearing your journey’s end on the coast, and there’s no better place to finish the best 2-week Slovenia itinerary than in Piran. 

You’ll want at least two days in Piran to soak up the Mediterranean climate, enjoy the sun, and explore the coastline of Slovenia’s little slice of the Istrian Peninsula. Depending on how many days you spent hiking in Triglav National Park, you may also have an extra day to spend here. 

Overlooking the Gulf of Trieste, Piran is one of the most beautiful cities in Slovenia. With architecture to rival Venice (much of the city was built by the Venetians, in fact, who ruled Piran for almost 500 years), you’ll love exploring the Old Town and delving into local history before dining on seafood, fresh off the fishing boats. 

The city is itself located on a small peninsula, and once you’ve walked the medieval walls and explored the ramshackle maze of red-roofed buildings that make up the Old Town, there’s not much else to do but enjoy a cold beer on the beach. That’s just fine by us, and we think it’s the perfect way to end your 14-day Slovenia trip. 

If you’ve still got a bit of energy left, you could visit Koper or Izola, two other coastal destinations with marvelous Venetian-style Old Towns. You can join sailing trips, hire a boat, or take a day trip over the border to the port city of Trieste in Italy. 

From Piran, it’s a two-hour journey back to Ljubljana by bus or car. On your return journey to the capital, you could even stop off at Postojna. Here you’ll find an impressive medieval castle hewn from the rocks (Predjama Castle), as well as Slovenia’s second-longest cave system, which you can explore on a 140-year-old cave train!

There you have it! That’s our perfect 2-week Slovenia itinerary. Where will you be traveling on your trip to Slovenia?

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