Slovenia was formerly part of Yugoslavia, but today it is the most blooming, stable and rich country in the Balkans. Many travellers see Slovenia as a wonderful and unexplored alternative to some of the more popular countries in Europe. This is (among other reasons) due to the fact that Slovenia offers everything from beautiful and stunning Alpine landscape to sunny, sandy beaches and temperate continental regions. You will probably meet the local population in the cities. They are always kind and hospitable.
Find your travel arrangement to Slovenia here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Slovenija
Capital
Ljubljana
Size
20.256 km2
Principal Languages
Slovenian
Principal Religion
Catholicism
Inhabitants
1.927.593 (2000)
Government
Democratic republic
Geography
This compact and strategically important country is mainly dominated by mountains, rivers and large north-south and east-west passages. Slovenia borders on Italy in the west, Austria in the north, Hungary in the north-east and Croatia in the south-east. The country also has a 47 kilometres coastline facing the Adriatic.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
September is an excellent month to go to Slovenia if you wish to do climbing or hiking. You will also avoid the large flocks of tourist and the high prices of the peak season. December to March is the ski season for those who wish to ski in the Alps. Spring is preferable if you wish to see the mainland in full bloom.
Literature
Lonely Planet Slovenia
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
They use the following measures:
Length: metre
Weight: kilo
Liquid: litre
Length: metre
Weight: kilo
Liquid: litre
Photography
You can take pictures of anything you like in Slovenia. There may be special rules in religious buildings though.
Drinking water
Tap water is safe, but it tastes a bit of chlorine. You can also buy bottled water.
Electricity
They use the following current:
220 volt AC, 50hz
220 volt AC, 50hz
Behaviour
It is not allowed to smoke on public transport, cinemas, theatres, public offices and in waiting rooms. As in the rest of Europe, you greet people with a handshake. Slovenians appreciate basic politeness.
Business Hours
Shops are open from 8.00 to 19.00 (Monday - Friday) and from 8.00 to 13.00 (Saturday).
Banks are open from 9.00 to 16.30 (Monday - Friday) and from 9.00 to 12.00 (Saturday).
Post offices are open from 8.00 to 18.00 (Monday - Friday) and from 8.00 to 12.00/13.00 (Saturday).
Offices are open from 8.00 to 16.00 (Monday - Friday).
Banks are open from 9.00 to 16.30 (Monday - Friday) and from 9.00 to 12.00 (Saturday).
Post offices are open from 8.00 to 18.00 (Monday - Friday) and from 8.00 to 12.00/13.00 (Saturday).
Offices are open from 8.00 to 16.00 (Monday - Friday).
Food and drink
The neighbouring Germanic countries have influenced Slovenian cuisine. Sauerkraut, grilled sausages and apple cake are often found on the menu, but the best known Slovenian food is bread - for example braided pretzels, made for special occasions. The western and north-eastern parts of the country are also known for their excellent white wines.
Disabled travellers
Slovenia is not a country which is used to disabled travellers. But in Ljubljana they have put in sound signals at pedestrian crossings and they buses with access for wheelchairs. Unfortunately most of the sights and attractions have not given thought to disabled travellers.
Holidays
New Year, 1 and 2 January
Slovenian culture Day, 8 February
Resistance Day, 27 April
Labour Day, 1 and 2 May
National Day, 25 June
Virgin Mary's Ascension, 15 August
Reformation Day, 31 October
All Saints, 1 November
Christmas, 25 December
Independence Day, 26 December
Slovenian culture Day, 8 February
Resistance Day, 27 April
Labour Day, 1 and 2 May
National Day, 25 June
Virgin Mary's Ascension, 15 August
Reformation Day, 31 October
All Saints, 1 November
Christmas, 25 December
Independence Day, 26 December
Accommodation / Hotel
Cleanliness and good quality are keywords describing the accommodation in Slovenia. It is not really much cheaper to stay in Slovenia than in neighbouring Italy and Austria - unless you rent private rooms. You will find everything from top quality hotels to cheap camping grounds.
Book your Hotel in Slovenia here
Book your Hotel in Slovenia here
Camping
You are not allowed to camp outside the public camping grounds in Slovenia. There are plenty of them and they are all about to be categorised according to European standards.
There are about 200 hotels in Slovenia. They are spread all over the country and vary a lot. The old state owned hotels do not always live up to demands of good quality and service.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
Private rooms and apartments are a possibility all over Slovenia. It is a good idea to ask the local tourist office for advice, though.
Hostels
There are only a modest number of hostels in Slovenia, and they are often full of Slovenian students.
Other Accommodation
Farmhouse holidays have become a quite popular form of accommodation for tourists in Slovenia. The Slovenian association of farmhouse tourism was founded in 1997 and today the association has 230 members. Their main office can be contacted on the following address:
Trnoveljska cesta 1
3000 Celje
Phone: (0)3 491 64 80
E-mail: mailto:ztks@siol.net
Trnoveljska cesta 1
3000 Celje
Phone: (0)3 491 64 80
E-mail: mailto:ztks@siol.net
Local transport
It is relatively easy, and often very scenic, to use public transport in Slovenia. Plane is the fastest form of transport, but if you prefer to stay on the ground train is quickest if travelling long distance. At the local scale the buses are best.
Planes
There are three international airports in Slovenia: in Ljubljana, Maribor and Portoroz. The national airline company, Adria Airways, has several domestic Flights.
Bus
The Slovenian bus system consists of a confusing quantity of small local bus companies, which actually succeed in running a well co-ordinated service. In large cities like Ljubljana, Maribor and Koper there are large bus stations where you can book journeys in advance on electronic ticket machines.
Trains
The Slovenian railways are well functioning and efficient. There are two kinds of trains. The slow potniski, which stop at all stations, and the IC-Train, which are faster and also a bit more expensive.
Taxi
There are taxis in all major cities in Slovenia.
car rental
There are car rental firms in all major cities and airports in Slovenia. Both international and local firms are represented.
Other Transport
It is very normal to hitch hike in Slovenia, but keep to the large arterial roads between the large cities, where you are most likely to get a lift.
Region and City Guides
Region
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