About Ljubljana

Status:                                     capital of the Republic of Slovenia

Area:                                        3 km2

Population:                                276,000

Average temperature in January: - 0.3 °C

Average temperature in June:    20.7 °C

Altitude:                                    298 m above sea level

Position

Situated on a natural passage between Central Europe & Mediterranean toward the East - trade routes and waves of migration have passed through here for centuries

Distances between places in Slovenia are short, which makes Ljubljana a perfect base for exploring the country's diverse beauty. Within a single day you can visit the Slovenian coast and high mountainous regions, and experience the Mediterranean, Alpine and continental climate.

Lifestyle

Ljubljana is famous for its historical heritage and tradition, but on the other hand, it is a relatively young city with a modern lifestyle whose residents' average age is only slightly above 30.

both the Central European and the Mediterranean spirit have influenced the temperament of its residents.

classified as a mid-sized European city, has preserved its small-town friendliness and relaxed atmosphere while providing all the facilities of a modern capital a city with a high quality of life -  greenery, city centre occupied by parks and forests

Ljubljana’s appearance and flair has charmed many visitors. The traveler will find here a unique combination of a tranquil capital city bubbling with the spiritual energy of the nation.

Architecture

Uniqueness wherever you turn, preserved evidence of a five thousand year history including the remains of the Roman city of Emona.

The old city centre with its medieval castle, Baroque façades, decorative portals and uneven roofs, picturesque bridges across the Ljubljanica river and the vast Tivoli park.

Ljubljana's present appearance is partly due to the Italian Baroque and partly to Art Nouveau, which found expression in numerous buildings constructed after the earthquake of 1895.

In the second half of the 20th century, world famous architect Jože Plečnik put a personal stamp on his native Ljubljana (market place, Križanke open air theatre, national library…).

Culture

Culture in Ljubljana is truly a way of life. Ljubljana each year hosts over 10,000 cultural events, from prestigious musical, theatre and art events to alternative and avant-garde events, including 14 international festivals. Ljubljana is also a seat one of the world's oldest philharmonic societies.

Ljubljanahas big historic museum collections and is also a seat of all the others Slovenian major museums. If you are an art lover you won’t be disappointed since there are a number of art galleries which you can visit.

Souvenirs

Souvenirs are available at tourist info centers. Also, check out the market for some traditional Slovenian products, souveniers and food, wines, spirits etc.

Entertainment

Feel free to ask the receptionist to circle the locations for you on the free map.

Cafes

Cacao, Čez cesto, Grajska kavarna, Maček, Metropol, Sta travel cafe, Zvezda, Trubadur, Čolnarna…

Pubs and bars

Guinness Pub, Parlament Pub, Cutty Sark, Pub Premier, Hvala za rože, Žmauc, Roxly, Pr skelet, Casablanca…

Clubs

Bachus, Emonska Klet, Jupiter bar, Klub 3000, Klub Sub Sub, Club OZ, KMŠ, Orto Bar, Ultra, TOP, K4…

Metelkova mesto – surrounding area clubs

Klub Monokel

Klub Tiffany (gay club)

Gala Hala

Klub Channel Zero

Jalla Jalla

Klub Gromka

Menza pri koritu

Metelkovacity is an autonomous social center in the centre of Ljubljana. It is located on the site of former military barracks (the Slovenian headquarters of the Yugoslav National Army) and was squatted September 1993. The site consists of seven buildings. The name of the squat comes from the surname of the 19th century Slovenian Roman Catholic priest, philologist and unsuccessful language reformer Fran Metelko, after whom the nearby street is named.

At Metelkova city a range of activities are held. These include an art gallery, bars, artists studios, space for designers, offices of cultural organizations and concerts featuring different types of live music from Free Jazz, Heavy metal and Noise to Dub and Techno.

Movies and theatre

Kolosej, Kino Vič, Kino Dvor, occasionally Cankarjev dom, Kinoteka.

Generally, movies in Slovenia are all showed in original language and subtitled so you should have no trouble seeing the films.

Tickets cost around 5 €.

About Slovenia

Slovenia,officially the Republic of Slovenia is a country in Central Europe bordering Italy to the west, the Adriatic Sea to the southwest, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north. The capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana.

Basic data

Population: Slovenia 2,019,406 (2007); Ljubljana 266,845 (2004)

Area: 20,273 km2

Ethnic composition: Slovenian 83%, former Yugoslav minorities 5,3%, Hungarian, Albanian, Roman, Italian and others 2,8%.

Official language: Slovenian.

Time zone: Central European (GMT +1hr)

Longest river: Sava, 221km in Slovenia

Highest mountain: Triglav, 2864 m

Borders: 1,370km in total; 318km with Austria; 280km with Italy; 102 with Hungary; 670 with Croatia.

Calling Slovenia: +386

Language: Slovenian, a Slavic language. Locals speak English, German or Italian.

Money: Euro

Politics: parliamentary democracy

Religion: mostly Roman Catholic

Bled

Slovenia has only one island but its uniqueness makes it more attractive than any other archipelagoes. Sheltered by picturesque mountains, the island reigns in the middle of an Alpine lake.

Its charm has made it a symbol for centuries of a town to which guests from all over the world love to return. This town, which has already existed for a thousand years, is BLED. The town, already famous at the beginning of the 20th century as the most beautiful health spa of the then Austrian empire, attracted the European aristocratic elite.

After WWII, one of the most attractive state residences of the former regime was located in Bled. Many of the world’s most important people thus enjoyed the beauties of Bled. And now, for decades already, the pilgrims of the new age have been discovering this town.

Where to  stay:

Hostel Traveller's Haven

Back Packers Rooms

Bled Hostel

Castle Hostel 1004

How to get there:

By car: Bled is situated in the northwestern part of Slovenia, 47km from the nearest Austrian and Italian borders. It can be accessed year round from the regional road Karavanke Tunnel–Ljubljana, exit Lesce.

By train: The Lesce–Bled Railway Station, on the Oste railway line (Munich–Salzburg–Villach–Ljubljana–Belgrade–Istanbul–Athens), is only 4km from Bled. The other railway station, Bled–Jezero, is on the railway line Villach–Jesenice–Nova Gorica. 

By bus:From Ljubljana there are regular buses every day. There are also regular buses running from Bled to local destinations and all major Slovenian centers. 

Join the tour:you can book one of the tours at the reception of Hostel Celica that will offer you once in a life experience of Bled. We recommend: Alpine fairytale, West roundy or Raft’n’Fun.

Kranjska gora

The lively adventures of the Julian Alps are waiting for you in Kranjska Gora and its surroundings. There are countless adventures you can try, from an active holiday to a peaceful discovering of nature and the cultural heritage. You can uncover the mystery of well-being in the rich wellness offer, attend business and social meetings or take your family to explore the mystical past of the Zgornjesavska valley. You will never be bored.

Where to stay:

Youth HostelPr’ Tatko

Hostel "Pr' Tatko" is a typical old farmhouse of Gorenjska region. The local people would refer to it as "Pr' Govedarjo", which basically means "At Cattle Breeder's". The whole estate consists of a house, a stable for cattle and a barn for hay and farm machinery storage. There is a tranquil courtyard at the front and a large garden with a bee-hive at the rear of the house.

The house was built in 1913 and is decorated in the traditional farm style of the region. The rooms are spacious with elegant decorations on the walls some of which date back to the times of the houses's constructions. The kitchen is furnished in the old style so as to retain its charm, however nowdays it is fully equipped and incorporates all the modern appliances.

Pr' Tatko Hostel is located in Podkoren village - which is 3 km further from Kranjska Gora. The village lies on the northern border of the Triglav national park and is an ideal starting point for trips round Slovenia as well as for side trips to Austria or Italy.

How to get there:

By car: Take the motorway from Ljubljana and follow the signs to  Kranj – Jesenice – Kranjska gora.

By bus or train: From Ljubljana take a bus or train to Jesenice. On arrival to Jesenice you can take a local bus to Kranjska gora which takes another 30 minutes.

Triglav National Park, Soča River, Bovec, Kobarid

Mountains, rivers and lakes, forests, and mountain pastures and meadows are interwoven with a rich cultural heritage. Due to the beauty of the landscape in Bohinj and its precious natural heritage, a good part of the Bohinj regions has been incorporated in the territory of Triglav National Park, Slovenia's only national park.

The park reached its present size in 1981, includes practically all of the Julian Alps that lie in Slovenia, and covers 83,807 hectares. The highest point in the park is the peak of Mount Triglav (2,864 m), from which the park takes its name, and the lowest point is in the Tolminska Chutes (180 m).

To the south is the SočaValley and the gorges of its tributaries. The spots beside the emerald river attract seekers of tranquility as well as those seeking adrenalin challenges. Here, numerous water sports are available, from kayaking and canoeing to rafting and canyoning.

Visitors can also experience the valley with parachutes, hang-gliders, and mountain bikes. Slovenia’s highest ski center on Mount Kanin is accessible from the valley where the majority of accommodations and restaurants are to be found in Bovec, Kobarid, and Tolmin.

Between two gothic churches lies a square with typical Bovec houses and friendly restaurants, shops, and hotels. Not far from town, by the confluence of the Soča and Koritnica Rivers, there are a series of arranged campsites. In the open field nearby, sports aircraft take off and land.

Where to stay:

Eco Camp Canyon by Adrenaline-Check                   

How to get there:

By car: Bovec–Ljubljana 135km, Bovec–Bled 90km, Bovec–Kranjska gora 45km Bovec–Nova Gorica 75km, Bovec–Udine 65km

By bus: Bus carrier Avrigo operates bus services between Ljubljana and Nova Gorica several times a day. In summer, buses also run to Kranjska gora and Bled.

Join the tour: Experience Triglav national park and beauties of Soča river differently- book a tour at the reception of Hostel Celica. We recommend: Emerald river tour and West roundy.

Karst

The Karst is a limestone plateau in the south-west of Slovenia, surrounded by the Bay of Trieste, the Vipava Valley, Brkini, Pivka and Slovene Istria. For thousands of years the Karst has been drawing people who love natural andcultural beauty and enjoy discovering the interesting characteristics of the karstic world.

What gives the Karst its special characteristic is the combination of the Continental climate of central Slovenia and the mild submediterranean climate of the Northern Adriatic. The Karst is known not only for its Teran wine, Pršut ham and the bora wind (burja) but also by its mysterious underground world with its numerous caves. Natural and cultural heritage can be discovered by walking in the Karst countryside through pastures, sinkholes, abandoned waterholes and by the burja shaped trees where footpaths will lead you to villages with preserved typical Karst architecture and local people who have been creating and shaping life in this specific area since time began.

The Karst offers both rich natural and cultural heritage. These include numerous karstic features along with the living environment, villages, pastures, vineyards, enclosures, stone vernacular architecture, waterholes and wells, as well as tranquillity and relaxation either in wine cellars or in one of the many tourist farms and restaurants where you will enjoy sampling various local gastronomy and wines which will be kindly served to you by the hospitable local people.

Where to stay:

Hostel Pliskovica

In the centre of the Karst, in Pliskovica, is a typical old Karst farm protected as a cultural monument, that was renovated and made out as a youth hostel. To our visitors we offer guided tours of Slamčeva farm, to allow them to become acquainted with Karst architecture and the typical way of life on the farm.

How to get there:

By car, Dutovlje where Hostel Pliskovica is located, is easiest accessible by car. From Ljubljana take A1 motorway direction Koper/Trieste, exit at Sežana-vzhod,Nova Gorica, Lipica, turn left towards Sežana, drive pass Šmarje pri Sežani and arrive at Dutovlje. It will take you about 50 minutes to get there.

Postojna cave

PostojnaCave is a network of 20 kilometers of passages, galleries and chambers into which experienced guides have accompanied more than 31 million visitors in the last 188 years. It is the largest cave in the “classic karst” and the most visited show cave in Europe. In 1872 railway lines were laid in the cave; electricity arrived in 1884. Today you begin your visit aboard the cave train; the electric lighting allows you to admire the size and splendor of the underground world, where the geological past is recorded in a unique manner. Visitors to the cave are dazzled by a wealth of speleothems: calcite formations, stalactites and stalagmites abounding in a variety of shapes, colours and age. The constant temperature in the caves ranges from 8 to 10° C. A guided visit lasts an hour and a half. Take the train through the underground world of the largest cave in the Classic Karst and the most visited tourist cave in Europe to see magnificent caverns and glistening stalactite formations. View the largest collection of cave animals in one place. The nearby Pivka and Črna jama caves are also worth a visit.

Where to stay:

Hotel and Hostel Sport

How to get there:

By car, Postojna is about one hour west of Ljubljana on the A1 highway.

There are also direct train and bus connections with Ljubljana.

Join the tour: if you wish to see all the carstic beauties with no stress of organization book a tour at the reception of Hostel Celica. We recommend Coast and Karst Mystery tour.

Škocjan caves

The Škocjan Caves Regional Park lies in the south-west of Slovenia, on the main Karst plateau, from which the word Karst originates. The Skocjan Caves, with the vastness of their underground halls and gorges, hold a special place among the 7 thousand caves in Slovenia. They comprise a network of eleven caves, with hollows, swallow holes, natural bridges among them many geological features.

Because of their unique natural features and cultural heritage they have been on the UNESCO world heritage list since 1986, and in 1999 were put on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance as the world’s largest underground wetlands. You will marvel at the beauty of both the underground world and the surrounding karst world above. The temperature in the cave is constant 12°C. In addition to tours of the Škocjan Caves, which are open to visitors year-round, the park offers visitors various other possibilities for learning about the Kras region and its features.

Škocjan Museum exhibitions. A tour of the village itself includes an ethnography exhibition in the J’Kopin Barn, an illustrated history of the exploration of the Škocjan Caves in the Jurjevo Barn, and biology, geology, and archeology exhibitions in the Natural Science Center. Visit the caves in winter, early spring, and late fall when tour groups are smaller than during the summer high season.

How to get there:

By car:  There are several routes to the park. The simplest route is via the Ljubljana-Koper highway. Take the Divača exit and follow the signs for two kilometers to the Škocjan Caves. On the regional road there is a marked turnoff for the village of Škocjan, and the Škocjan Caves InformationCenter is in the village of Matavun. On the Ilirska Bistrica-Divača road there is a marked turnoff for Škocjan Caves Park in Famlje.

By train:  Increasing numbers of visitors are coming to the park via train and a walk. The train arrives in Divača, from where a marked trail leads through Dolnje Ležeče to the Škocjan Park Information Center. The walk is 3km long and takes about 35 minutes.

Join the tour: Hostel Celica recommends a Coast and Karst Mystery tour which you can book at the reception.

LakeCerknica– the vanishing lake

Cerknica Lake, the largest disappearing lake in Slovenia, enraptures visitors with numerous interesting natural phenomena and diverse flora and fauna. The lake fills in the spring and during rainy

periods, offering possibilities for numerous water sports and fishing.

The intermittent Cerknica Lake is one of the global attractions of the Slovenian Karst. Abundant autumn precipitation fills the valley with water, which in ideal conditions remains to the start of summer. With the arrival of summer, the water retreats to the riverbed and with it the fish. The concentration of fish is large and thus the fishing is extremely good. The main sports fish is the pike, which due to the intermittent nature of the lake does not reach exceptional size, but ensures good fishing due to its abundance. The tench and chub reach trophy sizes, as does the carp. A catch of a carp weighing ten or more kilograms is not unusual. 

The bike route »Cerknica lake – Rakov Škocjan canyon« takes us through the Javornik mountain to the biggest disappearing lake in Slovenia, Cerknica lake. Here you can enjoy swimming in beautiful nature, canoeing, horse-riding, circular drive with a traditional cart or home made food in one of many tourist farms. Cerknica lake is the right place also for fishermen, bird and animal lovers and botany enthusiasts. On the way back to Postojna we visit another natural gallery, the Rakov Škocjan regional park. The path around the park is an ideal way to see and learn about all the sights. For those who are not in the mood for walking, we recommend bathing in the Rak stream and enjoying delicious food on the terrace of the nearby guesthouse.

Lipica

Lipica, a cultural monument of European and worldwide reputation, is located in Slovenia's Karst region, an unusual stony land covered with low bushes, small pine forests, and vineyards.

In 1580, the Austrian Archduke Karl II established the stud, and it was the property of the Austrian court until 1918. Its history abounds with stories of emperors and rulers admiring the white stallions and, on the other hand, stories of difficult and dangerous times when the stud had to flee from the maelstroms of war.

Today, Lipica is a tourist and recreation centerthat is not just interesting for its stud and the white beauties Valvasor described in 1689. It can now boast of its varied offer; in particular, the performances of its classic riding school are an unforgettable experience. Today, Lipica is known as an international venue for traditional equestrian events including World Cup dressage competitions and the Lipica Stud Days. Lipica is increasingly becoming Slovenia's equestrian center where lovers of equestrian sports from Slovenia and abroad meet.

How to get there:

By car:  take the Divača or Sežana exit from the A1 highway and head west. There are several signs that point the way.

By bus or train: take a bus or a train to Sežana or Divača and from there you need to take a local bus connection to Lipica. NOTE: Please check the bus/train connections in advance.

Join the tour:Tour Coast and Karts Mystery takes you among other places also through Lipica. Book it at the reception of Hostel Celica.

Piran

Piran is probably the most beautiful of Slovenia's coastal towns, perched on a tiny piece of land jutting into the sea. It feels more like an Italian coastal town, without all the Italian tourists, and for good reason: Piran was part of the Venetian empire from the late 13th century to the end of the 18th century.

The old seaport of Piran lies at the end of the Piran peninsula, which gradually narrows between the bays of Strunjan and Piran. The peninsula reaches Cape Madona, ending with the Šavrini hills. The town has preserved the medieval layout with narrow streets and compact houses, which rise in steps from the coastal lowland into the hills and give the whole area a typical Mediterranean look.

The town resembles a large open-air museum, with medieval architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Narrow streets and compact houses give the town its specialcharm. Piran is the administrative centre of the local area and one of Slovenia's major tourist attractions.

What to see and do:

Tartinijev trg, the beautiful oval-shaped main square, with a statue of the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini. This was once the marina, but after it silted up it was paved over with marble.

The Venetian House, the red building on Tartinijev trg, is a fantastic example of gothic Venetian architecture and the oldest building on the square. Built by a rich Venetian merchant to house his mistress, spot the inscription between the upper windows: it says Lassa pur dir, or "let them talk".

See the Church of St. George (Cerkev sv. Jurija). The inside is quite beautiful and the location on the hill on provides a view over the whole city and harbor.

Sunsetover the Adriatic sea, preferably from a bar on the waterfront with an aperitivo in hand.

ExplorePiran's narrow streets. Get lost. Find a little cafe or bar and relax.

There is no beach as such, but you can swim in the sea from the many piers scattered about.

There is a diving school if you want to explore the clear Adriatic Sea.

Climb to the top of the city walls to take in the view of the peninsula (follow ulica IX.Korpusa up the hill from Tartinijev trg).

Cimb up the rickety stairway to the bell tower on St Geroges church for views to Croatia and Italy

Walk along the coastal path from the Church of St. George to Fiesa (about one kilometer each way).

Where to stay:

Alibi Hostel

Maona

Hostel Val

How to get there:

By car: Being close to Italy and Croatia, Piran is very easily accessible by car. It lies only 34 km from the Italian and 30km from the Slovenian motorway. Piran can be accessed from the direction Ljubljana/Trieste–Koper–Izola–Portorož–Piran. 

By train: The Koper Railway Station is 16km from Piran.

By bus: The Piran Bus Station is situated at the gateway to the old town centre of Piran, right by the sea. 

By sea: Boat service is running between Portorož, Piran, Strunjan, Izola, Koper and Ankaran. Available are boat trips to Venice, Brioni, Croatia, as well as a number of panoramic trips.

Join the tour: if you wish to see more book either a West Roundy tour or Coast and Karst Mystery tour at the reception of Hostel Celica that will take you from Karts region through the Mediterraneancoast.

Novo mesto

Through history Novo mesto established itself as economic and cultural centre of the Dolenjska region. Its responsibility is to lead the region in further development and future European integration processes.

When one thinks of Dolenjska, the image of this varied countryside with its many hills, topped by churches, the imposing Gorjanci mountain range, the expansive Kočevje forests and the brilliant green Krka springs to mind. The Krka has served as a landmark to the inhabitants of Dolenjska and travellers for centuries. Archaeological findings are beginning to complete the picture of the life of the early inhabitants of our local area. The archaeological sites from the Early and the Late Iron Ages are a real treasure. Every year new discoveries in this field maintain Novo Mesto's place among the most important European cultural centres of the period between the 1st and 8th century B.C.. Craft and trade were the fundamental economic activities in the first few centuries and brought prosperity to the town.

Novo Mesto changed its image in the second half of the 20th century. It finally freed itself from the borders of the medieval walls. This period saw the establishment of numerous industrial plants and the accompanying accelerated urbanism. In these years the main educational, health and cultural institutions in Dolenjska were established.

There are many spots in Novo mesto that pleases sights of even most pretentious traveler. We are proud to present you our heritage, surrounding nature and everything that is beautiful in our town.             

Heritage Trail project in Dolenjska and Bela krajina is a pilot project in former socialist countries. Its goal is revitalization of the countryside with inclusion of natural and cultural heritage in tourist offerings under principles of stable tourism. This tourist programme includes 28 natural and cultural sights in Dolenjska and Bela krajina, which invite tourists to pleasant trips and excursions, full of curiosities and dissimilarities to regular tours, that can be adjusted to your individual preferences.

Where to stay:

Hostel Situla     

Hostel Situla was renovated and furnished by experts and artists, who conveyed the art of situla into the present and gave it a modern meaning. Hostel offers accommodation in different types of rooms and is open to everyday visitors who can enjoy the atmosphere of it’s restaurant. You can also buy the products in our gift shop and we are quite certain that they will become a lovely memory for a foreign traveller and a suitable gift for you as well as for your family or friends. Hostel's information point provides you with information about the Novo mesto's events, trips or we will find you a guide, who will help discover the hidden places of Novo mesto and Dolenjska.

How to get there:

By car: Novo mesto can be accessed from the Slovenian motorway direction Ljubljana/Zagreb. Novo mesto is about 50 km away from Ljubljana.

By train: Take a train from Ljubljana to Novo mesto. The train station Novo mesto is about 15 minutes walking distance away from the old part of the town.

By bus: The Novo mesto bus station is 5 minutes walking distance awayfrom  the city center and there are daily regular connections to Ljubljana.

Ptuj

Below the imposing Ptuj Castle with its regional museum, Slovenia’s oldest city Ptuj invites visitors to this part of Slovenia. This city of Kurenti masqueraders and other original traditions also boasts Slovenia’s oldest wine cellar with its archived treasures that inspire tourists to tour the winegrowing regions of Slovenske Gorice and Haloze.

The Ptuj Thermal Spa promises relaxation, and Ptujska Gora with its remarkable pilgrimage church and the nearby castles of Štatenberg, Vurberg, and Borl guarantee visitors a unique encounter with the past. At Ptujsko jezero lake on the Drava River it is possible to fish, row, and sail, while the Ormoško jezero lake is a nature reserve. Nearby Ormož boasts a castle and a park of exotic trees.

Where to stay:

Kurent Youth Hostel

Youth HostelEva