Slovenia

Europe’s best kept secret

Slovenia isn’t the first country that comes to mind when you think of holiday destinations. But this is where the Mediterranean coast meets the Alps and the vast Pannonian Basin, as well as the impressive karst landscapes.

Slovenia is wilder than people think. The unknown Julian Alps are full of glaciers, mountain lakes and waterfalls. Ideal for hiking, mountaineering, or ecotourism. Or for a very relaxed and mindful holiday.

Lake Bled is now world famous, due to its beautiful surroundings. The mountains, the lake, the castle on the hill and everything here is perfect. It is featured on many social media platforms. As Lake Bled is a postcard photo at any time of the day.

A little further on is the much quieter Lake Bohinj, in the country's only national park. Triglav National Park is named after the highest mountain of 2,864 meters. The Slovenes believe that you are only a real Slovenian when you have stood on top of this mountain.

The beauty of Slovenia.

The mountains of Slovenia

This mountain range is where the Soča river starts. Many say it is the most beautiful river in Europe. This is because the water is full of minerals that gives it a light blue or even green colour. The water creates chasms in the rocks, which look like pieces of artwork in the landscape. Like those at Tolmin Gorges, and I also noticed them in the nearby Kobarid city.

Slovenia is also a land of wine, both red and white. You can explore its wine area at your leisure, by car, bike or other modes of transport. There are three large wine regions in Slovenia, in the northeast (Podravje), the southwest (Posavje) and the far west of the country (Primorska).

Wine lovers can roam from glass to glass here. At one of the wine tastings, I started to wonder: why is Slovenian wine so relatively unknown?

All 3 Bucket List Tips in Slovenia