Backpacking Slovenia

Are you looking for a destination that combines quiet beaches with exciting adventures in breathtaking surroundings? In this case, Slovenia’s the place for you! The small country borders on Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Croatia and has, thanks to its unique location in the heart of Europe, something for everyone. Rolling rivers and beautiful waterfalls, surrounded by tall mountains covered in snow, turn into flatlands and pretty beaches the closer you get to the Adriatic Sea. Have fun exploring our backpacking route through Slovenia!


Important Basics

Official Language

Slovenian

Basic Vocabulary
English Slovenian
Hello zdravo
Goodbye cao
Thank you Hvala
Yes da
No Ne
Capital City

Ljubljana

Form of Government

Parliamentary Republic

Phone Country Code

+386

Currency

Euro (€)

Climate

Highest temperature by day: 2–25 °C

Highest temperature by night: -3–14 °C

Summer: June to August

Winter: November to February

Fun Fact

The Qur’an was first translated in Slovenia (Herman of Carinthia, 12th century)

Cities

Ljubljana

There is a lot to discover in Ljubljana, from imposing buildings, museums, and parks to fantastic bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafés. The city is the perfect introduction to Slovenia, plus, it’s diverse and yet very affordable!

Ljubljana has a population of about 288,000 people and is the country’s center. According to some locals, the name “Ljubljana” comes from the Slovenian word “ljubljena”, which means “beloved city”. We’re sure that you’ll end up loving this capital too!

The old town of Ljubljana is beautiful, and you should visit the stone arch bridge Tromostovje, as it’s the city’s symbol. The main building of Ljubljana’s university is also very impressive. The capital is home to about 60,000 students, so be prepared for its vibrant nightlife.

If you need a break, why not visit the university’s Botanic Gardens or Tivoli Park? The latter is Ljubljana’s largest and most charming park and reaches all the way to the city center. It opened in 1813 and covers an area of about 5 km2.

You have the choice between a few hostels in Ljubljana, although a night in a 6-bed dorm will be around €20 in any of them.

Postojna

It’s about €5 to get to your next stop, Postojna, by bus. The town is located in the southwest of Slovenia, towards the Adriatic coast, and has about 8,500 inhabitants.

Nearby, you’ll find the Postojna Cave Park, the second-largest accessible cave system in the world. Its underground passages, galleries, and halls span over 24 km. Most of the cave was discovered more than 200 years ago. The Postojna Cave is open all year round, so you’ll always have plenty of time to explore it!

Not far from the caves, you can also visit Predjama Castle. It dates back to the Middle Ages, making it more than 800 years old.

You can stay in one of the nearby youth hostels, where a bed in a 3-bed dorm will cost you around €18.

Piran

After spending some time underground, your next stop will take you directly to the Adriatic Coast. The bus to Piran costs only about €8. Accommodation here is also pretty affordable, with a night in a 6-person dorm being only around €26.

Piran is a fascinating city! It was once part of the Venetian Empire, and this legacy is still visible in the city’s beautiful architecture. The city’s location on the coast means you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to go swimming, so don’t forget your swimwear!

In addition, Piran has many great cafés and offers fantastic views, which you can enjoy from the former city walls.

Overall, Piran is pretty small and its alleys are all very narrow, so you can explore the town on foot without getting too exhausted. Although you can walk through the whole place in half an hour, we highly recommend taking as much time as you can to see the sights, because there is just so much to discover here!

Bovec

The easiest way to get to Bovec is by bus, which costs around €20. The town is located at an altitude of 460 m, and it’s near the Italian border in the Julian Alps. Bovec is the capital of a municipality with same name, and it’s home to about 3,200 people.

Here, you’re surrounded by a beautiful landscape. Take the opportunity to explore the two waterfalls Boka and Virje, both of which are absolutely spectacular.

You also have the opportunity to refresh yourself in Bovec, as the nearby Gorejca stream has been dammed up, creating a small swimming pool. Slovenia's largest mountain lake, Lake Krn, is also not far from Bovec . Its stunning beauty makes the hike up here definitely worth it!

If you have time left in Bovec, we also highly recommend visiting the Kluže Fortress and Fort Hermann, dating from the 15th and 19th century respectively.

During your time in Bovec, you can stay in one of the local hostels. You can get a bed in a 6-bed dorm for about €19 per night.

Vršič Pass

Your next stop is in Vršič. The bus ticket from Bovec is only around €4.

Vršič is a mountain pass, but not just any pass – with 1,611 m, it’s the highest one in all of Slovenia. It connects the town of Kranjska Gora with the village of Trenta.

You just can't get enough of the Slovenian nature? Don’t worry, the scenery around the Vršič pass is incredibly beautiful, and there’s a lot for you to discover here.

In addition, the Vršič pass is the ideal starting point for hiking tours through the Julian Alps. For example, it’s part of the famous Alpe-Adria-Trail, a 750 km-long hiking trail that partially runs through Slovenia.

To recover from all the walking, choose one of the nearby hostels. A double room costs usually around €48 per night there.

Lake Bled

The final stop on your trip through Slovenia is Lake Bled, which lies at an altitude of 475 m above sea level.

You can try out a range of activities here, depending on the season. In winter, the mountains surrounding the lake are ideal for skiing, while in summer you can go swimming or diving in the lake itself. If you prefer something a little more challenging, you can also try out rafting or parachuting here.

Of course, Lake Bled is also a great place to just relax and reflect on the past few days. Why not walk around the lake and enjoy the green surroundings? Alternatively, you could also visit Bled Castle and the adjoining museum, which lie 140 m above the lake and offer a fantastic view.

Finally, the small island of Blejski Otok in the middle of the lake is also worth a visit. Take the chance to explore its famous church and the excavation site, where artifacts from the early and high Middle Ages are unearthed. We recommend taking one of the traditional wooden boats to cross over to the island, as this makes the whole experience even more special.

As you can see, there really is something for everyone at Lake Bled, and we’re sure you’ll have a great time here. Spend your final few nights in Slovenia in one of the hostels on the shore of the lake. A night in a 12-bed dorm is usually around €20 here.


Ljubljana

Ljubljana

There is a lot to discover in Ljubljana, from imposing buildings, museums, and parks to fantastic bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafés. The city is the perfect introduction to Slovenia, plus, it’s diverse and yet very affordable!

Ljubljana has a population of about 288,000 people and is the country’s center. According to some locals, the name “Ljubljana” comes from the Slovenian word “ljubljena”, which means “beloved city”. We’re sure that you’ll end up loving this capital too!

The old town of Ljubljana is beautiful, and you should visit the stone arch bridge Tromostovje, as it’s the city’s symbol. The main building of Ljubljana’s university is also very impressive. The capital is home to about 60,000 students, so be prepared for its vibrant nightlife.

If you need a break, why not visit the university’s Botanic Gardens or Tivoli Park? The latter is Ljubljana’s largest and most charming park and reaches all the way to the city center. It opened in 1813 and covers an area of about 5 km2.

You have the choice between a few hostels in Ljubljana, although a night in a 6-bed dorm will be around €20 in any of them.

Postojna

Postojna

It’s about €5 to get to your next stop, Postojna, by bus. The town is located in the southwest of Slovenia, towards the Adriatic coast, and has about 8,500 inhabitants.

Nearby, you’ll find the Postojna Cave Park, the second-largest accessible cave system in the world. Its underground passages, galleries, and halls span over 24 km. Most of the cave was discovered more than 200 years ago. The Postojna Cave is open all year round, so you’ll always have plenty of time to explore it!

Not far from the caves, you can also visit Predjama Castle. It dates back to the Middle Ages, making it more than 800 years old.

You can stay in one of the nearby youth hostels, where a bed in a 3-bed dorm will cost you around €18.

Piran

Piran

After spending some time underground, your next stop will take you directly to the Adriatic Coast. The bus to Piran costs only about €8. Accommodation here is also pretty affordable, with a night in a 6-person dorm being only around €26.

Piran is a fascinating city! It was once part of the Venetian Empire, and this legacy is still visible in the city’s beautiful architecture. The city’s location on the coast means you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to go swimming, so don’t forget your swimwear!

In addition, Piran has many great cafés and offers fantastic views, which you can enjoy from the former city walls.

Overall, Piran is pretty small and its alleys are all very narrow, so you can explore the town on foot without getting too exhausted. Although you can walk through the whole place in half an hour, we highly recommend taking as much time as you can to see the sights, because there is just so much to discover here!

Bovec

Bovec

The easiest way to get to Bovec is by bus, which costs around €20. The town is located at an altitude of 460 m, and it’s near the Italian border in the Julian Alps. Bovec is the capital of a municipality with same name, and it’s home to about 3,200 people.

Here, you’re surrounded by a beautiful landscape. Take the opportunity to explore the two waterfalls Boka and Virje, both of which are absolutely spectacular.

You also have the opportunity to refresh yourself in Bovec, as the nearby Gorejca stream has been dammed up, creating a small swimming pool. Slovenia's largest mountain lake, Lake Krn, is also not far from Bovec . Its stunning beauty makes the hike up here definitely worth it!

If you have time left in Bovec, we also highly recommend visiting the Kluže Fortress and Fort Hermann, dating from the 15th and 19th century respectively.

During your time in Bovec, you can stay in one of the local hostels. You can get a bed in a 6-bed dorm for about €19 per night.

Vršič Pass

Vršič Pass

Your next stop is in Vršič. The bus ticket from Bovec is only around €4.

Vršič is a mountain pass, but not just any pass – with 1,611 m, it’s the highest one in all of Slovenia. It connects the town of Kranjska Gora with the village of Trenta.

You just can't get enough of the Slovenian nature? Don’t worry, the scenery around the Vršič pass is incredibly beautiful, and there’s a lot for you to discover here.

In addition, the Vršič pass is the ideal starting point for hiking tours through the Julian Alps. For example, it’s part of the famous Alpe-Adria-Trail, a 750 km-long hiking trail that partially runs through Slovenia.

To recover from all the walking, choose one of the nearby hostels. A double room costs usually around €48 per night there.

Lake Bled

Lake Bled

The final stop on your trip through Slovenia is Lake Bled, which lies at an altitude of 475 m above sea level.

You can try out a range of activities here, depending on the season. In winter, the mountains surrounding the lake are ideal for skiing, while in summer you can go swimming or diving in the lake itself. If you prefer something a little more challenging, you can also try out rafting or parachuting here.

Of course, Lake Bled is also a great place to just relax and reflect on the past few days. Why not walk around the lake and enjoy the green surroundings? Alternatively, you could also visit Bled Castle and the adjoining museum, which lie 140 m above the lake and offer a fantastic view.

Finally, the small island of Blejski Otok in the middle of the lake is also worth a visit. Take the chance to explore its famous church and the excavation site, where artifacts from the early and high Middle Ages are unearthed. We recommend taking one of the traditional wooden boats to cross over to the island, as this makes the whole experience even more special.

As you can see, there really is something for everyone at Lake Bled, and we’re sure you’ll have a great time here. Spend your final few nights in Slovenia in one of the hostels on the shore of the lake. A night in a 12-bed dorm is usually around €20 here.

Slovenia Route Map

Itinerary and Stops.

Tag
Route/Station
Transport
Unterkunft
1. Home – Ljubljana
Home – Ljubljana
Bus
25
6-bed dorm
20
2. Ljubljana
Ljubljana
-
6-bed dorm
20
3. Ljubljana
Ljubljana
-
6-bed dorm
20
4. Ljubljana – Postojna
Ljubljana – Postojna
Bus
5
3-bed dorm
18
5. Postojna
Postojna
-
3-bed dorm
18
6. Postojna
Postojna
-
3-bed dorm
18
7. Postojna – Piran
Postojna – Piran
Bus
8
6-bed dorm
26
8. Piran
Piran
-
6-bed dorm
26
9. Piran
Piran
-
6-bed dorm
26
10. Piran
Piran
-
6-bed dorm
26
11. Piran – Bovec
Piran – Bovec
Bus
20
6-bed dorm
19
12. Bovec
Bovec
-
6-bed dorm
19
13. Bovec
Bovec
-
6-bed dorm
19
14. Bovec
Bovec
-
6-bed dorm
19
15. Bovec – Vršič Pass
Bovec – Vršič Pass
Bus
4
Double room
48
16. Vršič Pass
Vršič Pass
-
Double room
48
17. Vršič Pass – Lake Bled
Vršič Pass – Lake Bled
Bus
5
12-bed dorm
20
18. Lake Bled
Lake Bled
-
12-bed dorm
20
19. Lake Bled
Lake Bled
-
12-bed dorm
20
20. Lake Bled
Lake Bled
-
12-bed dorm
20
21. Lake Bled – Home
Lake Bled – Home
Bus
25

Total price.

Flights 0,00
Transportation 92,00
Tours 0,00
Accommodation 470,00
Total 562,00

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Dos and Donts, Food & Drinks, Costs.

Breakfast

Bread and dip:   in Slovenia, breakfast is fairly small compared to the other, much larger meals.

Soup

Bujta repa: this soup is made from pork and turnips. You’ll usually have it with a slice of bread.

Main courses

Carniolan sausage:  this popular sausage is usually served with cabbage and salad.

Štruklji: this is a dessert made from rolled dough and different fillings. You have a wide variety to choose from, whether you prefer poppy seeds, curd cheese, or nuts. It’s usually served with vanilla sauce.

Cheese pouches:  the dumplings are filled with different types of cheese and topped with a sauce of beetroot and garlic.

Ajdovi zganci: this dish is often considered Slovania’s national dish. Made from roasted veal and gravy, it is both delicious and filling. It’s often served with salad and cabbage as side dishes. 

Belokranjska povitica: this cake consists of thinly rolled dough that is filled with curd. It’s a dessert that is equally popular with locals and travelers!

Drinks

Cviček: this wine is considered to be the best in Slovenia. Do you agree?

Pear brandy:  this traditional drink is often offered to guests. We’re sure you’ll love it!

Slovenia

In Slovenia, payments are made in euros (€). See prices for certain products and the cost of living below.

Cost of Living

Food

Free Time

Personal Hygiene

Dos

Compliments: make some compliments about Slovenia – the locals will appreciate them.

Punctuality: being punctual is very important here. It’s always better to be a little bit early rather than run the risk of being late, as this is considered to be very disrespectful.

Showing interest: show your interest in the country, the people, and their culture. It’s an easy way to make new friends!

Don'ts

Slovenia and the Balkans: Never refer to Slovenia as the Balkans. Slovenia is an independent country, and calling it otherwise will not be well-received.

Forgetting about the countryside: Slovenia has many great cities, but you shouldn’t spend your whole trip there. The Slovenian countryside also has a lot to offer, so we highly recommend including it in your plans.

Talking about wars: you shouldn’t mention any of Slovenia’s past military conflicts or speak negatively about the country. This way, you can avoid difficult questions and arguments.

Visa, Visa, Passport & Vaccinations

Passport

Yes

Temporary passport

Yes

National ID

Yes

Temporary national ID

Yes

Child’s pass

Yes

Visa

(Not necessary)

Vaccine

Robert-Koch-Instituts

Additional Remarks.

Entering Slovenia without valid travel documents is punishable with a fee between €500 and €1,200. Please also find out about the current entry regulations regarding COVID. You can find further information at your country’s Foreign Office.

The team at Backpacker Trail wishes you lots of fun and an unforgettable trip!

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