LIVING FOR MEMORIES

• An introduction to Slovenia:
• 5 days in Slovenia: A complete breakdown
  • Ljubljana: The Capital City Where Time Stands Still
  • Lake Bled: Slovenia’s Crown Jewel
  • Lake Bohinj: Mystical and Serene
• Travelling to Slovenia: Some Practical Tips
• FAQS About Slovenia
• Slovenia: Serenity, Nature & Slow Living
  
  
  Slovenia had been on my list for a while and I heard only positive things about it. Known for its stunning landscapes, it felt like the perfect getaway from busy city life. As a hiking enthusiast living in hectic Amsterdam, I was craving nature, calm, and a slower pace—and Slovenia delivered exactly that.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by urban life and longing for quiet days surrounded by nature, this might just inspire your next escape.

An introduction to Slovenia:

I have divided my itinerary into the following: 2 days in Ljubljana, 2 days at Lake Bled, and 1 day at Lake Bohinj. I stayed the first and last nights in Ljubljana, with two nights at Lake Bled and one night at Lake Bohinj in between.

Ljubljana: The Capital City Where Time Stands Still

Set the Ljubljanica River, this charming capital blends history with a vibrant and welcoming spirit.

What to do in Ljubljana? 

Strolling Through the Streets
Just wandering around Ljubljana is a highlight in itself. The city has this unique, laid-back vibe that makes you feel like time has stopped. The colorful architecture, beautiful fountains, cozy bars, and cute little shops—it’s just a joy to get lost in its streets. On Sundays, Breg Street, which runs along the canal, hosts a charming flea market filled with antiques. 

Free Walking Tour
We joined a two-hour walking tour that covered the main attractions in the city center. It was such a great way to learn about Slovenia’s history while exploring the highlights: Prešeren Square, the Dragon Bridge, the Triple Bridge, The Butcher Bridge, the city hall, the Basilica, and more. I loved how much I learned in such a short time—it really felt like I was connecting with the city on a deeper level. Our guide, Tina, was fantastic! I booked the tour through freetour.com, and we started at the iconic pink church on Prešeren Square, named after France Prešeren, a renowned Slovenian poet. Tina shared some captivating details: the flag of Ljubljana is white and green—white represents peace, while green reflects the city’s lush greenery. The flag also features a castle and two rivers. I learned that Ljubljana has a population of about 300,000 and that life here moves at a wonderfully slow pace. Our guide emphasized how much Slovenians value enjoying the moment. « You won’t see a Slovenian rushing down the street with a takeaway coffee, » she said. Instead, they take proper breaks during work, sitting on terraces with colleagues to savor their coffee. During the tour, we even had the chance to sample traditional liqueurs. Blueberry, fig, and honey flavors were offered, and they were absolutely delicious!

Ljubljana Castle
We didn’t go inside, but just walking around the castle grounds was worth it. The view of the city from up there is beautiful, and the surrounding park is perfect for a relaxing stroll. To get there, I recommend starting from Vodnik Square where there is the market. To come back to the center, to cross the park and go down at Gornji trg, a really nice street with coloured houses and cute terraces, a bit more quiet. 

Tivoli Park
Just 10 minutes away from the city center, Tivoli Park is the biggest park in Ljubljana. It’s great for a peaceful walk, with its big alleys, a small fountain, and even a museum. If you’re visiting in autumn, the colors make it especially magical.

I had most of my meals and drinks along the river in the city center. There’s such a great selection of bars and restaurants, and every spot feels cozy and inviting. When drinking wine, I noticed they always serve you a glass of water next to it, a thoughtful touch.

Ljubljanski Dvor: A classic Italian restaurant (there are lots of them in Slovenia). They serve massive, delicious pizzas that are perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
My notes: Food quality: 4/5, Atmosphere: 4/5, Value for money: 4/5, Service: 4/5

Ala Pršuterija: This wine bar is such a gem! I went there twice. The service is fantastic, the music is great, the decoration is so cosy and they offer platters of traditional Slovenian cured ham, cheese, nuts, and jams. Simple and so good! Note that they had a great selection of wines. This is not to miss!
My notes: Food quality: 5/5, Atmosphere: 5/5, Value for money: 5/5, Service: 5/5

Moji Štruklji Slovenije (My Dumplings of Slovenia): This place serves one of Slovenia’s most typical dishes: Štruklji, rolled dough dumplings with sweet or savory fillings (walnuts, cheese, chocolate, banana). I tried the cottage cheese one paired with a glass of white wine (delicious!) They also serve other traditional dishes like soup with sausage. Definitely worth a visit if you want to taste authentic local food. The waitress recommended 1.5 dumplings per person, so I recommend that you order a savory one for yourself and to share a sweet one with your travel buddy.
My notes: Food quality: 4/5 , Atmosphere: 3.5/5, Value for money: 4/5 , Service: 4/5

Lake Bled: Slovenia’s Crown Jewel

With its emerald waters, picturesque island, and a medieval castle perched above, Lake Bled feels like a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

What to do at Lake Bled?

Bled Island
Which is the only island in Slovenia, in the middle of Lake Bled.
You can access it with a nice ride on a traditional wooden boat. Be aware that it’s cash-only and costs €18 per person for a round trip. The boat takes about 30 minutes to reach Bled Island. The oarsman—or perhaps I should call him a captain?—must have incredible upper body strength because rowing those boats is no small feat! You have 40 minutes to explore the island before heading back to the mainland. It is very small, but it offers a lovely view of the lake and Bled Castle. On the island, you’ll find:

• A church: you need to pay 12€ to enter and you can ring the church bell yourself
• A gallery and museum (included in church price ticket)
• Souvenir shop
• Café who sell also ice cream with a cute terrace
• Lookout bell tower (included in church price ticket)
• The ticket might be interesting to buy  as it includes 3 things, but even if the island is tiny, I preferred to spend the 40 min walking around the island and watching the views. 

Bled Castle
The castle is perched atop a cliff, so be prepared to climb some steps! It is pretty easy to access from the lake. The entrance ticket for the castle costs €17 per person—admittedly a bit pricey but worth it! The castle features:
–a high end restaurant
–souvenir shops
–a winery
–a bar with a terrace
–a museum covering Slovenian history and the history of Bled.

The viewpoint overlooking the lake is stunning, especially at sunset. A perfect way to end the day!

Ojstrica viewpoint
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the top, and it’s absolutely worth it. The trail is steep, so I recommend wearing good shoes. At the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Bled, the island, Bled Castle, and the surrounding mountains. It’s picture-perfect and a must-see.

Sup board
We decided to rent a SUP board for €15 (cash only) for one hour. There are several rental companies around the lake; we chose Sup Bled. It was such a relaxing activity and a completely different way to enjoy the scenery. It felt like meditation. If you’re insane like me, you can even swim—though the water was icy! I went for it anyway.
Tip: if one company tells you it is winter and they don’t do it, just keep looking as others are willing to provide the service. 

Vintgar Gorge
It takes about 10–15 minutes to get there by bus from Bled bus station. Once you are dropped, there’s a 15-minute walk to the entrance, which is a beautiful trail in itself. Entry costs €10 per person, and we booked our tickets online just before arriving. There are ticket machines there too. The walk through the gorge takes about an hour, and it’s stunning. You’re required to wear a helmet because rocks can fall along the way. The path winds through a gorgeous canyon with clear turquoise waters, wooden walkways, and waterfalls surrounded by green cliffs. It’s an easy, peaceful walk immersed in nature.

At the end of the gorge, you have a beautiful view of the mountains. There are three options to return:

• You can walk back, which takes another hour; and then walk again 15 min and take the local bus, or take a shuttle bus right at the entrance.
• Take the exit and take a train (check the schedule as it’s not very frequent)
• Take the exit and hop on a shuttle bus back to Bled for €8 per person, which takes 15 minutes.
  Near the exit of Vintgar Gorge, there’s a very cool bar called Natour Bar with amazing mountain views, local beers, and treats—a great place to relax. You can buy your shuttle bus ticket there.

Where to eat at Lake Bled?

Restavracija Spica: a very nice restaurant with a sunny terrace where we enjoyed a great burger with local beers. Interestingly, the restaurant is owned by a former Olympic rowing champion. Medals were displayed in the restaurant.
My notes: Food quality: 4/5 , Atmosphere: 3.5/5, Value for money: 4/5 , Service: 4/5

Bar at Bled Castle: we ordered a glass of white wine and Slovenia’s famous dessert, Kremna rezina, a creamy cake with layers of custard and cream between thin pastry sheets. It is originary from Bled and Slovenians are proud of this dessert! You will see it everywhere in supermarkets, signs, restaurants.
My notes: Food quality: 3.5/5 , Atmosphere: 4.5/5, Value for money: 4/5 , Service: 3.5/5

Grill Pr´Mirku Bled: A Balkan street food restaurant. Very affordable. I tried a typical dish made of bread stuffed with cottage cheese—simple, delicious, and very traditional. Plus, the owner is so sweet!
My notes: Food quality: 4/5 , Atmosphere: 3/5, Value for money: 4/5 , Service: 4/5

Where to stay at Lake Bled?

Lake Bled: Aparthotel Gaja
I recommend this one 100%! We were just 3 minutes´ walking distance from the lake, and our apartment had a lake view! The service was exceptional, and they were so kind. We had a big apartment with all the facilities; they really thought of everything—nothing was missing. Every day, they clean and refill everything for you without even asking, and they bring you the huge breakfast to your room. I felt like home.
My notes: Cleanliness: 5/5, Affordability: 5/5 , Location: 5/5, Service: 5/5

How to get around at Lake Bled?

Bled is also pretty much walkable. To walk all around the lake, it takes 1H30 (6KM).
There are bus stops everywhere, really easy to get around.
From the main bus station and from the Bled Union stop at the entrance of the city, you can get easily to other cities such as Lake Bohinj or Ljubljana.

Lake Bohinj: Mystical and Serene

Surrounded by the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj captivates visitors with its tranquil beauty and untouched landscapes.

What to do at Lake Bohinj?

Walking around the lake
Lake Bohinj was grey and foggy, which gave it a mysterious and majestic vibe. It was even less crowded and touristy than Bled, with far fewer bars and restaurants, making it feel even more peaceful. As soon as you arrive, you’re greeted with this enchanting view: the lake, the clouds, and the quiet. We didn’t see many people. To walk around the lake, it takes between 2H-5H (12KM).  The walk was amazing, following the lake with views of the water and mountains, surrounded by beautiful autumn colors. We barely saw anyone, so we took our time, stopping for breaks and photos. It almost gave off a « Twilight » vibe. Around the lake, there are the very small villages of Ribcev Laz, Stara Fuzina and Ukanc. Countryside houses are massive!

Vogel Cable car
When we arrived at the Vogel cable car, we were pretty sure this would be a nice experience. We enjoyed it but definitely not to the fullest. First of all, we were a bit surprised by the price of the return ticket: €30 per person. But we decided to go for it. The view during the cable car ride was stunning—you can see the entire lake, the Ukanc village, and the forest. At the top, you reach the Vogel Ski Center. Even though it was autumn and the ski station was closed, you can still visit.

From there, you get a fantastic view of Mount Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia. Unfortunately, we didn’t see it because it was too foggy! But I’m pretty sure it must be beautiful on a clear day. I had a hot chocolate and then went back down. If you don’t have the view, there is not much to do there to be honest.

Spodnij Vogar viewpoint 
The hike starts from Stara Fuzina village. You can take the bus in 5 min or walk there in 20 min. This is quite a challenging hike—very steep, with a rocky and uneven path. Depending on your fitness level, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes to reach the top. The view was absolutely worth it. You get a panoramic view of Lake Bohinj, Stara Fužina village, and the Julian Alps.

Where to eat at Lake Bohinj?

There are not a lot of restaurants and bars around the lake, it is still pretty much untouched. Most of them are inside hotels. I had dinner at the hotel´s restaurant. It was a delicious and affordable meal with a cozy mountain vibe—wooden and brick décor, complete with a chimney. The service was excellent.
My notes: Food quality: 4/5 , Atmosphere: 4/5, Value for money: 4/5 , Service: 4/5

Where to stay at Lake Bohinj?

Hotel Center Bohinjsko Jezero
Nice hotel with very friendly staff, and they also have a restaurant serving delicious Slovenian food. It’s very central, just a 3-minute walk from the lake. While I wouldn’t say it was extraordinary, it was a basic and comfortable place to stay. I would say that a few amenities are missing. The breakfast was nice as well.
My notes: Cleanliness: 3/5, Affordability: 4/5 , Location: 5/5, Service: 4/5

How to get around at Lake Bohinj?

Similar to Lake Bled, there are bus stops everywhere, pretty easy to get around. In these bus stops, you will find flyers with contact from taxi drivers as well. We took one from Stara Fuzina to Bohinj.

Travelling to Slovenia: A few things to know

Budget breakdown

Slovenia offers a mix of affordable options and occasional splurges, depending on the activity. Here’s a quick summary of what I spent:

• Flights: Amsterdam to Ljubljana (Transavia, direct, both ways): €232 per person
• Accommodation:
  • Ljubljana (2 nights): €105.96 for 2
  • Lake Bled (2 nights, incl. breakfast): €230.24 for 2
  • Lake Bohinj (1 night, incl. breakfast): €99.25 for 2
• Transport:
  • Shuttle from Ljubljana airport: €24 for 2
  • Buses: €2.60–€15.40 per trip for 2
  • Taxi (when needed): €10–€16 for 2
• Activities:
  • Walking tour: €10 per person
  • Popular attractions: Bled Castle, Vintgar Gorge, Vogel cable car: €10–€29.50 per person
  • Boat rental, SUP, or lake activities: €10–€18 per person
• Meals & Drinks:
  • Meals: €28–€53 for 2 e.g., Balkan dinner €30 for 2, lunch at Lake Bled €53 for 2
  • Drinks (wine, beer, cocktails): €7.80–€16.60 for 2
  • Wine & cheese platter: €36.46 for 2
  • Supermarket (sandwich + bottle of water): €4-€10 per person

Overall, Slovenia offers great value with options to suit every budget. However, I expected it to be cheaper, similar to other Eastern European countries but it ends up to be closer to Western Europe prices, so be mindful of your spending.

A few practical tips:

Money: Cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to carry cash. Several places only accept cash, mostly for transportation and activities.
Bars and restaurants mostly accept cards, but it’s best to have cash on hand.

Activities: Wether for the walking tour, the sup board, or Vintgar Gorge, it does not need to be booked that much in advance. A couple of hours before is fine. For the other places such as Bled Castle, Bled Island, Vogel Cable Car, you can just pay on the spot.

Transportation: Keep in mind that when traveling by bus in Slovenia, most drivers may not speak English. Additionally, there are usually no signs indicating upcoming stops within the bus, and the driver may not announce them. Be attentive to your surroundings and be prepared to ask the driver to stop at your desired destination. It’s always helpful to repeat the name of your stop clearly to ensure they understand.

Accommodation: Don’t forget about the city tax. In some cases, you may be required to pay the city tax in cash upon check-out.

FAQS About Slovenia

Is Slovenia cheap to visit?
It is affordable and quite cheap compared to Western Europe, but I still thought it would be cheaper, so be mindful of your budget. 

Is Slovenia easy to get around?
Yes, it is very easy and affordable. The country is small, so the distances are not too long, and the frequency of buses and trains is very high. You can easily hop on a train or bus at the last minute and get to your destination. Note that most payments are in cash for transportation.

When is the best time to visit Slovenia?
I visited from October 20th to 25th, and the weather was perfect: blue skies, 15-25°C during the day, very sunny (chilly at night), and gorgeous autumn colors. It was also the low season, so there weren’t many tourists.

How many days should you spend in Slovenia?
If you just want to visit the capital city, a weekend is enough. If you want to explore nature, I suggest a good full week so you don’t need to rush.

What is the currency in Slovenia?
The country adopted the Euro in 2007.

🌿 ⛰️ Slovenia: Serenity, Nature & Slow Living

Slovenia is an underrated gem that deserves far more recognition—although its quiet charm is part of what makes it so special. I secretly hope it stays this way. What struck me most was the country’s incredible diversity of landscapes. I am already thinking to return for a longer trip, spending two to three weeks hiking its mountains and exploring even more of its breathtaking nature.

This trip felt like therapy: slow living, early mornings, peaceful nights, unhurried walks, and breathing in clean, unpolluted air. It was deeply refreshing for both body and mind.

If you’re craving nature, a slower pace, and fewer crowds, Slovenia is the perfect escape. Here, life moves gently—no rush, no pressure, just space to breathe. The people are warm and welcoming, and I felt safe everywhere I went. Slovenia has truly earned a permanent place in my heart.

Have you been to Slovenia, or is it on your travel list? Did you also feel that sense of peace? I’d love to hear your thoughts.