I Feel Slovenia
Discover the Glorious Castles and Caves in Slovenia
The Slovenian countryside, once home to hundreds of castles and hidden caves, is still very much a magical landscape filled with extraordinary places to visit, and sometimes even stay overnight.
Although many of the buildings have disappeared over time, there are still plenty of places in Slovenia to explore for a truly enchanted holiday, and here are some of the ones that should go to the top of your itinerary:
Most people think of towering castles and vast underground caves as the stuff of fairytales – but in Slovenia, they are a reality.
Otočec Castle
With a stunning island location in the middle of the Krka river, medieval architectural details and a resident family of white swans, Otočec Castle is the perfect place to make your fairytale dreams come true. It has been transformed into a luxury hotel with a fine dining restaurant and countless activities in the local area ranging from golf to a relaxing soak in the thermal waters at the nearby Dolenjske Toplice Spa. But the main draw card is the setting. It’s surrounded by a 200-year-old park filled with rare birds and exotic trees, making a visit to Otočec Castle feel like a trip to another place and time.
Snežnik Castle
But Otočec Castle doesn't have a monopoly on romance, and there are many other charming places to check out, such as the striking Snežnik Castle in the south. Built in the 13th century, this white washed castle has had various owners and purposes, from summer home to hunting lodge, and today functions as a branch of the National Museum of Slovenia thanks to its remarkably well-preserved interiors. Walking through the door is like taking a step back in time, and a visit here offers a glimpse of life in Slovenia 100 years ago. And make time for a wander, cycle or horse ride in the surrounding landscape because it’s nothing short of spectacular.
Strmol Castle
If looking at history is not enough for you, then you should book a night at Strmol Castle where you can actually experience the life of a Slovenian lord. Now a luxury hotel, the history of Strmol Castle dates back more than 700 years, making it one of the oldest castles in the country and it's still in excellent condition thanks to the last private owners, the industrialist Rado Hribar and his wife Ksenija. They still have a special presence in the property: guests have the option of booking the Rado and Ksenija suites, featuring the original furniture of the castle’s much loved former owners.
Keep an eye out for the stuffed crocodile at the castle entrance, which was once Ksenija’s favourite pet.
Mokrice Castle
Lovers of golf are regularly drawn to Mokrice Castle, thanks to its proximity to one of the best 18-hole courses in the country. But this is far from the only reason to visit this medieval gem. The lush green surroundings are perfect for hiking and the spa at the nearby Terme Čatež thermal springs, which were discovered more than 200 years ago, is absolutely worth a visit.
Predjama Castle
For a different, but no less memorable experience, put the spectacular Predjama Castle on your must-see list. Built into the side of a rock face, it’s listed in the Guinness World Records as the largest cave castle in the world and has been standing strong for more than 800 years. Built close to the famous Postojna Cave, the castle is an architectural marvel built on a collection of caves that were used throughout the centuries for escape during battles and sieges and are open to visitors during the summer months. The castle is now a museum and it's well worth a trip to see the impressive collection of medieval weapons – as well as the picturesque view from the castle attic.
Postojna Caves
Just 9km away from Predjama Castle lies one of Slovenia’s best known and most popular attractions: the stunning Postojna Cave. This 24km long karst cave system features a tourist railway that allows visitors to go on an incredible 1.5 hour long tour throughout the cave, during which you learn the history of the site and see some of its most famous attractions. Look out for the epic 16m stalagmite known as the Skyscraper, the huge white crystal called Brilliant and a vivarium that is home to a collection of dragon-like native aquatic salamanders called olms, sometimes referred to as human fish.
Škocjan Caves
And no trip to Slovenia is complete without seeing the Škocjan Caves, which have been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1986 and are considered to be one of the biggest and most important cave systems in the world. Featuring an extraordinary subterranean canyon that is 146m high, the largest in Europe, and 26 underground waterfalls, this cave system is nothing short of breathtaking. A walk along the tourist walkway through the caves is highly recommended, although it does include more than 500 steps, so come prepared with comfortable footwear.