Overview
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Slovenia Road Trip itinerary
About this Slovenia itinerary
This Slovenia itinerary takes you to some of the country’s most beautiful places. Along the way, you’ll discover impressive waterfalls, turquoise rivers, scenic gorges, dramatic caves and, of course, the stunning Julian Alps. It’s a circular route that starts and ends in Ljubljana, where you’ll find Slovenia’s main international airport. If you’re arriving somewhere else, you can easily start the itinerary at a different point or drive it in the opposite direction.
We designed this itinerary at a relaxed pace, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each destination without feeling rushed. The main route takes around two weeks, but we’ve also included an optional one-week extension if you have more time. You’re free to adjust the itinerary to match your own travel style by adding extra stops or skipping places that don’t interest you as much.
If you’re short on time, we’d recommend spending at least one week in Slovenia. In that case, focus on the Soča Valley, Bohinj and Bled, which we think are some of the country’s absolute highlights. If you have two weeks, you can comfortably follow this itinerary, while three weeks gives you plenty of time to explore at an even slower pace and fit in a few extra adventures along the way.
Best time for this Slovenia itinerary
Slovenia is a destination you can visit year-round, and we’ve experienced it in both summer and winter. For this road trip, though, we definitely recommend the warmer months. Summer is the perfect time for hiking, swimming in crystal-clear lakes and exploring the country’s incredible landscapes.
This itinerary is best followed between late spring and early autumn. July and August are the busiest months, so if you have the flexibility, we recommend visiting in June or September. The weather is still great, but you’ll usually encounter fewer crowds at the most popular places.
We also loved visiting Slovenia in winter. The snow-covered mountains create a completely different atmosphere, and it’s a fantastic destination if you’re planning a ski trip. Just keep in mind that some hiking trails and attractions may be closed, and driving conditions can be more challenging, especially in the mountains.
Renting a car or campervan in Slovenia
We recommend exploring Slovenia by car or campervan, as it gives you the freedom to visit all the incredible places at your own pace. If you’re flying into Slovenia, you can easily rent a car through DiscoverCars or a campervan through Roadsurfer. We completed this road trip in our own campervan and absolutely loved the experience. We did this road trip with our own campervan, and gathered all our best tips for camping in Slovenia.
Although having your own vehicle is by far the easiest option, it’s also possible to visit many of the highlights by public transport, especially during the summer months. Seasonal shuttle buses operate in several popular areas, making it easier to reach some of the country’s most beautiful hiking trails and attractions.
Driving in Slovenia
Driving in Slovenia is easy and enjoyable. The roads are generally in excellent condition, and even in the mountainous areas, we found them well-maintained and easy to navigate. If you’re travelling by campervan, you’ll come across some narrow and winding roads, but we never found them too challenging.
To use Slovenia’s highways, you’ll need to buy a vignette, which is an electronic toll pass. We decided to skip the highways and avoid buying one, but if we did this road trip again, we’d probably just get the vignette. After a couple of weeks on winding mountain roads, we were definitely ready for some straighter routes every now and then.
Vignettes are available for 7 days, 30 days or one year and can be purchased online or from authorised dealers. They become valid as soon as they’re activated. You can find the latest prices and more information on the official DARS website.
The speed limits in Slovenia are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on regional roads and 130 km/h on highways.
Ljubljana
If you’re arriving in Slovenia by plane, chances are you’ll land in Ljubljana, making it the perfect place to start your road trip.
Ljubljana completely surprised us. Even though it’s a relatively small capital, it has such a lovely atmosphere with its mix of historic quarters, green spaces, and modern areas. We immediately enjoyed walking around and exploring the city at our own pace. One of our favorite spots was Ljubljana Castle. From the top, you get a beautiful view over the city and the surrounding hills. You can either take the funicular up or walk if you don’t mind a bit of a climb. A
fterwards, wander through the charming Old Town, where you’ll come across colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and landmarks like Prešeren Square, the Dragon Bridge, and the pink Franciscan Church. Don’t forget to stroll along the Ljubljanica River, where the many cafés make it the perfect place to sit down with a drink and soak up the atmosphere.
We’d recommend spending the rest of your first day exploring Ljubljana before heading into nature. It’s also a lovely place to return to at the end of your Slovenia itinerary for one last relaxed evening.
Where to stay in Ljubljana
There are plenty of great places to stay in Ljubljana. We recommend booking accommodation in the city center, so you can easily walk to the main sights, restaurants, and cafés. If you’d rather stay somewhere a bit quieter, the area around Tivoli Park is a great choice too.
If you are traveling with a tent or camper, you can stay at Camping Ljubljana Resort, north of the city. With a camper, you can also stay at Area Sosta Camper – “Livada”, Camper Stop Lubljana, or Camper Park on the south side of the city.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Ljubljana and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana
Ljubljana
via Booking.com
Postojna
After your visit to Ljubljana, drive towards Postojna, where you can explore the famous Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle. Just outside Postojna, you’ll also find the renowned Škocjan Caves.
If you only have time for one cave, we’d definitely choose Škocjan Caves. Walking through the enormous underground canyon with the river flowing far below was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip. It’s unlike any cave we’ve visited before and honestly left us speechless. If you have enough time, it’s worth visiting both. They offer completely different experiences, so they don’t feel repetitive. We’d recommend starting your day at Postojna Cave before continuing to Škocjan Caves.
Where to stay in Postojna
Postojna is a great place to spend the night before continuing your Slovenia road trip. Most accommodations are close to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, making it easy to visit both. If you’re planning to visit Škocjan Caves the next morning, staying somewhere in the surrounding countryside can save you a bit of driving.
There are a few camper stops and campsites in and around Postojna, where you can stay the night if you are traveling with a camper. Closer to the Škocjan caves, you can stay at Camping Dujceva Domacija, a bit further down the road. We stayed in the next village of Razdrto at Camping Mirjam. In Divaca, you find a paid Camper Stop where you can stay the night as well.
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Vipava
After exploring the caves, it’s time for something completely different. Just a 30-minute drive away, you’ll arrive in the Vipava Valley, one of Slovenia’s most beautiful wine regions.
Start by wandering through the small town of Vipava. We loved its quiet streets, old stone houses, little bridges, and relaxed atmosphere. If you’re interested in the region’s wine culture, you can also stop by the Lanthieri Mansion, where you’ll learn more about the area’s long winemaking tradition.
Of course, no visit to the Vipava Valley is complete without a wine tasting. There are plenty of family-run wineries where you can sample local wines while looking out over the vineyards. We definitely recommend adding a tasting to your itinerary. If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, Vipava is also one of Slovenia’s best places to go paragliding. Seeing the valley from above must be an incredible experience.
Where to stay in Vipava
The Vipava Valley has plenty of lovely places to stay. There are cozy family-run guesthouses, where you can enjoy warm hospitality and stunning views of the vineyards. If you prefer something a bit more luxurious, you can also stay in one of the boutique hotels, often set in beautifully restored historic buildings.
If you’re traveling by camper, this is one of our favorite places to stay in Slovenia. Through the Schau aufs Land app, you can spend the night for free at participating farms and wineries in exchange for buying some of their local products, such as wine, cheese, or yogurt. It’s a great way to meet local families and support small businesses at the same time.
Our favorite spot was Schau aufs Land ID #930 (you’ll need to register first). We received such a warm welcome from the family, enjoyed a delicious wine tasting, and woke up surrounded by vineyards. It was one of our favorite overnight stays in Slovenia.
Soča Valley
In the coming days, you can explore what we believe is one of the most beautiful areas in Slovenia: the Soča Valley. This valley is famous for its stunning emerald-blue Soča River and offers countless beautiful spots to discover. There are four main villages from which you can explore the valley: Kanal, Tolmin, Kobarid, and Bovec. We highly recommend exploring the area village by village, gradually making your way through the valley before continuing your journey.
The Soča Valley deserves a guide of its own, so we’ll be sharing a complete guide with all our favorite spots and tips very soon.
Where to stay in the Soča Valley
You can choose to stay in a different village each day from south to north, gradually making your way to the end of the valley. Alternatively, you can base yourself in one of the villages and make day trips if you prefer not to move every single day.
In Kobarid, you can stay in cozy guesthouses, charming boutique hotels, or comfortable B&Bs in a quiet atmosphere.
Tolmin is the largest town, where you’ll find a variety of accommodations including hotels, guesthouses, and campgrounds. It’s a great spot for exploring the area and enjoying the natural beauty of the valley.
Bovec is the adventure hub of the Soča Valley, ideal for activities like rafting, kayaking, and paragliding. You can choose from a range of accommodations including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Kanal is a charming town, but it’s situated further south than the more popular base towns like Bovec, Kobarid, and Tolmin. That’s why it may not be the most convenient base for exploring the Soča Valley.
Kranjska Gora
After exploring the Soča Valley, continue your road trip over the Vršič Pass, Slovenia’s highest mountain pass. The drive itself is an experience, with countless viewpoints and hairpin bends before you arrive in the alpine town of Kranjska Gora.
We recommend spending two days in this area, as there’s plenty to see and do. Don’t miss Zelenci Nature Reserve, one of the most photographed places in Slovenia, or the beautiful Lake Jasna. There are also plenty of hiking trails if you’d like to spend more time in the mountains.
Where to stay in Kranjska Gora
In Kranjska Gora, you have plenty of great options to stay the night. You can choose from cozy guesthouses and charming boutique hotels, many of which offer stunning mountain views. If you prefer something more self-sufficient, there are also comfortable lodges and well-equipped apartments.
The closest campsite to Kranjska Gora is Camping Nature Eco Camp. Alternatively, you can stay at the paid parking lot of the Planica Valley with your camper, from where you can start the beautiful hike along the Valley Trail.
Bled
If you didn’t have time to visit Peričnik Waterfall while staying in Kranjska Gora, you can easily stop there on your way to Bled.
We recommend spending at least two days in Bled. Rent a rowing boat or SUP to get out on the lake, or take one of the traditional boats to the famous island. Once there, climb the 99 steps to the Church of the Assumption and ring the wishing bell.
For the best views over Lake Bled, don’t miss the short hikes to Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica. They were some of our favorite viewpoints in the area and are definitely worth the climb.
Just a short drive from Bled, you’ll find the famous Vintgar Gorge. The wooden boardwalk takes you through the gorge alongside the crystal-clear river, with beautiful rapids and waterfalls around almost every corner.
After a few busy days of exploring, we also loved slowing down in Bled. We spent some time by the lake, enjoyed the mountain views, and of course couldn’t leave without trying the famous Bled Cream Cake.
Where to stay in Bled
Bled is one of the most popular tourist places in Slovenia, so you will find a wide range of places to stay. You can stay in charming guesthouses or choose from a range of hotels with beautiful lake views.
The closest campsite to Bled is Camping Bled, located right next to Lake Bled and near the Mala Osojnica Trailhead.
On the opposite side of the lake, in the village and just beyond it, you’ll find two more camper parking options: Camper Stop Bled and Fox Creek Parking. For additional options a bit further from Bled, you can stay at River Camping Bled or Camping Sobec. Both of these campsites are within cycling distance of Bled, and at Camping Sobec, you can rent bikes if needed.
Lake Bohinj
From one beautiful lake to another, it’s time to visit Lake Bohinj. While Bled is Slovenia’s most famous lake, Bohinj quickly became one of our favorites. The lake lies in the heart of Triglav National Park, with the Julian Alps rising all around it, giving it a much quieter and more natural feel.
The crystal-clear water is perfect for a swim, a kayak trip, or a few hours on a paddleboard. While you’re here, don’t miss Slap Savica, one of Slovenia’s most famous waterfalls. You can also take the cable car up to Vogel for incredible views over the lake and the surrounding mountains. If you enjoy hiking, there are plenty of trails to explore from the top.
There are also plenty of beautiful walks and hikes around Lake Bohinj. If you’re looking for an easy walk, we really enjoyed Mostnica Gorge. The trail follows the river through the forest and is a lovely way to spend a few hours.
If you’re up for a challenge, the Seven Lakes Valley Trail is one of Slovenia’s most famous hikes and rewards you with incredible alpine scenery. Another hike we can recommend is the trail to the Vogar mountain pasture, where you’ll be treated to beautiful views over Lake Bohinj. We could easily have spent even more time here, so we’d definitely recommend staying for at least two days if your itinerary allows it.
Where to stay at Lake Bohinj
Around Lake Bohinj, you’ll find a range of accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to comfortable hotels with lake views, or charming lodges.
The campsite closest to Lake Bohinj is Camp Bohinj directly on the lake. In Bohinsjka Bistrica, you can also stay at Camping Danica Bohinj.
Alternatively, you can park your camper at one of the three paid camper parking lots (P23, P14 and ZP at the train station). During the summer season, shuttle services stop at these lots and at Camping Danica Bohinj, making it easier to explore the area. Parking a camper close to the lake can be very challenging, so the shuttle service is a convenient option.
Škofja Loka
When driving from Lake Bohinj to Škofja Loka, it’s best to first return to Lake Bled and continue from there. On your way to Škofja Loka, you can make a detour to see the beautiful Catholic Church of Saint Primus and Felician in Jamnik. Note that the road to this church is steep and winding, but the views are well worth the effort.
Not far from Škofja Loka, you’ll find another notable church, Cerkev Sv. Tomaž. To truly appreciate its charm, it’s better to see it from a distance and enjoy its simple beauty set against the rolling landscape.
Once you arrive in Škofja Loka, take some time to explore this charming medieval town. It’s one of the oldest towns in Slovenia and, in our opinion, also one of the prettiest. We really enjoyed wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets, lined with colorful buildings and beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
As you explore the town, don’t miss the picturesque Špitalski Bridge and the lovely main square. Škofja Loka isn’t very large, which makes it the perfect place for a short stopover.
Where to stay in Škofja Loka
In Škofja Loka, you can stay in cozy guesthouses or boutique hotels right in the Old Town. If you prefer to stay a bit quieter, you’ll also find accommodations just outside the center.
If you’re traveling by camper, there are two convenient places to stay. There’s a camper parking area right in the city center, or you can stay at the camper stop on the southern side of town.
2 – 3 week alternative
The rest of this itinerary depends on how much time you have left. If you’re spending two weeks in Slovenia, it’s time to make your way back to Ljubljana from Škofja Loka.
If you have an extra day or two, we highly recommend adding Velika Planina before returning to the capital. The traditional shepherd’s village and mountain scenery make it one of the most unique places in Slovenia.
If you have 3 weeks, you can continue your road trip to Planšarsko Jezero before heading back to Ljubljana.
Planšarsko Jezero
A day at Planšarsko Jezero is all about relaxing in nature and soaking in the dramatic mountain landscape. This small, heart-shaped lake in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps is the perfect place to escape from busier tourist spots.
We recommend starting your visit with a coffee or lunch at the lakeside restaurant while taking in the mountain views. Afterwards, you can explore the area on foot. There’s an easy walk around the lake, as well as several hiking trails if you’re in the mood for a longer adventure.
In the evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset behind the mountains at the lake, or begin your drive toward Logar Valley. The route includes a winding road, partly through Austria, with some incredible panoramic views. While the road can be steep and winding, it’s an adventure in itself with absolutely stunning scenery.
Where to stay near Planšarsko Jezero
Zgornje Jezersko has a small selection of places to stay, including a hotel, a few apartments, and some homestays. You can also continue towards Logar Valley, where you’ll find more accommodations in the valley itself and around Solčava.
If you’re traveling by camper, you can stay close to Planšarsko Jezero at Camp Senkova or Glamping and B&B Cvet Gora. Near Logar Valley, Ambroz-Gregorc Farm is a great place to stay, just a 5-minute drive from the valley.
Logar Valley
The Logar Valley, or Logarska Dolina, is famous for its green meadows surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests. It’s an ideal spot for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking in beautiful scenery, with plenty of trails to explore.
A must-see is the Rinka Waterfall, Slovenia’s second-highest, plunging 90 meters and easily reached with a short hike. You can also visit traditional Slovenian farms to experience local culture and enjoy homemade dairy products and meats.
We also recommend driving or cycling along the Panorama Road which offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
Where to stay in Logar Valley
There are a few hotels in the Logar Valley where you can stay with some magical views, including:
Alternatively, you also find a few hotels and guesthouses in the nearby area of the valley. Be careful when picking a hotel located south of Logar Valley. The valley is a dead-end road, blocked off by a massive mountain range on the south side, so it’s important to choose your hotel carefully. Make sure you don’t need to drive all the way around to travel between your hotel and the Logar Valley.
Unfortunately, overnight stays in the Logarska Valley with a campervan are not permitted, and campsites in the area are limited. However, you can park your camper at the Ambroz-Gregorc Farm, just a 5-minute drive from the Logar Valley. The closest campsite is Avtokamp Smica, located near Luče.
Velika Planina
The final stop on this Slovenia itinerary before returning to Ljubljana is Velika Planina. This mountain plateau is home to one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved traditional shepherd settlements, and it’s unlike anywhere else we visited in Slovenia.
The plateau is dotted with traditional wooden shepherd huts, many of which were destroyed during World War II but have been carefully restored. Today, they are still in use. In late spring, shepherds bring their livestock here and live in the huts until autumn, continuing a centuries-old tradition.
Depending on your preferences and budget, you can either take an easy hike to the plateau from the southeast side or use the cable car from the other side. Once there, you can explore the plateau along various hiking trails that connect the settlements, making it an ideal spot for a full day of hiking and learning about Slovenia’s shepherding culture. You can read everything about it in our guide to visiting Velika Planina.
Where to stay at Velika Planina
The most unique experience is spending the night in a traditional shepherd hut on Velika Planina, with some huts now available for overnight stays.
If you prefer not to stay on the plateau, Kamnik is the best nearby base, where you can find a range of guesthouses and apartments to stay.
If you want to visit Velika Planina by cable car, campers can stay at Camping Kraljev Hrib, which is about 300 meters from the cable car station. Alternatively, you can stay at Camping Resnik in Kamnik. This is also the best campsite to stay in if you want to hike to Velika Planina from the southeast side.
Extending your Slovenia itinerary
After exploring all these beautiful places in Slovenia, it’s time to head back to Ljubljana. With a full 3 weeks, you might have a few days left for flexibility in your Slovenia itinerary. You can either relax, add extra activities like paragliding or rafting, or spend a few more days exploring Ljubljana.
If you have extra time to extend your trip to Slovenia, you can also consider adding these fantastic destinations to your Slovenia itinerary:
- Piran: This charming coastal town in Slovenia is known for its narrow streets, Venetian-style architecture, and beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea. It’s perfect for wandering, enjoying fresh seafood, tasting local wines and watching the sunset from the historic town walls.
- Koper: This is Slovenia’s main coastal city, where you find a charming blend of Venetian architecture, vibrant markets, and a picturesque harbor. It’s perfect for exploring Slovenia’s small but lovely coastline.
- Maribor: This is Slovenia’s second-largest city, located in one of the country’s famous wine regions. It’s the perfect destination for wine tours and is known for its charming old town, cultural experiences, and the world’s oldest grapevine.
- Celje: Slovenia’s fourth-largest city, rich in history and surrounded by lush landscapes. Highlights include the medieval Celje Castle and the Celje Cathedral.
We’re sure you’ll have an unforgettable experience with this Slovenia itinerary. If you have any questions or need to make adjustments, feel free to leave a reply. We’re here to help.
Enjoy your trip and drive safely!
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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!
