From its soaring peaks to glistening lakes, Slovenia’s landscape is the perfect canvas for adventure. Don’t miss these brilliant things to do in Slovenia on your next trip.
Whether scaling towering peaks, navigating whitewater rapids, or exploring hidden caves, this small European country offers plenty to ignite the spirit of adventure in every traveller. While you could easily pack out a two-week-long stay, there are a few non-negotiable things to do. Here’s our pick of unmissable activities in Slovenia.
The Best Adventure Activities in Slovenia
- Kayak Along Slovenia’s Beautiful Waterways
- Go White Water Rafting
- Go Hiking in the Julian Alps
- Head Inside One of Slovenia’s Caves
- Cycle Your Way Around the Country
- Take Part in Epic Winter Activities
- Take an Aerial Adventure
- Hot Air Balloon over Slovenia’s Iconic Places
- Take a Bear Watching Tour
- Where to Stay in Slovenia
The Best Adventure Activities in Slovenia
Kayak Along Slovenia’s Beautiful Waterways
We love kayaking in Slovenia – it’s popular for good reason. There’s opportunity for laidback kayaking or some more extreme rapids. For calm waters, there are two main places to visit: Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. Both allow kayakers to glide along the lakes’ glassy surface, surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery.
Or, for a truly unique experience, explore Slovenia’s underground rivers and caves on an underground kayaking adventure. Journey beneath the earth’s surface, paddling through subterranean passages and caverns hiding mesmerising rock formations.
Read Next: A Perfect 7 Day Slovenia Itinerary (+Map)
Go White Water Rafting
If you fancy ramping things up a notch, we recommend white water rafting in Slovenia. There are options for all ages and abilities, with the Sava River widely considered the best spot for beginners. The river’s gentle Class II and II+ rapids allow kayakers to meander along the waterways with ease.
For major adrenaline-seekers, the Soča River beckons with its crystal-clear waters and thrilling rapids. Adventurers can navigate the river’s twists and turns before paddling through breathtaking gorges and cascading waterfalls while admiring a stunning alpine backdrop.
Go Hiking in the Julian Alps
Visiting Slovenia without spending time in the Julian Alps is near-criminal, and the best way to see the Julian Alps is on foot.
Don’t believe us? There are hundreds of trails to choose between but some of the most popular (and the ones we recommend) are Tolmin Gorge, the Soča trail, Seven Lakes Valley, and Mostnica Gorge. We’ll warn you, Slovenia is pretty hilly so make sure you pack your comfiest hiking boots for even the shorter hikes.
Read Next: The Best Activities in Triglav National Park: A Complete Guide
If you’re after a bigger challenge, you need to climb Mount Triglav when near the national park. This is a two-day trek, so it’s much more of a commitment than a short hike, but it’s manageable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. The views alone are worth it, we promise.
Psst… If you fancy ogling epic views without having to break a sweat, we recommend you take the Vogel Cable Car near Lake Bohinj. From the viewpoint, you’ll be able to see the Julian Alps without needing to don your hiking gear.
Head Inside One of Slovenia’s Caves
Slovenia is home to a number of impressive caves, but the UNESCO Škocjan Cave, carved by the underground flow of the Reka River might just be our favourite. This particular cave boasts the Great Chamber, a colossal cavern that dwarfs visitors with its soaring ceilings.
We love this tour as it also allows you to visit the colourful – and ridiculously charming – town of Piran. Located on the Adriatic Coast, this summer spot boasts Italian architecture and beautiful scenic views. You would be forgiven for thinking you had landed on the Italian coast.
Likewise, visiting the Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle on a day trip from Ljubljana is another epic Slovenia highlight. Postojna Cave is a subterranean wonderland, ranking among the most spectacular karst cave systems in the world while nearby Predjama Castle is perched dramatically atop a sheer cliff face.
Cycle Your Way Around the Country
Love cycling? You will adore Slovenia. Whether you fancy mountain biking, a relaxed cycling holiday, or fun family cycling, Slovenia has a perfect route (some of the best views we’ve ever seen.)
There are so many routes to consider, including a cycle between Bled and Vintgar Gorge. Likewise, the Vršič Pass is one of the most famous cycling trails in the country – make sure you stop at Lake Jasna to see the famous ibex statue. This resource is a great place to start planning your trip.
Take Part in Epic Winter Activities
When picturing Slovenia, we bet you imagine soaring green cliffs and the tranquil Lake Bled, right? However, it’s also an incredible place to visit in winter. The small country is jam-packed with activities that are only possible when the snow hits – everything from skiing and dog sledding to ice climbing.
Kranjska Gora, an Alpine town bordering Austria and Italy, is where to head for all things wintery. Though you can also book a variety of activities and day tours that begin in Ljubljana, too. This is perfect if you’re short on time but want to experience the country’s snowy landscapes.
Take an Aerial Adventure
Slovenia truly is a playground for extreme thrillseekers. Whether you’re into climbing or flying (ahem, sorry, ziplining) there are plenty of aerial adventures to choose from. If canyoning is your thing, there are a couple of spots. We recommend either Fratarica Canyon in Triglav National Park or Sušec Canyon, one of the most popular places in Slovenia.
If you’re yet to embark on a Via Ferrata route, let one of Slovenia’s incredible trails be your first. Both Mojstrana Via Ferrata and Mangart Via Ferrata offer an adrenaline-fueled journey set amidst a stunning landscape. Ascend sheer rock faces and navigate challenging routes with the aid of iron rungs and cables, immersing yourself in the thrill of vertical exploration.
Slovenia is also home to the biggest zipline park in Europe, with an impressive 11 cables ranging from 250 to 600 metres in length. If you’re feeling brave, soar to heights of up to 200 metres above the breathtaking canyon of the Učja River as you zip through the air.
Hot Air Balloon over Slovenia’s Iconic Places
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Slovenia, look no further than a hot air balloon ride. Drift gracefully above the stunning scenery of Bled, Ljubljana, or the majestic Julian Alps, taking in panoramic views that will leave you breathless.
Setting off from the picturesque town of Bled or the capital, Ljlubljana, participants are treated to a bird’s-eye perspective of the country’s iconic landmarks. This is a pricey addition to any Slovenia itinerary, but one we think is worth splurging on.
Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Lake Bled
Take a Bear Watching Tour
Bear watching is another unique thing to do in Slovenia. The season runs between mid-May and mid-September, inviting adventurers to wander into the heart of Slovenia’s forests in search of these elusive creatures.
It goes without saying that you should only go bear watching with an expert guide who is intimately familiar with the habits and habitats of the bears. As dusk settles over the forest, you’ll huddle quietly in secluded hides and await the arrival of the bears as your guide gives you the complete lowdown on what to expect (and, more importantly, how to stay safe.)
Where to Stay in Slovenia
While you can reach most places in Slovenia on a day trip from Ljubljana, we recommend staying in multiple areas around the country to get the most out of your trip. The most popular spots are Bovec, Bled, Ljubljana, Kranjska Gora, Tolmin, and Bohinjska Bistrica. Accommodation tends to be more expensive in the rural areas as there are less options.
