Ljubljana
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a vibrant and welcoming city just about an hour’s drive from Klagenfurt. Known for its picturesque old town, leafy streets, and lively riverfront, it offers a relaxed yet cultural atmosphere. The Ljubljanica River flows through the heart of the city, lined with charming cafés, markets, and iconic bridges, making it perfect for strolling. Overlooking it all is Ljubljana Castle, with panoramic views and a touch of history. Blending green spaces, culture, and youthful energy, Ljubljana is not only close to Carinthia but also a delightful destination for guests to explore during their stay.
1.Ljubljana Oldtown
Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, is a small but enchanting city, best experienced by wandering through its Old Town. Nestled along the Ljubljanica River, the area combines medieval charm with vibrant café culture and elegant baroque and Art Nouveau architecture.
Highlights: The heart of the Old Town is Prešeren Square, with its iconic Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) designed by Jože Plečnik, Ljubljana’s famous architect. Stroll along the riverbanks lined with cafés and cross the whimsical Dragon Bridge, a city symbol. Wander through cobblestone streets to find the Town Hall, charming courtyards, and boutique shops. Above it all rises Ljubljana Castle, easily reached on foot or by funicular, offering panoramic views of the city and the Alps beyond.
Tips: The Old Town is largely pedestrianized and best explored on foot or by bike. Outdoor cafés and restaurants along the river are perfect for people-watching. In the evenings, the Old Town glows with lively yet relaxed energy.
Perched on a hill above the city, Ljubljana Castle has watched over Slovenia’s capital for more than 900 years. Once a medieval fortress, it has been transformed into a lively cultural venue and one of the city’s top attractions.
Highlights: A funicular railway or a short uphill walk brings you to the castle courtyard, where you’ll find exhibitions, cafés, and sweeping views of the Old Town and Alps. The Viewing Tower offers the best panorama of the city. Inside, permanent exhibitions explore Slovenia’s history and the castle’s role over the centuries. Highlights include the Slovenian History Exhibition, the Puppet Museum, and multimedia presentations about the castle’s past. Concerts, film nights, and special events also bring the castle to life year-round.
Tickets & hours: The castle is open daily, generally 10:00–20:00 (longer in summer). A combined ticket with funicular ride and tower access costs about €13 for adults.
Tips: Arrive in the late afternoon to enjoy the exhibitions, then stay for sunset over Ljubljana – one of the most magical views in the city.
2.Ljubljana Castle
3.Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
On Prešeren Square, right in the heart of Ljubljana, stands the striking Franciscan Church of the Annunciation – one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. With its bright pink-red façade and twin towers, the church forms a beautiful backdrop to the Triple Bridge and the lively Old Town.
Highlights: Built in the mid-17th century, the church is a fine example of baroque architecture, later given its distinctive color in the 19th century. Inside, the single nave is decorated with ornate frescoes by Matej Sternen and a high altar designed by Francesco Robba, Slovenia’s most famous baroque sculptor. The interior feels peaceful and offers a welcome pause from the bustle of the square outside. The church is still active, hosting regular services and concerts.
Tips: Entrance is free, though donations are welcome. Photography is allowed, but be respectful if services are taking place. Visit in the evening when the façade glows beautifully under the square’s lights.
At the edge of the Old Town, along the Ljubljanica River, lies the lively Ljubljana Central Market – the city’s hub for fresh produce, local delicacies, and everyday life. Designed by the famous architect Jože Plečnik in the 1930s, the market stretches from the Dragon Bridge to the Triple Bridge, blending history, architecture, and flavor.
Highlights: The outdoor stalls are filled with seasonal fruit, vegetables, flowers, and local specialties, while the covered colonnades along the river host butchers, cheesemakers, bakers, and spice vendors. Don’t miss the Plečnik’s Covered Market, where you’ll find traditional Slovenian products like honey, pumpkin seed oil, and cured meats. On Fridays from spring to autumn, the market transforms for the Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen) food festival, when local chefs and international cuisines are served from colorful stalls – a true culinary highlight.
Tips: The market is open Monday–Saturday, mornings until early afternoon. It’s best to visit before lunch, when the atmosphere is busiest and freshest.
4.Central Market
5.Tivoli Park
Just a short walk from Ljubljana’s Old Town lies Tivoli Park, the city’s largest and most beautiful green space. Designed in the early 19th century and later expanded by architect Jože Plečnik, Tivoli stretches from the city center to the slopes of Rožnik Hill, offering both manicured gardens and wild woodland trails.
Highlights: The Tivoli Mansion at the park’s heart houses the International Centre of Graphic Arts, while its grand promenade often hosts outdoor photo exhibitions. The Jakopič Promenade, lined with trees and benches, is a favorite spot for a leisurely stroll. Families will enjoy playgrounds, fountains, and small ponds with ducks. For those seeking more nature, trails lead up to Rožnik Hill, a popular local hiking spot with a traditional inn at the top.
Tips: Tivoli Park is free and open year-round, making it ideal for a morning walk, picnic, or bike ride. In spring and summer, the rose gardens are in full bloom, while autumn colors the park in golden tones.
The Ljubljanica River winds through the heart of the city, and one of the best ways to experience Ljubljana is from the water. A river cruise offers a unique perspective of the Old Town, its bridges, and the architecture designed by Jože Plečnik, all while gliding along in a relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights: Tours typically last 45–60 minutes and pass under the Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and Butcher’s Bridge, while also showing the leafy riverbanks beyond the center. Many boats are open-air in summer, while in cooler months cozy covered vessels with glass roofs provide comfort. Some cruises even offer drinks, snacks, or themed tours in the evening.
Tickets & hours: Boats run regularly from morning until evening, with tickets around €10–12 for adults. Departure points are along the river near Prešeren Square and the Central Market.
Tips: Evening cruises are especially charming, as the Old Town lights reflect in the water. For a more active option, you can also rent a SUP board or kayak to explore the river at your own pace.
6.River Boat Tour
7.Nebotičnik Skyscraper
For one of the best views of Ljubljana, head up the Nebotičnik, the city’s iconic “Skyscraper.” Completed in 1933, it was one of the tallest buildings in Central Europe at the time and remains a beloved local landmark.
Highlights: The building is 70 meters tall and combines art deco and neoclassical design. The real draw, however, is the panoramic terrace café and bar on the top floor. From here you get sweeping views over the Old Town, Ljubljana Castle on its hill, the Alps in the distance, and the lively streets below. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy coffee during the day or cocktails at sunset.
Tickets & hours: Entry to the terrace is free – you just pay for your drink or snack. The café is usually open daily from morning until late evening.
Tips: Come just before sunset to see the city in golden light, then watch as Ljubljana transforms into a twinkling nightscape.
A short walk from Ljubljana’s train station, Metelkova Mesto is the city’s alternative cultural center – a vibrant hub of art, music, and nightlife. Once a former military barracks, the complex was taken over by artists and activists in the 1990s and has since evolved into one of Europe’s most famous urban cultural spaces.
Highlights: The courtyards and buildings are covered in colorful street art, mosaics, and quirky sculptures, creating an open-air gallery that’s constantly changing. At night, Metelkova comes alive with live music, DJ sets, and performances across its clubs and bars, offering everything from punk and rock to electronic beats. By day, it’s quieter but still worth a visit to admire the creativity and take photos.
Tips: Entrance to the area is free, but individual venues may charge a small fee for concerts or events. It’s best visited in the evening for atmosphere, though those sensitive to loud crowds may prefer the daytime.
8.Metelkova Mesto
9.Lake Bled
With its emerald waters, medieval castle, and tiny church on an island, Lake Bled is one of the most famous and romantic destinations in Slovenia – and a must for many visitors to Ljubljana.
Highlights: The star of the lake is Bled Island, reached by traditional wooden pletna boats. Climb the 99 stone steps to ring the church bell for good luck. Overlooking the lake from a cliff, Bled Castle offers spectacular views and a small museum. Around the shore, a 6 km walking path is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Don’t leave without trying the famous Bled cream cake (kremšnita) in one of the lakeside cafés.
Getting there: Lake Bled is about 55 km from Ljubljana (1 hour by car). Regular buses run from Ljubljana’s main bus station (70–80 minutes), while trains take a bit longer and require a short transfer to the lake. Many visitors also opt for guided day tours.
Tips: Arrive early in summer to avoid crowds, or stay overnight to enjoy the peaceful evenings.
Built dramatically into the mouth of a cave, Predjama Castle looks like something from a fairytale – or a fantasy film. Just 9 km from Postojna Cave, it’s one of Slovenia’s most iconic landmarks and the largest cave castle in the world.
Highlights: The castle’s origins date back over 800 years, with its most famous resident being the knight Erazem of Predjama, known for his daring resistance against imperial forces. The interior features medieval living quarters, secret passages, a dungeon, and a small chapel, giving insight into life in such an unusual fortress. Behind the castle lies a vast cave system that was once used as a hidden escape route. Guided tours and exhibitions tell the castle’s fascinating stories.
Tickets & hours: Open daily, generally 10:00–17:00 (longer in summer). Combined tickets with Postojna Cave are available for about €40 adults.
Getting there: Predjama is about 1 hour from Ljubljana by car. Buses and trains go to Postojna, from where shuttle buses or taxis connect to the castle.
Tips: Combine your visit with Postojna Cave for a full-day adventure.
