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Slovenia: From Castles To The Coast

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This fun trip through Slovenia takes you through a variety of different landscapes to explore. In this Slovenia itinerary, you will have the chance to walk through parks and wildlife, explore interesting museums and enjoy watersports in the rivers, lakes, and sea. And we won’t let you forget to enjoy the magical underground caverns that lay beneath Slovenia!

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Where To Buy Tickets: OMIO

Countries Visited: Slovenia

Price Range: $$

Recommended Days: 7 – 10 Days

Riding Hours: Approx. 10.5 hr

Distance: 300 km

Transportation: Train, Bus

Ljubljana: Riverside Raves

The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana is considered to be Europe’s greenest and most livable capital. You will be able to walk along the leafy banks of the Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city’s heart, and during the summer you will find cafes with terrace seating along the entirety of the river. You will find modern and minimalist with the design of the city, especially along the beautiful bridges. Every inch of the city has been designed for beauty, so there won’t be a spot that you won’t enjoy looking at.

Head to the magnificent Ljubljana Castle that is above the city on top of Castle Hill. It gives incredible views of the city and its surroundings. You will be able to go on a guided tour where they take you back through the castle’s history and enjoy a trip to the courtyard cafe and restaurant. The largest park in the city is Tivoli Park, where you will be able to enjoy tennis, mini-golf, and even bowling.

You can explore one of the many museums and galleries across the whole city. If you are an art lover, visit the National Gallery for some of the best Slovenian artwork. If you want to learn about the culture and traditions of the Slovenian people, the Slovene Ethnographic Museum is the perfect stop.

Ljubljana Train Station → Bled Lesce | Duration: 1:50 h | Transfers: 0

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From Ljubljana’s central train station there are regular severals to Bled Lesce station. After 0:58h you will need to switch to a city bus (0:08h) to get to the city center, or your hotel may also be close to the train station. You can buy your train tickets online at Slovenian Railways and your bus ticket can be bought on the day of. 

Recommended Accommodations:

Turn Hostel
Hotel MOREA

Bled: Lake Views

A little island as beautiful as a postcard picture, a bluish-green lake, and a medieval castle clinging to a cliff, lures honeymooners, pensioners, and backpackers alike. In the town of Bled, you will find that you can hike, bike, or head out onto the lake for some water activities. Discover the beauty of this glacier-carved lake that attracts visitors from all over and visit the east side of the lake to bask in the healing effects of the naturally occurring thermal springs.

Head out to the charming Bled Island by Pletna boat or rowboat, where you will find was a temple once dedicated to the pagan goddess of life and fertility. Now the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary has a wishing well that invites visitors to ring the bell to express their wishes and requests.

While you’re enjoying the ringing bells, pick up something from the island café before your boat ride back to town. If looking for another stunning yet different lake, go for a quick day trip to the beautiful Lake Bohinj where you can swim in the crystal clear water and enjoy a horse ride or hike around the area.

Bled Jezero → Tolmin Bus Station | Duration: 1:40 h | Transfers: 1

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To get to the next train station, either your accommodation is nearby or you will have to take a short taxi ride or city bus to Bled Jezero station. From there take the train to Most Na Soci (0:55h). Trains leave seven times throughout the day. From Most Na Soci, there is a bus stop outside of the train station; take the bus to Tolmin (0:10h). Book your train ticket online at Slovenian Railways and your bus ticket can be bought on the day of.

Recommended Accommodations:

Castle Hostel
Čarman House

Tolmin: Valley Fun

Settled within Soca Valley and Tolmin is a prime destination along our Slovenia itinerary for adventure as it grows to be a paragliding hotspot and music-festival hub. Here you will find some of the best natural attractions to visit. The best way to enjoy an adrenaline rush as you head down the wild waters of the emerald green Soca River is by white water rafting to see Tolmin from a different point of view.

Explore the Tolmin gorges that are at the lowest and southernmost entry point to the Triglav National Park and these are truly an incredible sight to see. A magnificent natural attraction just follows the circular path that leads through the wild gorges of Tolminka and Zadlascica. You can head out on a guided tour to learn about how this natural phenomenon came to be.

A must-do activity in the Tolmin area has to be paragliding, and during certain festivals, they may even host a paragliding competition. Jump off the mountain and take in the wondrous views that the Soca Valley has to offer before landing. The Kozlov rob Castle is of great cultural and historical importance to the area. You can head down the trail and learn all about the history of the castle and the many historical events that it was a part of.

Tolmin Bus Station → Postojna Train Station | Duration: 4:34 h | Transfers: 2

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From Tolmin take the bus back to Most Na Soci, (the place where you transferred after Bled). The bus brings you directly to the train station in Most Na Soci. There you will need to take the train to Sezana (1:40h). There are four connections throughout the day, so plan accordingly to be able to catch your final train. From Sezana, take the train to Postojna (0:40h).  The bus ticket can be bought the day of and you can book your train ticket online ahead of time at Slovenian Railways.

Recommended Accommodations:

Hotel Dvorec

Postojna: Underground Magic

Home to some of Slovenia’s most popular attractions, Postojna Cave is the largest cave in the Karst region, with only 5 km out of the 20 being open to the public. You will be able to make your way through the cave by foot or miniature train and lay witness to the sensational stalactites, stalagmites, and Concert Hall.

For a bit more historical culture on your trip, visit the Predjama Castle, which is a Guinness world record holder for being the largest cave castle. It was built in a gothic style and is perched under a natural archway up a sheer cliff face.

Why not make a stop at the adventure park where you will take on unique challenges up tracks that are 14m high. Perfect for adrenaline junkies or family fun. Head to the Forest Adventures where you will be able to have the chance to photograph brown bears, lynx, and wolves in their natural habitat. Go on a tour where you will get the chance to see these animals wild and up close.

Postojna Train Station → Piran Bus Station | Duration: 2:19 h | Transfers: 1

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From the Postojna train station, there are 5 direct and indirect connections to Koper a day (1:15h). Plan accordingly, and then take a bus outside of the Koper train station to Piran only a 30-minute journey away. You can buy your train tickets online at Slovenian Railways and your bus ticket can be bought the day of.

Recommended Accommodations:

Hotel Center

Piran: Coastal Fun

Set along the Adriatic coast, the picturesque town of Piran is settled at the tip of a peninsula. You will find Venetian gothic architecture, winding alleyways, and beachfront beauties. The only part of Slovenia that isn’t landlocked is a perfect spot to soak up a bit of sun by the sea or wander around the colorful market square. Tartini Square is the main square and is surrounded by colorful buildings plus it opens up to the harbor and is a truly lovely sight.

Visit the Church of St. George that is settled up the hill behind the main square and has been modeled after the St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice. This spot boasts incredible views over rocky beaches and the exquisite old town.

But if you are looking for the best view over Piran, you may need to make like Quasimodo and climb the bell tower. Just up 146 steps, you will have panoramic views over the town.

If you would like to circle back to Ljubljana, hop on the bus from the Piran bus station to Koper (0:30h). Take a look around Koper while you’re at it and then get on the train to Ljubljana (2:30h). There are three direct connections back to the capital and two indirect connections via Divaca, plan the return journey accordingly. You can buy your train tickets online at Slovenian Railways and the bus ticket can be bought the day of. Maybe you’d like to visit other places after Ljubljana like . If you would like to go to Italy after Piran, there are direct ferries across to Venice. 

Recommended Accommodations:

Youth Hostel Piran
Hotel Piran

*Disclaimer: Due to the fluidity of transportation schedules, the information seen on RailwayHero may not be up to date at the time of readíng. Always double-check with the operator for the latest information.

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