Slovenia

We cross the Austrian-Slovenian border via Ljubelj instead of the Karavanke tunnel. This is mainly to avoid the traffic jam, but also because the road via the Ljubelj pass is very nice to drive along winding roads and exciting hairpin bends. Once we cross the border, we enter the Goriška Brda region. This region is primarily known as a wine region. We can definitely confirm that the Slovenians know how to make wine and that they are not inferior to their Italian neighbours. The region is also reminiscent of Tuscany in terms of landscape. The fact that Italy is not far away is also reflected in the Italian-inspired cuisine. On our first stop, we immediately visit one of the most famous places in Slovenia: Lake Bled. A characteristic of this lake is the small island with a church on it. Around the lake you can make beautiful walks or go for a bike ride. If you prefer to avoid the tourist "rush" of the town of Bled, you can drive further to Radovljica, a small and charming village only 10 km from the lake. The ideal base for exploring the surroundings.

We explore the Triglav National Park a little further and drive to Bovec, where one of the most popular activities is rafting on the river Soča. And rafting is possible at all levels. In certain places, the river is a little calmer, which means that families or people without rafting experience can also try the Soča. More experienced rafters can enjoy themselves on the wild stretches. The Soča experience is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Besides rafting, you can also do kayaking, canyoning, snorkelling and much more. If you're not a water rat, don't worry - there are beautiful walks along the banks of the river Soča. For many daredevils, this region is also very popular for parachuting and hang-gliding. We follow the Soča to the Tolmin Gorge, the lowest point in Triglav National Park. A path leads through the gorge, showing you the natural geographical formations. The hike takes about 1.5 hours and tickets can be bought at the ticket office past the restaurant.

Ljubljana is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe. This beautiful student city is a nice change from the many natural sites that we have already visited during this road trip. As we said, Ljubljana is not big, but you can eat well and all sights are close together in the historical centre around the Ljubljanica river. Must sees are without a doubt the Dragon Bridge and Ljubljana Castle that towers high above the city. You can only reach the castle after a brisk walk or by cable car (paying). The 15th-century Ljubljanski Grad is built on the highest point of the city and was inhabited by provincial rulers until the 17th century. Remnants of Roman and Celtic fortifications have also been found in this strategic location. The Dragon Bridge - or Zmaski Most - was built over the Ljubljanica River in 1901. The bridge refers to the symbol of the city: the dragon. Four large stone dragons guard the bridge, two on each side. It was also one of the first bridges in Europe to be built entirely of concrete and steel. Be sure to take a stroll between the red and white coloured houses! The St. Nicholas Cathedral and the St. Francis Church were also able to enchant us.

After a varied ride, we arrive at the Slovenian coast. This coastline is not very long, 47 kilometres, but it is certainly worth a visit. The coastline is diverse in landscape and you will find some very nice towns here. Piran is often described as "the jewel in the crown of the Slovenian coast". Just like Izola and Koper, Piran is a picturesque town with a maze of narrow streets. The historic centre is built in the Venetian style. Again, we see that the Italian influences are not far away. Be sure to visit the cathedral and the bell tower of Saint George. Plaza Fiesa is a nice beach to relax on.

Also Izola strongly reminds of Venice. The city was founded in the 7th century by refugees from Aquileia. In the 19th century, tourism in the city received an enormous boost when a thermal spring was discovered. The large port and the beautiful pebble beaches also make Izola a nice stopover.Koper has an interesting medieval centre. Around the main square, you can see beautiful buildings of Venetian architecture.

In the Strunjan Nature Reserve, you can walk on the most beautiful beaches and admire the 80-metre-high Strunjan cliff. Pontorož is a somewhat larger town with modern hotels, a large marina, thermal baths and many cultural events.

After a varied ride through the Ravinjska region, we arrive in Celje, the city of 'counts and princes'. Celje was already inhabited by the Celts and later named Celeia by the Romans. It was the administrative centre of the Roman province. Ptuj is the oldest town in Slovenia and was called Poetovio by the Romans. It is the city of the "Kurents", traditional carnival figures. Maribor is Slovenia's second largest city and is best known for its wine and the beautiful landscapes around it. This region is especially popular during the winter months because of the Pohorje Mountains, the ideal place for a skiing holiday. But the city has a lot to offer in every season. For example, you can taste wine in the medieval Water Tower, located on the Drava River and built as part of the city's defences. One of the oldest synagogues in Europe is also located in Maribor. The city's central square is dominated by the Plague Column, originally a column erected by the city's inhabitants in memory of the plague. The column was later replaced by the Baroque masterpiece of the German sculptor Joseph Straub.