The Savinja Valley

About the Valley

The Savinja Valley is a beautiful region located in Slovenia, known for its stunning natural landscapes and exciting tourist activities. The valley stretches for about 45 km deep and boasts a high border crossing to Austria that can only be used from April 15 to October 15 due to snowfall in the area.

One of the main attractions in the area is the Panoramska cesta, a scenic route that takes you high over the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the various valleys. Along the way, you can also explore the nature park Savinja Dolina, where you can take lovely walks and have the chance to see deer and other wildlife.

For those interested in adventure activities, Ljubno (Okonina) is a great place to visit, with the sports center Praprotnik offering kayaking, rafting, and swimming opportunities, as well as delicious food at an affordable price. Varpolje is home to the famous Menina campsite, where you can swim freely in the lake and rent bikes for a trip through a part of the Savinja Valley.

Mozirje is another great spot to visit, offering swimming in the Savinja river, as well as nearby lakes and swimming pools. You can also take a gondola to Golte and visit the botanical garden, where all the plants and trees you can find in Slovenia are collected, and even float down by parachute. Don’t forget to visit the mining museum in Velenje, which gives you an insight into how coal was extracted from the ground in the past.

For those looking for some excitement, Vransko boasts a motorcycle museum and a climbing wall where you can climb a beautiful wall under supervision. And for the youth, an artificial toboggan run near the town of Celje promises a thrilling adventure.

Outside the valley

If you’re interested in exploring further afield, the cities of Ljubljana and Maribor are just 50 km away and offer vibrant student cultures, bustling activity, and a range of attractions to explore. A day trip to the coast of Slovenia is also well worth the time, where you can visit the internationally known Lipiza with its Lipizzaner horses or the famous caves of Postonja. Bled, the most famous place in Slovenia, with its very touristy appearance, is just a drive away, taking one and a half to two hours.

Overall, the Savinja Valley offers a fantastic range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Slovenia.