Most people visiting Slovenia make a base in Ljubljana, the capital. It is not hard to guess why – Ljubljana is beautiful and is a joy to walk around its old, but vibrant city center. Well, but of course, Ljubljana is a good base also because of its location – it lies almost in the center of Slovenia.
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Day trip from Ljubljana – Notranjska
Even though you will immediately fell in love with Ljubljana, we are sure you will want to explore the rest of Slovenia too. Believe us, there is plenty to see and experience.
As you know, we prefer less visited tourist attractions, so we will introduce you to Slovenian region Notranjska. Most people visit Notranjska for its impressive Postojna cave, Predjama castle and Škocjan caves. Well, all three tourist attractions are impressive for sure, but if you are already there, make sure to visit few more places, before returning to Ljubljana for dinner.
The best way to make day trips from Ljubljana is by renting a car, at least in our opinion – check www.economycarrentals.com for very competitive prices. Renting a car in Slovenia will give you all the freedom you need to explore less visited places, which normally are almost impossible or challenging to reach by public transport.
Snežnik castle
You will need around one hour to reach Snežnik castle by car from Ljubljana. The Snežnik castle is a true pride of Notranjska region. It is extremely beautiful renovated and picturesque. Its pond will give you great opportunities for a good photo. The interior of Snežnik castle is still equipped with original furniture.
Snežnik grad and its reflection (Ljubljana day trip – Slovenia travel)
Coordinates: N45.40.58.6 / E28.09.9.
Entrance fee: 5€/adults, 3€/kids, students, retirees, 12€/families. The guided tour is held every full hour, so make sure to be there few minutes before.
Lake Cerknica
Notranjska region is famous for its karst world – one of its more impressive attractions is the intermittent Lake Cerknica. The best views on Lake Cerknica would probably be from the above, but that’s not the easiest way, unless you hike on top of Slivnica hill. The second best way to explore the Lake Cerknica is by renting a canoe and enjoying in the wilderness and unique nature. When there are months, with plenty of rain, Lake Cerknica is in fact the largest lake in Slovenia.
View over Lake Cerknica (Ljubljana day trip – Slovenia travel)
Exploring Lake Cerknica is great for families too (Ljubljana day trip – Slovenia travel)
If you are traveling to Slovenia with kids, there is a nice path around the lake for them, learning about the life in the lake and around it. The signs are in English too.
A visit to intermittent Lake Cerknica is educational and fun for kids too (Ljubljana day trip – Slovenia travel)
Colorful beehive at Lake Cerknica (Ljubljana day trip – Slovenia travel)
Coordinates: N45.46.10.1 / E14.21.44.2
Rakov Škocjan
Visiting Notranjska region and with that the unique karst world, will show you lots of natural attractions. If you are into unspoiled nature, make sure to stop at Rakov Škocjan, where you can do some short trekkings – don’t miss the small and the large natural bridge. Stunning what nature can do!
Zelške caves at Rakov Škocjan (Ljubljana day trip – Slovenia travel)
Stunning nature at Rakov Škocjan (Ljubljana day trip – Slovenia travel)
Large natrural bridge at Rakov Škocjan – underneath flows the Rak River (Ljubljana day trip – Slovenia travel)
Coordinates / small natural bridge: N45.47.27.6 / E14.18.15.9
Coordinates / big natural bridge: N45.47.40.5 / E14.17.18.9
Zelše Church
Driving to Rakov Škocjan from Snežnik Castle will take you through a small village of Zelše. The village is like any other in Slovenia, but it has a small surprise – cute little white church, what makes it a great photography motive.
Cute white church at Zelše village (Ljubljana day trip – Slovenia travel)
Zelše church from the air (Ljubljana day trip – Slovenia travel)
Coordinates: N45.47.32.5 / E14.19.40.1
Slivnica
Slivnica is a hill, which you can hike without problems, if you are in a normal shape. Your starting point can be Cerknica town, from which you will need around 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach the top (you can also reach the top by bike or car). Just be careful, that you will not be stopped by a witch. According to a legend, Slivnica was once home to many witches.
Coordinates: N45.47.25.5 / E14.24.23.7
This day trip from Ljubljana will definitely be too short, as there are still many places to see there. If you like adrenalin, we would highly recommend you to book a guided tour at Križna Jama – an underground cave, which has some amazing underground lakes. Make sure to book the longer tour, where you explore the cave by boat too. Note you have to book it well in advance, as this tour is available only for 1000 visitors per year! If you are more into history, you might be interested to visit Military History Park in Pivka, with armored vehicles, which once were used in WW1, WW2 and the former Yugoslav People’s Army.
You could easily spend 2 days at Notranjska region and explore this unique karst world. If you decide to stay for the night check out the accommodations here.
Travel to Slovenia video – Notranjska region
Click here to find out more beautiful areas in Slovenia, which are worth visiting.
