For such a small country, Slovenia has so much to offer its visitors. While often overlooked on the mainstream Euro routes, in favor of the more well-known places and landmarks, travelers should make sure not to skip it and make the mistake we nearly made ourselves.
While road-tripping from Croatia to Italy, we decided to detour and allow some time for a new country that wasn’t on our itinerary – and we are so glad we did.
Offering towering mountain ranges, turquoise-green rivers, and calming coastlines, it’s a country calling visitors to come and enjoy a holiday full of outdoor activities. Whether you’re into hiking, biking or water sports, there’ll be something in Slovenia to suit you. From mountain resorts to lakeside glamping, the accommodation options to accompany the activities are just as sought-after.
We hope you decide to make the detour to Slovenia too, or even make it the main event of your holiday.
Lake Bled
Slovenia’s most iconic location has grown in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. The emerald lake, with its island and church in the center, looking like something straight out of a fairy tale, is set amongst the highest peaks of the Julian Alps. The area has activities to appeal to everyone, from honeymooners to backpackers, with outdoor pursuits for everyone’s level. From an afternoon spent renting a rowing boat to canyoning down waterfalls: all bases are covered.
As with every popular tourist attraction, the accommodation is incredibly varied, but our choice led us straight to the lake’s shores. Providing options for those in campervans or tents, or idyllic glamping options for those with neither, River Camping Bled is ideal for those who’d like to be within jumping distance of the water. Staying here allowed us to drink our morning coffees on the lake’s jetties, swim in the water during the afternoon heat, and cycle the lakeside path into town for dinner at night.
River Camping Bled
Alpine Slovenia, Alpska Cesta 111, 4248 Lesce, Slovenia
Open: Seasonally. The campsite is open from April 15th to October 9th. During this time, the reception is open daily from 8.00am until 10.00pm
Cost: Nightly costs vary depending on the season and accommodation chosen
Camping in low season will cost €12 per adult, €8 per child (between the age of 5 and 14) and €7 per pet, and then between €7 and €13 depending on the pitch chosen
Camping in high season will cost €18.50 per adult, €12.50 per child (between the age of 5 and 14) and €7 per pet, and then between €7 and €22 depending on the pitch chosen
Glamping in low season ranges from €110 to €130, up to between €220 and €300 in high season, with cleaning fees of €45 and pet fees of €15 per night
A tourist tax of €2 per adult per night applies year-round
Facilities:
- Glamping and camping
- Grocery store
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Adventure playground
- Swimming pool
- Pump track
- Sports centre
- Equipment rental
- Indoor games
- Multipurpose room
- Yoga
- River beach
Our top two outdoor activities for the campsite’s immediate area would have to include renting a rowing boat to visit Lake Bled’s island and a short hike to reach a stunning viewpoint above the two.
There are three options for rowing boat rental, with varying prices and opening times.
Grajska Boathouse Boat Rental
Veslaska Promenade 11, 4260 Bled
Open: May to September: 10.00am until 18.00pm
Cost: Boat for three people: €15 for the first hour, €8 for each additional hour
Boat for five people: €18 for the first hour, €10 for each additional hour
Pension Pletna Boat Rental
Cesta Svobode 37, 4260 Bled
Open: Daily, year-round
Cost: Boat for three people: €12 per hour. Boat for five people: €17 per hour
Grand Hotel Toplice Boat Rental
Address: Cesta Svobode 12, 4260 Bled
Open: Daily, year-round: 9:00am – 19:00pm
Cost: €15 per hour
The opportunity to experience rowing on the beautiful Lake Bled was definitely the highlight for us but once on the island, there are a few things still left to enjoy. You can visit the historic chapel, climb the bell tower, and enjoy the trail around the perimeter of the island. If you’re interested in longer hikes then back on the shores of Lake Bled, we recommend one you shouldn’t miss.
4260 Bled, Slovenia
Open: Daily 24/7, year-round
Cost: Free
In order to gain another perspective on Lake Bled, visitors should not miss a short climb to this incredible viewpoint. In just twenty minutes, after a short but steep climb, you can be met with this dreamlike panorama. The trail winds uphill through the forest and ends with a welcome bench, allowing you to stay a while and soak in the views.
Triglav National Park
Just a short distance from Lake Bled is Slovenia’s only National Park. Spanning nearly 84,000 hectares, it’s the largest protected area in the country. Covering most of the Julian Alps, including Slovenia’s highest mountain and three separate conservation areas, it’s also part of a biosphere reserve and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With enough outdoor activities to keep visitors entertained for at least a week, it’s necessary to find a suitable base from which to soak it all in. As with our other European recommendations, we found another idyllic campsite to call home.
Camp Bohinj
Ukanc 5, 4265 Bohinjsko Jezero, Slovenia
Open: Seasonal opening times, from April to October
Cost: Prices per night range depending on the time of year
Camping in low season will cost from €14 per adult and €10 per child (between the age of 7 and 13), depending on the pitch chosen, whereas camping in high season will cost from €18 per adult and €12 per child
Extra fees include €4.50 for electricity, €3 for laundry facilities, €10 for tent rental and between €5 and €10 for car parking
Facilities:
- Drinking water
- Showers
- Toilets
- Dish washing station
- Laundry facilities
- Camper dump station
- Refuse and recycling
- WiFi
- Electricity
- Playground
- Children’s activities
- Yoga classes
- Water sports rentals, including boats, canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards
- Bike and e-bike rentals
- Activity and excursion bookings
Located on the shores of Lake Bohinj, in the village of Ukanc, is Camp Bohinj. Offering options for campervans, tent camping, and the option to rent one too, it’s the perfect base for those wanting to enjoy the National Park’s nearby outdoor activities.
With the starting point for many hikes close to the site, there are also many options for water activities from the camp itself. You’re welcome to use your own crafts but they also offer rentals of kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Bicycles are also available for those who’d rather stay on land!
Jezersko natural mountain park area
In the very north of Slovenia, close to the Austrian border, lies Jezersko. A beautiful valley, home to the mountain plateaus of the Alps, ancient 400 million-year-old coral reefs, and dramatic drained glacial lakes. This natural mountain park area is another unique part of Slovenia that should be high on your list for enjoying outdoor activities while visiting the country.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to spend long in the area, but we’ve been highly recommended this beautiful boutique hotel for our next visit.
Vila Planinka
Zgornje Jezersko 67, 4206 Zgornje Jezersko, Slovenia
Open: Year-round
Cost: Prices per night range depending on the season and room booked
A superior room, with a mountain or forest view, begins at €305, while one with a balcony starts at €346
A junior suite begins at €375 and one with a balcony begins at €396
Larger rooms range from €486 for a corner deluxe suite, €586 for a corner deluxe family room whereas a whole apartment can be rented for €631
Facilities:
- Michelin star restaurant
- Wine room
- Food and wine tastings
- Finnish and infrared sauna
- Massages
- Snowshoeing, sledding and skiing
- Dark sky night hikes
- Excursion organization
- Equipment rental
Villa Planinka is absolutely stunning: just looking at the photos of the hotels makes us want to book a one-way flight straight to Slovenia.
While offering visitors luxurious rooms and amenities, the focus is very much on the natural world and its surroundings. There are no electronic devices in any of the sleeping areas, and a Wi-Fi connection is only available in the hotel’s lobby. The restaurant focuses its meals on locally sourced organic ingredients, and the garden uses no fertilizers or irrigation systems. The hotel aims to fit seamlessly into its natural surroundings, providing visitors a welcome refuge from the modern world.
As well as the accommodation and its ambiance, various activities are also on offer for visitors. Our pick would be the hotel’s ‘Night hike under the stars’. With next to no light pollution, it’s an ideal location for enjoying the stars. Villa Planinka’s mountain guide will lead visitors on a guided hike throughout the local area. It’s a totally unique adventure, summiting a peak in the darkness, looking for the North Star while learning about the constellations. On return to the hotel, fireside drinks are on offer, including homemade biscuits and a drink of your choosing.
We hope this range of outdoor activities and accommodation choices in Slovenia has given you inspiration for your next trip to this unique and varied European country. We can’t wait to return.
