Visiting Slovenia: 7 must-see places to discover

Visiting Slovenia: 7 must-see places to discover

 

Elsa, Bertrand, and their two children hit the road in a Mega Mobil camper van, heading for Slovenia. Discover their seven favorite places.

A road trip in a van is always a question of balance between the road you dream of traveling and the landscapes that are worth lingering over. A road trip in Slovenia combines the best of both worlds.

Why take a road trip in Slovenia?

With a surface area similar to Normandy, the destination offers a wide variety of natural and cultural sites within a small radius. Slovenia is a vanlife paradise:

- You don't have to get up at 5 a.m. to cover hundreds of miles.
- It's easy to plan alternative routes in case of unforeseen circumstances (weather, children, events, etc.)
- Reduce your gas expenses.
- No tolls to pay, the Slovenian vignette is all you need.
- Campsites favor wide open spaces and proximity to nature.
- Nature is omnipresent and still wild.

7 places to visit in Slovenia in a camper van

Elsa and her tribe traveled across Slovenia in their Mega Mobil camper van. Here are their favorite places, experienced and approved on the road.

Lake Bled

OK, you've probably already thought of this one. It's almost a cliché, but it's impossible to miss Slovenia's most famous spot. Park your campervan and stroll or cycle along the six kilometers of bike paths that line the lake. Don't miss: 

- Maja Osojnica: the most beautiful spot to take a photo of the little church on the lake.
- Kupljenik: a village a few minutes' drive from Bled, where you can set off on a 1.5-hour hike to the panoramic viewpoint of Mount Babzi Zob, 1,128 meters high.
- Velika Zaka: a pretty beach where you can swim and enjoy water sports, safe for children.
- Kremna Rezina: not a walk, but a typical cream cake to devour during your visit to Lake Bled.

The castle is mainly worth visiting for the view. It's up to you to decide if the panorama is worth the ticket price. Rest assured, the most beautiful views of Lake Bled are accessible free of charge all around the lake.

>>>> WeVan tip: stay at least two days to observe how the weather affects the color of Lake Bled. Try a walk at dawn, when other travelers are still absent from the surrounding trails.
 

Explore Slovenia in a campervan

The Soča Valley

There's deep blue, turquoise blue, azure blue... and then there's Soča blue. The kind of shades that make alpine lakes talk and render Instagram filters useless.

“Another color palette has been added to the Soča Valley, where we dipped our cold toes into its almost unreal blue waters.”

Here, drive with your nose pressed against the window (except the driver, please). Stop once or a thousand times to dip your feet in the icy water and soak up the fresh air. Head to Bovec, the adventurers' camp, for a thrill-filled experience, where you can go rafting, paragliding, or canyoning in high season.

Settle into a small campsite by the water and rediscover the simple luxury of your campervan. Cook up delicious meals using aromatic herbs picked in the forest and fresh produce found in the town of Kobarid. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy the warmth of the hot water in your built-in shower.

The Kozjak waterfall

From the parking lot, your camper van watches you leave with sadness, no doubt jealous that it can't admire the falls. Follow a moss-lined path and cross a few wooden footbridges. On a bridge, the “little Kozjak” reveals itself, like a miniature prelude to the real thing.

A little further on, a toll booth (€5) signals the proximity of the waterfall. The light dims in the gorges. A rumbling sound can be heard. One last turn: hush, enjoy. 

"I cried out in awe of its beauty. I can't explain why it moved me so much, but it did. The colors, the light, the power of the water, the vibrations, the sound, the foam trickling down the walls like a wall of plant glitter..."

>>>> WeVan tip: the waterfall is even more beautiful in spring, fed by melting glaciers. There are two parking lots: one for tourists, which is paid, in Kobarid; and another, free of charge, on the road along Route 203, five minutes from the town center.

Route 206 and the Vršič Pass

If you're traveling in a camper van with children who have sensitive stomachs, you might want to pack a few bags. Route 206 has around fifty wide bends that hide pine forests, cloud-covered cliffs and unexpected snow showers from late autumn to spring (it is usually closed in winter).  

It separates the Soča Valley from the Kranjska Gora region, an unspoiled mountain area. 

In addition to the splendid views along the road, the pass is the starting point for many hikes with elevation gains and lengths suitable for all walkers.

>>>> WeVan tip: aim to arrive around noon, when the Vršič Pass is exposed to the sun.  

In a Mega Mobil camper van, driving in the mountains is a breeze. With an automatic transmission, it's even easier, although you'll enjoy a good turning radius, surprising agility for their size, and great visibility in any case.

The Postojna Caves

 

After brushing against the peaks of Slovenia, dive into the depths of the country. On the outskirts of Europe's most visited caves, Slovenia becomes more touristy. It's crowded and admission isn't cheap. Persevere, you won't be disappointed.

Once aboard the little yellow train that takes you into the bowels of the Earth, the magic begins. Continue with a guided tour in an unreal setting. Among Mother Nature's artistic flourishes, natural aquariums reveal their curious inhabitants, resembling axolotls. 

"The concretions are impressive, everywhere. I've never seen anything like it. You can admire stalactites, stalagmites, columns, organ pipes, draperies..."

>>>> WeVan tip: opt for the combined ticket that gives you access to Predjama Castle, a cave castle that offers a beautiful glimpse into medieval Slovenian life.

Discover Slovenia in a campervan

Ljubljana

 

Leave the great outdoors behind and discover the capital of Slovenia. Park your campervan in one of Ljubljana's paid parking lots. Here, everything can be done on foot. This compact city is relaxing from the moment you set foot in it. 

Pastel-colored facades are reflected in the Ljubljanica River, terraces are bustling with activity, and the castle stands guard. Despite its bohemian village feel, there are many activities to enjoy in Ljubljana: 

- Ljubljana Castle: reachable on foot or by cable car, it towers over the surrounding area.
- Metelkova: a trendy neighborhood for those who love street art and street food.
- The market: held every morning except Sunday, it showcases local produce and artisanal creations.
- Tivoli Park: a meeting place for sports enthusiasts and creative types who come here to find inspiration or motivation.
- Prešeren Square: Ljubljana's central square, famous for its proximity to the Triple Bridge.

>>>> WeVan tip: for a day in Ljubljana, park at the Tivoli Park car park, which is very affordable, spacious, and within walking distance of the city center.

Pot med Krošnjami Pohorje

 

Less than two hours from the capital, barely enough time to learn how to pronounce its name correctly, this short suspended walk invites you to the treetops. 

It's a great activity for a trip in a campervan with children. Don't miss the spectacular view from the observation tower and the slide down, which is sure to impress the little ones. 

“There is sometimes a course for children, a net to test their fear of heights, and opportunities for meditation and learning about the flora and fauna around us.”

Before you go: our tips for visiting Slovenia in a campervan

Ready to hit the road? Make sure you keep these useful tips in mind: 

- Allow at least ten days to see the highlights of Slovenia.
- Slovenians often speak English.
- Wild camping is strictly prohibited and carries a fine of several hundred euros. 
- Campsites are common, wild, and well equipped. In addition, many locals offer their land for overnight stays.
- Daytime running lights are mandatory.
- The vast majority of sites charge a fee, from parking in the countryside to must-see attractions.
- A vignette is required to drive on highways and expressways and is available online or at gas stations.
- The road network is well maintained and will not pose any particular difficulties during your road trip in a camper van, even in the mountains.

Now it's your turn to write the next chapter. Create your own itinerary and share your photos on Instagram, tagging @we_van. Questions about planning your trip? Can't decide between a campervan and a converted van? Ask our campervan rental experts for advice.

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