Overview
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Slovenia in winter itinerary
This 4-day winter itinerary focuses on the north and northwest of Slovenia, including the capital city of Ljubljana with its magical Christmas markets, the famous Lake Bled, and the snowy town of Kranjska Gora with its winter sports opportunities. It’s the perfect mix of magical city charm, stunning winter landscapes, fun winter activities, and all of that in just 4 days. Plus, all these incredible places are close to each other, making Slovenia ideal for a short and unforgettable winter getaway!
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Day 1 - Lake Bled
Right after landing in Ljubljana, we headed straight to Lake Bled, just a 30-minute drive from the airport. If you arrive during the day, you can enjoy the magical winter landscape of Lake Bled, which is absolutely stunning.
You can take a leisurely stroll around the lake, hop on a boat to Bled Island to ring the bell of the church for good luck, or simply relax in one of the local spas. And, of course, don’t miss trying the famous Bled Cream Cake, a local must-try! If you’re into hiking and the conditions allow, you can even climb up to Osojnica and Ojstrica viewpoints for a stunning view over the winter wonderland of Lake Bled.
Just keep in mind that during winter, it gets dark quite early, but the area comes alive with beautiful Christmas lights, creating an extra cozy and charming atmosphere.
In the evening, we took a step back in time with the Sound of Holiday group. It was a truly unique experience, giving us a glimpse into how locals used to celebrate the festive season. The evening was full of vibrant folk dances, lively music, delicious traditional dishes, and a magical lantern walk. The beautiful traditional clothing added a special touch, making the event even more charming.
It was the warmest welcome we could have imagined for a winter visit to Slovenia. It was not just a chance to learn about the rich local culture, but also a lot of fun, especially with the music and dancing.
Where to stay in Bled
Bled is a beautiful place with lots of great options for where to stay. Both around the lake and in the surrounding area, you can find everything from cozy guesthouses to fancy lakeside hotels.
We stayed at Bled Rose Hotel, and it was a fantastic experience. The location is perfect, just steps from the lake, and the hotel has a stylish but relaxed vibe.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay near lake Bled and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Day 2 - Kranjska Gora
On the second day of our trip, we drove from Bled to Kranjska Gora. Our morning started with an exciting visit to the Planica Nordic Center, a true paradise for winter sports fans. The center is known for its ski jumps and we got to witness athletes take off from the massive jumps, flying through the air.
At the center, you can enjoy a couple of fun activities. You can glide along the cross-country ski trails or feel what it is to fly like the ski jumpers during an indoor skydive in the vertical wind tunnel.
Beyond the activities, Planica is home to the Planica Big Hill, the world’s largest ski jump, where numerous world records have been set. Watching ski jumpers push their limits here makes it clear why Planica is such an iconic destination in the world of winter sports.
After visiting the Planica Nordic Center, we headed back to Kranjska Gora for a well-deserved lunch. On the way there, we made a stop at Zelenci Nature Reserve, where we witnessed one of the most magical winter sceneries in Slovenia.
For lunch, we recommend Lačni Kekec, a cozy spot where you can enjoy a meal in a traditional mountain hut. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and it’s the perfect place to recharge before your afternoon adventures.
In the afternoon, you can hit the slopes of the ski resort of Kranjska Gora. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the area by unwinding at the Špik Wellness.
After an active day on the slopes or a relaxing afternoon at Špik Wellness, you can end your day at the cozy Christmas market in Kranjska Gora. The market is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and is filled with cute stalls selling handmade crafts, festive snacks, warm drinks, and an ice skating rink.
If you’re looking for a great place to dine before or after your visit to the Christmas market, we recommend the restaurant at Hotel Lipa.
Where to stay in Kranjska Gora
Hotel Lipa is not only a great spot for dinner but also an excellent place to stay the night in Kranjska Gora. That said, if you’re looking for something a bit different, there are plenty of other accommodation options to choose from in the area.
Day 3 - Ljubljana
After waking up to breathtaking views of the mountains glowing orange in the light of the rising sun and enjoying a hearty breakfast, we headed back to Ljubljana. We had the whole day to explore this charming city and got a first taste of its magical Christmas Market.
When you’re in Ljubljana, you should definitely visit Prešeren Square, home to the beautiful pink Franciscan church, the Triple Bridge, and a towering Christmas tree. Another must-do is taking the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle from where you have a stunning view over the city. You can also stroll along the Ljubljanica River and wander through the streets, looking for unique souvenirs and local specialties like honey and handmade craft works. On Sundays, you can even go hunting for old treasures at the flea market.
For lunch, we stopped at Breg, and it was absolutely delicious. It’s a great spot to refuel before continuing to explore the city.
In the evening, you can soak up the magical holiday atmosphere in Ljubljana as the city comes alive with twinkling lights and lovely Christmas decorations.
For dinner, you can grab a bite at the Christmas market, where you’ll find plenty of local snacks, or head to one of the many great restaurants in the city. If you’re a fan of meat or fish, we highly recommend Altroke, where you can enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy, welcoming setting.
To round off the evening, you can enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine or try the local Union beer at one of the cozy bars lining the Ljubljanica River.
Where to stay in Ljubljana
In Ljubljana, you find a wide range of great places to stay, from boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses. During our visit, we stayed at AS Boutique Hotel. It’s perfectly located just a few meters from Prešeren Square, putting you right in the heart of the city, close to all the main attractions, restaurants, and the Christmas market.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay near lake Bled and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana
Ljubljana
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Day 4 - Ljubljana
On your last day in Ljubljana, we recommend diving into the local culture by joining a workshop on traditional crafts. We took part in a weaving workshop at the Ethnographic Museum, which was a fun and hands-on way to learn about Slovenian heritage. On top of that, the museum is located right next to Metelkova, an interesting and bizarre part of the city worth exploring. If weaving isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other workshops to try, such as pottery, printing in an old printshop, making hand-crafted jewelry and even mending an umbrella.
After the workshop, you can treat yourself to a drink at the Nebotičnik (Skyscraper), while enjoying the most stunning views of Ljubljana and snowy mountain peaks in the background. It’s the perfect spot to admire the beauty of the city one last time.
Before heading back home, you can spend some time shopping in the city center. From charming boutiques to local artisan shops, there are plenty of opportunities to shop in the city, but don’t let your suitcase get too heavy for the flight!
How to get around
The best way to get around Slovenia in winter is by car, especially a rental car. It gives you the freedom to explore beautiful spots like Lake Bled and Kranjska Gora at your own pace. If you’re driving your own car, make sure it has winter tires (mandatory from November 15 to March 15) and a highway vignette. Snow chains are a good idea if you’re heading into the mountains. Roads are well-maintained, but always check the weather before setting out, as snow can occasionally make things tricky.
Other options include buses and trains, which are reliable for most towns, or guided tours that take you to major attractions without the hassle of driving.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
