5 must see places in Slovenia

Five great destinations for a break 

Saint John the Baptist church on Bohinj lake

Otočec

Otočec is a place on the left bank of the river Krka, near the Slovenian-Croatian border. It bears this name from the 1952. Until then, it was called Šent Peter – Saint Peter. The parish church is also dedicated to Saint Peter. The greatest attraction of the place is the castle Grad Otočec from XIII century, built on a small island in the middle of the river, the biggest of approximately thirty islets in this part of the Krka river. The central part of this castle is now turned into a modern Relais and Chateaux hotel. The river used to be a natural moat around the castle. Today it can be crossed over two wooden bridges, so that the island is accessible by car, although there is also a big parking on the river bank.  

 

Otočec Castle

Bled

Bled is probably the most famous destination in Slovenia. It is a small picturesque

Bled

town on a beautiful Alpine lake. In the middle of the lake there is a small island which can be reached by boats running from the shore. On the island there is a lovely church in which you can pull a rope, ring a bell and make a wish which will, so they say, come true. On the cliff above the lake there is a castle Blejski grad. Around the lake there is a pleasant path for walking or cycling. In Bled there are several very good hotels and restaurants, with pools, modern spa centres and great views. Do not miss the famous cake called „Blejska kremšnita“.

Bohinj

Bohinj is also a lake, but very different from Bled. It is much bigger – the biggest lake in Slovenia – but also much less touristy and crowded than Bled. There you can enjoy quiet walks and untouched nature all year round. There are some modern and luxurious hotels in the vicinity, but most of them are several kilometres away from the lake. On the shores of the lake there are just a couple of hotels and restaurants. They say that the Turks, conquering Europe, came to the shores of Bohinj lake and thought that was the end of the world, so they decided to return home.

 

Terme Olimia

Terme Olimia

Terme Olimia are the most famous wellness in Slovenia. Nestled in pretty greenery on Slovenian-Croatian border, they offer a wide variety of accommodation, activities, treatments, pools, and spa facilities. This is an ultimate spa destination in Slovenia and a must-see for all spa lovers. In the vicinity there are lots of interesting places to see, such as village and monastery Olimje, Jelenov Greben – a charming deer park, an old castle on the hill above the little town Podčetrtek, and many others.

Dolenjske Toplice

Terme Dolenjske Toplice

Terme Dolenjske Toplice are also a spa resort, but quite the opposite of Terme Olimia. Situated in the centre a lovely and very quaint small town, they are quiet and simple, but offer a couple of very decent hotels and a good range of spa facilities. The main wellness centre Balnea is not as modern as Orhidelia, but it is also quite good and much quiter. Hotels are mostly dated but renovated, with specific antique charm of an old spa town. The vicinity is amazing and offers a lot of possibilities for walks, hiking, cycling and enjoying pure nature.