Slovenia Family Holidays
Slovenia
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The Republic of Slovenia is located in Central Europe. The country has an incredible array of landscapes, all in a remarkably small area. It therefore offers a vast choice of adventure sports and something to suit anyone, on any type of trip. Whether you choose a short single-activity break or a longer multi-activity holiday, Slovenia can, will and does ramp up the adrenalin and lets the good times roll!
Aside from the varied landscapes, Slovenian history is deeply fascinating. Neanderthals, Romans and Medieval Slavs have all set up camp on its turf at some point, and nowadays this makes for a rich culture, with beautiful architecture and... (Read more...)
Aside from the varied landscapes, Slovenian history is deeply fascinating. Neanderthals, Romans and Medieval Slavs have all set up camp on its turf at some point, and nowadays this makes for a rich culture, with beautiful architecture and... (Read more...)
an intricate history that the modern population is understandably proud of. And just to mention the modern day Slovenians; they are warm, open-minded, generous and known for their hospitality.
Slovenia’s north-western borders glance along the edge of The Alps, while the south-western fringes bathe in the Mediterranean Sea. Mountains and plateaus dominate the interior, and Slovenia is the third most forested country in the world – after Finland and Sweden.
To the north of Slovenia is Austria. South and east is Croatia, while Italy lies to the west. South-west is the turquoise Adriatic Sea and north-east is Hungary.
The mountains of Slovenia are extensive and invite you to trek, climb, mountaineer and much more. In the north-east of the country are the Julian Alps. This mountain range is an extension of the more famous European Alps and at their highest the Julians’ rise to 2,864 metres. The highest peak is called Mount Triglav and it sits in the centre of the impressive Triglav National Park.
The Dinaric Alps extend further south in to Croatia and the Gorjanci Mountains are an un-populated, ‘road-less-travelled’ type of area over on the south-east.
Slovenia is also famous for its Karst landscapes. A Karst area is made of limestone and characterised by caves, sinkholes and underground wetlands. Slovenia boasts the Škocjan Caves. This UNESCO natural and cultural World Heritage Site is a treasure of the Earth. It’s the world’s largest underground canyon and home to a specially developed eco-system; a trip down this abyss is one to remember.
If it’s water you’re after then travel either to the Adriatic coast or in to the Julian Alps and seek out Lake Bled. This stunning glacial lake, with its island and castle provides a picturesque Alpine setting; couple that with fresh air and thermal waters and Lake Bled offers ideal conditions for relaxation, it’s also a perfect base for adventure.
Slovenia’s north-western borders glance along the edge of The Alps, while the south-western fringes bathe in the Mediterranean Sea. Mountains and plateaus dominate the interior, and Slovenia is the third most forested country in the world – after Finland and Sweden.
To the north of Slovenia is Austria. South and east is Croatia, while Italy lies to the west. South-west is the turquoise Adriatic Sea and north-east is Hungary.
The mountains of Slovenia are extensive and invite you to trek, climb, mountaineer and much more. In the north-east of the country are the Julian Alps. This mountain range is an extension of the more famous European Alps and at their highest the Julians’ rise to 2,864 metres. The highest peak is called Mount Triglav and it sits in the centre of the impressive Triglav National Park.
The Dinaric Alps extend further south in to Croatia and the Gorjanci Mountains are an un-populated, ‘road-less-travelled’ type of area over on the south-east.
Slovenia is also famous for its Karst landscapes. A Karst area is made of limestone and characterised by caves, sinkholes and underground wetlands. Slovenia boasts the Škocjan Caves. This UNESCO natural and cultural World Heritage Site is a treasure of the Earth. It’s the world’s largest underground canyon and home to a specially developed eco-system; a trip down this abyss is one to remember.
If it’s water you’re after then travel either to the Adriatic coast or in to the Julian Alps and seek out Lake Bled. This stunning glacial lake, with its island and castle provides a picturesque Alpine setting; couple that with fresh air and thermal waters and Lake Bled offers ideal conditions for relaxation, it’s also a perfect base for adventure.
Canyoning
A day out in the Slovenian canyons will see you trekking, climbing, swimming, abseiling and generally being very, very active. It’s wet and wild but not like the plastic aqua parks you might have visited before – this type of adventure is in mother nature’s playground.
In the extreme north-west of Slovenia lies the Karstic world of the Soča Valley. This is an area where streams have drilled through rocks for centuries and limestone has been formed and re-molded for millennia. The net result of this is the creation of astonishing canyons and gushing waterfalls.
Also in the north-west is Lake Bled. This pristine environment provides a stunning backdrop for your canyoning adventure. And when you’re done with the adrenalin, relax, in the thermal pools that surround the area.
Finally, Triglav National Park should not be forgotten when considering Canyoning. It is a relatively inaccessible area that will be more challenging to travel through but the environment is awesome.
Summer extends from June to September and is the best time of year for this activity.
Trekking
Trekking is popular and well catered for in Slovenia with over 6,000 miles of marked trails and paths. Whether its easy short walks in the fields and foothills or strenuous, challenging climbs to some of the mountain peaks you’ll get just what you want from a trekking adventure in Slovenia.
The first port of call for your Slovenian trek could be the Julian Alps in the north, north-west of the country. Trek ‘Alpine-style’ around Lake Bled, or Lake Bohinj, Bovec, Kranjska and Gora.
North-east from the Julian Alps are the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. This is a mountain range on the border with Austria and the highest peak is Grintovec at 2,558 metres.
Triglav National Park is Slovenia’s natural gem. The park covers three per cent of the country with glacial lakes, rushing rivers, hidden gorges, snow-capped mountains and lush valleys! Sounds idyllic hey? The tallest summit in the park is Mount Triglav, which strokes the bellys of the clouds at 2,864 metres.
Summer extends from June to September and is the best time of year for this activity.
Skiing
For winter adrenalin-seeking fun try skiing in the Julian Alps of Slovenia. Mount Visevnik summits at 2,050 metres and lies above the Pokljuka plateau; it is the most popular ski run for beginners.
For advanced skiing thrills and spills the area surrounding Bled is the place to head. Another popular destination for extreme skiers is Mount Triglav. Ski mountaineering can be undertaken here in spring, when the long steep gullies are perfectly covered in snow.
Winter in Slovenia extends from October to April with the best and most reliable snows falling from December to February.
Whitewater Rafting
In western Slovenia, on the banks of the stunning Soča River, is the small town of Bovec. This is Slovenia’s mecca for water-based adventure seekers. The Soča River runs down from the Julian Alps and its crystal-clear waters offer ideal conditions for white water adrenalin. Spring is the best time of year to sample such delights; the snow melt is pouring off the mountains and increases the volume of water in the rivers.
There are also rafting opportunities on the mighty Sava River in the north-west. Here you can negotiate big white-water, boiling swell and tumbling waterfalls as the river courses south-east across beautiful Slovenia.
Mountain Biking
Mountain-bikers can enjoy some of the most spectacular trails in Europe while on a thrill-seeking MTB adventure in Slovenia.
Hard-core mountain-bikers who want a real challenge can take on the soaring mountain passes, which are found in abundance across the north and north-west. Or you could decide that your expedition is going subterranean! The option to MTB through some of Slovenia’s stunning underground canyons is a chance not to be missed; journey to the Karst region in the west for stalactite dodging rides.
A popular loop begins in the capital city, Ljubljana and travels past Lake Bohinj and through Triglav National Park. It also encompasses medieval cities such as Bovec, the natural wonders of the Karst plateau and the stunning beauty of the Adriatic coast.
Classic Itineraries
Fly to the capital Ljubljana and arrange your own car hire or bus travel up to the north of the country and the wild, rugged beauty of Slovenia. Go hiking or mountain biking through the Triglav National Park – perhaps even attempt the summit trek and marvel at the stupendous views from the top; afterwards go further north and west in to the Julian Alps. In the summer months trekking, mountain biking or rock climbing will tempt you in to the hills. In winter this area is the realm of skiers, snowboarders and ice-climbers.
For a post-mountain adrenalin rush, find Lake Bled or Lake Bolinj and chill in the soothing thermal waters.
The Karst landscapes in the west offer cave exploration, canyoning and beauty.
A quick dip in the Adriatic Sea to finish off your Slovenian adventure will leave you feeling refreshed, invigorated and wanting to come back for more.
Other Activities
The list is truly endless! Slovenia offers a huge variety of adventure sports whatever the time of year. During the milder months, have a go at paragliding, horse-riding, hydro-speed, kayaking, rock climbing, scuba diving, via ferrata or walking … Phew!
During the winter, why not lash up the dogs for a bit of sledding, grab your crampons for some ice-climbing and mountaineering or seek out some fresh powder for an amazing snowboard adventure?
