Top Places to See in Slovenia in 5 Days

The beautiful country of Slovenia might be small, but it has many points of interest that are worth seeing. Here’s our recommended itinerary for a 5 days trip to Slovenia. All attractions can be reached by public transport, but it usually more time-consuming than travelling by car.

Day 1: Walking around the Capital City, Ljubljana

The Capital City of Slovenia should indeed be your first stop.  There are many beautiful bridges in Ljubljana, the most known ones are the Dragon Bridge and the Triple Bridge. The famous Prešeren square near the beautiful Franciscan Church is situated in one of the most visited parts of the city. The main and side doors of the Cathedral of St-Nicholas in the town’s old core have a very special design, worth a detour. The impressive Ljubljana Castle, located on a hill, offers a breathtaking view of the city. During the Roman Empire, Ljubljana was known as the city of Emona, remains from that period can be seen today in the Archealogical Park Emona. The biggest park of Ljubljana is Park Tivoli – the perfect place for a relaxing walk. Ljubljana is the center of cultures in Slovenia, many interesting events such as the Open Kitchen are worth a visit. For a coffee break, the restaurant and coffee shop Nebotičnik, one of the highest skyscraper in the center, has a comfortable terrace with an amazing view of the different points of interest in Ljubljana.

Other activities to do in Ljubljana includes Ljubljana Zoo, Ljubljana Botanical Garden and various museums.

Day 2: Visiting two famous lakes of Slovenia: Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj

Two of the most famous lakes of Slovenia are situated in the mountain region of Gorenjska, located on the northwest side of the country.

Besides driving, the simplest way to get to Lake Bled from Ljubljana is to take the bus from Ljubljana main bus station to Bled Jezero (1 hour and 20 minutes). You can also take the train, but it takes around 2 hours.

The enchanting Lake Bled is one of the most visited attractions in Slovenia and an absolute must-go. The Bled Castle offers a fantastic overlook of Lake Bled and Bled Island, the only natural island in Slovenia. The Church of the Assumption was built on the Bled Island and can be reached by pletna boat. Ringing the bells at the Church is said to bring luck. Around the lake, many activities can be done, such as walking, running, biking and even canoeing!

Without a car, the best way to travel from Lake Bled to Lake Bohinj is by taking the train from Bled Jezero to Bohinjska Bistrica (20 minutes) then take the bus from Bohinjska Bistrica to Bohinj Jezero (8 minutes).

Lake Bohinj, known as the glacial lake and situated in the Bohinj Valley of the Julian Alps, is the ideal destination for water sports, hiking and other outdoors activities. Do not miss the nice hike to the famous Savica waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Slovenia. Right at Lake Bohinj is the statue of the legendary and mythical Goldenhorn. A tourist boat cruise on Lake Bohinj can be an interesting and relaxing activity. Various traditional inns in Bohinj offer accommodations.

Day 3: Hiking in Most na Soči, the Emerald river Soča

Taking the train from Bohinjska Bistrica to Most na Soči (35-45 minutes) is way more efficient than driving or taking the bus. Upon arrival, check-in your accommodation to unload your suitcases before starting your visit.

In the region of Goriška, on the west side of Slovenia, flows the emerald river Soča, one of the most beautiful river in the World. The color of the water is blue-green and very clear, simply beautiful. Most na Soči is located at the confluence of river Soča and river Idrijca. Water sports such as kayaking and rafting can be easily done. There are many beautiful and easy hiking paths in the area. About 7 kilometers from Most na Soči, is the amazing Tolmin Gorges, with beautiful and interesting walking paths along refreshing watercourses. You can take the 45 minutes bus ride or walk for 2 hours.

Day 4: the Sea Coast of Piran

The travel to the Slovenian coast is long but totally worth it. Take the train from Most na Soči toward Koper (3 hours and 20 minutes) and be careful with the connections! Upon arrival, you should drop your bags at your accommodations, either in Koper or in Piran to freely walk around the coastline. Although, you might be able to find some lockers to drop your luggage in Koper, have in mind that the next day, the departure is from Koper and not Piran.

The port of Koper is one of the most important ones in the region. Koper has a typical Mediterranean temperature and is a pleasant place to visit. Many big cruise ships can be seen from the port of Koper. One of the oldest bells of Slovenia is situated inside the Church of the Assumption of Koper. The local bus from Koper to Piran is around 45 minutes.

Slovenia has a short coastline on the Adriatic Sea, its peninsula is the lovely town of Piran. The Tartini Square, the main square of Piran and a beautiful port, gives a quick glance of most of the activities in Piran. The city wall of Piran has an amazing outlook of the city. The sunset from the pretty St-Georges Cathedral is nice and romantic. A nice walk around the town of Piran paired with a nice sea breeze is a relaxing way to end the day.

If you have some extra time to go around, here’s some interesting activities: Aquarium Piran,  Sečovlje Salt Pans, Portorož Sand Beach and Lepa Vida Thalasso Spa.

Day 5: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle and Lipica Stud Farm

The bus ride from Koper to Postojna Cave takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.

One of the most visited attractions in Slovenia is the world famous Postojna Cave in the Notranjsko-kraška region. The visit of the cave starts by a mini rail train ride followed by an hour and a half guided tour through the different channels of the cave. The Proteus, the human fish, is the most famous cave animal and can be seen in the Vivarium Proteus. Visiting the EXPO Postojna Cave Karst is a nice way to learn about the geology of the region. It is recommended to reserve your tickets ahead of time to avoid the usual long waiting lines. If you plan to visit more than one attraction in the Postojna Park, getting a combo activity package is strongly suggested. From July to August, there is a free shuttle bus from Postojna Cave to the Predjama Castle, but only for combo tickets holders. Otherwise, you can take a taxi to the Predjama Castle.

Approximately 10 km from Postojna Cave is the World’s largest castle above a cave: the impressive Predjama Castle. Just one look at the castle is worth the detour. If you have time, the castle and the cave under the castle can be visited.

Take the shuttle bus or taxi back to Postojna Cave or directly to Postojna. The bus ride to Sežana takes around  one hour 45 minutes while by train it’s 45 minutes. Either way, when arriving in Sežana, you will have to take a local bus to the Lipica Stud Farm (30 minutes).

The Lipica Stud Farm, near the town of Sežana, represents the pride of Slovenia. The stud farm focuses on the breeding of only one type of horse: the Lipizzan, a beautiful noble horse with very pale grey, almost white coat. The horses roam freely inside the pasture of the Lipica Stud Farm. Nearby are casino and accommodation for the night.

Next day, take an easy 2 hours train ride from Sežana back to the main train station in Ljubljana and that will conclude your 5 days trip in Slovenia! Have a wonderful time in Slovenia and travel safe!