7-Day Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary: The Highlights of Slovenia in One Week

Slovenia, a captivating country in Central Europe, boasts breathtaking landscapes, historic towns, and enchanting natural wonders.

Slovenia has something to offer tourists in every season: winter skiing in the Slovenian mountains, mountain hiking from spring to autumn, and summer beach activities on the Slovenian coast. From exploring lakes, beautiful waterfalls, and stalactite caves to winter skiing and immersing in Christmas markets, Slovenia provides a multitude of experiences, satisfying every traveler’s desires.

Considering Slovenia’s countless attractions and traveler preferences, we’ve created two itineraries for our readers – a short 3-day trip and a more extensive week-long road trip, ensuring that regardless of the time you spend in Slovenia, you’ll experience the best it has to offer.

This article will present a one-week road trip itinerary in Slovenia.

Fortunately, putting together a 7-day itinerary for Slovenia proves easier than shorter itineraries, as 7 days can allow for a lot of activities and really gives you the opportunity to travel to the best attractions of the country.

How can you make the most of your one-week Slovenia road trip?

Our suggested itinerary aims to answer this question. With our suggested itinerary you can discover Slovenia’s most beautiful and famous places, taste the local cuisine, participate in interesting activities and visit the most breathtaking places in the Julian Alps. We’ve also included extra recommendations if you decide to extend your trip by a few days or are looking for a different kind of activity.

Now, let’s focus on some of the essential questions for a one-week trip to Slovenia before we go into more detail about the 7-day itinerary.

Frequently asked questions about planning a 7-day trip to Slovenia

Is it worth visiting Slovenia?

Absolutely yes, Slovenia offers an easily navigable (not overly regulated) environment where you can travel in a pleasant, developed setting with moderate prices and in safe locations.

Is Slovenia really safe?

Yes, except for bears, vipers, rockslides, floods, and the suspended bridges. 😁 Joking aside—although these elements are present in Slovenia—it is generally a safe destination.

How to get to Slovenia

By car

The itinerary is specifically created for a road trip in Slovenia, making the car the ideal mode of transport. Whether you own your own vehicle or hire one, here are the things you need to know:

If you are traveling by car, buy a one-week highway sticker, make sure you have the necessary insurance, and consider installing the Easy Park app for parking.

Slovenia’s road network is well-developed and of good quality, and the driving style can be brisk, especially on the highways. Be aware of the frequent presence of civil police. Our route includes winding mountain roads, so it is preferable to drive a powerful and technically reliable car. An SUV is advantageous, but not a must.

Rental car

Ljubljana is the most convenient place in Slovenia for car rental. Use Rentalcars.com to compare prices.

By air

Ideally, you should land at Ljubljana airport. It is a smaller airport serving mainly European cities.

Alternatively, you could consider Zagreb, Venice or Vienna airport and then hire a car to travel to Slovenia.

Public transport

Overall, I don’t think you can adhere to our itinerary using public transport, it’s much more time-consuming and complicated.

Although there are buses and often trains to almost everywhere.

Ljubljana’s main attractions can be reached on foot, and for exploring the countryside, there are buses and trains to Bled and Bohinj, as well as to the Soca Valley and Postojna.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to drive, guided tours are also available, usually as day trips from Ljubljana or Bled.

We recommend some guided tours that don’t require a car:

Best time to visit Slovenia

The best time to visit Slovenia is late spring, summer or early autumn.

If you want to hike in the mountains, we recommend May, June, September and October.

If you prefer the coast, July and August are the best times.

Winter travel to Slovenia is only recommended if you are planning to go skiing.

How many days are enough to visit Slovenia?

A few days is enough to see the main sights. To explore the whole country, plan 7–10 days. Our 7-day itinerary is a bit fast-paced, so if you want to relax, you can comfortably cover the country in about 10–14 days and have enough time to relax.

Where to stay in Slovenia

Our one-week journey through Slovenia covers various locations, which will require you to book accommodation in different places. Consider a minimum of 3–4 places to stay, but the best way to maximize your time for activities is to stay in a different place nearly every day, close to the sights.

We provide recommendations for each place, the choice is yours.

Now, let’s take a look at what our one-week road trip plan includes and how to make the most of 7 days in Slovenia, optimizing the available time.

7-day Slovenia road trip itinerary: How to spend a week in Slovenia

Day 1: Ljubljana

On the first day, you’ll arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital. It’s worthwhile to spend the day exploring the city and visiting its main attractions, whether you have a full day or just a few hours.

Top things to do in Ljubljana:

Explore Ljubljana Castle

Make sure not to miss the iconic Ljubljana Castle, offering a glimpse into the city’s history and breathtaking panoramic views. You can reach the castle by car (limited parking spaces), take the funicular from the city center, or climb the stairs on foot.

Walk along the Ljubljanica River to see the main sights

Take a leisurely stroll through the old town, discovering landmarks like Prešernov trg (square) and bridges such as the Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge. Explore beautiful fountains like the Fountain of Girl With a Jug and Robbov vodnjak. Don’t forget to visit the miniature model of Ljubljana at Maketa Ljubljane.

Additional places to visit

If you have a full day, enjoy the views from Nebotičnik, the skyscraper, and take a leisurely stroll around Tivoli Park.

Day 2: Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge

On the second day, in the morning, our itinerary takes us to one of Slovenia’s most famous destinations, Bled.

Ljubljana – Bled: 62 km (39 mi), 40 minutes (possibly more in case of frequent traffic jams)

Lake Bled

Almost everyone has seen pictures of the mountain lake surrounded by forests, featuring blue water, a castle perched on a high rock, and a small island in the middle with a church. This is Lake Bled.

If you only have one day in Bled, we recommend the following things to do:

Visit Bled Castle

On the northern shore of the lake, above the lake, stands the medieval Bled Castle, serving as a museum. Numerous excellent lookout points for photography can be found around the castle.

Take a boat trip to Bled Island

In the middle of the lake, there is a small island with a church, open to visitors. You can rent a boat or join a boat tour to reach the island. Traditional Bled boats are called “pletna boats”.

Stroll around the lake

Lake Bled offers numerous beautiful views. It’s worth taking a walk around the lake, which is approximately 6 km (4 mi) in total.

Hike to one of the viewpoints

There are viewpoints on the surrounding hills, with Ojstrica viewpoint on the southwestern part of the lake being one of the best. Another excellent lookout point is Mala Osojnica, but in our opinion, it’s a bit more challenging to climb.

Dine in a local restaurant or café

On the eastern shore, cafés and restaurants offer Slovenian dishes with excellent views of the lake. Sample Slovenian cuisine, including the famous Bled Cream Cake.

Optional additional activities

Straza Bled: On the eastern side of the lake, there is a bobsleigh track called Straza Bled, offering an exciting experience with stunning views of the lake.

Swim in Lake Bled: There are beaches at several points along the lakeshore, popular for summer recreation.

Parking in Bled

Parking spaces are available on the northeastern and southwestern sides of the lake, and each one is subject to a fee.

Extra tip: During the summer months, traffic jams are common, and parking can be challenging. Consider arriving very early or staying in the vicinity and avoiding driving during peak times.

If you have extra time and want to see another famous Slovenian natural attraction, visit the Vintgar Gorge.

Vintgar Gorge

The Vintgar Gorge is a 1.6-kilometer-long (1 mi) gorge, located northwest of Bled, just a 13-minute drive away. It is Slovenia’s most popular gorge and perhaps the most easily accessible for tourists.

The Vintgar Gorge, carved by the Radovna River, is a continuation of the Radovna Valley.

The gorge is visitable for an entrance fee, and it’s essential to pay attention to the opening hours as it is closed in winter.

A wooden walkway with bridges runs along the gorge, allowing visitors to stroll for approximately 1.5-2 km (1-1.2 mi) alongside the water. The gorge path is one-way, so you need to walk from the entrance to the end and then return to the starting point via another path on foot or by shuttle bus.

After exploring the gorge, you can also find the Šum Waterfall, one of Slovenia’s most famous waterfalls.

Day 3: Lake Bohinj, Savica Waterfall

On the third day, drive to the neighboring Bohinj, where you’ll have the chance to discover more natural attractions.

Lake Bled-Lake Bohinj: 26 km (16 mi), 30 min

Bohinj is an important tourist destination and a popular resort in Slovenia. Its most famous attraction is Lake Bohinj, but there are many other nearby attractions: the Savica Waterfall, Vogel Ski Resort, Mostnica Gorge, and numerous waterfalls, such as Gmercica Waterfall and Mostnica Waterfall.

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is Slovenia’s largest natural lake, considered by many tourists as one of the most beautiful attractions in the area, making it a must-visit on a trip to Slovenia.

Lake Bohinj offers various recreational activities, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, and diving in the warmer months, and occasional ice skating in winter. You can take a leisurely walk around the lake or enjoy a boat trip on its waters.

In addition to the iconic church called Cerkev Sv. Janeza Krstnika with a picturesque bridge next to the lake, you’ll find hiking trails, campsites, restaurants, and hotels near the lake.

Overall, spending half a day or even a full day at Lake Bohinj and its surroundings is well worth it.

Savica Waterfall

Another must-see nearby is the Savica Waterfall, which is one of our favorite places in the Triglav National Park.

The Savica Waterfall, or Slap Savica, is a captivating waterfall not far from Lake Bohinj. It flows approximately 78 meters into a lush green pool and serves as the source of the Sava Bohinjka River.

Its unique charm lies not only in its scenic surroundings but also in its distinctive “A” shape, where the water gracefully flows in two directions, creating a double waterfall effect.

How to reach the Savica Waterfall?

The nearest parking lot to the waterfall is a short drive from Lake Bohinj. To access the waterfall, there is a short, approximately 900-meter, easily walkable hike with stairs from the parking lot. Parking and entrance to the trail are subject to a fee. Although access to the waterfall is restricted by a closed gate, the wooden viewing terrace provides breathtaking views of the waterfall and Lake Bohinj.

Day 4: Pericnik Waterfall, Kranjska Gora, Zelenci Nature Reserve

On the fourth day of our itinerary, there will be an opportunity to explore the main attractions around Kranjska Gora. The area is full of beautiful waterfalls, rivers, lakes and hiking trails. It is well worth spending a little time here.

From Bohinj, you can expect a roughly 1-hour drive to the first attraction.

By location, the order is as follows:

Pericnik Waterfall

Pericnik Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Slovenia. It is located in the Vrata Valley near the village of Mojstrana.

It’s a short hike from the nearest car park, so it doesn’t take long to visit. A special feature of the waterfall is that you can walk behind it.

From the end of the valley, there is also a hiking trail to Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia. In addition, the road through the valley leads along the Triglavska Bistrica river, which is a spectacular sight in itself.

Kranjska Gora

Kranjska Gora, a small town near the Italian border, is best known for its winter ski resort and its beautiful lake, Lake Jasna.

Lake Jasna is situated in a picturesque mountain setting, surrounded by high mountains and forested areas. The lakeside area is equipped with footpaths and rest areas, making it an ideal place for nature lovers.

Lake Jasna is often featured in pictures of spectacular Slovenian landscapes and is an attractive destination for tourists due to the various leisure activities in the area.

Zelenci Nature Reserve

Zelenci Nature Reserve is located a short drive from Kransjka Gora. In fact, it is the source of the Sava River, which creates a beautiful bluish-green lake.

It’s just a short walk from the nearby car parks, so it won’t take too long to visit.

There is also a wooden lookout next to the spring from which you can take wonderful photos.

If you still have time left on the fourth day, we can also recommend another fascinating attraction:

Fusine Lakes

The Fusine Lakes are in Italy, close to the Slovenian border. The two lakes are located in the beautiful setting of the Julian Alps, at the foot of the Mangart mountain.

The two lakes attract visitors with their crystal-clear waters, their mountain panorama and the natural beauty of the surroundings. The area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing, cycling and other leisure activities. The wooded areas and footpaths surrounding the lakes are an excellent place to relax in nature.

Day 5: Soca Valley

On the fifth day of our Slovenian itinerary, we continue the journey into the breathtaking Soca Valley, a region renowned for its mesmerizing landscapes, a river that shifts between turquoise and emerald-green hues, and thrilling outdoor adventures.

As you depart, there are two routes from Kranjska Gora to the Soca Valley:

• You can either traverse the Vršič Pass, a very steep, winding, and long mountain pass (challenging to drive), offering splendid views and adorned with World War I memorials.
• Or you can head towards Tarvisio, with the opportunity to visit Lake Predil along the way. The road here is a little easier, but not easy.

In principle, we recommend the second option.

Kranjska Gora – Soca Valley (Bovec): 46 km (29 mi), approx. 1 hour

The main attractions in the Soca Valley are:

Great Soča Gorge

A deep yet relatively short gorge near the village of Soča, worth visiting when you are in the Soča Valley. The gorge can be accessed only at a few places through steep walking paths, so hiking shoes are recommended.

Small Soča Gorge

Much easier to approach, so if you have time for only one gorge, we recommend this. Its most beautiful parts are near the Camp Korita and Camp Jelinc campsites, which you can reach on foot. In the southern part of Camp Korita, people often swim during the summer months.

Virje Waterfall

The Virje Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall near Bovec, a must-visit in the Soča Valley. It is considered one of Slovenia’s most beautiful waterfalls. It’s a short drive from Bovec and a brief walk from the nearest parking lot, so visiting doesn’t take much time.

Boka Waterfall

On your way southwest along the Soča Valley, stop by the 203 road to see Boka Waterfall, Slovenia’s largest waterfall.

Kozjak Waterfall

Located near the small town of Kobarid, this unique 15-meter-high waterfall is reached by about a half-hour hike. Along the way, you can see a picturesque suspension bridge over the Soca River, a World War I bunker, and the Little Kozjak Waterfall.

There is an entrance fee for the waterfall, but it’s well worth it. Kozjak Waterfall is one of the most beautiful attractions in the Soca Valley.

On the asphalt road leading to the parking lot of the waterfall, you can cross the famous Napoleon’s Bridge, which is worth stopping at for a few minutes.

Tolmin Gorge

The Tolmin Gorge is another famous gorge that can be found near the Soca Valley, close to the town Tolmin.

Tolmin Gorge is another renowned gorge located near the Soca Valley, close to the town of Tolmin.

Formed by the Tolminka River, the gorge is surrounded by towering rock walls, enhanced by the turquoise water and lush green landscape.

Spending some time here is worthwhile, as the surroundings are truly picturesque.

If you’re interested in more activities and sights in the Soča Valley, we recommend expanding your trip and spending more time in the valley, as there are plenty of attractions to explore that can’t all fit into a single day. It’s well worth the extended visit for a more comprehensive experience.

Day 6: Adriatic coast: Koper, Piran

On the sixth day of our itinerary, it’s time to head to the Slovenian coast!

Bovec – Piran: 175 km (109 mi), 2.5 hours

However, on your way, you’ll pass along the southern stretch of the Soča River, and it’s worth making a brief stop at a place called Kanal ob Soči.

In the town, there’s a photo spot by the river that is one of my personal favorites. I’ve featured pictures taken from here multiple times on the blog. You can find it on Google Maps under the name “Kanal Bridge Viewpoint”. From there, you can capture the view of the emerald-green river with a striking bridge and colorful, Italian-style houses. There are few better photo spots anywhere in Slovenia.

But after a short stop, continue towards Gorizia and then the coast.

The Slovenian coast of the Adriatic Sea is primarily a popular destination in the summer, but it’s worth a shorter visit in other parts of the year as well. You can visit the famous port city, Koper, or the picturesque town of Piran.

Koper

Koper, a historic port city on the Slovenian coast, features a well-preserved medieval old town with charming streets and squares. Notable landmarks include the Praetorian Palace, Koper Cathedral, and the vibrant Carpaccio Square. The bustling harbor adds a maritime flair, making Koper a delightful destination for history and seaside exploration.

Piran

Piran is a small town situated on a charming peninsula, renowned for its splendid location and interesting architecture.

As a tourist, you can’t drive into Piran, so leave your car in the parking garage on the outskirts of the town, and explore the coastal town of Piran on foot. Wander along its historic buildings and discover the Venetian architectural style.

The best things to do in Piran include visiting the Tartini Central Square, the Walls of Piran, and the Duomo di San Giorgio, with its clock tower visible from almost every direction. Additionally, you can enjoy a fantastic city view from next to the cathedral.

Summer activity: Going to the beach

If you’re done exploring Piran, you can still have some time in the afternoon to check out Slovenian beaches. After exploring various options, we recommend two. One is the expansive beach in Portoroz, featuring a long sandy area and numerous restaurants, bars, and a lengthy promenade.

The other is in Strunjan, known as Strunjan Beach or Plaža Strunjan. It’s a pebble and rocky beach with shaded resting spots.

Day 7: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle

On the last day of our 7-day trip, it’s time to head back. However, along the way, there are still a few important attractions that belong to Slovenia’s best: the renowned Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle.

Piran – Postojna: 75 km (47 mi), 55 min

Postojna Cave

Visit the Postojna Cave, one of Europe’s most renowned stalactite caves. Located just an hour away from Ljubljana, near the A1 highway.

The cave offers a guided tour where you can explore numerous fascinating stalactite formations and vast cavernous chambers. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to encounter unique creatures, such as the olm, also known as ‘baby dragons,’ which exclusively live in caves.

Exploring the Postojna Cave is truly amazing, and it’s a great choice throughout the year, as the cave maintains a relatively constant temperature.

Pro tip: Buy your ticket to the cave in advance, especially in high season, because the cave is very popular.

Predjama Castle

When in Postojna, take a short detour to the nearby Predjama Castle, an impressive medieval fortress uniquely built into the side of a cliff, right at the entrance of a cave.

Just a thirteen-minute drive from Postojna Cave, it is situated in a rural, secluded location. The surrounding countryside is picturesque, take a walk around the castle and if you feel like it, take a look inside the castle.

In the evening, it’s time to head back to the capital.

Postojna – Ljubljana: 53 km (33 mi), 40 min

From Postojna, plan on a journey of around 40 minutes, except at weekends and in high season, when traffic jams on Slovenian highways are common.

In the evening, our route will take us back to Ljubljana, which is the end of our seven-day road trip.

We hope you enjoyed our one-week itinerary in Slovenia and that our suggestions and tips will help you organize the best trip possible.

And if you want to know more about Slovenia’s attractions, read also our other articles!

Other places to visit in Slovenia

If you have extra time in Slovenia, discover more enchanting destinations to make the most of your Slovenian adventure:

Velika Planina

Velika Planina is a plateau in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, located north of Ljubljana and about 1 hour away by car. It’s beautiful year-round, but spring is the most popular time when the plateau is adorned with blooming crocuses, usually in late April and early May. During this time, vast fields of flowers create a wonderful setting for a spring walk.

Don’t miss out if you travel to Slovenia in spring!

Logar Valley

The Logar Valley is also located north of Ljubljana, approximately 1.5 hours away by car. It is a picturesque valley with numerous beautiful views, stunning waterfalls like the Rinka Falls, and exciting hiking trails. If you have additional time, it’s worth considering a day trip to explore the area.