It was my first time to travel to Europe. Initially, I was hesitant to go because (1) it’s expensive, (2) food might not suit my taste, (3) taking a lot of vacation leave credits from work might not be worth it, (4) feeling jet-lag from long flights would be too troublesome, (5) I might not be able to stand the cold weather, (6) seeing photos in the Internet would be enough, etc. Like Lady Gaga in her song “Million Reasons,” I’ve got a hundred million reasons to walk away, but I just needed one good oneβto be convinced and say yes: I couldn’t pass up this great opportunity to experience an eye-opening adventure with my better half, Louie. π
Trivia: Slovenia is the only country in the world with the word LOVE.
Among Europe’s dazzling artistic and culinary diversity, our first stop was Slovenia. Compared to the likes of Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, Slovenia is rather quite unheard of. It’s not a usual choice of first time travelers. In any case, we trust Mulan Travel Service Corp. for arranging our Balkan tour with the most impressive attractions for us to be excited about. In this post, I’m sharing the top 3 places we visited in Slovenia: Bled, Ljubljana, and Postojna Cave.
3 Places We Visited in Slovenia
1. Bled
With its brooding castles and verdant forests, Bled is Slovenia’s most popular resort. It features a glassy, emerald-green lake that is perfect for boating trips. We stayed in Hotel ParkΒ (Sava Hoteli Bled) located opposite to Lake Bled, a scenic body of water surrounded by the Julian Alps.
In the morning, we walked around the lake, rode the Pletna Boat to an island, and entered a 17th century church perched on a hill overlooking the town. This pilgrimage church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and is decorated with remains of Gothic frescos from around 1470 in the presbyterium and rich Baroque equipment. There are 99 stone steps leading up to the building. Per tradition, it is considered good luck for the groom to carry his bride up the steps on the day of their wedding before ringing the bell and making a wish inside the church.
In the afternoon, we explored Bled further and reached Bled Castle. Clinging to a rocky cliff 130 meters above Bled Lake, this medieval castle boasts magnificent views of the Bled island, the town of Bled and the wider countryside of the Gorenjska region. Here we also saw a museum collection representing the historical development of Bled, its culture, and its population. A castle printing shop below got us acquainted with traditional manual technological procedures of printing and some artistic ironworks at the castle forge.
2. Ljubljana
Next, we drove to Llubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Llubljana has a unique charm that makes it worth a visit. Its most noticeable symbol perhaps would be the myriad dragon statues that dot the streets. Besides the dragons, the city is packed full of gorgeous architecture that dates for the Baroque period. It’s also known for little squares that line the Old Town.
A major attraction is Tromostovje, or the “Triple Bridge,” where three picturesque bridges span the river right next to one another. To soak in the spectacular views over the city, we took a shortcut and went up to Ljubljana Castle via a funicular. During our free time,Β the foodie in us made us try McDonald’s chicken and beef gyros wrapped in delicious pita-style flatbread. Yum! π
3. Postojna Cave
I was most in awe of the Postojna Cave. It comprises of 21 km of passages, galleries and halls with limestone sculptures that offer a unique experience of the underground world. We rode an electric train that took us into the depth of the cave where we found a spectacular display of stalagmites and stalactites. The caves are also home to the endemic olm, the largest troglodytic amphibian in the world.
Over 37 million visitors have been to Postojna Cave and I’m sure not a single soul went home unimpressed. The natural rock formations looked truly amazing. Note that Postojna Cave has a constant temperature of 9-10 degrees Celsius and almost 100% humidity throughout the whole year, so bring appropriate clothes and footwear when you visit. π
All photos were taken using Fujifilm XT2 + 14mm lens.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I remember our escapade last holy week, we did spelunking and caving in Sagada. That was an awesome experience. What u have shared is something different but same same caves. π Bled seems like a peaceful countryside. I want visit them all one day.
Oh, we will be going to Sagada this weekend. Now I’m curious! We will see the caves when we get there. π
Your visit turned out to be fun and great. I like places with less crowd. I’ll put Slovenia to my Travel wishlist.
Yes, we really did enjoy our trip. Slovenia has less people even with tourists put together than Manila, so it’s a good change of view. π
Wow, what beautiful pictures! I have dreamed of visiting Slovenia for a long time.
Thanks! When you do, I suggest creating a well thought-out itinerary so you’ll save time visiting more beautiful places that matter. Note also recommended hotels for accommodation. π
Wow. This is great. Visitation to places like this is not just about fun but also experience.
True. When we came back and while I was looking through our photos, I’ve realized even more that experiences in travel are priceless. π
Wow, truly Europe should really be part of everyone’s bucket list. Slovenia is really a great place to visit, it owns a lot of beautiful views to enjoy. What I like about the places you’ve visited aside from its panoramic views, I love it because its really clean. Thank you so much for sharing! I’ll surely pen all these places in mind.
LaiAriel R. Samangka
You’re welcome! The views are incredibly beautiful. I think my standard definition and impression of “beautiful” have been raised up high after this Balkan tour. I’m not sure if this is a good or bad thing. π
It’s rare that I read about spots like this when people go to Europe! These are definitely a refreshing change to the Eiffel Tower and similar stuff. Haha! You definitely look like you had a lovely time π
Indeed. π It’s still my dream to go through all those usual touristy cities in Europe. Going through Slovenia and other Balkan countries first though is a nice change of sight.
What a beautiful place to visit! It looks like you had a fabulous trip. I have never been to Slovenia.
The scenes are more picturesque when you’re there in person. If you’re liking these, adding Slovenia to your travel bucket list will be a good move. π
What a fun trip – I have been to Slovenia once, but it wasn’t a long stay. I am going to need to go back and explore more!!
Sure. Research all the must-see’s and must-do’s in Slovenia to make the most out of your next trip! π
Wow, what Beautiful places to visit. I would love to take a deep look inside the Postojna Cave , wow that looks so interesting. Love your beautiful images too!
Postojna Cave was one of the best we’ve ever seen. It’s so relieving that we did not have to hike and trek through a rugged terrain to get to it! π
I’ve never been to Slovenia .. although when wonderful travel bloggers (like you) write about it .. I feel like I was tagging along. Your photos are incredible! They look like pretty postcards. I think I’d like to go to either the castle or the caves the most.
Thanks, Ali! π The places look even more beautiful though in actual. Plus, the good weather added up to a really great travel experience we had in Slovenia.
Wow. I have never even heard of these places, to be honest. It’s not somewhere that I have on my bucket list currently. I am loving all of these amazing photos you’ve shared of your trip. It looks so fun.
Ditto on the thought. π I didn’t have any impression on Slovenia before our flight, and now I describe it as one of the best places to go where you can relax, appreciate, and just absorb anything to come…and be perfectly fine.
Wow. beautiful pictures and a beautiful experience. I would love to travel to these places. ONe day!!! Adding these to our must visit list.
Great! I’d love to see your photos as well, Censie. π
These pictures are absolutely amazing! I love seeing new places and the architecture that they have. It’s stunning to see the older buildings still standing. We went to caves here in the US in Arkansas. The beauty in the pictures doesn’t compare to seeing them in person. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome. π Seeing and experiencing the beauty of nature is such a relief after so much stress and continual juggling to cope with all the facets and demands of life.
Wow still blogging on your honeymoon Congratulations, by the way on the wedding. Slovenia looks really beautiful and really worth visiting.
Thanks, Franc! π There’s also more pending blog posts to work on. This is only the start of it all haha.
I feel love all through out this post. You both look like you had an amazing trip to these countries. I am very intrigued by the caves.
Slovenia is a small country. It makes up less than 0.004% of the world’s population. Postojna Cave is the most visited cave in Europe and the only cave with a double-track railway. It’s definitely a must-see! π
That`s an interesting trivia. I just noticed now that Slovenia actually had the word “love.” Slovenia looks like a beautiful place with great atmosphere! I would probably be awestruck if I see the cave in person. Great photos!
β Grace β
That’s an interesting “did you know” fact mentioned by our travel guide. Oh, I could not count the number of “wows” I had in my head during our visit. Thanks, Grace! π
That is a beautiful place. The water is so calm and those views from the castle are magnificent.
Super. π Lake Bled is mesmerizing. We were so lucky it was the view (and the first thing we see in the morning) from our hotel room’s balcony. π
I loved the photographs. You guys make an adorable couple! Bled looks gorgeous π
Thank you! π
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Wow! Slovenia is beautiful! I cannot wait to get there – it’s going to be so fun, I can tell! Your pictures are stunning too, I cannot wait to visit your suggestions!
Reviews of hotel rooms in Slovenia plus the restaurants we tried are going to be next. π Thanks, Adriana!
I haven’t been to Slovenia and I really hope I’ll get a chance to visit the country. Bled looks absolutely gorgeous! The old castles look so fab. Postojna Cave is just stunning.
You should add this to your list! Prepare a wonderful set of wardrobe too for your fashionable shots. Make sure to check the weather forecasts. π
I’m glad you picked up the courage to visit such a costly place! I do agree that it’s pretty expensive and I do hesitate to do so too… Love all your nicely organised photos and I could feel the love between you two!
Thanks, Tiffany! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it’s worth every penny. π
Such a dream! You look so perfect together. Have heard a lot about Slovenia in recent months.
Thanks, Shubhada! π
I’m glad you took the chance and made that leap to see Europe. It has so much to offer the adventurous tourist, and your photos are proof of that. Bravo!
Thanks, Elizabeth. π I think I’m now becoming open to discovering more places even if they’re not the most talked about. There’s just so much to see and learn about the world.
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