3 Days In Slovenia
- Ljubliana
- Lake Bled
- Planica
- Soca Valley
- Kranj
Begin your unforgettable adventure in Ljubljana, the enchanting capital city of Slovenia, where you’ll spend two nights immersed in the historic town center. With a full day to explore, you’ll uncover the city’s vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and welcoming atmosphere. Next, take a scenic bus trip to the ethereal Lake Bled, nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps. Spend an overnight stay by the lake, where the captivating turquoise waters are even more magical in person. Continue your journey through the breathtaking Julian Alps and the picturesque Soca Valley, culminating in the charming city of Kranj. Known for its rich history and majestic mountain views, Kranj offers a perfect finale to your trip, conveniently located near the airport for a seamless departure. Explore ancient streets, savor local delicacies, and let the beauty of Slovenia leave an indelible mark on your heart.
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Table of Contents - Slovenia
Central Market and The Dragon Bridge
The number one item on our agenda was Ljubljana Castle. The Central market is close to the castle funicular.
We highly recommend starting your day with breakfast in this area. In addition to market food, there are many restaurants along the river serving full breakfast, lunch, desserts, sandwiches, sausages, drinks and more.
The Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, is a striking Art Nouveau landmark constructed in 1901. Spanning the Ljubljanica River, the bridge is famous for its four imposing dragon statues, which have become an iconic symbol of the city. These sculptures, perched at each corner of the bridge, add a sense of mystique and legend, inspired by the myth of Jason and the Argonauts, who are said to have founded Ljubljana after slaying a dragon. The nearby Ljubljana Castle, perched atop a hill, provides a stunning backdrop, making the area a fantastic location for photography.
Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad)
Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad) is a medieval fortress with a history dating back over 900 years. Originally constructed in the 11th century, the castle was expanded and fortified over time, serving as a defensive stronghold, royal residence, and military barracks. Today, it stands as one of Ljubljana’s most significant landmarks, offering visitors a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views.
To reach the castle, you have three options, with the funicular being the easiest and fastest. From Central Market, head south 150 meters, cross Poljanska cesta, and you’ll find the funicular station. For an additional 4 euros, you can include the funicular ride with your castle ticket (link to tickets will be provided).
Once inside, be sure to climb the Viewing Tower, which is included with the ticket. This tower offers stunning panoramic views of the Julian Alps and is the best spot to capture the castle courtyard from above.
Beyond the castle, another must-see attraction at the top of the hill is Šance – Plečnikov spomenik. Set your maps to this monumental tribute to Jože Plečnik, featuring scenic stairways, bridges, and a statue, making it a peaceful and picturesque spot.
After exploring the castle’s museums, interior buildings, and Šance – Plečnikov spomenik, take time to walk around the entire castle for different perspectives. For a scenic descent, we recommend walking back into the historical town center via the paths Ovinki to Za ograjami. Be sure to stay right to return directly to town—taking the left path will lead you toward the far edge of the town center.
Prešeren Square and Triple Bridges
As you make your way to Prešeren Square, be sure to visit the Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most) if you haven’t already. From there, cross the bridge and explore a few restaurants to consider for later in the day. Along the way, stop by Mesarski most (Butcher’s Bridge), a modern footbridge known for its unique sculptures and love locks. Continue toward the famous Triple Bridge (Tromostovje), a stunning architectural ensemble designed by Jože Plečnik in the 1930s. The bridges were originally built to improve traffic flow while maintaining the city’s historic charm. From each of the three bridges, you can capture fantastic photographs of Ljubljana’s Old Town and the Ljubljanica River.
Once you’ve taken in the scenic views from the bridges, wander into Prešeren Square, where most walking tours of the city begin. With its cobblestone streets, lively atmosphere, and historic landmarks, this area is a perfect starting point for exploring Ljubljana’s rich history and culture.
Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg) is the vibrant heart of Ljubljana, named after Slovenia’s most celebrated poet, France Prešeren. This lively gathering spot is surrounded by striking architecture and serves as a central meeting point for both locals and visitors. The square’s most iconic landmark, the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, with its distinctive pink façade, dates back to the 17th century and features a beautifully decorated Baroque interior. Unfortunately, while the church itself is open to visitors, access to its towers for views of the square is not permitted, which was disappointing for us.
Nebotičnik Skyscraper - Brew with a view
For lunch and drinks, head to Nebotičnik Skyscraper, one of Ljubljana’s most iconic buildings. Standing at 70.35 meters (231 feet) tall, this historic Art Deco skyscraper was completed in 1933 and was once the tallest building in the Balkans.
The observation deck, located on the top floor (13th floor), offers stunning panoramic views. From one side of the terrace, you get an eye-level view of Ljubljana Castle, while the other side presents breathtaking vistas of the Julian Alps. The rooftop café and restaurant provide the perfect setting to relax with a meal or drink while taking in the city from above.
Ljubljana River Cruise
After dinner, we embarked on a relaxing Barjanka Boat Tour along the Ljubljanica River, boarding near Cobbler’s Bridge. As we glided through the heart of the city, we passed under 13 historic bridges, each offering a unique perspective of Ljubljana’s stunning architecture and charm. This must-do experience provides a different vantage point of the city, allowing you to admire its famous landmarks, riverside cafés, and vibrant Old Town from the water.
Lake Bled - Pletna Boat to Bled Island
Our journey to Lake Bled began with a 75-minute public bus ride, a convenient and budget-friendly option at just 2 euros one way on weekends. Upon arriving, we quickly dropped our luggage at Hotel Kompas before heading straight to the lake for a day of adventure.
Our first activity was a morning Pletna boat ride to Bled Island, a must-do experience. Since we visited in early May, booking a ride at the shoreline was effortless. Gliding across the emerald waters, we soaked in the breathtaking alpine scenery before arriving at the island.
Once ashore, we had one hour, which was plenty of time to explore. We climbed the famous 99 steps, steeped in Slovenian wedding tradition, where grooms traditionally carry their brides to ensure a happy marriage. At the top, we purchased tickets to visit the Church of the Assumption and the Clock Tower, both offering rich history and spectacular views.
After exploring, we regrouped and enjoyed the ride back, guided once again by our skilled Pletna oarsman. The peaceful return trip allowed us to fully appreciate Lake Bled’s fairytale-like beauty, setting the perfect tone for the rest of our adventure.
St. Martin’s Parish Church - On The Way To Bled Castle
Before making the climb to Bled Castle, we took a short detour to St. Martin’s Parish Church, a serene spot to rest before the longer hike. This early 20th-century church, with its elegant Gothic Revival architecture, provided a peaceful break and a chance to admire its beautifully designed interior. After a brief stop, we continued our scenic hike up to the castle, ready to take in the breathtaking views from the top.
Bled Castle (Blejski grad): A Scenic Fortress with Stunning Views
Our 15-minute uphill hike to Bled Castle was a refreshing climb, rewarding us with panoramic views of Lake Bled, Bled Island, and the surrounding mountains. With tickets purchased online earlier in the day, the 18-euro admission provided access to one of Slovenia’s oldest castles, dating back to 1011.
After exploring the castle grounds, we grabbed beer and wine at a reasonable price and relaxed on the upper patio, which had plenty of seating and breathtaking open-air views of the lake. Inside, we visited the castle museum, showcasing its long history, the printing works, where traditional printing techniques are displayed, and the castle chapel, a beautifully preserved space with historic frescoes. Bled Castle is a must-visit destination, combining history, stunning scenery, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Hiking Around Lake Bled
Walking the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) trail around Lake Bled was a scenic and enjoyable experience, though it took longer than expected due to frequent photo stops and exploration. The hiking path varies, featuring asphalt trails, dirt paths, and long wooden decks that run along the edge of the lake, offering diverse views along the way.
After spending extra time admiring the views from Bled Castle, there wasn’t enough daylight left for the Ojstrica, Velika Osojnica, and Mala Osojnica hikes. I began the uphill climb but had to turn back as the light faded. These viewpoints offer stunning panoramic perspectives of the lake and castle, making them a priority for a future visit with better planning.
One notable landmark along the route is Tito’s former palace, now transformed into a high-end restaurant with a beautiful lakefront setting. While we didn’t dine there this time, it’s yet another spot to add to our next trip.
Bled Cream Cake (Blejska kremšnita)
No trip to Lake Bled is complete without indulging in the world-famous Bled Cream Cake. Our tasting session took place at the Park Hotel Café, the birthplace of this iconic dessert. Paired with a refreshing beer, the flaky, creamy, and perfectly sweet treat lived up to its legendary reputation. The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with views of the lake and Bled Castle. Their efficient service, a blend of automated robots, waitresses, and waiters, ensures a seamless experience, making it a must-visit spot for any traveler.
A Visit to Slovenia’s Legendary Ski Jumps and Lake Fusine Italy
The following morning, our friend Wilfried from Carinthia, Austria picked us up for a visit to the Planica Ski Jumping Area, home of the first 200-meter ski jump. This world-famous venue also features the steepest zip line in the world, offering adrenaline-filled experiences for thrill-seekers. While we didn’t have time to try the ski jump or zip line, it’s definitely something to add to a future trip! After exploring Planica, we crossed into Italy for a scenic stop at Lake Fusine (Laghi di Fusine) near Tarvisio, rounding out an unforgettable day of adventure.
Soča River Valley & Vršič Pass - A Scenic Mountain Journey
Our journey took us from Austria, through Tarvisio, Italy, and into Slovenia, following the breathtaking Soča River Valley. The crystal-clear, lightly tinted turquoise waters of the Soča River ran alongside us for the first half of the drive, prompting a stop to admire its striking color and the majestic mountain scenery in the distance.
Along the way, we crossed the Predel Pass, passing Fort Predel (Trdnjava Predel), a historic defensive structure on the left side of the route.
From there, our expert driver, Wilfried, skillfully navigated the legendary Vršič Pass, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia at 1,661 meters (5,449 feet). This historic and winding 24-kilometer road, connecting Kranjska Gora with Trenta, features an impressive series of numbered hairpin turns, each offering dramatic views of the rugged peaks. Wilfried confidently assured us he could drive the entire pass in reverse—a testament to his mountain driving skills!
The entire drive was an unforgettable experience, offering stunning alpine landscapes and a thrilling mountain ascent through one of Slovenia’s most scenic regions.
Historic Kranj
For our final night in Slovenia, we chose to stay in the historic town center of Kranj, a convenient and peaceful alternative to Ljubljana due to its proximity to the airport. With no traffic allowed in the town center, Kranj offers a calm and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll. We enjoyed gelato, admired the charming architecture, and took in the town’s tranquil ambiance.
The next morning, we visited St. Cantianus and Companions Parish Church, where our ticket included a climb to the bell tower. The panoramic views from the top showcased Kranj’s rooftops and the surrounding mountains, making it a highlight of our visit. We also toured Kieselstein Castle (Grad Khislstein), a 13th-century fortress now converted into a heritage museum, offering insights into the town’s rich history.
Kranj’s compact old town can easily be explored in an evening, but for a truly memorable visit, be sure to add the church bell tower climb for breathtaking views of this historic Slovenian gem.
Zois Apartments (Ljubljana)
The building is on the southern edge of the historic city center. The building is next to the St. James Bridge (Šentjakobski most) and a few feet from the Ljubljana River. The location is good, since you are only a seven minute walk to Preseren Square. We took an evening walk to Ljubljana Castle by crossing the river and taking Levstrikov trg to Rozna ulica and finally Ulica na Grad. The cobblestone roads along the side of the castle made for a pleasant evening stroll. Someone is on site until 6pm, which means you have to make arrangements in advance if your arrival is after 6pm. For this reason, I would only book this accommodation if arriving from within Slovenia before 4pm. The cost was lower than other hotels within walking distance of the historic city center.
Hotel Kompas (Lake Bled)
Hotel Kompas offers a magnificent view of Bled Castle when you book a double room with Lake View. The hotel offers lawn area recliners with a view of the castle. This is next to to enclosed and heated pool. The water’s edge is less than a quarter mile walk (250 meters).
Actum Hotel
For our final night in Slovenia, we stayed at Actum Hotel, perfectly located on the main street in Kranj’s historic town center. The welcoming staff made this stay truly special, offering exceptional hospitality and even showing us a shortcut to a large supermarket near the waterfront, about ¾ of a mile away.
A delicious breakfast was included, giving us a great start to our last morning. The hotel itself has unique charm—be sure to check their website to see the interesting half-car displayed in the lobby. They also arranged for a car transfer to the airport, and the short drive allowed us to explore a few more sites after breakfast before catching our flight. Actum Hotel was the perfect, hassle-free ending to our Slovenian adventure.
