5 great reasons to visit magical Slovenia

1. Unforgettable scenery

Slovenia is known for its natural beauty and choosing a single favourite spot is almost impossible. One of the best-known sights is Lake Bled, a clear blue lake surrounded by the Julian Alps. There is a picturesque tiny islet in the middle of it with a church. You should visit the church and ring its bell to make a wish. You can also enjoy alpine views in Triglav National Park. It has the highest peaks of the Julian Alps, as well as many lovely rivers and lakes. The Zelenci nature reserve is worth a stop too. Wooden boardwalks crisscross around wetlands of crystal-clear springs and lush forests.

Slovenia even has some waterfalls. Some of the most astounding include Kozjak waterfall, partly hidden in a natural cave, the two-tier Peričnik, which you can walk behind, and the pair of Martuljek waterfalls. 

2. Outdoorsy activities

If you love hiking, you are in luck. Slovenia has some of Europe's best-known long-distance hiking trails. You can take in the views on trails such as Alpe Adria, Via Alpina, or Tolminska Gorita. You should also add the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Škocjan Caves to your list of activities. The spectacular limestone caves form over six kilometres of underground passages with a depth of over 200 metres. The overall look is astounding, straight out of a fantasy novel or film. Slovenia also suits fans of extreme sports. The mountains give options for climbing and caving, and the many lakes and rivers for canoeing and rafting. The country also has many parks and centres for extreme sports, offering everything from ziplining to paragliding.

3. Ljubljana's historic buildings

Ljubljana is an ancient city with sights spanning over centuries of history. One of the main attractions is the 900-year-old Ljubljana Castle. Perched high up on a hill, it has fantastic views over the city, as well as a museum and several restaurants.

If you want to see a mixture of historic building styles from Baroque to Art Nouveau, the Prešernov trg square is your best bet. Some of the architectural highlights include the Mayer Palace and the building currently housing the Centralna Lekarna pharmacy. Right next to the square is another important architectural sight, the Triple Bridge, designed by architect Jože Plečnik. It connects the medieval and the modern parts of the city on the opposite sides of the Ljubljanica River. 

4. Culinary Ljubljana

Slovenian food is simple and focuses on quality basics, such as root vegetables, beans, and meat. Ljubljana has some excellent restaurants where you can sample local dishes. Julija, near Ljubljana Castle, serves specialties such as beef fillet with traditional štruklji dumplings. Another option is Druga Violina, serving classic comfort food but also lighter soups and salads.  

If you would like to do some of your own cooking, head out to the city's vibrant Central Market, where you can buy fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables. There is also an indoor market that offers baked goods, cheeses, olive oil and other foodie treats.

If you need a quick bite to eat, or travel with children, Ljubljana's large shopping centres are a handy option. One of the largest shopping centres in Europe, BTC City has over 70 restaurants and cafés, plus an open-air market for fresh produce. 

5. Idyllic small towns 

If you are travelling around Slovenia, you are sure to come across some lovely small towns. Piran, on the Slovenian Riviera, is often said to be the prettiest of them all. It has a picturesque old town, a little marina, and a lovely 19th-century lighthouse.

Another charming town is Škofja Loka, surrounded by green hills and sitting at the meeting point of two rivers. The colourful medieval buildings, ancient bridges, and hilltop views make the town worth a visit. 

If you are a history fan, visit Ptuj. It is the oldest recorded city in Slovenia with history stretching all the way back to the Stone Age. The town offers a lot of interesting sights including one of the most important castles in Slovenia, a Dominican monastery, and a Roman monument.

Finnair flies to Ljubljana during the summer season, three times a week.