Ljubljana, Slovenia is probably the most beautiful place you’ve never heard of.
Easier to pronounce than spell, Ljubljana (lyoo-BLYAH-nah) is the capital of bigger-than-you-would-think nation of Slovenia, which itself is wedged between European heavyweights Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Austria.
Source for Slovenia map
Still know nothing about the place? Not surprising. Enclosed on all sides by such prominent, historically and culturally rich countries, Slovenia often gets lost in the mix, still relatively unknown to even frequent travellers in Europe. This is at least true in my case: I had been to Rome and all up and down Italy’s yummy Amalfi Coast, had gone sailing in Croatia, and had backpacked in Hungary and Austria solo, but had never even given a passing thought to spending my tourist dollars in Slovenia.
However, I had the chance to get at least a bit better acquainted with Slovenia’s picturesque capital as part of my epic solo train trip this past August with Eurail.com. I had a 2-month Global Pass and 10 days t0 kill before it ran out, so decided to hit up a few new places in Europe as well as some old favourites. I added Ljubljana to my list after reading this post on Hecktic Travels from fellow Canucks Dalene and Pete and then this post from my friend Amanda over at A Dangerous Business. Those colours! That architecture! That relaxed vibe! I knew that I had to see it for myself and my upcoming rail trip around Europe furnished the perfect opportunity.
Spending three days in Ljubljana was probably the best decision I could have ever made.
After a busy few months of travel, I was burnt out and uninterested in maintaining the break-neck pace of before. Instead, in Ljubljana, I spent my days walking languidly around the centre, armed with only a small map from my hotel to keep me from getting lost. As the weather was amazing I took my Kindle and read under the trees in the park. I treated myself to scoops of vanilla gelato from the many vendors in the historic centre and indulged in quiet dinners at top-rated restaurants (Ljubljana is deliciously cheap– one of the cheapest places in Europe I’ve been to)!
One afternoon I did a city tour courtesy of Visit Ljubljana and the spectacularly knowledgeable local guide imparted secrets of her gorgeous home. The tour included a lazy boat ride along the Ljubljanica River, the body of water that cuts the city in two.
Here are just a few more pictures to tease you. Stay tuned for more on this wonderful city!
What do you think of Ljubljana so far? Have you ever been to Slovenia?
I was a guest of Eurail.com and Visit Ljubljana but all opinions and (drool-worthy photos!) are my own.
58 Comments
Oh wow it looks so beautiful!!! Definitely putting it on my Bucket List!
The country only came to my attention when my idol Jamaican sprinter Merlene Ottey took citizenship in 2002 and for that country. She was in the Slovenian 4×100 team this year at the age of 52! I might try and find her.
I LOVE this city. And all of Slovenia, for that matter. I’m so glad you decided to visit, and that you enjoyed it, too!
Looks amazing, and you’re right – I’ve never heard of it!
We spent a lazy week there a month ago.. very cute city!
I wish I had had the chance to spend some more time there!
It’s always been one of those places which I knew I had to visit.. but I’ve sort of circled around it so far. Some of the photos you posted remind me a bit of the atmosphere of Montevideo, Uruguay. Looks nice!
Ooh!! Glad I was able to incite your interest… 🙂
I’ve been three times to Ljubljana and each time I loved it more and more. It’s such an adorable city that not so many know about! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I really really love it and hoping to take Liebling with me next time!
Did you try some traditional Potica?
Unfortunately not!
Ljubljana is definitely one of the most beautiful cities I have seen in a long time! I felt immediately comfortable there, and it ranges very high on my I-could-totally-move-here-list 🙂
Funny….the other night my husband brought up Slovenia. I rolled my eyes and thought I told you I wanted to go some where warm and who goes to Slovenia! Oneika goes that’s who! Beautiful pictures!
on my list of places to visit in Europe this summer.
I want to go back and see more of the country!
I’ve not had the opportunity to visit Slovenia yet. Your photos and article make me want to bump it up to the top of my places to visit.
I went to Slovenia for the first time this year and LOVED it. Ljubljana was great, and it’s true that people just have not figured out that it is a fantastic place for a holiday!
After looking over a handful of the blog articles
on your web site, I really appreciate your technique
of blogging. I book marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my
website too and tell me your opinion.
Wonderful views on that!
Wonderful views on that!
That’s very good point
This is a good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.
Short but very precise info… Thank you for sharing this one.
A must read article!
If you want to take a great deal from this piece of writing then you have to apply such strategies to your won weblog.
It’s fantastic that you are getting ideas from this post as well as from our discussion made
at this time.
Hello there! This post couldn’t be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate!
He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to
generate a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and never seem to get anything
done.
Thanks to my father who informed me about this blog,
this blog is actually awesome.
Hi! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 3gs!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Keep up the fantastic work!
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really
well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to
read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I will definitely return.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a
really well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info.
Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
Superb blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused ..
Any ideas? Kudos!
I am genuinely delighted to read this webpage posts which consists of lots of valuable information, thanks for
providing such information.
Hi to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this webpage; this weblog consists of amazing and in fact fine material designed for readers.
It’s awesome in favor of me to have a web page, which is valuable in favor of my experience.
thanks admin
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more
of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
Hello, its fastidious article about media print, we all understand
media is a enormous source of data.
Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting
for your further post thanks once again.
First off I want to say great blog! I had a
quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing.
I’ve had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there.
I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted simply
just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints?
Appreciate it!
Thanks very interesting blog!
Hi, the whole thing is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing data, that’s truly good, keep up writing.
Gold. I think clients would love this.
Please allow me to introduce myself I’m a man of wealth and taste I’ve been around for a long, long year Stole many a mans soul and faith And I was round when jesus christ Had his moment of doubt and pain.
It’s cool not just elegant!
Hugely clean job mate
I like your colours!!
Mission accomplished. It’s good 🙂
Hey! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone 13. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share.
hey there and thank you for your info – I have
certainly picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise
several technical issues using this web site, as I experienced to
reload the site many times previous to I could get it to load
properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not
that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage
your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my email and can look out for
a lot more of your respective interesting content.
Make sure you update this again soon.
I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this information for my mission.
Amazing blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a
paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed ..
Any ideas? Bless you!
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and
you’re just too magnificent. I really like what you
have acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it.
You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise.
I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful web site.
Hiya! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do
you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when viewing from my
apple iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this
problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Appreciate it!
I’ve been surfing online greater than three hours lately, but
I by no means discovered any interesting article like yours.
It’s pretty worth sufficient for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made
good content as you did, the internet might be much more helpful than ever
before.
This colours blew my mind.
That’s an awesome point
I didn’t know that.
Comments are closed.