Slovenia is Just so... Slovely!

I knew Lake Bled was supposed to be beautiful.

I just wasn't prepared for how beautiful. Or how blue!

The first time I saw that impossibly blue water, I literally stopped and stared. Photos don't quite capture it. And that's when I realized something: Lake Bled isn't a place you should rush through.

If you're planning a trip to Slovenia, put Lake Bled at the top of your list — and give it at least one night.

Lake Bled: Slow Down

Take the bus, not the train. The bus drops you much closer to the center of town, making it much easier with luggage. And take the bus when you leave, too.

For your hotel, here's where I'd splurge: get a balcony overlooking the lake.

Yes, it may cost $300 or more. But waking up to that view is one of those travel experiences you'll remember.

I stayed at Hotel Lovec, and the location and view were wonderful. I do have two warnings: the shower is tiny and old, and the air conditioning left a lot to be desired. Maintenance insisted it was working, but it felt more like a fan.

Still, I'd stay there again just for the view.

Take the Boat to the Island

The traditional boat ride to the island costs about €20, and you'll actually be rowed there by hand.

It's touristy. It's also lovely.

For me, it was the perfect way to spend two hours while waiting for my hotel room to be ready — and the views were beautiful.

And whatever you do, walk around the lake.

But here's something you may not know: you can't just swim wherever you want. There are designated swimming areas, and you can be fined for swimming elsewhere. The beaches on the west side are good spots — and don't be surprised if you share the water with swans.

Another tip? Take an Uber up to Bled Castle and walk back down. The views are worth it, and the walk down is easy.

And then there's the cream cake...

Don't Pay More Than You Have To

Bled's famous cream cake is everywhere.

My advice? Skip the fancy café and try one from Mercator grocery store instead. I thought they tasted essentially the same, and the grocery-store version was a much better value.

While you're there, look for Ora, Slovenia's orange soda. The diet version is by far the best diet orange soda I've ever had...in fact, I filled my backpack with bottles to satiate me for the rest of my trip.

Ljubljana:

Dragons, Markets & a Different Pace

From Lake Bled, I took an inexpensive bus to Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital.

It's charming, walkable and filled with cute shops, restaurants and dragons. There's also a wonderful open market that's worth wandering through.

And here's something I really appreciated: Ljubljana is considerably less expensive than Lake Bled.

I stayed in a centrally located Airbnb and found it to be a great base, although the air conditioning was noisy.

If you're trying to save money on groceries, look for Hofer — basically Slovenia's Aldi.

I recommend just walking...everything is so beautiful - from the iron doors, to the statues, to the artwork in their modern art museum - you'll enjoy it all.

There's a reason why Ljubljana is some people's favorite European city.

Might it be because the food there is even better than Paris? 🤔

Go to the Castle Before Sunset

Take the cable car up to Ljubljana Castle about an hour before sunset.

The views are fantastic.

I didn't bother going inside the castle, although you may want to. For me, the view was the highlight.

And if you know me, you know I almost always take a free walking tour when I visit a new city.

Do it in Ljubljana.

Hearing locals talk about Yugoslavia and what life was like under beloved dictator, Tito, was fascinating. What's especially interesting is that many people remember that period with genuine fondness. What happened after his death is heart wrenching.

The history is fascinating - which begs the question - why didn't we learn about this in school, while this history was actually happening?

Then Go Underground

About an hour from Ljubljana is Postojna Cave — and this is one place I wouldn't skip.

The cave is enormous. So enormous that you take a train into it.

It's filled with incredible formations, and it's one of those experiences that's difficult to describe until you're actually there.

But learn from my mistake.

I booked an 8:00 a.m. bus so I'd arrive in time for a 9:30 tour. The bus was late. Very late. I didn't arrive until almost 10:00.

I had to wait until 11:00 and pay another €5 to change my ticket.

So my advice? Don't schedule your cave tour too tightly around the bus. If possible, buy your ticket when you arrive.

And don't let anyone rush you through the gift shop.

Buy a postcard...from the world's only post office in a cave!

Write it to someone you love.

Mail it.

I did, and seeing that postcard when I got home was one of the sweetest souvenirs from my entire trip.

One More Cave — With a Castle

Near Postojna is Predjama Castle, built right into the side of a cave.

It's incredible to see from the outside.

I enjoyed walking through it, but if you're short on time or watching your budget, I'd be perfectly happy seeing the exterior and moving on. The shuttle from Postojna Cave is only about €2.

So, Is Slovenia Worth It?

Absolutely.

If you're looking for a European destination that's beautiful, relatively easy to navigate and still feels a little unexpected, Slovenia belongs on your list.

Spend your money on the lake view in Bled.

Take the hand-rowed boat on the shore of Lake Bled.

Take your time walking around the lake. Let its beauty sink in.

Eat the cream cake.

Drink the Ora. Buy some for the road.

Look for dragons in Ljubljana.

Go up the cable car to Ljubljana castle.

Take the walking tour.

And go underground at Postojna Cave - while you're there, check out the castle built into the cave.

Because Slovenia isn't just beautiful.

It's the kind of place that sneaks up on you — and makes you wonder, why can't everywhere be this slovely?

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