Slovenia is a beautiful country located in Central Europe. It was once part of the former Yugoslavia and it is a predominately Roman Catholic country. The countries that Slovenia border are Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, making it a perfect European weekend getaway from any of these locations.

During August 2021, I did a memorable Balkans trip with Ashley of World to Wander. We started our journey in Venice, Italy before making our way to Slovenia where we explored around Lake Bled, spent the night in the capital of Ljubljana and also visited Predjama Castle. From Slovenia, we made our way back to Trieste, Italy before heading into Croatia where we spent two nights in Pula, two nights in Split, one night in Hvar and four nights in Dubrovnik.

Ashley and I also did a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park from Pula to Split (it was a little out of the way) as well as day trips to Mostar (from Split) in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kotor (from Dubrovnik) in Montenegro. We also enjoyed a lovely day on the island of Korčula from Hvar to Dubrovnik. All of these destinations in the Balkans were incredible!

In this article, read all about how to have the perfect weekend in Slovenia. I based myself in Ljubljana, which is the largest city in the country and had a wonderful stay at InterContinetal.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Slovenia, InterContinental Ljubljana hosted me for one night.

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Traveling to Slovenia:

The best ways to get to Slovenia is either by flying, renting a car or taking public transportation. The main airport in the Ljubljana area to fly into is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner.

Since Slovenia was our second stop on our Balkans trip, Ashley and I rented a car from Venice and drove to Slovenia from there. It takes around two and a half hours to drive from Venice to Ljubljana. No matter where you choose to do your weekend in Slovenia from, it is best that you rent a car regardless because you’re going to want to explore different areas outside of the city.

If you are basing yourself in Ljubljana and don’t rent a car, you can take a train, bus, hire a private driver or participate in a tour to see Lake Bled. You can also take a train to Postojna train station from the capital city to see Predjama Castle or even participate in a tour from Ljubljana.

One thing to note is that renting a car in Europe can be quite expensive if you’re taking it across borders. Since we rented our car in Venice, Italy, we dropped it back off in Trieste, Italy before we took a bus to Pula, Croatia to continue our Balkans trip.

Another important factor to take into consideration about renting a car in Italy (or anywhere in the European Union) is that you will need to have an international diver’s permit in addition to your regular license. I don’t know how the process works for every single country out there, but for U.S. residents, you could easily obtain one by going to your local AAA office.  

Getting around the city of Ljubljana can easily be done by walking, like we did; taking the city bus – Ljubljanski potniški promet (LPP); enjoying the BicikelLJ public bike sharing system or renting your own bike; hauling a city taxi or using the Kavalir, which is an environment-friendly electric vehicle. Uber and Lyft services do not operate in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Staying at InterContinental Ljubljana:

During our weekend in Slovenia, Ashley and I spent two days and one night in the capital of Ljubljana. Pronounced at LU-BLEE-AH-NUH, this medieval city boasts historical buildings, churches and beautiful hotels like InterContinental, which is where we stayed.

InterContinental Ljubljana is the tallest and most luxurious hotel in the city and it is steps away from Old Town, the castle, great museums and restaurants, a bus stop and also the train station.

Rooms at InterContinental Ljubljana:

There are lavish rooms located within 19 stories at InterContinental in Ljubljana and they all feature gorgeous views of the city and include stunning marble en-suite bathrooms.

During our stay at InterContinental, Ashley and I stayed in the Twin Deluxe Room that included two cozy twin sized beds. Overall, I loved how spacious our room was and how it was decorated with modern furniture and décor.

The bathroom in our room was also spacious and it included a nice tub that allowed you to admire views of the city while you relaxed and it also had a walk-in shower. It was perfect! Our Standard Room also included a working desk, complimentary WIFI, armchair and a mini bar. (You can also get Standard Rooms with a queen and king-sized bed.)

The other rooms at InterContinental Ljubljana are the Executive Rooms and Suites, which are situated at the higher levels of the hotel, so they have beautiful views of Old Town as well as the surrounding Julian Alps.

All Executive Rooms include luxury linens, a marble en-suite bathroom with heated flooring and all of the other amenities that are included in the Standard Room. Guests who stay in the Executive Rooms received complimentary access to the Club InterContinental lounge.

Suites at InterContinental Ljubljana include warm fabrics and designer bathrooms, making it perfect for a luxury weekend in Slovenia. The Presidential Suite includes a fireplace and some of the best views in the hotel. Anyone who stays in a suite can enjoy exclusive services at Club InterContinental.

Eating and Drinking at InterContinental Ljubljana:

Intercontinental Ljubljana has a restaurant, rooftop bar and a lounge. One of the best places to enjoy a refreshing gin and tonic in Ljubljana is at InterContinental’s B-Bar! This amazing rooftop features incredible 360-degree views of Old Town Ljubljana, the castle as well as the nearby Julian Alps that tower the sky.

I will admit that that I’m not the biggest gin and tonic lover, but the bartenders at B-Bar made me a delicious concoction of my favorite flavors to pair with a local Slovenian gin (with tonic water). It was awesome and I loved it!

B-Bar at InterContinental Ljubljana also has a great crafted cocktail and beer list as well as a wonderful wine menu. This thriving rooftop bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset in Ljubljana as well as a wonderful evening with friends and loved ones!

B-Restaurant is InterContinental’s rooftop restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast in the morning. Not only can you enjoy coffee, cappuccinos, espressos and even a mimosa at B-Restaurant’s breakfast, you can savor everything from croissants to smoked salmon and cured meats to fresh fruit (hello prosciutto with melon)! You can enjoy a lot more at InterContinental’s morning breakfast like eggs/omelets, sausage/bacon and more.

What is awesome about eating at B-Restaurant at InterContinental Ljubljana, is that Michelin Star Chef Alfredo Russo created the menu items. It is the perfect place to enjoy a nice and romantic lunch or dinner with a view.

Bloom Lounge is located near the lobby of the hotel and it is a great spot to grab a coffee or snack and get work done. Unfortunately, Bloom Lounge was not open during my time in Ljubljana.

Amenities at InterContinental Ljubljana:

Located within InterContinental Ljubljana is a spa called Serenity Wellness that includes a sauna, Jacuzzi and steam bath. It is the perfect spot to enjoy some rest and relaxation with gorgeous views and you can even book a private massage as well!

In addition to the spa, InterContinental Ljubljana also boasts Serenity Fitness, which features modern equipment to help you stay active and fit during your time in Slovenia and you can even book a personal trainer onsite to help you achieve your fitness goals. Located at Serenity Fitness is also a juice and vitamin bar for your to enjoy after your workout.

InterContinental Ljubljana has an indoor pool with views and it also has event space for corporate meetings and conferences along with weddings.

Overall, I absolutely enjoyed my time at InterContinental Ljubljana and believe it is one of the best places to stay in Slovenia. (Plus they have valet parking onsite at an additional cost.)

How to Spend a Weekend in Slovenia – Where to Go:

During our weekend in Slovenia, we spent a day on Lake Bled, enjoyed the beauty and fun that Ljubljana has to offer and got to see the enchanting Predjama Castle. Discover the best things to do whether you’re spending 2 days or a long weekend in Slovenia.

Top Places to See with 2 Days in Slovenia:

Experience 1 Day on Lake Bled:

Located around 40 minutes Northeast of Ljubljana is Lake Bled. It is situated near the Slovenian-Austrian border and it is in the Julian Alps of Slovenia. (We parked our vehicle at a lot next to Camping Bled. it cost us a few euros.)

According to folklore, Lake Bled was created by fairies. It is said that Lake Bled was a valley of grass. Local shepherds from the mountains would bring their sheep to the valley where the fairies would dance at night. The fairies were afraid the sheep would eat all their grass, so they asked the shepherds to build a fence.

Unfortunately, the shepherds didn’t listen to the fairies and the sheep ended up eating all the grass on them. As revenge, the fairies flooded the valley with a lake and created a small island in the middle where they would continue their dances.

Overall, Lake Bled is breathtaking and even though it is a popular tourist attraction in Slovenia, it is totally worth checking out and enjoying all the beauty and hidden gems that it offers.

Lake Bled is located on the outskirts of Triglav National Park and it is in the picturesque town of Bled, which is perfect for strolling through on a lovely day. Discover the best things to do during a day trip to Lake Bled, Slovenia.

Explore the Island on Lake Bled:

What is cool is that Lake Bled boasts the only island in Slovenia. One of the best things to do is to take the Pletna, which is a traditional boat with a flat bottom, over to the island. Once you’re on the island, you can admire and walk through the beautiful 17^th Century church that is dedicated to the Assumption of Maria.

The Assumption of Maria Church is a Catholic church that features Gothic and Baroque architecture. When you first arrive on the island, you will need to walk the 99 steps up to the church, which is at the top of the island. A lot of people choose to get married at this church because it is considered good luck for a groom to carry his bride up the stairs on their wedding day.

Another cool thing to do when you visit this beautiful church is to ring the bells. Blessed by the Pope, the Assumption of Maria Church bells were sent over in memory of a widow who supposedly killed her husband. The woman prayed, gave away her fortune, built the church and moved to Rome to become a nun after her husband’s passing.

Located on Lake Bled’s island is a café where you can go to enjoy a nice coffee and treat after exploring the church.

Hike and Enjoy Views of Lake Bled:

Known as Lake Bled’s most beautiful viewpoint, hiking to Ojstrica should be on your bucket list of things to do at Lake Bled.

Overall, the hike to Ojstrica is short, but it is strenuous since it is straight uphill and very rugged. It is worth it though because the views at Ojstrica will take your breath away! It is said that either sunrise or sunset are the best at Lake Bled, but I was happy seeing the views of the lake, island, church and nearby Alps right in the middle of the day when Ashley and I did this hike.

The entrance to the trailhead for Ojstrica is located to the right of Bled’s camping grounds. Another popular viewpoint of Lake Bled is Mala Osojnica. It is known as the upper viewpoint, whereas Ojstrica is considered the lower viewpoint. As you hike up, there will be a sign that separates both Ojstrica and Mala Osojnca. To get to Ojstrica, you will turn right and follow the path up to the viewpoint. You will need to stay straight and continue up the trail to get to Mala Osojinca.

During our day in Lake Bled, Ashley and I did the Ojstrica hike and we didn’t regret it! When we got to the top, there is a bench to sit on and a few rocky overlooks where you can enjoy a picnic. The views are strikingly beautiful!

One thing to know prior to doing the hike to either Ojstrica or Mala Osojnica is that it is best to wear proper workout clothing and have on either a comfortable pair of sneakers or hiking boots. Check out my outfit recommendations for a weekend in Slovenia at the end of this article.

Stroll and Admire the Views Around the Lake:

Throughout the town of Bled are beautiful walking paths for you to enjoy and take in all of the views whether it be of the lake, church, architecture or nature in general.

Overall, Lake Bled is a peaceful destination, especially when you are away from the crowds. Plus, there are plenty of great photo spots and quaint areas where you can sit, have a picnic, enjoy a glass of wine, play cards with friends, etc.

In addition to walking, there are also plenty of paths and streets for you to bike along. It is so nice! During our day in Bled, we even saw a lot of people riding around on electric bikes. In fact, one of the best types of Bled tours that are operated on a daily basis is through e-biking!

Sunbathe and Swim in the Lake:

Another one of the best things to do during a day on Lake Bled is to find a cozy area on the grass and sunbathe. If you visit on a hot day like we did, there is nothing more refreshing than swimming in the lake.

All around the lake are numerous gelato stands for you to enjoy and cool off to during a beautiful sunny day in Bled. Click here to discover the best places to eat in Bled during your weekend in Slovenia.

Savor Bled Cream Cake:

Located on the other side of the lake is Hotel Park, a luxury lakeside hotel that holds the famous kremna rezina, which is Bled Cream Cake.

Now, you can get Bled Cream Cake at a lot of cafés and bakeries in Slovenia, but Hotel Park is known to have the best! If you are looking for a great afternoon snack in Bled, visit this beautiful hotel and enjoy this signature Slovenian dessert with some coffee.

Bled Cream Cake is made with a golden butter crust, vanilla and whipped cream, another layer of crispy dough and sugar icing. It is delicious!

Go Back in Time at Lake Bled Castle:

You cannot go to Bled and not see the famous Lake Bled Castle, otherwise known as Blejski Grad. This beautiful medieval castle is perched atop a cliff that towers over the beautiful lake.

You can reach the castle by hiking up to it from the center of the town or you can drive up there. Since Ashley and I were only in Bled for a day, we ended up driving to the castle and parked in the lot next to it. Please note that it costs 3 euros to park in addition to the 13 euros for a regular adult ticket.

When you visit Bled Castle, you can explore all around the castle grounds and admire the beautiful views of the lake.

Blejski Grad is a Romanesque castle built in 1011. It was first mentioned within a deed of donation that was issued by the Emperor Henry II in favor of the Bishops of Brixen. It is beautiful and will bring you back to over a millennium ago. (There is also a restaurant at the castle.)

Enjoy 1 Day in Ljubljana:

A weekend in Slovenia would not be complete without exploring the historical and charming city of Ljubljana.

Like I mention above, Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia. Even though Slovenia was once located in Northern Yugoslavia, it is also in Central Europe and you will see a lot of Central European influence throughout Ljubljana. In fact, a lot of the architecture I admired around the capital city reminded me of cities like Prague, Bratislava and Salzburg.

Overall, Ljubljana dates back to the Roman times. Nowadays, it is a beautiful city with a population of 300,000 people.

Below are the best things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia:

Stroll or Take a Walking Tour Around Old Town Ljubljana:

One of the best things to do during a Slovenia trip is to walk around and get lost in the beautiful Old Town of Ljubljana.

Throughout Old Town Ljubljana, there are a plethora of restaurants, shops, museums, churches and gorgeous bridges.

Ljubljana is a peaceful city and one that I felt safe in. There is a lot of character to be admired and history to be learned in the capital city. Click here to discover the best city tours in Ljubljana.

During our day exploring Ljubljana, a farmer’s market was going on. It was nice to walk through the city market and even purchase a few souvenirs.

Eat Your Way around Ljubljana:

Similar to the cuisines of other countries in Central Europe, Slovenian food mainly consist of dumplings, sausages, stews and cakes.

During our one night in Ljubljana, Ashley and I savored a traditional Slovenian dinner at Slovenska Hiša – Figovec. One thing to note is that there are two locations for this restaurant in Ljubljana. The restaurant we visited was located down the road from InterContinental, but the second location is situated in the heart of Old Town, near the castle.

At Slovenska Hiša – Figovec, I had Kranjska klobasa (non-beef sausage) with buckwheat mush and sauerkraut. We also shared bread dumplings as an appetizer. Everything was delicious!

We were only in Slovenia for such a short time, so Ashley and I didn’t get to explore too much of the foodie scene in Ljubljana but I highly recommend checking out more restaurants if you plan to stay in the city longer than we did.

Below is a list of other great Ljubljana restaurants recommended to me during my weekend in Slovenia:

• Monstera Bistro (Michelin Star)
• Meserija in Kuhinja Krušič (Slovenian Food)
• Altrokè (Mediterranean Food)
• Gujžina – (Vegetarian/Vegan Slovenian Food)
• JB Restaurant – (Slovenian Food)
• Wine Bar Šuklje (Wine Bar)
• Kolibri Cocktail Bar (Bar)

Another cool spot to check out in Ljubljana, especially if you’re a foodie like myself is Odprta Kuhna, which means open kitchen. This amazing food market allows you to choose among a variety of food and drink choices.

Odprta Kuhna is a thriving spot within the capital city and a lot of the food and drinks offered are seasonal, which is cool! You can find everything from vegan to Argentinian food as well as seafood to Spanish food. At this epic food market, you can also find great Slovenian craft beer, local wine and great dessert stands. It is definitely a spot that should be on your weekend in Slovenia itinerary.

Visit Ljubljana Castle:

Ljubljana Castle or Ljubljanski Grad is a medieval castle in the capital. Its original medieval fortress was constructed in the 11^th Century and it is a beautiful spot to check out during your 1 day in Ljubljana.

There are a lot of great experiences at Ljubljanski Grad that are interactive, educational and fun for all:

The Wisdom of Castle Wine allows you to use an app where you will walk along the Castle Wine Trail, which is a lovely nature walk above the city. At the end of the walk, you can enjoy a glass of Slovenian wine at the Castle Wine Bar and Shop.

Like an escape room, Ljubljana Castle has the Escape Castle, which brings you on a fun and educational adventure of saving a dragon.

You can also explore the castle on your own by using an audio guide that will teach you all about Ljubljanski Grad’s rich history. Ljubljanski Grad also allows visitors to explore the castle by entering a time machine. You can even schedule your own private castle experience and there are also tours available for those with disabilities. Click here to learn more.

Other fun things to do on the castle grounds is visit the Museum of Puppetry, tour the Exhibition of Slovenian History, walk Trail of Fleischmann’s Parsnip, climb the castle towers for amazing views of Ljubljana, check out the Penitentiary and Castle Armory plus so much more.

Visit Predjama Castle from Ljubljana:

Speaking of castles, another enchanting castle to visit during a weekend in Slovenia is Predjama Castle in the town of Predjama. It is located around 45 minutes west of Ljubljana.

Known as the Renaissance castle built within a cave, Predjama Castle was made purposely with difficult access. It is also the world’s largest cave castle and has been listed as one of the Guinness World Records. It also ranks as one of the 10 most fascinating castles in the world! It is a must-visit spot during a weekend in Slovenia.

The castle was known as the seat of the knight Erasmus of Leug. He was the lord of the castle in the 15^th Century and the son of the imperial governor of Trieste.

After coming into conflict and killing Marshal Pappenheim of the Habsburgs, Erasmus made his way to the fortress of Predjama. He allied with King Matthias Corvinus and began to attack Habsburg estates and towns. He was later killed by a cannon in his lavatory.

Since the castle is located within a cave, there is a hidden passageway that Erasmus used as a robber baron.

The castle is situated in Postojna Cave Park and not only can you tour the castle and learn more about its history, but you can also participate in various cave tours, explore the Modrijan Homestead and walk through the Vivarium. There are also a lot of great hiking trails and nature adventures near Predjama Castle.

Overall, Predjama Castle is absolutely fascinating and I loved admiring how beautiful and unique it was compared to other castles I’ve visited around the world.

Other awesome places to visit from Slovenia are:

2 Days in Venice, Italy

Istria Vacation in Pula and Rovinj

What to do with 2 Days in Split, Croatia

Planning an epic European vacation? Find more Europe travel tips here.

I hope you all enjoyed discovering what to do during a weekend in Slovenia and reading about my experience staying at InterContinental Ljubljana. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Basic Facts of Slovenia:

Currency: Euro, Capital: Ljubljana, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time

Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

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