Adventure Travel

Visiting Slovenia In Spring

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Photo: Gilad Rom

Visiting Slovenia In Spring

Still a bit of an unknown destination to western tourists, Slovenia has a long history of pleasing visitors with it’s charming people, extreme landscapes, and abundance of food and drink.

Slovenia rests at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea, it’s borders touching Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and Italy. It might surprise you to learn that this Eastern European country is more like it’s western neighbors than the Slavic countries it’s often paired with. In fact, it’s truly a homogeny of cultures, as Germanic, Slavic, Romance, and Hungarian languages all historically coalesce within it’s borders.

After the fall of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991, Slovenia arose from the ashes of post-World War II communism. And with rapid modernization came the induction of Slovenia into the European Union in 2004.

Due to it’s recent war-torn history, not many tourists have added Slovenia to their destination lists. Perhaps the echoes of communism are too great for Westerners to forget. Fortunately, this means the natural splendor of Slovenia’s land has remained unspoiled throughout the years.

The geography of Slovenia is comprised of devastatingly grand mountains, beautiful coast lines, and stunning hills lined with miles of vineyards. The best time to visit Slovenia is during the gentle spring, when the mountains are still snow-capped, the waters run high, and the landscape is luscious and green.

Here are a few of Slovenia’s best springtime adventures for travelers who wish to stay off the beaten path on their next trip to Europe.

Cycling Through The Logarska Dolina

Rent an electric bike to take in the calm, yet energetic beauty of the Logarska Dolina mountain valley near the Savinja Alps. Bordering Austria, you’ll notice the enormous cliffs are straight from the fairy tales of legend. Cycle to the end of the valley to find a massive waterfall to refresh your mind and body after the ride.

Visit Drava Valley Vineyards

It’s no secret that Slovenia produces excellent wine. Find out for yourself as you venture through the Drava Valley while hopping from one vineyard to the next. As Slovenia’s largest wine region, Drava Valley is best known for white grapes, rolling hillsides, and historic farmhouses.

Stay At An Agro-Tourism Farm

Agriculture is an extremely important aspect of Slovenian life. With more than 70,000 farms across the country, it’s true that the Slovenians are agricultural experts. The best part? Slovenian farmers are pioneering the world’s agro-tourism movement by creating spaces and jobs for tourists who wish to experience daily life like a true local.

Party In Ljubljana

Photo: Gilad Rom

Although Slovenia’s capitol Ljubljana only hosts 10% of the country’s population, the city isn’t short for exciting adventures. Take a guided restaurant tour of the former-Roman trade route, or open a bottle of local wine by the river with a picnic. At night, cheerful bars, nightclubs, and restaurants beckon you like a light in the fog, should you wish to partake in the festivities.

Mandy Burkholder is a travel, adventure, and outdoor writer who honed her craft in the foothills of the La Plata Mountains of Southwest Colorado. After a stint in the Swiss Alps, she now resides in Tennessee. Follow her on twitter — @mandyburkhold3r

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