At first blush, a clich? Europe tour would generally include mostly western European destinations like
Paris, Amsterdam, London, Berlin, Rome, etc. However, breaking the conspicuous trend chain, I zeroed in
on Slovenia, a southern central European country, which bears low profile and also, much less in limelight
from tourism point of view.
I got a chance to visit Slovenia in the first week of February 2018. Although, it was a momentary journey
for only three days, I was fortunate enough to witness lots of pristine beauties of this majestic country.
Given that this is still an unchartered terrain, I would like to share my Slovenian travel experiences for the
benefit of all. During three days in Slovenia, I explored three targets viz. Ljubljana (capital city of Slovenia),
Bled city and Postonja cave.
Where is Slovenia?
Slovenia is a nation state located in southern Central Europe. It is bordered by Italy to the west, Austria to
the north, Hungary to the northeast, Croatia to the south and southeast, and the Adriatic Sea to the
southwest.
I flew down from my base in Doha (Qatar) to Vienna (Austria) first on 1 February 2018 where I kicked off
my journey from. Despite being a frequent traveler to Vienna city, I always experience that this artistic
city has something new to put in my plate. Since Slovenia was the protagonist this time, I could spend a
quality day in Vienna admiring inter-alia Belvedere Museum which serves mesmerizing presentation of
Austrian art in an international context. Considering the time crunch situation, I set my sights on
Kahlenberg which offer heavenly views and since it was a sunny day, I could afford myself a stunning
glimpse of the entire city from the top. In brief, Kahlenberg hill is located in the Vienna Woods and is one
of the most popular excursion destinations for the city?s residents. It is c. 40 km. away from the Vienna
airport and well-connected by metro train and bus (with multiple but convenient changes).
On the next day, (2nd February), I boarded into an early morning bus (operated by FlixBus) at 6.30 AM for
Ljubljana city. This travel costed me 23 Euro and it took around 5 hours to reach Ljubljana city. Much to
my surprise, the city rolled out the red carpet for me with a massive snow storm and I could witness thick
layers of white snow everywhere. I alighted from the bus Ljubljana city bus station around 11.30 AM and
then went ahead inquiring about my airbnb residence. Post 2-3 inquiries, I embraced the path towards
my residence, however, amidst snowy path-ways and freezing cold waves, it was unimaginable for me
stroll through at all. To this moment, I received warm hospitality from a resident who offered me a ride
to my residence. I had booked a residence very close to the bus station (train station is also opposite) for
better connectivity and it costed me 70 Euro for 3 nights.
shopping centres, etc. I gobbled up some food and 10-15 euro are seems sufficient for a tasteful meal. There are some noteworthy scenic places and Franciscan Church of the Annunciation as well. The church located on Pre?eren
Square in Ljubljana. It is the parish church of Ljubljana – Annunciation Parish and its red colour is symbolic of the Franciscan monastic order. I would advocate that one ought to consider paying a visit to the Church as apart from being a divine place, it extends soothing environment and mesmerizing interior to the onlookers. Therefore, correctly, it is designated as the cultural monument of national significance of Slovenia.
Proceeding further, I reached at the initial point of
Dragon Bridge which crosses the Ljubljanica River between Kopitar Street and Ressel Street. It came into
existence in the beginning of the 20th century, when Ljubljana was part of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.
This bridge is the best epitome of reinforced concrete bridges and is built in Vienna Secession style.
While walking through the bridge, one can have an overwhelming view of the river. Ljubljana city is rested
on the Ljubljanica River. The river, with its interesting bridges (in addition to Dragon Bridge) and picturesque
old city centre embankments, is one of Ljubljana’s most headline landmarks. One interesting piece of information about the river is that it has immense archaeological importance and often, treasure hunters and archaeologists plunge into the river to unearth lost relics and artifacts.
After the river view, I came back home and quickly, snuggled into my bed. However, one can also explore
Slovenian nigh-life in Club top Six and so on.
On the next day, (3rd February), I paid 7 euro and took a bus around 8.30 AM to reach Bled city. Bled is c.
50 km away from Ljubljana and travel time is around 1 hour. Bus is consistently available throughout the
day. Bled, a Slovenian resort town in the foothills of the Julian Alps, is set along the glacial Lake Bled. This
Alpine lake with the only small island in the lake’s center in Slovenia, has been a world-renowned paradise
for centuries.
I visited the island on a traditional ?pletna? boat which charged me 12 euro for two ways journey. The island is
bestowed with a pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, with its steep staircase and bell tower.
Traditionally, it is considered felicity and luck for the groom to carry his bride up the steps on the day of their
wedding before ringing the bell and making a wish inside the church.
At the nearby caf? there, one should never miss mouthwatering desserts namely Orehova Potica walnut
Potica and Potica Hazelnut with Fig which literally pleased my taste buds to the core. Additionally, after
coming back by boat, I had Blejska Kremna Rezina which is a custard cream cake dessert, mostly popular in
central European countries. While these desserts could be heavy in terms of calories intake, but certainly not on
one?s pocket.
From the lake point, I went up to the 11th-century Bled Castle, which houses a museum, chapel and printing
press. The pleasure walk (not so steep) took me around 1 hour to reach to the pinnacle point from the lake base.
According to written sources, it is the oldest Slovenian castle and is currently one of the most visited tourist
attractions in Slovenia.
Castle terraces offer spectacular views of the bled lake and the romantic island, and over to the mountain
ranges of the Karavanke and the peaks of breathtaking Julian Alps. While I looked up at the mountains silently and
astonishingly, my soul chanted loudly and warmly inside me Georges Simenon? words ?The lake and the mountains have become my landscape, my real world?. And indeed, rightly said, nothing could be more romantic and intimate than this picture-perfect sight.
Finally on 4th February, on the last day of my journey, I again boarded in an early morning bus which charged
me 7 euro one way to reach Postojna Cave, in an hour time roughly.
Postojna Cave is a 24,340 m long karst cave system near Postojna, southwestern Slovenia. It is the secondlongest cave system in the country. Symbol of the cave called ?Brilliant? (depicted in the picture) which is a marvelous shiny white limestone formation. One cannot but agree that it is entirely worthy of its name. The caves are also home to the endemic olm, the largest troglodytic amphibian in the world. The caves 24 km. of passages, galleries and magnificent halls offer a unique experience of the underground world. Also, there are museums which provides the history of the cave and life-formation of endemic olm.
The entire cost of train ride in the cave and visits to museum is 32 euro approximately. At night, I took a bus to come back to Vienna for fare of 35 euro. This was one of the most memorable journeys of my life with lots of rich experiences. I deeply hope to witness this beauty again as soon as possible. I believe that this little attempt of mine to chalk down my experiences would trigger thrust in readers to visit Slovenia. Signing off with Danny Kaye?s words,
?To travel is to take a journey into yourself?.
With love, Enakshi
