Ljubljana
Ljubljana With its central location within Slovenia, Ljubljana is a great jump off point for day trips to other cities within Slovenia, Austria and Croatia. Zagreb is just 2 hrs by train, 2 1/2 hrs by car. The city itself is relatively small and can be easily explored by foot. The central element of the city is the Triple Bridges across the Lujubljanica River, in Preseren Square.
Ljubljana is strategically placed for travelling between Italy, Central Europe and the Balkans and is easily accessible due to a well developed network of railways and roads. Slovenian airlines Adria airways supply flights for the Ljubljana airport, thus connecting the capital with many European cities.
Trains
The city is served by regional trains as well as EuroCity trains from Venice, Vienna, Switzerland, Belgrade, Zalzburg, Zagreb and Budapest. The train station is in the north of the city with many Hotels 10-15 mins walk.
The InterRail One Country Slovenia Pass is a good option to travel unrestricted throughout Slovenia with single rail pass.It enables an unrestricted number of journeys across the Slovenian railway network for 3, 4, 6, or 8 days during the course of one month. The offer applies to residents of European countries who do not have a permanent or temporary residence in the Republic of Slovenia. Passengers who do not live in Europe can purchase the Eurail One Country Slovenia Pass.
The pass is valid for travel on all trains, including ICS trains, however before boarding, passengers must confirm a seat reservation free of charge at the ticket counter. Failure to do so will result in having to pay a reduced ICS supplement on the train for a seat reservation corresponding to the class of carriage.
The 3 day Flexi pass costs approximately 54 euros, 4 days 74 euros, 6 days, 102 euros and 8 days 124 euros. The prices are discounted by approximately 35% for travelers under 26. Details and timetables are available at http://www.slo-zeleznice.si/en/passengers/slovenia
View Free Wifi hotspots in Ljubljana in a larger map |
Cars
Slovenia requires all motor vehicles using the Slovenian highways to have a vinjeta (pronounced: veen-yeh-tah) sticker. This system exists in lieu of tolls, and can be obtained at nearly all gas stations and kiosks. The fines for traveling without one can be pretty steep. The border police will likely not remind you to purchase a vinjeta when entering the country, but are highly likely to issue you a steep fine when leaving if you've failed to do so. For more info check http://www.dars.si. The fines quoted at border between Slovenia and Croatia range from 150 to 800 euros.
Like many European countries, tunnels are frequent along the highways. It is prohibited to turn, drive in reverse or stop, except in emergencies, in tunnels. When entering and exiting a tunnel, especially in bad weather, driving conditions change very quickly, so we must be more careful than normally.
Buses
The local Urbana Card, is a electronic travel smart card that can be purchased for a one-time fee of €2 at many locations including various tobacconists and news-stands, tourist offices, the central bus station and LPP offices at Bavarski Dvor and Celovška Cesta 160. Credit can be added for any amount between €1-50 at these same locations as well as some three dozen green Urbanomati machines scattered around town. When getting on the bus simply touch the card to one of the green card readers at the front entrance and €1.20 will be deducted from the card allowing 90 minutes of travel, including unlimited transfers.
Ideas for Day Trips
Ljubljana is a small city, with many of the sights and attractions within easy walking distance. You can experience the woods of the Tivoli hill in an afternoon, or explore the castle perched on a hill overlooking the city. Being in the heart of the country, Ljubljana is ideally located to take day trips, from medieval castles, to beaches, caves, rivers and majestic canyons.
City of Kranj A charming old town about half an hour drive from Ljubljana, Kranj was built on the shores of two Alpine rivers, Sava and Kokra. It is also the capital of the Gorenjska region. It is a regional university centre and located only 7 km from Ljubljana Airport. It has an attractive old town, and canyons around the Kokra river, beautiful nearby hills, lakes and mountains.
Piran (Pirano) A town full of Venetian style with a plethora of restaurants right along the seafront. The fortifications around the town resemble a castle, and offer a spectacular view of the town and it's bay.
For on-line hotel reservation visit Hotels in Piran. Parking can be a challenge.
Portoroz (Porto Rosso) A beach resort on the Slovenian Adriatic coast with modern hotels and giant casinos right next to its sandy beaches. There is a small international airport offering charter flights. For online hotel reservations visit Hotels in Portoroz.
Izola (Isola) A small cosy and quiet seaside town with a pleasant coastal walk. Izola has an extensive marina and is preferred by more mature holiday makers.
Caves of the Kras region
Postojna cave (Postojnska jama) is the most visited Slovenian cave, with an entry fee of ~20 Euros. Entry is only possible with a tour guide and tours run several times a day in the summer on the hour from 9 until 6.00 pm. Homepage: http://www.postojnska-jama.si
Skocjan caves A UNESCO worldheritage site, is less popular than Postojna, but much better. Ranking among the most important caves in the world, the Skocjan Caves represent the most significant underground phenomena in both the Karst region and Slovenia. The section that is accessible to the public is about 6 km long – the first half is cold with a constant temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, so do not forget to take a sweater. The other part is humid with seasonal temperatures thanks to the river flowing through. The guided tour takes one hour and a half and photography is not allowed. Homepage http://www.park-skocjanske-jame.si
Bled Castle The oldest castle in Slovenia, stands perched atop a steep cliff rising 130 metres above the glacial Lake Bled. A symbol of Bled and Slovenia. The image of the castle forming a dramatic backdrop to the romantic island and the church on it has earned the resort worldwide recognition through the centuries. Castle terraces offer spectacular views of the lake and the island, down the Dežela area with Lesce and Radovljica and over to the mountain ranges of the Karavanke and the Julian Alps. Bled has always been an important venue of high–level political and other official meetings. Its castle has been visited by a number of high-ranking statesmen who enjoyed the breathtakingly beautiful views of the surrounding nature.
Ljubljana Street Foods
Nothing captures the spirit, culture and essence of a country or city more than its street foods.
Burek is simply has to be tried. Burek comes in all manner of shapes and sizes but are essentially a baked phyllo pastry snack with a savory filling, flavored minced beef, cheese and/or spinach, optionally enjoyed with the addition of lashings of plain yoghurt. Burek can be found ready to eat, cheap and piping hot in bakeries and speciality places operating out of little more than an open window, especially around the bus station.
Horse Burger slathered in salad and sauce, munched in one of Ljubljana's main streets… a specialy of Hot Horse food stand. So wildly successful as a late night food stand that they have opened three other locations after the Tivoli Park original on Miklosiceva, Trubarjeva, and in BTC City.
