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Slovenia travel guide - Travel S helper

Slovenia

travel guide

Slovenia, formally the Republic of Slovenia, is a nation state situated in southern Central Europe at the crossroads of major European cultural and commercial routes. It is bounded on the west by Italy, on the north by Austria, on the northeast by Hungary, on the south and southeast by Croatia, and on the southwest by the Adriatic Sea. It has a land area of 20,273 square kilometers (7,827 square miles) and a population of 2.06 million people. It is a parliamentary republic and a UN, European Union, and NATO member. Ljubljana is the capital and biggest city.

The region is mostly mountainous, with a predominantly continental climate, save for the Slovene Littoral, which has a sub-Mediterranean climate, and the northwestern part, which has an Alpine climate.

Additionally, Slovenia is the meeting point between the Dinaric Alps and the Pannonian Plain. The nation, which is rich in biological variety, is also one of the most water-rich in Europe, with a thick river network, an extensive aquifer system, and many karst subterranean watercourses. Forest covers more than half of the area. Slovenia’s human habitation is scattered and uneven.

Slavic, Germanic, Romance, and Hungarian languages all coexist in this area. Although the population is not homogenous, the Slovene language is spoken by the majority. Slovene is the country’s official language. Slovenia is a mainly secular nation, although Catholicism and Lutheranism have had a major impact on its culture and identity. Slovenia’s economy is modest, open, and export-oriented, and has been heavily affected by global economic circumstances. It has been harmed significantly by the Eurozone crisis, which began in the late 2000s. Services are the primary economic sector, followed by manufacturing and construction.

Slovenia’s present area has been a part of a variety of distinct state forms throughout history, including the Roman Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Habsburg Monarchy. Slovenes first exercised self-determination in October 1918, when they co-founded the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs. They united with the Kingdom of Serbia in December 1918 to become the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (renamed Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929). Slovenia was invaded and annexed by Germany, Italy, and Hungary during World War II, with a sliver of territory given to the Independent State of Croatia, a Nazi puppet state. Following that, it was a founding member of the Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia, subsequently renamed the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, a communist state that was the only Eastern Bloc nation to never join the Warsaw Pact. Slovenia gained independence from Yugoslavia in June 1991, after the establishment of multi-party representative democracy. It joined NATO and the European Union in 2004; the Eurozone in 2007; and the OECD, a worldwide organization of high-income industrialized nations, in 2010.

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Slovenia - Info Card

Population

2,108,708

Currency

Euro (€) (EUR)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

Area

20,271 km2 (7,827 sq mi)

Calling code

+386

Official language

Slovene

Slovenia | Introduction

Tourism in Slovenia

Slovenia has a diverse range of natural and cultural attractions for visitors. Tourism has evolved into many forms. The tourism gravitational region is very vast, yet the tourist market is quite tiny. There has been no large-scale tourism, and there have been no severe environmental constraints.

Ljubljana, the nation’s capital, contains several significant Baroque and Vienna Secession structures, including many major works by native-born architect Joe Plenik and his student, architect Edo Ravnikar.

The Julian Alps, with the beautiful Lake Bled and the Soa Valley, as well as the nation’s highest summit, Mount Triglav in the center of Triglav National Park, are located in the country’s northwest region. Other prominent mountain ranges for skiers and hikers are the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, Karavanke, and Pohorje.

The karst landscape was named after the Karst Plateau in the Slovene Littoral, a landscape formed by water dissolving the carbonate bedrock and creating caverns. Postojna Cave and the UNESCO-listed Kocjan Caverns are the most well-known caves. The area of Slovenian Istria meets the Adriatic Sea, where the most significant historical site is the Venetian Gothic Mediterranean town of Piran, while the summer village of Portoro draws large people.

The hills around Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city, are famous for their wine-making. The northeastern region of the nation is rich in spas, with Rogaka Slatina, Radenci, ate ob Savi, Dobrna, and Moravske Toplice gaining popularity in the past two decades.

Other prominent tourist attractions include the ancient towns of Ptuj and Kofja Loka, as well as numerous castles, including the Predjama Castle.

Congress and casino tourism are important components of Slovenian tourism. Slovenia has the greatest proportion of casinos per 1,000 people in the European Union. The biggest casino in the area is Perla in Nova Gorica.

The majority of international visitors to Slovenia come from the following main European markets: Italy, Austria, Germany, Croatia, Benelux, Serbia, Russia, and Ukraine, followed by the United Kingdom and Ireland. European visitors provide more than 90% of Slovenia’s tourism revenue.

Geography Of Slovenia

Slovenia is located in Central and Southeastern Europe, between the Alps and the Mediterranean. It is located between the latitudes of 45° and 47° N, and the longitudes of 13° and 17° E. The 15th meridian east almost coincides to the country’s midpoint in the west-east direction. The Republic of Slovenia’s Geometrical Center is situated at 46°07’11.8″ N and 14°48’55.2″ E. It is located in the municipality of Litija, near Slivna. Triglav (2,864 m or 9,396 ft) is Slovenia’s tallest mountain; the country’s average elevation above sea level is 557 m. (1,827 ft).

Slovenia is the meeting point of four main European geographic regions: the Alps, the Dinarides, the Pannonian Plain, and the Mediterranean. Despite its location on the Adriatic Sea near the Mediterranean Sea, the majority of Slovenia lies in the Black Sea drainage basin. Northern Slovenia’s long border with Austria is dominated by the Alps, which include the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Karavanke range, as well as the Pohorje massif. Slovenia’s Adriatic coast extends for around 47 kilometers (29 miles) from Italy to Croatia.

The phrase “Karst topography” refers to the Karst Plateau in southern Slovenia, a limestone area with subterranean rivers, gorges, and caverns located between Ljubljana and the Mediterranean. The terrain is mainly flat on the Pannonian plain to the east and northeast, near the Croatian and Hungarian borders. The bulk of Slovenian topography, however, is hilly or mountainous, with approximately 90 percent of the area being 200 m (656 ft) or more above sea level.

Forests occupy more than half of the nation (10,124 km2 or 3,909 sq mi). Slovenia is now the third most wooded nation in Europe, behind only Finland and Sweden. The regions are mainly covered by beech, fir-beech, and beech-oak woods and have a high production capacity. There are still remnants of ancient woods, the biggest of which may be found in the Koevje region. Grassland spans 5,593 km2 (2,159 sq mi), and farms and gardens are also present (954 km2 or 368 sq mi). Orchards cover 363 km2 (140 sq mi) while vineyards cover 216 km2 (83 sq mi).

Climate In Slovenia

Slovenia is situated in the temperate zone. The diversity of topography, as well as the effect of the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, all have an impact on the climate. The continental climatic type with the largest variation between winter and summer temperatures dominates in the Northeast. The climate along the shore is sub-Mediterranean. The influence of the sea on temperature rates may be seen all the way up the Soa valley, whereas the high mountain areas have a harsh Alpine environment. Throughout much of the nation, there is a significant interplay between these three climate systems.

Precipitation, which frequently comes from the Bay of Genoa, varies throughout the nation as well, with some Western areas receiving over 3,500 mm (138 in) and Prekmurje receiving just 800 mm (31 in). Snow falls often in winter, with 146 centimetres of snow falling in Ljubljana in 1952. (57 in).

Slovenia is not as windy as the rest of Western Europe since it is in the Alps’ slipstream. The average wind speed is lower than in neighboring nations’ plains. Local vertical winds with daily durations are prevalent due to the rough terrain. Aside from these, three winds are particularly important in the region: the bora, the jugo, and the foehn. The Littoral is distinguished by the jugo and the bora. Unlike jugo, which is typically humid and warm, bora is usually chilly and windy. The foehn is native to Slovenia’s Alpine areas in the north. The northeast wind, southeast wind, and north wind are all common in Slovenia.

Demographics Of Slovenia

Slovenia has the lowest population density in Europe, with 101 people per square kilometer (262/sq mi) (compared to 402/km2 (1042/sq mi) for the Netherlands and 195/km2 (505/sq mi) for Italy). The population density is lowest in the Inner Carniola–Karst Statistical Region and greatest in the Central Slovenia Statistical Region.

According to the 2002 census, the Slovenes are Slovenia’s largest ethnic group (83 percent), although their proportion of the overall population is steadily declining owing to their comparatively low fertility rate. At least 13% of the population in 2002 was made up of immigrants from other areas of the former Yugoslavia and their descendants. They have mostly settled in cities and suburbs. The Hungarian and Italian ethnic minorities are very tiny, although they are protected by Slovenia’s Constitution. The autochthonous and geographically scattered Roma ethnic group has a unique position.

Slovenia has one of the most noticeable population agings in Europe, owing to a low birth rate and rising life expectancy. Almost all Slovenians over the age of 64 are retired, with no discernible gender difference. Despite immigration, the working-age population is shrinking. A vote in 2011 rejected a plan to increase the retirement age from the current 57 for women and 58 for men. Furthermore, there is still a substantial disparity in life expectancy between the sexes. In 2014, the total fertility rate (TFR) was projected to be 1.33 children born per woman, which was lower than the replacement rate of 2.1. Unmarried women have the bulk of children (in 2014, 58.3 percent of all births were outside of marriage). In 2014, the average life expectancy was 77.83 years (74.21 years male, and 81.69 years female).

Slovenia has a suicide rate of 22 per 100,000 people per year in 2009, placing it among the top European nations in this category. Nonetheless, the rate fell by approximately 30 percent between 2000 and 2010. There are significant variations across areas and genders.

Religion

Prior to WWII, about 97 percent of the population identified as Catholic (Roman Rite), approximately 2.5 percent as Lutheran, and approximately 0.5 percent as members of other faiths.

In pre-Communist Slovenia, Catholicism had a significant role in both social and political life. Following 1945, the nation experienced a slow but persistent secularization trend. Following a decade of religious persecution, the Communist government established a policy of relative tolerance toward churches. The Catholic Church recovered some of its previous power after 1990, although Slovenia remains a mainly secular country. According to the 2002 census, Catholicism accounts for 57.8 percent of the population. In 1991, 71.6 percent were self-declared Catholics, a decrease of more than 1% each year. The Latin Rite is used by the overwhelming majority of Slovenian Catholics. The White Carniola area is home to a small number of Greek Catholics.

Despite a very small population of Protestants (less than 1% in 2002), the Protestant heritage is historically important since the Protestant Reformation created the Slovene standard language and literature in the 16th century. Today, a large Lutheran minority resides in Prekmurje’s easternmost area, where they account for about one-fifth of the population and are led by a bishop with his seat in Murska Sobota.

A tiny Jewish community has traditionally coexisted with these two Christian faiths. Despite the losses sustained during the Holocaust, Judaism still has a few hundred followers, the most of whom live in Ljubljana, home to the country’s only functioning synagogue.

According to the 2002 census, Islam is the second most common religious denomination, accounting for about 2.4 percent of the population. The majority of Slovenian Muslims are from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Orthodox Christianity is the third biggest denomination, accounting for about 2.2 percent of the population, with the majority of followers adhering to the Serbian Orthodox Church and a minority subscribing to the Macedonian and other Orthodox churches.

In 2002, about 10% of Slovenes proclaimed themselves atheists, another 10% professed no particular religion, and approximately 16% chose not to answer the question regarding their religious affiliation. According to the Eurobarometer Poll 2010, 32% of Slovenian people “think there is a deity,” 36% “believe there is some kind of spirit or life force,” and 26% “do not believe there is any type of spirit, god, or life force.”

Immigration and emigration

Around 12% of Slovenians were born abroad: in 2008, over 100,000 non-EU nationals lived in Slovenia, accounting for approximately 5% of the total population. Bosnia and Herzegovina had the largest proportion of these foreign-born inhabitants, followed by Serbia, Macedonia, Croatia, and Kosovo.

Since 1995, the number of individuals coming to Slovenia has gradually increased, and in recent years, it has increased even more quickly. Slovenia joined the EU in 2004, and the yearly number of immigrants more than quadrupled by 2006, then more than doubled again by 2009. Slovenia has one of the European Union’s fastest increasing net migration rates in 2007.

In terms of emigration (leaving their country), numerous men left Slovenia between 1880 and 1918 (World War I) to work in mining regions in other countries. The United States, in particular, has been a popular destination for emigrants, with the 1910 US Census revealing “183,431 people in the USA of Slovenian mother language.” However, there may have been many more since many avoided anti-Slavic prejudice and “identified as Austrians.” Prior to 1900, popular locations included Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, as well as Omaha, Nebraska, Joliet, Illinois, Cleveland, Ohio, and rural regions of Iowa. They arrived in Utah (Bingham Copper Mine), Colorado (particularly Pueblo), and Butte, Montana after 1910. These regions initially drew a large number of single males (who often boarded with Slovenian families). The men then sent back for their wives and families to join them after finding employment and having enough money.

Language In Slovenia

Slovenian, the national language, is spoken as the mother tongue by 91 percent of the inhabitants, although there are also minority of Italian (concentrated on the Primorska coast) and Hungarian (near Prekmurje to the northeast). Historically, and before to WWII’s conclusion, there was also a sizable German-speaking minority. Slovenian, on the other hand, is spoken in border areas of neighboring countries.

When compared to most European nations, the level of spoken English is extremely high. Many individuals you meet as a visitor will speak English, and others may have some practical knowledge of German, especially in Eastern Slovenia, and Italian in the coastline area where Italian is a co-official language. Serbo-Croatian is closely linked to Slovenian and is commonly spoken and understood by individuals over the age of 30. Slovenian and Croatian/Bosnian/Serbian are mutually intelligible languages.

From elementary school onwards, the Slovenian education system strongly encourages the teaching of foreign languages. By the time they reach elementary school, children have learned two foreign languages (most frequently English and German). A normal grammar school would frequently teach a third foreign language, such as Spanish, Italian, or French. Many individuals speak English well, while many elderly folks know German and can read Cyrillic.

Internet & Communications in Slovenia

Telephone

Slovenia’s international dialing code is 386, and the prefix for international calls is 00; the area code prefix is 0. Some number blocks are designated for specific purposes: 080 is for toll-free lines, while 090 is for commercial services, which are often costly.

Mobile networks utilize standard European frequencies (900 and 1800 MHz for GSM/LTE, 2100 MHz for 3G, and 800 MHz for LTE). Mobitel and Simobil, two main Slovenian mobile carriers, have good GSM and 3G coverage, although 3G may be inaccessible in hilly areas. Roaming between European phone companies is getting less expensive as a result of EU regulations that set a limit of 0.29€ per minute for calls made and 0.09€ for calls received, but calls to or from non-EU carriers remain costly. Slovenian pre-paid SIM cards may also be purchased in supermarkets and petrol stations.

Telekom Slovenije has about 3500 phone booths. They do not take money and instead demand the usage of cards that cost between 3 and 15€.

Internet

Due to strong competition among numerous providers, Slovenia is usually well served with low-cost broadband internet. As a result, internet cafés are popular in cities, and most hotels and hostels have internet access.

Volunteers are also establishing a free wireless internet network in several cities (Ljubljana, Maribor, Nova Gorica). If you have a computer or a WiFi-enabled phone, you can utilize it.

Postal Services

Pošta Slovenije offices may be found anywhere. Look for signs with French horns on a dark yellow backdrop. Throughout Slovenia, delivery takes one day, a few days within Europe, and (typically) less than two weeks internationally. DHL is another an option.

Postal rates

Inland postcard postage is €0.40 (the value of the “B” stamp); inland letter postage (up to 20g) is €0.34. (value of the “A” stamp).

International postcard postage is €0.56; international letter postage (up to 20g) is €0.60. (value of the “C” stamp).

Postage is €1.25 for an international airmail postcard and €1.29 for an international airmail letter (up to 20g).

Stamps are typically sold at newsagents or businesses that sell postcards. If this is not the case, you may always purchase them at the Post Office.

You must go to the Post Office and request prednostno for airmail. You may pay at the counter or by attaching appropriate stamps.

Economy Of Slovenia

Slovenia has a sophisticated economy and is the wealthiest Slavic country by nominal GDP per capita, as well as the second richest by GDP (PPP) behind the Czech Republic. Slovenia was the first new member to adopt the euro as its currency, replacing the tolar in early 2007. It has been a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development since 2010. There is a significant disparity in prosperity across the different areas. The Central Slovenia area, which contains the capital Ljubljana, and the western Slovenian regions, such as Gorika and Coastal–Karst, are the most affluent economically. The Mura, Central Sava, and Littoral–Inner Carniola are the poorest areas.

Economic growth

Slovenia’s GDP increased by almost 5% each year on average between 2004 and 2006, and by nearly 7% in 2007. The rise in growth was fueled by debt, notably among businesses and particularly in construction. Following the financial crisis of 2007–2010 and the European sovereign-debt crisis, the price for an out-of-control boom is finally being paid. The building sector took a beating in 2010 and 2011. Slovenia’s GDP per capita fell by 8% in 2009, the largest drop in the European Union after the Baltic nations and Finland.

The year-on-year decline in August 2012 was 0.8 percent; nevertheless, 0.2 percent increase was reported in the first quarter (in relation to the quarter before, after data was adjusted according to season and working days). The year-on-year decline has been ascribed to a drop in domestic consumption and a slowing in export growth. Domestic consumption has declined due to fiscal austerity, a freeze on budget spending in the latter months of last year, the failure of attempts to execute economic reforms, insufficient financing, and a drop in exports.

Services and industry

Almost two-thirds of the workforce is engaged in services, with over one-third employed in manufacturing and construction. Slovenia benefits from a well-educated workforce, well-developed infrastructure, and its position at a key trade route crossroads.

Slovenia has one of the lowest levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) per capita in the EU, while worker productivity and competitiveness in the Slovenian economy remain considerably lower than the EU average. Taxes are relatively expensive, the labor market is seen as rigid by corporate interests, and sectors are losing sales to China, India, and other countries.

Slovenia’s high degree of openness makes it highly susceptible to changes in economic circumstances in its major trade partners as well as changes in its international pricing competitiveness. Motor cars, electric and electronic equipment, manufacturing, medicines, and fuels are the primary industries. Slovenia’s increasingly aging population has become a growing strain for the country’s economy.

Entry Requirements For Slovenia

Visa & Passport for Slovenia

Slovenia is a signatory to the Schengen Treaty.

Border restrictions are usually not required between nations that have signed and implemented the pact. This covers the majority of the European Union as well as a few additional nations.

Before boarding foreign planes or boats, passengers’ identities are typically checked. Temporary border restrictions are sometimes used at land boundaries.
A visa issued to any Schengen member is also valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

Citizens of the countries listed above are allowed to work in Slovenia without the requirement for a visa or any other authorization for the duration of their 90-day visa-free stay. This right to work without a visa, however, does not necessarily apply to other Schengen nations.

How To Travel To Slovenia

Get In - By bus

The Ljubljana Bus Station (Avtobusna Postaja Ljubljana) offers a summary of international and airport bus services. Phone number: 090 93 42 30 (inland only)

On weekdays, connections between Trieste, Italy, and neighboring Koper and Piran are common. There is also a bus that runs daily between Trieste and Ljubljana. Furthermore, while the trip is readily walked, services between Gorizia (Italy) and its twin town of Nova Gorica (Slovenia) run at least hourly throughout the day. This provides an excellent link between the Italian and Slovene railway networks, as well as an alternate entrance point from Trieste’s Ronchi Airport or the city of Venice.

Get In - By plane

Ljubljana is Slovenia’s main international airport and the hub of national airline Adria Airways, which flies to many European cities and provides links to Southeast Europe. The cheapest methods to get into the city, however, are to take wizzAir’s (or easyJet’s) daily trip from London.

There are a few more alternatives to consider. Ryanair also operates flights from Dublin to Pula, Croatia, which is located over the border. Another handy entrance, particularly to western Slovenia, is via Italy’s Trieste airport, which is just an hour’s drive from Ljubljana via the superhighway. Klagenfurt, Austria, is another possibility. Although more distant, the Italian airports at Venice and Treviso (known as ‘Venice Treviso’) provide alternative entrance options to Slovenia as well as excellent day excursions to/from Slovenia. It should be noted that train links between Slovenia and Italy are very weak.

Get In - By train

Slovenia is well-connected by rail to Austria, Croatia, and Hungary. The most common routes link Vienna or Villach in Austria (the trip through the Julian Alps is beautiful in good weather), Budapest in Hungary, and Zagreb in Croatia. All lines go to the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana.

The sole surviving cross-border service has been reduced by Italian Railways. To get around this weak link, take a train to Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and then walk or take a bus to Gorizia (Italy), where there are regular trains to Trieste, Udine, Venice, and farther beyond. For excursions to Trieste, it may be more convenient to take a train to Seana and then a cab (approximately 10km, €10) or a connecting bus (3 times a day, weekdays only, €1) to Trieste.

The national railway company is Solvenia Railways. There are many foreign routes available, and special discounts are available for certain locations, so you should consider educating yourself about this ahead of time. There are certain locations with contingency tickets, which means they may sell out quickly but are generally much cheaper, such as the Ljubljana-Prague line (cooperation between S and Czech railroads), which costs €58 for a roundtrip ticket (compared to a regular price of €200). For return journeys from Slovenia, “City Star” tickets, which are open-dated but often require a weekend stay, are frequently the cheapest option. Also, keep in mind that the Euro26 young card entitles you to a discount on most international lines (of course the discount does not stack up if you already have a special deal). The same card is also valid for all domestic lines, with a 30% discount.

Trains on foreign lines vary greatly in terms of quality and comfort. The unspoken norm is that anything going north from Ljubljana is of high quality. On most trains, there are eateries and clean, contemporary restrooms. The same cannot be assured on lines going south (such as Belgrade, Sofia, Skopje, or Thessaloniki), therefore when taking the train to or from Ljubljana from the Balkans, bring a supply of food and drinks with you (water (and coffee) is provided in every sleeping compartment). However, the fast services that operate to Zagreb (often from Munich, Germany) are of extremely good quality – but the price reflects this.

Get In - By car

Slovenia has a well-developed highway network [www] that connects it to neighboring nations. Before utilizing motorways or expressways in Slovenia, all vehicles with a permitted weight of up to 3.5 tons must purchase a vignette (road fee). The vignette for passenger cars costs €15.00 per week, €30.00 per month, or €95.00 per year. This costs €7.50 per week, €25.00 for six months, and €47.50 for a year for motorcycles. http://www. Using a highway without a vignette will result in a €300+ fine. Vignettes are offered at the border, and border officials are meant to give you a pamphlet encouraging you to purchase one, although they don’t always do so. There are also signs urging you to purchase, but they are exclusively in Slovene.

When arriving from northern neighbor Austria, a separate vignette is required to utilize the Austrian motorway network.

From Austria

  • Vienna → Graz → Šentilj → Maribor
  • Villach → Karavanke Tunnel → Jesenice
  • Villach → Wurzenpass → Podkoren → Kranjska Gora
  • Klagenfurt → Loiblpass → Ljubelj → Kranj

From Italy

  • Venice → Trieste → Koper
  • Venice → Gorizia → Nova Gorica
  • Tarvisio → Rateče → Kranjska Gora → Jesenice

Get In - By boat

  • There is a quick boat that runs between Venice and Izola on an inconsistent schedule, mostly during the summer season. The trip takes three hours.
  • Venezialines operates one rapid boat between Venice and Piran each week.
  • During the summer, Trieste Lines operates a rapid craft service between Trieste (Italy), Piran (Slovenia), Pore (Croatia), and Rovinj (Croatia). The part of the trip between Piran and Trieste lasts 30 minutes, which is about the same as driving the same distance.

How To Travel Around Slovenia

Slovenia is a tiny nation, so traveling about is usually fast and easy. However, the rapid increase in vehicle ownership has made life more difficult for public transportation, and bus timetables in particular have been cut, necessitating some forethought. On Saturdays, services are few, and on Sundays, they are very restricted.

Get Around - By train

Slovenia’s railway network, run by Slovenske železnice (SŽ), will take you to the majority of the country’s destinations, but there are some irritating gaps in the network and routes may be convoluted, so getting from anyplace to anything generally needs a change in Ljubljana. Trains, on the other hand, are about 30% less expensive than buses, and weekend return discounts are available. Purchase your tickets before boarding, since there is a fee for tickets purchased from the conductor – unless they are not available at the station. Any InterCity train additionally has a €1.20 fee.

The system has been modernized with a lot of money and effort, and the newest trains are as beautiful as anything you’ll find in Western Europe. Although rural stations are sometimes very basic, most stations are exceptionally well maintained, with flowers adorning the platforms during the summer months. The name of the station, in instance, is usually only visible on a single sign on the station building itself, thus figuring out where you are requires a lot of craning of the neck. Newer trains feature a voice announcement system that informs you of the station you are approaching. Trains are usually on schedule (except for certain foreign ones), so double-check the anticipated arrival time and some prior station names to ensure you get off at the right place. To find your next train from a station, electronic signboards are uncommon (outside of Ljubljana), but paper timetables are always available: odhod (yellow) indicates departures, while prihod (white) means arrivals, however this is generally stated in both English and Slovene.

Get Around - By bus

Buses fill in the gaps and are generally a preferable alternative for certain places that are not directly serviced by rail from Ljubljana (e.g. Bled, Piran). Some of the larger stations offer convenient computerized search engines for timetables and tickets.

Get Around - By car

Slovenia’s roads are generally well-maintained and well-signposted, so driving or renting a vehicle should be no issue. Having a vehicle adds a degree of mobility and self-direction that you won’t get from using the train or bus.

Ljubljana has a number of vehicle rental and taxi companies. The major multinational firms are all represented, but if you’re on a tight budget, the local businesses have some good deals if you don’t mind driving an older vehicle.

Slovenian railroads also provide Motorail service on certain lines, allowing you to transport your vehicle on the train and save the stress of driving.

Get Around - By boat

  • There is a quick boat that runs between Venice and Izola on an inconsistent schedule, mostly during the summer season. The trip takes three hours.
  • Venezialines operates one rapid boat between Venice and Piran each week.
  • During the summer, Trieste Lines operates a rapid craft service between Trieste (Italy), Piran (Slovenia), Pore (Croatia), and Rovinj (Croatia). The part of the trip between Piran and Trieste lasts 30 minutes, which is about the same as driving the same distance.

Destinations in Slovenia

Regions in Slovenia

  • Coast and Karst
    Slovenia’s southwestern region, with undulating hills, awe-inspiring caverns, and the country’s 47 kilometers of coastline.
  • Julian Alps
    The hilly northwest, with hiking, rafting, postcard-perfect lakes, and Mt Triglav, Slovenia’s metaphorical heart.
  • Central Slovenia
    The urban area, which includes the capital of Ljubljana and the surrounding region.
  • Southeastern Slovenia
    The area bounded by the Krka and lower Sava rivers.
  • Pohorje-Savinjska
    The Savinja river valley and the mountains to the north.
  • Eastern Slovenia
    The area around the Drava and Mura rivers, with many vineyards and a Hungarian influence in the east.

Cities in Slovenia

  • Ljubljana is Slovenia’s beautiful capital.
  • Bled is a beautiful alpine lake with its own castle and island.
  • Celje is one of the oldest cities in Slovenia.
  • Koper/Capodistria – Beautiful Venetian city, the biggest on Slovenia’s coast.
  • Maribor is the second biggest city in Slovenia.
  • Nova Gorica is a border town with Italy.
  • Piran/Pirano – beautiful Venetian port
  • Postojna – The location of the massive Postojna caves
  • Ptuj – one of the oldest cities in Slovenia

Other destinations in Slovenia

  • Škocjan Caves — A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is less commercial than Postojna but no less magnificent.
  • Triglav National Park — Mt. Triglav is a national emblem, as is the legendary golden chamois Zlatorog.
  • Soča Valley — With its green color, the Soča river is one of the most attractive European Alpine rivers.

Accommodation & Hotels in Slovenia

Slovenia offers a broad range of accommodations, from five-star hotels to isolated mountain homes.

Hostels

Hostels may be found in all of Slovenia’s tourist attractions. A standard bed in a dorm costs between €10 and €20 on average. During the summer, many student dorms (dijaki dom) are turned into hostels, although they are sometimes in inconvenient locations and are rather dirty.

Mountain Huts may be located in Triglav National Park and are very warm, inviting, and friendly. Tourist information centers can provide information on these huts as well as assist you organize your tours in the area and reserve them for you. The only way to get to the huts is on foot, and anticipate a lot of uphill trekking since the lowest cottages are around 700m high. There are obvious signs/information indicating how long it will take to get to/between all of the shelters in hours.

Tourist farms

Tourist farms may be located across the Slovene countryside and often provide a broad variety of traditional cuisine, local wine, various athletic activities, and so on. They also provide chances to experience authentic rural living.

Camping

Camping is not allowed in Slovenia’s national parks, although there are many approved camping areas. It’s a good idea to bring a camping mat of some kind, since beautiful, soft grass is a luxury at camp sites, and you’re more likely to encounter pitches made out of tiny stones.

Things To See in Slovenia

Slovenian towns leave little question about the historic role of Austrian and Italian architecture: Ljubljana is reminiscent of Prague, while Piran might easily be mistaken for a tiny Italian town. While cities are interesting, the true must-see in Slovenia is its varied and pristine countryside.

  • Visit the alpine resort of Bled and its beautiful lake with an island, but then continue to Srednja vas to view some traditional villages, or take a bus to Pokljuka mountain, an excellent starting place for treks into the Julian Alps.
  • Enjoy the 5.3-kilometer journey into the Postojna caverns, which have the world’s longest publicly accessible depth and enormous stalactites and stalagmites.
  • After seeing the vibrant seaside town of Piran, a visit to the tranquil salt works of neighboring Seovlje will seem like stepping out of time.
  • Soča river is believed to be one of the few in the world that retains its emerald green hue throughout its course. It is also worthwhile to see the Trenta valley, through which it runs before crossing into Italy.
  • Slovenia’s teeny-tiny baroque capital Ljubljana is beautiful in any season, but it is particularly popular in December because of its lavish yet elegant decorating.

Things To Do in Slovenia

In Slovenia, there are many excellent options for activity vacations: The Julian Alps’ mountains and rivers are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and kayaking. Slovenia’s southernmost region is densely forested, with many caverns. You may visit several spa resorts in the eastern portion, dive in the Adriatic Sea, see Slovene towns, go skiing, or relax in the countryside while sampling Slovene cuisine and local wine.

  • Adrenaline activities in the Posočje region, you may remain in Ljubljana and explore the beautiful North-Western part of Slovenia known as Posočje and Triglav National Park — canyoning (soteskanje), rafting, paragliding, and much more! Because Slovenia is a newcomer on the national arena of extreme sports, it is significantly less costly to compete than in other European countries such as the United Kingdom or Switzerland. These activities are especially popular in Bohinj, Bovec, Kranjska Gora, and other cities in the northwestern region.
  • Slovenia is a tiny nation that may be explored in a few days. As a result, you may spend several days seeing Ljubljana (the capital city), the Julian Alps, the Karst area, and alpine lakes. A more in-depth examination of the country, on the other hand, requires considerably more time.
  • Slovenia has over 8,000 known caverns, including the tourism region of Postojna and the UNESCO-listed Kocjan Caves.
  • Weather permitting, take advantage of the magnificent environment of the Alps by hiking, cross-country skiing, Nordic walking, or mountain biking.
  • Visit to one of Slovenia’s numerous spa resorts.
  • Swim in the Adriatic Sea at the Slovene seaside. Visit the villages of Piran and Portorož and try the local seafood.
  • Visit one of Slovenia’s golf courses.
  • In the winter, skiing in the Julian Alps is popular. Kranjska Gora, Krvavec, Vogel, Rogla, Cerkno, Kanin, and Mariborsko Pohorje are some of the most prominent ski resorts.

Money & Shopping in Slovenia

Currency

Slovenia employs the euro. It is one of many European nations that utilize the Euro. All euro banknotes and coins are legal tender across the EU.

One euro is made up of 100 cents.

The euro’s official sign is €, and its ISO code is EUR. The cent does not have an official symbol.

Prices

Prices are higher than in much of Eastern Europe (excluding Croatia), but cheaper than in Italy or Austria. Although costs vary significantly, it all comes down to location. A beer (0,5 litre) at a bar in “Stara Ljubljana” (roughly “Old (Town) Ljubljana”), for example, would cost about €3.00, while a drink outside of Ljubljana would cost around €1.80. If they are wise, a budget-conscious tourist can hold their own. Purchasing groceries at a big shop (supermarket), such as Mercator, Tu, Spar, Lidl, Hofer, E.Leclerc, etc., is likely to be less expensive than buying on the market or in a local store, etc.

Most purchases are subject to a 22 percent value-added tax (VAT) (with a lower rate of 9.5 percent typically applied to meals and certain soft drinks)—this is always included in the price shown. It is important to note that if you are not an EU citizen, you are entitled to a VAT tax refund for purchases of a specific amount. Request that the cashier put your name on your bill (raun, pronounced rah-CHOON) and present this bill when you depart Slovenia through Joe Punik (previously Brnik) airport or any of the major border crossings with Croatia.

Tipping

Tipping was not historically customary in Slovenia, but with the near-abolition of Communist-style “service with a snarl,” gratuities for service are now widely anticipated in sit-down restaurants, with 10% considered normal.

Food & Drinks in Slovenia

Food in Slovenia

People from Slovenia’s northern neighbor Austria visit Slovenia just for the food; with a combination of Subalpine, Italian, Hungarian, and Balkan cuisine, most people will find something to their taste – unless they are staunch vegetarians. Many say that the pizza here is as excellent as, if not better than, that of neighboring Italy.

Cuisine

Slovenian cuisine is often thick, beefy, and bland. A traditional three-course dinner begins with a soup (juha), which is usually simply beef (goveja) or chicken (pianja) broth with egg noodles (rezanci), followed by a meat dish served with potatoes (krompir) and a vinegary fresh salad (solata). Fresh bread (kruh) is often provided on the side and is always excellent.

Cutlets (zrezek), sausage (klobasa), and goulash (gola) are popular main courses, all made from pig (svinjina), lamb (jagnjetina), and game (divjaina), but there is also a wide variety of fish (ribe) and shellfish available farther inland. Pasta (testenine), pizza (pica), ravioli (ravioli), and risotto (riota) are all popular Italian imports. The killing of a pig, from which many different products are produced, is still a significant occasion in the countryside today: blood sausage (krvavica), roasts (peenka), stuffed tripe (polnjeni vampi), smoked sausage (prekajena salama), salami (salama), ham (unka), and bacon (slanina). For millennia, recipes for the cooking of poultry (perutnina), particularly turkey (puran), goose (gos), duck (raca), and capon (kopun), have been recorded. Chicken (pianec) is also popular. Squid is widely available and cheaply priced.

Slovenian cuisine are accessible, but they are not on every menu, so here are a few to watch out for:

  • Kraški pršut is an air-dried ham that is similar to but not the same as Italian prosciutto.
  • štruklji – dumplings prepared in 70 various ways by Slovenians and filled with sweet ingredients, meat, or vegetables.
  • žganci – a type of polenta (ajdovi žganci are made of buckwheat)
  • žlikrofi – Idrija area specialty: potato dumplings akin to gnocchi
  • jota – a kind of soup prepared with beans, sauerkraut, potatoes, bacon, and spare ribs, with garlic as the primary flavor.

Slovenian sweets are also available:

  • potica – a kind of nut roll made for special events and available with a broad range of fillings
  • prekmurska gibanica – a dense cake-like pastry made with poppy seeds, walnuts, apples, raisins, cheese, and other ingredients

Places to eat

The restavracija (restaurant) is at the top of the food chain, which may be a luxury restaurant with servers and tablecloths or a typical Chinese eatery. The gostilna and gostie, rustic inns offering substantial Slovene cuisine, are more prevalent in the countryside. Lunch sets (dnevno kosilo) typically cost about €7 for three courses (soup, salad, and main dish), and the generous servings are generally well worth the low price.

Fast food is almost always inexpensive, oily, and (more often than not) bad. It’s better to avoid the local hamburger mutation known as okrepevalnica, which is offered at grills and snack bars. There is no such thing as Slovenian fast food, but greasy Balkan grills such as pleskavica (a spiced-up hamburger patty) and evapii (spicy meatballs) are ubiquitous, but one of the more tasty if not necessarily healthy options is the Bosnian speciality burek, a large, flaky pastry stuffed with either meat (mesni), cheese (sirni), or apple (jabolni), often sold for as little Many fast food restaurants began producing döner kebabs in recent years, and they are currently among Slovenia’s most popular fast meals. In Slovenia, it’s rare to find a poor kebab, and they’re available in a variety of locations throughout the country.

Dietary restrictions

Slovenia isn’t the greatest place to go if you’re a vegetarian, but even the smokiest inn can generally whip up a good fresh salad (solata) and fried veggies on request. Lacto-ovo vegetarians will have an easy time in Slovenia, but hardcore vegans will only find a few vegan eateries (most of them in Ljubljana). It’s a good idea to know that even the tiniest grocery shop offers healthy food shelves with plenty of non-animal options. The Mediterranean chick-pea staple falafel and its cousin, the vegiburger, have made inroads on fast-food menus in cities. Many restaurants provide a “vegetarian plate” with potatoes, raw or cooked veggies, and soya “steak.”

Pescetarians and seafood lovers will find heaven in coastal towns. Local delicacies include salmon, squid, mussels, and octopus.

Drinks in Slovenia

All bases are covered for beverages in true Slovene fashion, and you can buy extremely excellent Slovenian beers, wines, and spirits. Tap water is usually safe to drink.

Coffee and tea

Coffee (kava) in Slovenia generally refers to an espresso, and cafés (kavarna) are popular, with a basic cup costing €1.00-€1.50. Coffee with milk (kava z mlekom) or whipped cream may also be ordered (kava s smetano). Coffee culture is prevalent in Slovenia, and it is common to observe Slovenes with friends sitting in the same café for hours on end. Expect Turkish coffee when invited to someone’s house for a cup of coffee. Tea (aj) is much less common, and when they do drink it (mainly in the winter), Slovenes prefer fruit-flavored and herbal teas over a simple black cup. On request, tea is provided with honey and lemon.

Beer

Beer (pivo) is the most common alcoholic beverage, with the major brands being Lako and Union. Adam Ravbar beer is of high quality and is generally difficult to obtain outside of their tiny brewery (located in Domale, a village approximately 10 kilometers north of Ljubljana). In a bar, a bottle or jug will set you back €2.50. (pivnica). For 0.5L, request veliko (big) and malo (little). Try the “Union Radler Grapefruit,” a delicious combination of beer and grapefruit juice.

Wine

Slovenian wine (vino) may be very excellent, despite what you would assume if you’ve ever tasted an exported overly sweet Riesling – like in Germany, they reserve the finest stuff for themselves. In general, the Gorika brda area provides the finest reds and drier whites (in a more Italian/French style), while the Tajerska region produces the best semi-dry to sweet whites, which appeal to a German/Austrian taste. Teran, an extremely dry red from the Kras area, and Cviek, a red so dry and light it’s practically a rosé, are two more local specialties worth trying. Wine is often priced and ordered by the decilitre (deci, pronounced “de-tsee”), with a deci costing about €1 and a standard glass holding around two deci.

Spirits

Ganje or (colloquially) nops, a Slovene brandy similar to Hungarian palinka, may be made from virtually any fruit. Medeno ganje, commonly known as medica, has been honey-sweetened. Vodka is popular in most Slavic countries, particularly among the younger population.

Festivals & Holidays in Slovenia

Public holidays in Slovenia

In Slovenia, there are two types of public holidays: state holidays and work-free days. State holidays are those that are observed by the state. Official functions and flying the national flag are examples of this. The latter are Catholic religious holidays, similar to any Sunday: businesses and schools are closed, but there is no formal celebration.

Slovenia has 12 state holidays and an extra four work-free days. Because two of these always fall on Sunday, Slovenia has a total of 14 days off from work. From 1955 until May 2012, when the National Assembly of Slovenia approved the Public Finance Balance Act, the second of January was also a work-free day, for a total of 15 work-free days.

Work-free days on state holidays are indicated in light green, whereas work-free days on non-state holidays (such as Catholic religious holidays) are shown in dark green. White indicates that the holidays are not work-free. Slovenia has 14 days off from work in total.

Date English name Slovene name Remarks
1 January New Year novo leto State holiday, work-free.
8 February Prešeren Day, the Slovenian Cultural Holiday Prešernov dan, slovenski kulturni praznik State holiday, work-free. Anniversary of the death of Slovenian poet France Prešeren, established as the national cultural day in 1944, work-free since 1991.
Easter Sundayand Monday velikonočna nedelja in ponedeljekvelika noč Work-free days, in March or April (date varies).
27 April Day of Uprising Against Occupation dan upora proti okupatorju State holiday, work-free. Formerly Liberation Front Day (dan Osvobodilne fronte), marks the establishment in 1941 of the Anti-Imperialist Front to fight “imperialists”, later renamed the Liberation Front to fight the German, Italian, Hungarian, and Croatian partition and annexation of Slovenia.
1 May – 2 May May Day Holiday praznik dela State holiday, work-free from 1949.
Whit Sunday binkoštna nedeljabinkošti Work-free day (it is always on Sunday), in May or June, fifty days after the Easter (date varies).
8 June Primož TrubarDay dan Primoža Trubarja State holiday, not work-free. Established in 2010.
25 June Statehood Day dan državnosti State holiday, work-free. Commemorates the act of independence in 1991.
15 August Assumption Day Marijino vnebovzetje(veliki šmaren) Work-free day since 1992.
17 August Day of Slovenes in Prekmurje Incorporated into the Mother Nation združitev prekmurskih Slovencev z matičnim narodom State holiday since 2006, not work-free.
15 September Day of Restoration of the Littoral Region to the Motherland vrnitev Primorske k matični domovini State holiday since 2005, not work-free.
25 October Sovereignty Day dan suverenosti State holiday since 2015, not work-free.
31 October Reformation Day dan reformacije State holiday since 1992, work-free day.
1 November Day (of Remembrance) of the Dead dan spomina na mrtve or dan mrtvih State holiday, work-free. Before 1991, in the time of the Socialist Republic of Slovenia, it was named dan mrtvih (‘day of the dead’).
23 November Rudolf MaisterDay dan Rudolfa Maistra State holiday since 2005, not work-free.
25 December Christmas božič Work-free day. Abolished in 1953 and re-instituted in 1991.
26 December Independence and Unity Day dan samostojnosti in enotnosti State holiday, work free. Commemorates the proclamation of the independence plebiscite results in 1990.

In addition to these, many additional holidays are historically and widely observed by Slovenians, despite the fact that they are not work-free. The most well-known are:

  • Carnival (pust, date varies),
  • International Women’s Day, 8 March
  • St. George’s Day (jurjevanje, the welcoming of spring; 23 April),
  • St. Martin’s day (martinovanje, changing of must into wine; 11 November) and
  • Saint Nicholas Day (miklavž, when children receive presents; 6 December).
  • Insurrection Day (dan vstaje, 22 July, work-free until 1991)

Traditions & Customs in Slovenia

Slovenians are usually open and friendly, so don’t be afraid to approach them; those under 50 speak English and will be ready to assist you. You’ll wow them if you try out some simple Slovenian phrases. Slovenian is a language that few foreigners speak, so your efforts will be recognized and rewarded.

Slovenians will persist when offering anything since “no” does not necessarily mean “no,” and they believe it is acceptable for you to reject and for them to urge. Don’t be concerned unduly, but you should still take some standard measures to examine your host beforehand.

Slovenians are proud of having maintained their national identity (particularly their language) in the face of challenges from surrounding countries throughout the ages. Because of their economic prosperity as well as historical and current cultural ties to Central Europe, they dislike being labeled as part of “Eastern Europe.” Slovenian is linked to Serbian and Croatian, although it is not the same language. Another frequent misunderstanding is that Slovenia was a member of the Soviet Bloc, while in reality it was Yugoslavia’s northernmost republic. You may, however, openly debate these issues; just be aware that you may hear opposing viewpoints depending on who you speak with and his or her political affiliation. There is still a sharp divide between leftists and rightists. Enter into a debate about open territorial disputes with Croatia or the Slovenian civil war during WWII and its aftermath with caution. Consider these contentious issues to be taboo.

Slovenia has a vibrant lesbian and gay community. Homosexuals are usually safe in this area of Europe, but there have been a few recorded assaults in the past. Be particularly careful in the evenings and at night, especially in cities. Holding hands between women/girls is considered natural and a symbol of friendliness.

  • Bring a bottle of excellent wine if you are invited to someone’s house for dinner. It is customary to praise a chef. Do that before you’re asked whether you like your dinner!
  • Slovenians often wear slippers at home, so remove your shoes before entering. They will either give you slippers or demand that you keep your shoes on. They’ll usually be extremely polite, understanding you’re a tourist and unfamiliar with all of their traditions, but try not to be ignorantly cruel.
  • When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to shake hands. When introduced, don’t attempt to make a kiss, but kissing and embracing amongst friends is popular among the younger age.
  • The Slovenian Alps are a national emblem, particularly the tallest peak, Triglav, named for a Slavic deity. Slovenia is the only country with its highest peak shown on its national flag.
  • Don’t litter!
  • As you meet someone in the highlands, it’s customary to welcome them with Dober dan (Good day), and to say Sreno (Good luck) when you leave. In the mountains, there is a strong sense of community.
  • In small towns and villages, it is also courteous to say Dober dan to those passing by.

Culture Of Slovenia

Heritage

Slovenia has a diverse architectural history, including 2,500 churches, 1,000 castles, ruins, manor houses, farmhouses, and hayracks, which are unique buildings used to dry hay (kozolci).

Three Slovenian historic sites have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Kocjan Caves and its surrounding karst environment are a protected area. The Idrija Mercury mine site, as well as the ancient pile houses in the Ljubljana Marshes, are world-renowned.

The medieval and Baroque church on Bled Island is the most beautiful. The castle above the lake has a museum as well as a café with a view. The Predjama Castle, partly buried in a cave near Postojna, is an intriguing castle. Museums in Ljubljana and elsewhere house unusual artifacts such as the Divje Babe Flute and the world’s oldest wheel. Ljubljana’s architecture includes medieval, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and contemporary styles. Plenik’s architecture is noteworthy, as are his unique pathways and bridges along the Ljubljanica.

Cuisine

Slovenian cuisine is a fusion of Central European (particularly Austrian and Hungarian) food, Mediterranean cuisine, and Balkan cuisine. Slovenian food was historically classified into town, farmhouse, hamlet, castle, parsonage, and monastery cuisine. Slovenia has over 40 different regional cuisines due to the diversity of its cultural and natural settings.

One-pot meals such as riet, Istrian stew (jota), minestrone (minetra), and ganci buckwheat spoonbread were ethnologically most distinctive Slovene cuisine; in the Prekmurje area, there is also bujta repa and prekmurska gibanica pastry. In the Slovene Littoral, prosciutto is known as prut (prut). The nut roll (potica) has become a trademark and emblem of Slovenia, particularly among the Slovene diaspora in the United States. Soups were very recently introduced to traditional one-pot meals and different types of porridge and stew.

The Society for the Recognition of Roasted Potatoes as a Distinct Dish has hosted the Festival of Roasted Potatoes every year since 2000, drawing thousands of people. The roasted potatoes, which have historically been eaten exclusively on Sundays in most Slovenian households—preceded by a meat-based soup, such as beef or chicken soup—were portrayed on a special edition of post marks issued by the Post of Slovenia on November 23, 2012. Kranjska klobasa is the most well-known sausage.

Dance

Ballet

From 1946 until 1960, the most famous ballet dancers and members of the Ljubljana Opera and Ballet Company were Pino and Pia Mlakar. Pino Mlakar was also a full professor at the University of Ljubljana’s Academy for Theatre, Radio, Film, and Television (AGRFT).

Modern dance

Meta Vidmar, a pupil of Mary Wigman, established a contemporary dance school in Ljubljana in the 1930s.

Folk Dance

Throughout Slovenia, there are many traditional dances and vivid costumes differentiating between single and married ladies. An annual Slovenian Folklore festival is held in Pueblo, Colorado, which is home to many Slovenian families who immigrated about 1900.

Festivals, book fairs, and other events

Every year, Slovenia hosts a number of music, theater, film, book, and children’s festivals, including the Ljubljana Summer Festival and Lent Festival, the stand-up comedy Punch Festival, the children’s Pippi Longstocking Festival, and the book festivals Slovene book fair and Frankfurt after the Frankfurt.

Maribor was designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2012.

Slovene music’s most famous music event was traditionally the Slovenska popevkafestival. Between 1981 and 2000, the Novi Rock festival was noteworthy for introducing rock music from the West to Slovenian and later Yugoslav audiences through the Iron Curtain. In Titoist Yugoslavia, immediately after World War II, the Jazz Festival Ljubljana began the long history of Jazz festivals in Slovenia.

Stay Safe & Healthy in Slovenia

Slovenia is most likely one of the safest nations to visit, but be cautious.

The number to dial in an emergency is 112. Dial 113 to contact the police. Along the major highways, there are emergency phone booths. The arrows on the reflection posts will direct you to the nearest SOS-phone.

In packed clubs and discothèques, people may get violent, and it is not unusual to be grabbed or groped.

Petty thievery is common in the area of Roma communities in the south, particularly near the Krka river. Don’t be concerned; just don’t leave your watch on the vehicle seat while you go kayaking.

Slovenia has no unique health risks. The hygiene standards are excellent, and the tap water is safe to drink.

Because of the risk of Borreliosis and Meningitis, always apply tick repellent while out in nature. Borreliosis is very common in the nation.

The Julian Alps are home to two kinds of poisonous adders. You are unlikely to get bitten, but if you are, seek medical attention since antiserums are available (although actually seldom administered). In the southern woods, you may come across a bear; Slovenia has the largest bear population in Europe, although bear assaults are very uncommon. Normally, indigenous wild animals in nations that have been tamed for many thousand years would be either extremely wary of people or quite familiar with them. Of course, it depends on where you are, but apply your common sense. If you go camping in the Julian Alps and pack a lot of sausage and bacon, you may invite some unwelcome guests.

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