FREE When people go to Slovenia but miss out this 15 gems
Rakov Skocjan
Located in southwestern Slovenia, in the Inner Carniola Regional Park, Rakov Skocjan is the oldest landscape park in the country. Still, it is one of the lesser-known places to visit.
The best way to visit the main sights of the valley, which were created by Rak River and the collapse of the cave ceiling, is by walking. Main sights in the park are Big and Small Natural Bridges and entrances to Zelske and Tkalca caves. Rak River comes from one of them and disappears to another. All the main sights are connected by 8 kilometers long educational path, which will take around 3 hours to finish.
Secovelje Saltworks
Covering 750 hectares of the most southwestern point of the country, this partially operating saltworks, still produce salt by hand in the traditional way. In the southern part called Fontaniggie, you will find very interesting Museum of Saltworks. Today you won't see salt production in that part of saltworks. There you will find exceptional views of nature, taking over the area, once completely transfigured by men. There are 296 species of birds living in what were once salt ponds. Also, there are many authentic species of plants that like to grow in the salty wetlands.
In the northern part of saltworks called Leri, salt production had never stopped. You can walk around ponds and learn about different production sites. Inevitably you will soon fall in love with salt and you can also buy some of it as a souvenir. There is also Thalasso Spa Lepa Vida with many salt-based therapies. The spa is open only between May and October.
Karst Edge
Walk next to the natural border between continental Slovenia and Slovenian Istria. Above and around the steep 20-kilometer-long limestone walls there are many interesting sights to visit. Right next to the border with Italy lies Castle Socerb and the climbing paradise of Osp walls.
In the middle of Karst Edge there lies a small village called Crni Kal with a some really great restaurants to fill your stomachs.
On the eastern side of the valley next to the Croatian border in the village of Hrastovlje there is a cute walled church. In the Holy Trinity church, you will find frescoes from the 15th century.
If you continue on the road towards village Socerga you can park next to another beautiful church of Saint Kvirin and walk 2 hour circle route to the spectacular rock shelters of Veli Badin.
Stanjel
One of the most beautiful villages in Slovenia lies in the middle of the Karst region. Every stone in the village has its own story and this place has its own special vibe. It doesn't matter in what time of year you decide to visit this picturesque sight it will always leave you speechless.
Stories and wine in combination with traditional karst architecture give a mysterious vibe to the narrow streets and small squares of the village. The main points of interest are Stanjel Castle with its exceptional museum about the Stanjel region and the galleries you can find throughout the village. Ferrari's Garden which is a masterpiece planned by world-known architect Maks Fabiani is another place you should definitely take the time to visit.
But that is not everything. The village of Stanjel is not a museum. It is still an inhabited village with kind locals and great cuisine. In many small wine bars and restaurants throughout the village, you can try traditional karst wines and food.
Idrija
The City of Idrija is located in the middle of a mountainous region of Idrija Hills. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012, and it received that title for a good reason. It is well known for its mercury mining heritage and world-known delicately interwoven threads of the hand-made Idrija lace.
In the town and its surroundings, there are many sites connected to the mercury mine which was operational for almost 500 years. The most known places are Anthony's main tunnel, Hg Smelting Plant, Gewerkenegg Castle, and water pumping mechanism Kamst.
In addition to the already mentioned sights, there a plenty of other culinary delicacies to try such as Idrija zlikrofi, and after a great meal a lot of hiking trails around spectacular natural sites to burn that energy.
Goriska Brda
Slovenia has many wine and culinary paradises. And of them is the region of Goriska Brda, which will make you feel like you live in a fairytale. Romantic villages that sit on the top of small hills are covered with vineyards, olive plantations, and orchards.
The best way to stop for a moment and enjoy what life can offer you is to try some local wines and cuisine on a terrace high above vineyards. It is a region of small castles, villages, and peace. Daily activities that will allow you to experience as much of a region can offer you would include hiking and cycling many narrow local paths.
Lahinja Landscape Park
The predominant natural element in the park located in the southeast Slovenia region of Bela Krajina is water in its many forms. The park is covered with many springs. Flora and fauna in the park are very diverse. You can observe it from specially built observing towers and wooden pathways.
Architectural heritage sites, such as Pusti Gradec's area, accompany natural points of interest in land where dry karst and water meet. Water is constantly vanishing and reappearing all over the place
More about Bela Krajina in a special regional guide.
Kocevsko
Mysterious land is densely covered with secrets such as Kostel Castle, Cold War era atomic bunkers, abandoned villages of Gottscheer people, and a secret partisan movement base called Baza 20 in the middle of the vast forest. All that and more is waiting for you to uncover them.
Kostanjevica na Krki
Kostanjevica na Krki is the smallest and only Slovenian-inhabited town on the island, hiding in the gentle embrace of the Krka River. Heritage lives in historic houses, memorials, and unique wooden river bridges connecting people and places.
The impressions are conveyed through the creativity of artistic tradition in gallery collections and a park of wooden sculptures named Forma Viva. Park lies in proximity to a mighty monastery complex in a peaceful area between the Gorjanci and the plain.
Underground of Peca
In almost 400 years of mining, miners managed to dig 1000 kilometers of tunnels under Peca Mountain. A small part is still open today and waiting for you to visit.
You can take the mining train into the underground of Peca, just like in the past, and explore flooded tunnels with kayaks, you can ride a bike from one valley to another over a 5-kilometer distance, or go down the adrenaline-pumping Black Hole Trail.
Jeruzalem
Jeruzalem is a place of 2400 years of winemaking tradition. The wine-growing country of the Ljutomer-Ormoz Hills has always offered ideal conditions for the production of white wines. The best and most picturesque vineyards in the region are located on the hills that surround the village of Jerusalem – the jewel of the region. This is where some of the best wines are born.
Try local wine sorts such as Šipon and taste local cuisine. Discover this beautiful part of Slovenia, either by walking or cycling around its many trails.
Check my specialized Eastern Slovenia itinerary.
Goricko Landscape Park
Goricko region is a landscape with low hills and it is located in the most northeastern part of Slovenia. Goricko is sparsely populated without a major central city. The remoteness of the region enabled the preservation of a rich natural and cultural environment.
In the center of the park lies Grad Castle which is the biggest baroque castle in Slovenia. In villages surrounding the castle, you can observe traditional crafts such as weaving and pottery and try some exceptional local dishes.
Breginjski kot
Breginjski Kot is the area that belongs to the so-called Venetian Slovenia region and forms the westernmost part of Slovenia. It is standing right next to the world-famous Soca Valley but managed to stay wild and pristine. Breginjski Kot is a valley that steadily rises from the city of Kobarid all the way to the village of Breginj standing on a terraced amphitheater of mountains high above the Nadiza River. Explore its secrets starting with the two isolated villages of Logje and Robidišče. Or give yourselves a peaceful retreat in Nadiza River Canyon full of small natural pools and man-made bridges.
It is a perfect place for lovers of nature, camping, hiking, and cycling. Kobariski Stol, a huge hill that rises above Breginj is known as a paragliders paradise so this area is a must for all adrenaline lovers.
Dovzan Gorge
Dovzan Gorge is nestled northeast of Trzic and is one of the lesser-known natural monuments. The journey through the gorge carved by the Trziska Bistrica River includes a picturesque tunnel carved almost 120 years ago. Above the gorge, there are stone monoliths called Kušpegar's Belfries, the remnants of a prehistoric coral reef that offer great views. Dovzan Gorge is a captivating blend of geological richness, educational experiences, and natural beauty and should not be missed.
Pohorje
Pohorje is a mountain range rising between the cities of Slovenj Gradec and Maribor. It is well known for its diverse natural beauty. With vast forests, scenic trails, and pristine lakes, Pohorje offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy year-round activities, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in warmer months. Must-visit sights in Pohorje are Crno, Ribnisko, The Lovrenc lakes, the Sumik waterfalls, and the virgin forests around it. The charming blend of outdoor recreation and natural wonders makes Pohorje a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a serene escape in Slovenia.
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