I Feel Slovenia
Why Slovenia is the perfect choice for a nature-filled holiday
From lush green forests to shimmering lakes, snow capped alps to picturesque waterfalls. Slovenia is paradise for travellers who love the great outdoors, and possesses an almost overwhelming array of natural wonders. The only real question is where to start.
Deciding when to visit is the first step. The temperate summer months are an obvious choice, as Slovenia's verdant landscape really shines when the days are long and the weather is warm. There are endless options for swimming and hiking, and it is a beautiful place to explore on a bicycle. But wintertime in Slovenia is equally charming, when a magical covering of snow turns parts of the country especially the Julian Alps, into a wonderland for skiing, tobogganing and (if you're brave) even ice-climbing.
Regardless of season, the next thing to pick is where to go and, in a country with so much natural magnificence, this is no easy task. Despite it's relatively small size, Slovenia punches well above its weight in the beauty stakes.
The best approach is to focus your attention on the incredible Triglav National Park, located in the north east of the country. Covering 880km2, this pocket of green contains an almost implausible number of scenic spots punctuated with spectacular lakes and waterfalls.
In fact, one of the best places to begin exploring this corner of the world is Lake Bled, perched on the south east edge of the park. This glorious body of water is already a hotspot for visitors and locals, and for excellent reason. To call it pretty is a serious understatement. This emerald lake, with a tiny island at its centre topped with a fairytale church, is the stuff of dreams, especially in high summer when it's filled with people swimming, kayaking and paddle-boarding.
From here, head to the nearby Vintgar Gorge, for a more adventurous exerience. This spectacular natural gorge is 1.6km long and features a sturdy timber educational walkway that allows you to wander through the towering hills and over rapids and waterfalls, including the mighty Šum Waterfall that, at 13m tall, is nothing short of impressive.
While Bled might offer romance, the prize for breathtaking scale must undoubtedly go to Lake Bohinj. Cupped in a glacial valley, this is the largest lake in the country and an absolute must for any nature tourist. With everything from swimming and boating to wind-surfing and fishing on offer in the warmer months, and even the possibility of ice-skating in winter, it is a one-stop shop for outdoor adventures. And don't miss the beathtaking Savica Waterfall, which gushes down 78m of rock face into the gorge below before eventually flowing into the top of Lake Bohinj.
On a more petite scale are the 10 small lakes in the nearby Triglav Lakes Valley, which are also worth a visit, especially the well-known Black Lake, which is often warmest due to its relatively low elevation.
Thrill-seeking types should allow plenty of time to visit the Soča River Valley as this natural playground is full of opportunities for high adrenalin sports from rafting down the river to enjoying the view from above on the largest zipline in the region. In winter time this area becomes even more exciting, with opportunities for sledding, skiing and ice-climbing.
Another prime location for cold weather sports is Kranjska Gora, right at the top of Triglav National Park, which has 18 active ski slopes during the cold months and tops out at 2864m with Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps. The alps stretch across Slovenia to the northeast of Italy and are truly one of the highlights of this region, so to speak.
With breathtaking mountain scenery and an endless supply of fresh air, this is the perfect place to escape the bustle of city life. And, if Triglav is a little too ambitious for you, it's also worth trying a hike through some of the neighbouring peaks such as Mangart, Špik, Krn and the Pokljuka Plateau, which features a long row of wooden cottages that were once homes to local shepherds.
While undeniably popular in winter, like all the best spots in Slovenia, this area is not limited to one season and it is equally beautiful in summertime, when it is covered in wildflowers and an ideal spot for hiking or mountain bike riding. Not to mention the enchanting and natural beauty of Lake Zelenci, which is surrounded by a quaint wooden footbridge and has a name that means 'green' in honour of the hue of the water. And, finally, nearby Peričnik Waterfall is also worth a stop, especially in the colder months when the powerful 52m flow of water is frozen into dramatic spikes.