There are hundreds of villages & towns to be found in Slovenia. Many of these have retained their historical charm, and are really worth a visit. But which ones are fun to visit with children? We have compiled an overview for you with the villages & towns we would like to tell you more about.
The following Slovenian villages and towns are listed:
Ljubljana
Ljubljana is really not to be missed when you go to Slovenia. It is Slovenia’s main and largest city, with around 250,000 inhabitants. The city was named the European Green Capital in 2016, and that is definitely noticeable when you visit it, there is a nice relaxed atmosphere. There is a lot to do and is perfect for a city break. Everything is within walking distance of each other, which is nice for the kids.
The city is divided into two parts by the river Ljubljanica. This river used to be an important source of income, but today you will find many cosy terraces along its banks. It is a nice place to take walks along it. On the river itself, you can do many fun activities. You can take a cruise, or go kayaking or SUPing yourself.
Ljuljanski Grad, Ljubljana’s castle, is not to be missed when visiting the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and sits on a hill in the centre of the city. It was built on the hill for its strategic location. It was used by provincial rulers until the early 17th century, and after this it was used as a prison for a while. The castle is largely open to the public. Some rooms are used for events and exhibitions.
The castle can be reached by walking up or taking the funicular. A funicular is a kind of inclined lift or cable car. During the ride up, there is a nice view of the city. When you have arrived at the courtyard, you have to make a choice about what to visit, as there are many attractions.
There are several nice museums to visit in Ljubljana. There are a few described on the Museums page.
You can also visit a zoo, where you can see animals from all over the world.
Nazarje
photo by: Jure Korben
Nazarje, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Slovenia, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Located in the northern part of the country, this enchanting destination is surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes, creating an idyllic setting for visitors to explore.
As you approach Nazarje, you are greeted by the stunning Kamnik-Savinja Alps, which form a majestic backdrop to the town. Towering peaks, such as the nearby Mount Raduha and Olševa, stand proudly in the distance, offering breathtaking vistas and opportunities for outdoor adventures. The region is a paradise for hikers, with numerous well-marked trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, serene meadows, and peaceful alpine lakes.
The town itself exudes a charming and welcoming atmosphere. Its well-preserved medieval center boasts narrow cobblestone streets, quaint houses with vibrant flower boxes, and a central square where locals and visitors gather. The picturesque Church of St. Nicholas, with its distinctive bell tower, stands as a symbol of the town’s rich history and religious heritage.
The cultural heritage of Nazarje is celebrated through its museums and galleries. The renowned Mozirski gaj, a beautifully landscaped park, is a true gem where visitors can admire an array of flowers, sculptures, and traditional wooden architecture. The Carthusian Monastery of Žiče, located just a short drive away, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past with its medieval architecture and serene surroundings.
Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise when exploring the surroundings of Nazarje. The Logarska Valley, a short distance from the town, is a hidden gem known for its unspoiled beauty. The valley is home to the Rinka Waterfall, a magnificent cascade that plunges dramatically into a crystal-clear pool below. Lush forests, alpine meadows, and sparkling streams create a paradise for wildlife and a tranquil escape for visitors.
For those seeking a taste of local cuisine and culture, Nazarje does not disappoint. The region is known for its hearty traditional dishes, such as štruklji (rolled dumplings) and potica (a rolled pastry filled with various fillings). Local farms and vineyards offer a chance to savor authentic flavors and indulge in the renowned Slovenian hospitality.
Nazarje and its surroundings truly offer something for everyone. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, this captivating town in Slovenia provides a memorable experience that will leave you yearning to return.
Bled
Bled is a small town in north-west Slovenia with a population of about 11,000. It is one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia. It is very photogenic because of the lake with its picturesque island. On the lake, you can do many fun water activities, such as boating or swimming.
To get to the islet in Lake Bled, you can take a pletna. If you want to sail yourself, the easiest way is to rent a boat locally. On the islet you will find the Church of the Assumption of Mary with the well-known ‘wishing bell’. It got this name because of the legend. When you visit the church, you get to ring the bell yourself and make a wish! In doing so, you show respect to the Virgin Mary, which will then make your wish come true, according to the legend. The church and church tower can be visited for a fee.
If you do like to swim, you can do so in Lake Bled. The water is quite fresh, so it is nice to enjoy this on a hot day, or after a walk! Be mindful of the boats though, and try not to swim to the islet, it’s further than it looks….
Despite the fact that Bled is known for the lake, there is plenty to do on land. You can go to the dinopark, the castle, go down a toboggan run, visit the Vintgar gorge and enjoy good food.
A summer toboggan run can be found at Straža Bled. This track is 520m, you can toboggan down the mountain here at max 40 km/h with an altitude difference of 131m and an angle of about 25%.
Bled has a traditional dish called the Bled cream cake, also called ‘Kremna rezina’ in Slovenian. This cake was first made in 1953. Characterised by layers of light vanilla cream, custard and puff pastry. When you go to Bled, you must try this tasty pastry!
Maribor
Maribor is Slovenia’s 2nd largest city with around 100,000 inhabitants. It lies on the Drau River and belonged to Austria for a long time. One of the main sources of income here is wine. So if you want to taste wine, Maribor is a good place to do so.
It is a pretty town, but there are no attractions specifically aimed at families.
Piran
Piran is a port town with around 3,700 inhabitants and it is one of the most touristic coastal towns in Slovenia. Located on the coast, it is also called the Venice of Slovenia. It is a cosy town with a beautiful historic centre and many narrow streets. Along the water is a nice promenade with many eateries.
In the centre is St George’s Cathedral. This cathedral was built on the remains of Roman buildings and has a beautiful interior. You can climb the tower, from which you get a nice view of the square called Tartinijcv trg and the harbour. When you turn around, you can see the old city walls on the hill.
Celje
Celje is Slovenia’s 3rd largest city with around 50,000 inhabitants. Located northeast of Ljubljana, it has a rich history. You can see that history in the castle and monastery.
Kranjska Gora
Kranjska Gora is a village in north-west Slovenia with a population of about 1,400. Among other things, it functions as an entrance to Triglav National Park.
The village is mainly known as a winter sports destination, but it has plenty to offer outside winter. Even though the ski jump can only be used when there is snow, it is beautiful to see when the snow is not there.
The nature around Kransjka Gora is very beautiful. You’ll find beautiful lakes here, for example, like Lake Jasna. And if you like cycling, this village is a great base.
You will also find a toboggan run here. Here you can toboggan down the 1,500m toboggan run in about 5 minutes. Very fun, for you and your child.
Šmartno
Šmartno is a small village in the municipality of Brda with around 200 inhabitants. It is a very small village, but incredibly beautiful. It has beautiful views, cosy shops and delicious wine. In fact, Brda is the wine region of Slovenia. Definitely a nice place to visit if you want to taste delicious wines.