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!
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