The Best 5 Days in Slovenia Itinerary: Slovenia Road Trip 5 Days Guide

The old saying goes that ‘good things come in small packages’, and that’s certainly true for Slovenia. This 5 days in Slovenia itinerary covers everything you’ll need to about visiting the country for the first time.

As one of central Europe’s most charming destinations. What it lacks in size, it sure makes up for in terms of fascinating culture and towns oozing with history, phenomenally beautiful landscapes, as well as a booming adventure sports scene.

Naturally, you’d probably want to stay longer here, however, because of its compact size, you’ll be able to see the best of Slovenia in 5 days.

This itinerary can be done by public transport, however, to make the most out of your trip, I suggest self-driving. This Slovenia road trip 5 days guide includes what to see in Slovenia, how to get around (even without a car), and insider tips on how to see the best of Slovenia in a short space of time.

5 days in Slovenia – Overview

This 5 days in Slovenia itinerary article is divided into sections. The first part covers the top things to do in Slovenia during your trip as well as a summary for each day. The second section goes into details about getting around, information about how to visit the top things to see in Slovenia which were mentioned in the first section, as well as lots of tips for your visit.

Finally, there’s an FAQ section that answers any other questions you might have about planning your Slovenia vacation.

Best Things To See In Slovenia

• Lake Bled
• The Julian Alps
• Vršič Pass
• Ljubljana Old Town
• Ljubljana Castle
• Metelkova Mesto
• Postojna Caves
• Predjama Castle
• Piran Old Harbour
• Vintgar Gorge
• Soča river
• The Boka & Kozjak waterfalls
• Jasna Lake
• Bohinj Town
• Ride the Auto Train

Slovenia in 5 Days

This 5 day Slovenia itinerary is sure to be a memorable adventure! Although this itinerary can be done by train or bus, for more freedom, I suggest hiring a car to get the most out of this Slovenia road trip 5 days guide.

I’ve designed this itinerary to start in Ljubljana, the nation’s capital, and then finish in Bohinj. Bohinj is a short drive from the Italian and Austrian border, so you could tag on a few days in either of these destinations too.

This Slovenia travel guide is pretty tight-packed so if you have more time to spend travelling in Slovenia, then spread this out over 7-10 days instead.

Slovenia Road Trip 5 Days – Day-by-Day Breakdown

Here’s how your Slovenia road trip 5 days will pan out. Although this is a packed schedule, it will allow you to see the best of Slovenia in a relatively short time.

One thing you’ll quickly learn is why the phrase #sLOVEnia crops up everywhere around the country. After my trip, I could firmly say that I love Slovenia, and I’m sure you will too! Here’s what my Slovenia suggested itinerary for 5 days looks like:

• Day 1 – Ljubljana
• Day 2 – Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle
• Day 3 – Piran
• Day 4 – Lake Bled & Vintgar Gorge
• Day 5 – Julian Alps & Bohinj

5 Days Slovenia Itinerary Map

This map shows where all the locations I just mentioned above are located for this 5 day itinerary for Slovenia. You can also download the map for offline viewing.

Best Way to Get to Slovenia

Slovenia has 3 international airports, so depending on where you’re coming from, you should find something that works. The most popular airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU).

It’s also easy to get to Slovenia by land, so you might be wondering how to reach Slovenia by road. The country shares borders with Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungry. You could easily extend your trip and arrive in Slovenia via bus, train or car from one of these countries instead.

Getting around Slovenia

There are a few ways to travel around Slovenia. The country has decent train and bus services, so if you’re travelling around Slovenia without a car, then you’ll be able to get to most points of interest easily. The only exception is the Emerald Valley, which I’ll talk about later on.

The best way to get around Slovenia is by car. If you’ve arrived in Slovenia by air, then you’ll find loads of car rental places at Ljubljana Airport. Having your own set of wheels will give you the freedom to do this 5 day Slovenia tour at your own pace and visit places that are not accessible by public transportation.

Complete 5 Days in Slovenia Itinerary

This itinerary starts in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. Although doable using public transport, this itinerary is easier done as a 5-day road trip. If you’re flying into Ljubljana, then there are plenty of options for car hire.

Because of the compact size of the county, most places listed in this guide are under two hours’ drive from Ljubljana. An alternative way of seeing everything I mention in this article is by basing yourself in Ljubljana and then doing day trips.

Day 1 – Ljubljana

Start the first day of your Slovenia itinerary in the nation’s capital; Ljubljana. Explore the historic centre, and eat locally produced food at the farmers market before climbing up to Ljubljana castle for the best panoramic views of the city. After, head to the quirky autonomous district of Metelkova Mesto.

I know I struggled with the pronunciation of the name of the city at first, but think of it like lube-li-ana. The city of Ljubljana is an incredibly green city, with tree-lined streets and grassy river banks and parks. Running through the city is a turquoise river of the Ljubljanica. The pedestrian-friendly city means that it’s easy to explore on foot (or bike).

Compared to the bustle of other European cities, Ljubljana feels more like a town. It’s incredibly tranquil. If you’re wondering what to see in Ljubljana and want to orientate yourself with the historical city centre then take a walking tour of Ljubljana. Most tours will also include a sample of the local schnapps; the blueberry one was delicious! 

At some point during your five days in Slovenia, make sure you try the locally-produced orange wine. Contrary to what the name suggests, it’s not actually made from oranges. It gets its name from the colour of the drink. The winemakers leave the skins on the grapes, giving it an orangey tinge.

Best Things To See In Ljubljana

• Preseren Square
• Ljubljana Cathedral
• Central Market
• Plečnik’s Arcades
• Dragon Bridge
• Trivoli Park
• Mestni Square
• Ljubljana Castle
• Metelkova Mesto

Visiting Ljubljana Castle

This is the first of three castles you’re going to visit on this Slovenia trip itinerary. Visiting Ljubljana Castle is one of the top attractions in the city, offering spectacular panoramic views and a range of activities including exhibitions, museums and towers to climb.

There are two ways to get there – walking or by taking the funicular railway – I opted to walk to justify everything I ate for lunch. If you’re opting to walk up, then you’ll find the start of the footpath is at Študentovska ulica.

Ljubljana castle is a medieval fortress that was constructed in the 11th century. It’s visible from pretty much everywhere in the city, so you’ll get some of the best views of the city. One of the top things to do in Ljubljana is to come up and watch the sunset. Most of the grounds are free to enter but you’ll have to pay to go inside the different exhibitions.

Visiting Metelkova Mesto

After visiting the castle, I highly recommend heading over and discovering what became one of my favourite areas of Ljubljana. Metelkova Mesto is an autonomous district in Ljubljana which was formerly the military barracks of both the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Yugoslav National Army before it became a hub for youth and artists.

Today, it’s recognised as an important part of Ljubljana culture, featuring street art, sculptures and vibrant nightlife. It’s well worth exploring during the day or after hours for a unique experience in Slovenia.

Alternative Itinerary (If You’re Not Into Street Art)

If you’re not interested in street art and visiting the district of Metelkova Mesto, then opt to take a boat ride, kayak or SUP along the Ljubljanica River.

This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. The river runs right the way through the centre, so you’ll have great views of all the main attractions.

Getting To Ljubljana From Ljubljana Airport

Getting to Ljubljana from the airport is easy, with a variety of options. Those with cars can drive in around 25 minutes, while those without have the option of taking the public bus number 28 route.

The bus takes about 45 minutes, it departs just outside the arrival and drops off at the bus station in Ljubljana.

Where to stay in Ljubljana

Boutique Accommodation – Tromostovje Apartments

Budget Accommodation – Janez Rooms

Day 2 – Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle

Your Slovenia in 5 days itinerary starts early, as you leave Ljubljana. Today you’re going to visit Europe’s largest cave system, travel deep inside the caves on the old train and try to spot the ‘baby dragons’. Then marvel at the impressive Predjama Castle,

If you’re planning to do a road trip in Slovenia, then today is when you want to pick up your rental car as you start to head down south to visit two of the most impressive landmarks in Slovenia.

Visiting Postojna Cave

The Postojna Cave system is the largest ‘show cave’ in Europe. It’s a whopping 24 kilometres long and was carved out by the Pivka River. Although it’s a little gimmicky, there’s a train that takes you inside for the first 5km of the cave system at the start of your 90-minute tour of the caves. 

In fairness, as gimmicky as it is, it’s still a lot of fun to ride the world’s first railway into an underground cave. The original railway here opened here in 1872 although thankfully, it’s been modernised. If you’re interested in weird train facts, the railway’s new claim to fame is that it’s now the world’s only double-track cave railway. The train ride takes you about 5km into the cave system and you walk back out.

During the summer months, expect long delays to enter the caves. This is one of Slovenia’s top attractions, so expect it to be busy.

You are allocated a time slot to enter the caves, so if you arrive and haven’t booked your tickets in advance, then you might have a long wait until the next available time slot.

One of the cute residents of the caves is what they have dubbed ‘baby dragons’; the olms! These are adorable nearly translucent-skinned creatures that have fluffy red external gills and no eyes. They are actually blind salamanders that reside in this cave system. 

They got their name back in the 17th Century, locals wrote about dragons living in the cave and that the olms were the offspring. Flooding of the caves flushed out several of these little creatures which is how this tale started.

Fast forward a few hundred years and scientists have discovered that olms are endemic to the region; they live nowhere else but here. Astonishingly, and I love this fact, an olm can go without food for up to 12 years! And they can have a lifespan of up to 100 years. These are pretty epic little creatures!

The Postojna Caves have a constant chilly temperature of between 8-10°C. Even in the peak of summer, it’s cold so pack something warm when you visit. 

Visiting Predjama Castle

If you love fairy-tale castles, then no doubt this will tick all your boxes. The Renaissance Predjama Castle has perched off the 123-metre-high cliff edge for over 800 years. The castle was deemed unconquerable.

The bit you can see from the path, poking out of the cliff face, is just a small part of the castle complex and the world’s largest castle built inside a cave. Behind the facade is a network of hidden and secret tunnels.

If you’re visiting Slovenia in the summer months, you’ll be able to take a tour of the caves at Postojna Castle. The cave is located under the castle and is home to a colony of bats. If you’re here towards dusk, you’ll see them flitting about. Even if you don’t get to see the bats, you’ll certainly be able to smell them.

The castle is open all year round, but the best time to go to Slovenia if you want to see the bats is between June to August. The caves are closed to the public outside of this time due to the bats hibernating. 

Gettting from Ljubljana to Postojna Caves

There are two main options for getting from Ljubljana to the Postojna Caves: by train or bus.

By train, the journey takes about 90 minutes. You can get off at the town of Postojna and walk 25 minutes to the caves.

The bus from Ljubljana takes around 2 hours and goes directly to the car park of Postojna Cave. A more regular bus is the hourly bus service between Ljubljana and the town of Postojna. like with the train, you’ll then have to walk 25 minutes to the caves.

You can get between Postojna Caves up to Predjma Castle using the shuttle. Take note that the shuttle only runs during the peak season (June – August). If you visit outside of these times, and you’re not on an organised tour, you’ll be able to get a taxi for the short journey.

From the Caves to the Castle, it’s 9 kilometres distance. If you have your own car, during the peak summer months, it might be quicker to take the shuttle bus, than to tackle the busy roads and find parking.

Alternatively, you can book a day tour from Ljubljana to Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle and not have to worry about public transport, and getting to either of the attractions.

Day 3 – Piran

Slovenia isn’t blessed with miles of coastline, unlike neighbouring Croatia, however, what it lacks in quantity, it certainly makes up for in charm.

Spend the day wandering about the picturesque coastal town of Piran on the Adriatic coast and getting lost in the pretty streets surrounding the old harbour. When you tire of that, spend the rest of your time relaxing on one of the best beaches in Slovenia.

Because it’s so close to Italy, you’ll see plenty of opulent Venetian architectural influences here. Tartini Square in the town centre is lined with buildings of this style. This is because for 500 years Piran was part of the Republic of Venice!

The city is compact, so one day in Piran is enough time to be able to see all the highlights and allow for some relaxation time on the beach. Take a guided tour of Piran to see everything efficiently and learn about the history of the town.

Best things to see in Piran

• The Old Town 
• Church of St. George
• Tartini Square & the Bell Tower
• Walk the city walls
• Relax on the beaches

Getting From Postojna Caves To Piran

If you choose to drive, it will take about an hour and fifteen minutes to get from Postojna Caves to Piran. It is a scenic route and there are several gas stations along the way for fuel or snacks. Just make sure you follow the signs for Piran. It’s worth knowing that you’ll have to park outside the town as the Piran centre is pedestrian only.

If you choose to take public transportation, the journey will take longer but it’s a scenic journey. There are buses that leave from Postojna town and go directly to Piran. The total trip time is about two hours, including several stops along the way.

Where to stay in Piran

Boutique Accommodation – Casa Al Porto Antico

Budget Accommodation – Guest House Pachamama

Day 4 – Lake Bled

Day 4 on your Slovenia trip heads back inland and towards Lake Bled. You’ll be in this pretty town for two nights, to explore the region. Visiting Lake Bled is one of the best experiences in Slovenia.

The town of Bled is located in the Julian Alps and is home to probably one of the best lakes in Slovenia and the most photographed lake in Europe, Lake Bled. Nominated as one of the seven new wonders of the world, Lake Bled is certainly postcard perfect, the blue waters of the lake, with a pretty church in the middle, surrounded by the rolling mountains.

Explore Lake Bled by taking a leisurely walk or cycling around the 6-kilometre (3-mile) circuit. Enjoy the stunning views, go for a swim and take some photos along the way! Bike rentals are available if you want to get around quickly.

Climb up to Bled Castle to admire the views over the iconic Lake Bled. Take a boat ride on the lake to visit the island before visiting the beautiful Vintgar Gorge and if you’re feeling energetic, take one of the trails up to the surrounding hills for a panoramic view.

It’s no secret this is Slovenia’s biggest tourist destination and no trip to Slovenia would be complete without visiting it. Bled is a small town, and it can feel very overcrowded in the summer which is why it’s nice to get out of the town and explore the region.

One of my favourite lookout points in Lake Bled was a trail going up through the woodland at the boating club end of the lake. Look for a small signpost pointing into the woods, or ask directions to Ojstrica.

It goes past an old crumbling building at first and then leads up quite steeply through the woods. Eventually, Mala Osojnica comes out to a clearing at the top where you’ll find one of the most phenomenal views of Lake Bled against the backdrop of the Julian Alps.

Best things to see in Bled

• Bled Castle
• Walk (or Cycle) around Lake Bled
• Take a boat ride on Lake Bled
• Ring the bell of the Assumption of Mary Church
• Eat Lake Bled Cake
• Visit Vintgar Gorge
• Hike up to the lookout points

Spend the day ticking these things off your Slovenia to-do list. There’s also an abundance of seasonal things to do in Lake Bled, such as concerts, pop-up markets and exhibitions. It’s best to start early to make the most of your time here, particularly during the peak summer months. Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most visited attractions, so be prepared for crowds!

Visiting Vintgar Gorge

Take a trip to Vintgar Gorge, located in the heart of Triglav National Park. Here you’ll find wooden bridges and viewing platforms overlooking the stunningly clear blue Radovna River. This 1.6km long gorge is home to cascades, rapids, pools and even the 13m tall Šum Waterfall. The Bohinj Railway also passes over the gulley, offering a picturesque view of the area.

If you’re looking for somewhere to cool off during the summer months, Vintgar Gorge is a perfect choice. The trail is shaded by cliff walls and trees. It’s located just 5km from Bled and can be reached on foot or via a shuttle bus in 10 minutes. You can also take a self-guided eBike tour from Bled town. I recommend spending a couple of hours here exploring the area.

Getting from Piran to Lake Bled

There are several different ways to make the trip. If you’re travelling by car, take the A1 freeway from Piran to Ljubljana and then continue onto the E61 road directly to Lake Bled. Depending on traffic, the drive should take about three hours.

Alternatively, you can travel by train from Piran to Ljubljana and then switch trains for the short ride from Ljubljana to Lesce-Bled Station. From there it is only a few kilometres away. This will take about four hours.

You can also take the bus from Piran to Ljubljana and make a transfer to the bus to Lake Bled. This is usually a bit slower but can be more convenient if you do not have access to your own vehicle. The journey should take approximately four hours with connection times.

Because this is technically it’s two bus journeys when you arrive at Ljubljana bus station you’ll have to buy a second bus ticket to get to Bled.

Where to stay in Lake Bled

Boutique Accommodation – Adora Luxury Hotel

(Adora often sells out, if you can’t book a room here, then try Old Bled House instead.)

Budget Accommodation – Vila Lipa

Day 5 – Julian Alps & Soča Valley

This is the final day of your Slovenia in 5 days itinerary where you’re going to explore the beautiful alpine region. If you don’t have the use of a car, then to make the most of this area I 100% recommend booking a tour to take you to at least some of these sites.

Start by heading out of Bled towards the Kranjska Gora Alpine Region. Here you’ll find the picturesque Jasna Lake. At Jasna lake, stroll around the clear turquoise (and very cold!) water before posing with the Slovenian Zlatorog mountain goat.

After, head to the Vršič Pass. This road was built by Russian prisoners of war during WW1. It’s the highest mountain pass in the Eastern Julian Alps. The Vršič Pass is one of the most iconic roads in Europe, with no less than 50 hairpin turns snaking its way upward towards the highest part of the Soča valley.

Take the Trenta Pass on the way back down, there’s a spot to pull over and see the source of the Soča River. Stop off for lunch in the pretty mountain town of Bovec. If you’re looking to do any adventure sport such as canyoning, kayaking, white water rafting or zip-lining this is the hub for it.

If you’re a fan of waterfalls, then you’ll love the Boka & Kozjak waterfalls. The Boka waterfall is 18 meters wide and 106 meters high and is the biggest in Slovenia and the Kozjak waterfall, which has carved out a dark chamber in the rock.

Lastly, take a ride on the fabulous Auto Train. This was one of the highlights of my day, mostly because of the novelty value of sitting in the van, on the back of the train, trundling through the Slovenian countryside. The railway was built in 1906 to connect Most na Soči and Bohinjska Bistrica. The railway also goes through Slovenia’s longest tunnel, all 6327 meters of it before finishing at the pretty town of Bohinj.

This region is the hub for adventure travel. Hiking is a big thing in this region, and the Julian Alps are a perfect destination if you love adventure sports. One of the best hikes in Slovenia, the Alpe-Adria Trail, passes through the Soča Valley.

If you’re an adrenalin junkie, I highly recommend doing some of the sports on offer while you’re visiting Slovenia. Book at least the day before – even further in advance at peak season. 

I can highly vouch for the white water rafting in Slovenia or if you’re an avid hiker, then head to Triglav National Park, to explore the region on foot.

Several mini-van tours in Bled town will take you to some of these top destinations in Slovenia. If you do have your own car, then be sure to add these places to your Slovenia road trip itinerary.

Things To See In The Soča Valley

• Jasna Lake
• Vršič Pass
• Soča River
• Bovec Town
• Boka and Kozjak waterfall 
• The Auto Train
• Bohinj

Best Julian Alps & Soča Valley Tours

Public transport isn’t an option here – although there is a public bus to Bovec, the adventure sports hub and Bohinj. These are reasonably well connected by a 40 minutes local bus ride. If you don’t have a car, the best way to experience the Julian Alps and Soca Valley is on an organised tour.

Onward Travel

After finishing your 5 days Slovenia itinerary, you have several options. You may need to travel back to Ljubliana. The journey between Lake Bled and Ljubljana takes about an hour whether you choose to drive or go via public transport.

If you do have more time to enjoy Slovenia, you could stay in the region a little longer or head straight back to Ljubljana from Bohinj. You could also opt to head to nearby Austria or Italy to extend your travel!

Slovenia In 5 Days – Alternative Way Of Doing This Itinerary

An alternative way to spend 5 days in Slovenia, without a car, and STILL see everything I’ve mentioned in this itinerary is to base yourself in Ljubljana and do day trips.

Because Slovenia is a small country, with its capital pretty much in the middle, it means it is possible to see everything I’ve mentioned in this Slovenia itinerary by using day tours instead.

Everything mentioned in this itinerary is within two hours of Ljubljana. Using the capital as a base and just sticking to doing day tours is also a great option if you’re not keen on the idea of packing, unpacking and checking in and out of accommodation every day.

Take a look at these great Ljubljana day trips and day trips around Slovenia.

FAQ & Slovenia Travel Tips

How Are Your 5 Days In Slovenia Looking?

Hopefully, this Slovenia itinerary 5 days guide has answered everything you need to know whether you choose to do this as a part of a 5 day Slovenia road trip or base yourself in Ljubljana and do day trips.

You’ll have plenty of ideas on what to do in Slovenia, getting around, and where to stay as well as giving you some great insider tips to help you plan your Slovenia vacation. Remember to download this map, checklist and information sheet to help plan your trip.

If you enjoyed this best Slovenia travel guide, you might also like…

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