Ljubljana, Slovenia (pronounced loo-blee-awn-ah) is one of my favorite cities ever. I am in love with this country. It’s unbelievably clean (I didn’t encounter a single piece of trash the whole time I was there), the people are friendly, and everywhere I looked was absolute beauty.
Ljubljana is full of bridges with interesting names, such as the Cobbler’s Bridge, the Ugly Duckling, the Tripoli Bridge and the Dragon Bridge. Each one was more interesting than the last! My personal favorite was the Dragon Bridge. The dragon happens to be Slovenia’s national mascot!
In the square next to the Tripoli Bridge is one of the quirkiest tourist attractions I’ve ever come across. An area in the center is lined with signs depicting umbrellas, and titles “The Area with Ljubljana’s own Weather.” Sporadically, it rains only in this spot and nowhere else! (Yes, there’s probably something afoot here, but it’s cute so I’m going to leave it as an inexplicable meteorological occurrence).
Between the Tripoli and Dragon’s Bridges is the funicular which takes you to Ljubljana Castle. The Castle offers a great view of the city in the viewing tower, a disturbing medieval torture museum, and a lively painted chapel. The chapel also hosts an expert gothic letter calligrapher, who will write your name in kick-ass letters for you!
About a 45 minute bus ride from Ljubljana is a small town called Bled, home to Lake Bled and Bled Island. OMG, gorgeous, would sum up the town in two words! It’s easy to walk around the town, or there are many mountain and electric bikes available for rent on an hourly basis. I just happened to be there during the Bled Festival, as well, which offered local crafts and food!
I was able to spend a day in Bled, and this was enough time to hit the highlights!
1. Take a pletna boat to Bled Island.
These traditional Slovenian boats are still crafted in the same process used since the first pletna was perfected. Similar to a gondola, the rower stands at the foot of the boat and rows a boat of about 10 people to the island. On the island, there is a church where you can ring the famous wishing bell. You can also rent your own boat to go to the island, and have a picnic and swim.
2. Visit the Vintgar Gorge.
About a 15 minute taxi ride, or a 40 minute walk, away from the center of Bled is the incredible Vintgar Gorge. The hike to the gorge takes about 30 minutes from the ticket office, and is full of lush scenery along the way. It’s also shaded and cool within the canyon-like gorge, which is a relief from the hot summer sun.
3. Take a photo in the Lake Bled heart.
Selfies are always a priority.
4. Visit Tito’s Vila, also called Vila Bled.
Tito’s Vila used to be a vacation home for the Yugoslavian royal family. Now, it’ a magnificent hotel that you can either stay at, or stop by for a meal. The food is good, the cream cake is a must, and the view is perfect.
5. Take pics in the panoramic “I <3 Slovenia” photo frame.
There’s an adventure park called Strazje in Bled, and at the top of their ski lift is a huge frame where you can take awesome photos with a view of the lake. There’s even a stand you can set your camera on and use a timer feature!
6. Ride a toboggan.
You’re already at the top taking photos, why not ride the toboggan down? A tiny little yellow cart will slide you down the mountain on a tiny little strip of metal track. It looks a bit scary, but it’s SO MUCH FUN. Slide down the mountain!
I hope this post has given you at least a hint of all there is to love about Slovenia! And I hope even more that you have a chance to visit 🙂
xox,
Lauren
